Allison
As we sat down on the lush green grass, the vibrant atmosphere of the field enveloped us. The air was alive with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional whistle blow. The scent of freshly cut grass wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of food from the nearby vendors.
To our left, a group of cheerleaders was practicing their routine, their colorful pom-poms shaking in unison. Some of them were dancing, while others were chatting and giggling. The field was a hub of activity, with people playing ball, jogging, or simply lounging in the sun.
I turned my attention to Sally, whose eyes were still red and glassy from crying. Her face was etched with a mixture of sadness and vulnerability. I reached out and gently signed, “Are you ready to talk now?”
Sally nodded her head, and a fresh wave of tears began to fall. She struggled to speak, her mute voice straining to express the emotions that were bottled up inside her. The sound was heart-wrenching, a mixture of gasps and strained whispers.
“But how could Colby bully you?” I asked.
She managed to sign, her hands shaking with each word, but I couldn’t even get the point, so instead, she started crying again, humming in sadness.
I felt a pang of regret for asking the question. Sally’s pain was still raw, and I didn’t want to push her to relive the trauma. I reached out and wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.
“It’s okay, stop crying. I’m sorry if I asked something I shouldn’t have. Maybe you can tell me when you feel like it. Now isn’t a great time, I think.”
Sally turned to me, her hands moving rapidly as she signed, “Do you remember when I told you I had feelings for someone?”
Thankfully, I understood all that she signed now despite being so quick.
I nodded, my mind racing back to the conversation. “Yes, I remember. You told me you had feelings for this guy, and I was happy for you.” I smiled, encouraging her to continue.
Sally’s expression turned serious, and she signed, “The person I had feelings for… your friend, Colby.”
My mouth dropped open in surprise. “Colby? You’re in love with Colby?” I asked, my voice laced with incredulity.
She nodded, her eyes locked on mine.
I couldn’t help but think that Colby was an odd choice. He was always so… reserved, and a bit weird. I mean, who would have feelings for my friend? It was like having feelings for… I don’t know, a ghost or something!
I turned to Sally, my hands moving quickly as I signed, “Why do you like Colby? And why the hell would he bully you? Did you tell him about your feelings, and he bullied you for that afterward?”
Sally signed slowly, “The thing is that… he didn’t actually bully me physically, but he did emotionally. And yes, I told him that I like him?”
“Don’t tell me he rejected you?” I asked, almost yelling. “What the heck? Is he insane? Even though it’s odd for you two to even date in the first place, how dare he reject my sister?”
Sally’s tears flowed again as she signed, “Yes, he rejected me.” Her hands shook with each word, and her face contorted in pain. “PAINFULLY.”
I hugged her tightly, patting her back. “Oh, my goodness. It’s fine, and I’m sorry about that,” I said, trying to comfort her.
But she pushed me away, her eyes blazing with a mix of sadness and anger. She signed, “He said he has feelings for someone else. That’s why he didn’t want me.”
I stared at Sally, taken aback by her words. And then, I couldn’t help it – I burst out laughing even though she was looking serious.
“Colby likes somebody? That’s telling me, who’s that unlucky person now?” I asked, still chuckling.
But my laughter was cut short when I heard a voice behind me. “It’s you, Allison?” Colby’s voice was low and even, but it sent a shiver down my spine.
I turned to see it was really him. Colby was standing behind us, his eyes fixed intently on me. My mouth dropped open in surprise. He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving mine.
“What did you just say?” I asked, thinking I must have misheard him.
But Colby’s next words confirmed my worst fears. He turned to Sally and said, “I’m sorry, Sally. I didn’t mean to break your heart that way. But please, can I talk to your sister… alone?”
She stood up, her eyes welling up with tears again. She wiped her face and quickly walked away, leaving me alone with Colby.
He sat down close to me, his eyes locked intensely on mine, but I shifted away from him, creating some distance between us. Since when I’d heard him say whatever I think he said, I couldn’t help but feel so weird… I mean uncomfortable.
“What did you mean by that?” I asked, trying to sound calm. “I didn’t hear you well, right? Please tell me you didn’t –
Colby’s expression was unwavering as he interrupted me. “You heard me well,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I like you, Allison. I’ve always liked you.”
I stood up immediately, my heart racing. “No, please don’t say that,” I said, trying to sound firm. “We’re friends, and we’re supposed to be friends, not more than that. Friends don’t have feelings for their friends…”
“Who cares if we are friends!” he snapped, his cold eyes seemingly boring into mine. “I’ve had feelings for you ever since… and do you know what it means for me to tell you how I feel? To be this vulnerable?”
I felt a surge of irritation. “I think you should leave now. I’m tired of talking to you; it makes no sense.”
As I turned to walk away, he reached out and grasped my hand. I snapped it away, feeling a jolt of annoyance. Turning, I glared at him, my eyes flashing with irritation.
“I think we should just take a break,” I said, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil building inside me. “Cool your head, and cool your feelings. When you’ve gotten back to your normal self the real Colby that I know then you can come back and talk to me. But for now, I don’t think I can face you. You… You disgust me.”
I rolled my eyes, remembering my sister’s confession. “And how the heck did my sister even have feelings for you?” I muttered, shaking my head.
With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Colby standing alone regardless of his feelings and if I’d hurt him.