We spent the entire day exploring the gems of our small town, from historical landmarks to underground restaurants. To make our eventful day more exciting, we decided to play a game where, at each stop, we had to tell each other something we didn't know about each other. For example, when we walked around the downtown area, I told him that I hate going out. I just don't mesh with people enough for that and I get really uncomfortable really fast. He then told me he hates going to movie theaters. He was saying something about going to see a scary movie and the people there were dressed as the movie characters. He claimed it was a traumatic experience and that he will never step foot in another movie theater ever again but if there's one thing I've learned about Adrian, it's that he can be very dramatic.
Coming close to the end of our adventure, I looked over and caught Adrian yawning in the passenger's seat:
Vi: " Are you getting tired?"
Adrian: " No, I'm fine….".
Vi: " Are you sure", I asked as I looked at him with concern written all over my face.
Adrian: " Yeah, I'm alright".
But he didn't seem alright. I could see that there was something bothering him. Earlier today, when we stopped to get drinks, we sat in the car for a little while and rested. We began talking about the things we wanted to do differently for our futures. During our conversation, his phone rang and he went to pick it up. He looked at the screen for a little while and then put his phone in his pocket. His entire demeanor changed immediately after that. I tried asking him if everything was okay but he kept changing the subject. I'm not sure what's going on but I know something's wrong.
Vi: "Hey, how about we go ahead and call it a day? It's getting late. We can pick it back up tomorrow."
Adrian: " No, it's fine. I'm good…..Let's just keep going."
Vi : "Adrian….. It's not though. You've been acting weird all day. What's going on", I asked as I pulled off to the side of the road. I then turned and looked at him. "Please talk to me."
Adrian: " I just know today's coming to an end and I really don't want it to. I've had an amazing time with you….."
Vi: "Adrian, we live down the street from each other. We have time... What's really going on?"
He paused for a moment, his eyes searching for a response that is anything but the truth.
Adrian: ".....Nothing, let's go home", he says hesitantly while attempting to reassure me with a small grin.
Vi: "...Okay..", I reply while looking at him concerningly.
As we headed back, I couldn't help but wonder what he was so worried about. When I pulled up to his place, there was a car parked in his driveway. He looked at the car with the kind of look you give when you know everything's about to go down hill. Then he looked at me, gave me a smile, took a deep breath, and started heading inside. I went home and immediately texted him to make sure he was okay. No reply…. After showering and changing, I check my phone again…. Still nothing. There was no chance I was sleeping tonight. My mind was filled with thoughts and my heart was racing. I needed to know he was okay. I hope he isn't upset with me. Part of me couldn't fathom the concept of it all. Why did I care so much about someone I've known for maybe a month at most? Am I supposed to be this attached? Is it okay to be this attached? I was spiraling.
Laying in the center of my bed trying to get myself to calm down, my alarm pulls me from my trance. I grabbed my phone and immediately realized I only have 20 minutes to get ready before class starts. I didn't sleep at all last night. Rushing, I quickly threw on some sweats and a hoodie and sped to class. I got there with 5 minutes to spare and ended up running into the gang.
Jesse: "Woah, what the hell happened to you?"
Ali: "Yeah, are you okay"?
Vi: "Yeah I'm fine….", I answered while putting my hair in a messy bun.
Ali: "You don't look fine", she responds with concern written all over her face.
Vi: "I'm good, okay? Just ... .please chill".
Lucas: "Right. You haven't been like this recently. Maybe it's the new company you've decided to keep around", He says while rolling his eyes.
Vi: "Lucas, don't start your shit."
Jesse: "Woahhh wait. Who are we talking about?"
Vi: "No one. Lucas just thinks being an asshole is gonna make him likable."
The bell rang.
Vi: "Look….. I gotta go to class. I'll see you guys later".
Once I got to class, I looked to see if Adrian had been sitting in my seat, but it was empty. I checked my phone again….Nothing. The rest of the school day blended together. Sitting in each class felt like a never ending cycle. It didn't help that my mind was stuck in a loop, replaying the last moment I had with him. I was mentally and physically drained. So drained I guess I ended up falling asleep in my car at school. I was then jolted awake by the sound of knocking. It was Lucas. I sat up to unlock the door and laid back in the seat, throwing my arm over my face.
Lucas: "What the hell are you doing", he asked as he sat down, closing the door.
Vi: "Lucas, please stop yelling….", I replied while yawning.
Lucas: "You're a complete mess! You haven't been able to keep your eyes open all day, and now you're sleeping in your car at school. Have you even eaten today? Like at all?"
Vi: "Dude I'm too exhausted to argue with you today. What do you want from me?"
Lucas: "I want you to answer my question."
Vi: "No I haven't!" I yelled out of frustration.
Silence filled the car. I could feel him staring at me but I kept my arm over my face not giving him the time of day. He opened the door.
Lucas: "Right. Get out."
Vi: "What?"
Lucas: "Get. Out."
Struggling to move, I managed to finally get out. Lucas then dragged me to his car.
Vi: "Where are we going?"
Lucas: "Just close your mouth and chill."
Vi: "Whatever…..", I said while rolling my eyes and locking my doors.
To be continued...