The Love We Left Behind

Echoes Of Guilt

Bethany arrived home just as her dad spotted her through the half-open door of the living room. The evening light spilled across the floor, casting long shadows that made the familiar living room feel oddly different, as though the day’s events had shifted the very atmosphere.

“I thought you were spending the night at Ava’s?” Mr. Martins asked, surprise evident in his voice. His eyebrows shot up, and the calm timbre in his voice carried a subtle edge of curiosity, almost like he knew something had happened that she hadn’t told him yet.

Bethany hesitated, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. “Uhmm…” Her voice trailed off, caught somewhere between honesty and the instinct to hide what she’d done. Before she could formulate a better lie, her dad’s eyes flicked downward and locked onto something in her hand.

The teddy bear Evan had given her, cradled gently against her chest, drew his gaze instantly.

“What’s that on your hand?” he inquired, tilting his head slightly as he studied it.

Her pulse quickened. Panic fluttered briefly in her chest, but she quickly forced a casual smile. “It’s a gift from Ava,” she said, the lie slipping out smoothly, almost naturally. It felt wrong, but the last thing she wanted was questions she wasn’t ready to answer.

Mr. Martins nodded, accepting the explanation with a slight lift of his chin. “Okay. So how did your day with Ava go? And why didn’t you stay the night there?” His tone was gentle but probing, leaving Bethany with no room to dodge entirely.

Bethany exhaled slowly, the weight of her guilt pressing against her chest. “I forgot my charger, and my phone died, so I rushed back,” she explained, hoping the excuse sounded plausible. “My day was fine. Ava’s parents say hi.”

“Alright,” he said, still watching her closely. “Will you eat dinner, or did you eat at Ava’s house?”

“I’ll eat dinner. Just need to go upstairs and change. I’ll be right back.”

She didn’t wait for a reply, hurrying up the stairs. Each step felt heavier than it should, as if the house itself was aware of the small chaos in her heart. Once in her room, she shoved the bag she had packed for Ava’s house deep into the closet, as though hiding it could somehow erase her guilt.

She placed her phone on the charger, relief flooding her as the little green light blinked to life. Then, she carefully set the teddy bear on her bed, its small blue eyes staring innocently up at her.

It was soft, almost impossibly so, and smelled faintly sweet, a subtle hint of vanilla lingering in the fabric. Bethany ran a finger across its embroidered heart, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. She replayed the day over and over in her mind: Evan’s nervous glance when he handed her the gift, the little treehouse glowing with fairy lights, the quiet intensity of his confession. Each memory made her chest tighten and flutter all at once.

Her gaze shifted to the moon-shaped necklace resting delicately on her dresser. Picking it up, she turned it over in her hands, watching how the tiny stars etched into its surface seemed to shimmer even under the dim light of her bedside lamp. Evan had worn that nervous, earnest smile when he placed it around her neck, and she could still feel the weight of it against her skin—a weight that somehow felt like warmth, reassurance, and promise all at once. She tucked it under her shirt, letting the cool metal brush against her chest and anchor her thoughts to the moment.

After her bath, the scent of soap still clinging to her hair, she dressed in soft pajamas and caught sight of her phone again. The sudden ringing made her heart leap, anticipation and anxiety tangled tightly in her chest. She snatched it up, only to find it was Ava.

“Hey Av,” Bethany greeted, trying to keep her voice casual, though a twinge of guilt lingered beneath every word.

“What happened? Why didn’t you come? Everyone was waiting, and I tried calling you but… no response,” Ava’s voice came through the line, sharp with frustration.

Bethany swallowed hard. “I’m sorry, Av. I didn’t realize my battery was dead,” she admitted, her fingers curling around the phone.

“So why didn’t you come?” Ava pressed, her tone softer but still laced with disappointment.

“I was with Evan,” Bethany said, her words careful. “It wasn’t planned. I lost track of time. I’m really sorry.”

There was a pause on the line. Then Ava’s voice rose slightly, frustration edged with hurt: “So you bailed on me for Evan? Beth, we had plans. Mom even prepared a special meal just for you.”

Bethany felt a sharp pang of guilt, a lump forming in her throat. She hated the sting of lying and the idea of hurting Ava, but she hadn’t intended for it to happen this way. “Can we reschedule for tomorrow? Please,” she pleaded, voice barely above a whisper.

“No, Beth. We can’t. Goodnight, and I’ll see you at school on Monday,” Ava said, ending the call abruptly.

Bethany stared at the dark screen for a moment, the quiet hum of the night filling the silence around her. Her chest ached. She felt a tight knot in her stomach, heavy and insistent.

Dinner in the kitchen was no comfort. The smell of stew and spices, usually a source of warmth, barely registered as her thoughts rebelled, drifting back to Evan, the treehouse, and the stolen hours with him that had cost her a friend’s patience. She forced herself to sit, to smile, to eat, and to act normal.

Her dad looked at her, plate in hand. “So, what did you and Ava do?”

Bethany answered hastily. “We played games and listened to songs from the album Jake got for me.”

“That sounds like fun,” he said with a warm smile. “I’m glad you had a good time.”

“Thanks, Dad,” she murmured, her voice a little strained as she tried to suppress the guilt that still gnawed at her.

He ruffled her hair affectionately. “I can’t believe my little dewdrop is turning into a young woman. I wish your mom were here to see it.”

“You’re here, Dad. I know Mom watches over us,” Bethany whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

He smiled, comforted by her words, and for a fleeting moment, the tension in her chest loosened.

The clock ticked on, and the house seemed unusually quiet, the soft hum of the refrigerator and the faint creak of the wooden floors underscoring the stillness. After clearing the table, Bethany’s mind drifted inexorably toward Evan—the way his eyes had crinkled when he laughed, the warmth of his hand brushing against hers, the nervous excitement that lingered in the treehouse after his confession. She grabbed her phone and dialed him, closing her door behind her to give herself privacy.

“Hey Evan!” she said softly.

“Hey, how are you? Sorry I didn’t text sooner. I was helping my mom prepare dinner,” Evan’s voice was calm and familiar, carrying a warmth that made her chest flutter.

“That’s okay. Thanks again for today. It really means a lot,” Bethany said, her voice tinged with a smile she couldn’t quite hide.

“I’m glad you liked it. Hey, have you talked to Ava?” Evan asked, his tone now laced with a hint of concern.

“Yeah, she’s pretty mad,” Bethany admitted.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault,” Evan said quickly.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll talk it out,” she reassured him, relief washing over her at his calm response.

“Okay, Martins,” he said teasingly.

Bethany grinned. “Hey! I’m your girlfriend now. Will you still call me Martins?”

“What do you want me to call you then?” he teased back.

“Hmm, I don’t know—something else, but not Martins,” she chuckled, the sound of her laughter threading warmth through the line.

Evan laughed. “Alright, I’ll think of something else. Goodnight, my girlfriend.”

“Goodnight, my boyfriend,” she whispered back happily, the corners of her lips tugging into a genuine smile as her chest warmed with the comfort of his voice.

Later, as she lay in bed, the teddy bear snug against her side and the necklace glinting softly beneath her shirt, her mind wandered. Thoughts of Ava, Evan, her dad, and the day’s events mingled into a confusing yet comforting swirl. The guilt remained, sharp but softened by the sweetness of her newfound love. She drifted into sleep with the memory of the treehouse and the glittering night sky etched in her heart.

⸻

The next morning came with sunlight streaming through the curtains, painting golden patterns across her bed. Bethany stretched, feeling the weight of the teddy bear and the lingering warmth of last night’s events. She dressed quickly, grabbed the bag meant for Ava’s, and headed downstairs.

Her dad sipped coffee quietly at the table, glancing up as she appeared. “Good morning, dewdrop,” he said warmly.

“Morning, Dad,” Bethany replied, her voice soft.

“How are you feeling today?” he asked.

“Okay, I guess,” she replied, shrugging.

“Take it easy today. You’ve got school tomorrow,” he advised.

Bethany smiled. “Thanks, Dad.” She grabbed a piece of toast, ready to leave.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, noticing the bag over her shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m heading over to Ava’s. We have plans today,” she replied calmly.

“Okay, have fun and stay safe. Keep me updated,” he said.

“Okay, Dad. See you later—enjoy your day.”

The bus ride blurred past, the city humming as Bethany’s heart thumped in anticipation. At Ava’s house, the familiar warmth of her mom’s smile greeted her at the door.

“How did your day go yesterday? I prepared your favorite meal, but Ava said you couldn’t make it. That was sad,” Ava’s mom said gently.

“I’m sorry—something came up, and my day was fine,” Bethany replied, trying to mask the turmoil inside.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’ll make you something real quick. Happy sweet-17!” she said, patting Bethany’s head affectionately.

Bethany smiled softly. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Auntie? Come on, Betty, you can call me Mom. You and Ava are more like sisters now,” she corrected gently.

“Thanks, Mom,” Bethany whispered, the warmth in her chest growing.

From upstairs came a soft thump—Ava. She descended, arms crossed, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes.

“Why are you here?” Ava asked sharply.

“Hey, Av,” Bethany replied brightly. “Can we talk?”

Ava gave a curt nod, leading her to the room. They settled on the bed, and Bethany took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry,” she began. “I didn’t mean to bail on you. I was with Evan and lost track of time.”

Ava’s expression softened. “I was worried about you. I thought something had happened.”

“I’m sorry,” Bethany repeated. “I should have called you.”

“It’s okay. I was mad, but I understand.”

A smile tugged at Bethany’s lips, and the weight on her shoulders lifted.

“Thanks, Av,” she whispered.

They hugged, a lingering, warm embrace that felt like a promise.

Ava’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “So, how did it go with Evan? Did you tell him about your birthday?”

Bethany’s hand flew to her pocket, pulling out the necklace. The moon-shaped pendant gleamed.

“Wow. Is it from Evan?” Ava gasped.

Bethany laughed, eyes shining. “Yeah, a lot happened yesterday! I was so surprised.”

“Tell me everything!” Ava practically bounced.

Bethany began recounting the day in excited bursts—the treehouse, the fairy lights, the little cake, the teddy bear, and finally the necklace.

Ava’s jaw dropped. “He was aware of your birthday? How did he find out?”

“He overheard us in the hallway,” Bethany said with a grin.

Ava’s mischievous smile returned. “So, are you guys dating now?”

Bethany blushed deeply. “Yes! He finally asked me out yesterday.”

Ava squealed, low but enthusiastic. “I’m so happy for you! I didn’t know Evan was this thoughtful and sweet. I’m no longer mad; this was totally worth it.”

The afternoon melted into evening as they unboxed the Enhypen album Jake had gifted Bethany. Music filled the room, sparking laughter, commentary, and spontaneous dancing.

Finally, as the day waned, Bethany knew she had to leave.

“I should head home,” she said. Ava nodded, walking her to the door.

Outside, the sky was a soft orange-purple gradient. Bethany’s house felt welcoming as she stepped inside. Dropping her bag and changing shoes, she sank onto the couch, exhaling with relief.

Realizing she hadn’t heard from Evan all day, she dialed his number.

“Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey, girlfriend,” Evan replied. Warmth flooded her chest at the word.

They chatted about the day, weekend plans, and laughed softly. The night wrapped around her like a gentle hug. She drifted to sleep, necklace warm against her chest, and the memory of the treehouse humming in her mind.