Just Friends

Chapter 5: Talk

Breakfast went great! Okay, I'm lying. In my opinion, it went horrible. Ever since Clary asked that question, the whole table went silent. The whole time we ate was awkward; I mean, no one was speaking. Clary, Dakota, and I tried to start a conversation, but it lead to a dead silence.

     To make things even worse, Clary almost threw up from all the food she ate. Hunter had helped her in the bathroom, which meant I was alone with Dakota. We shifted uncomfortably, we ate in the silence, and my elbow accidentally brushed against his elbow. I muttered an apology, but I don't think I was loud enough.

     Once breakfast was over (because Clary wanted to go home after that incident), I left in a rush. Not because I had somewhere to go, but because I needed to leave the awkwardness.

     So here I am, in my room, thinking about what just happened. My parents had to run some errands and they brought my sister with them. Basically, I'm all alone in this house. I could invite Clary, but she's too busy watching over her brothers.

     Just as I was about to go on my phone, the doorbell rang. I groan in annoyance as I run downstairs and towards the door. I open the door with an irritated expression. Although, once I saw who it was, my glare softened.

     "Dakota? What are you doing here?" I ask, almost stuttering in surprise.

     Dakota doesn't smile. Instead, he asks sincerely, "may I come in? We need to talk."

     Oh gosh. That could mean anything! What if someone told him I've liked him since we were kids? What if he gets mad that I broke a promise? What if this breaks our friendship forever? My eyes widen at the thought. I realize I was taking too long and apologized. I clear my throat and step aside, muttering, "come in."

     Dakota walks in, while I told him to take a seat on the living room couch. Again with being so formal. Why am I being so formal? We grew up with each other and Dakota always made himself at home without needing to be told.

     Dakota pats the seat next to him. I ignore the race of my heart, and sit down. I may or may not have sat far away from my childhood friend.

     He chuckles at this and scoots closer. I gulp down the nervousness that was crawling up my throat. I could say something stupid.

     I manage to get out and ask, "what did you want to talk about?"

     "Why are we being so awkward? I thought we were best friends? Do you not want to be friends anymore?" Dakota asks, looking into my eyes full of worry.

     My eyes widen, surprised as to why he would ask that. I stutter, "w-what are you talking a-about?"

     "I feel like you don't want to be friends anymore."

     "Dakota, where'd you get that idea from?" 

     I slowly back away in the seat as Dakota leans forward, not taking his eyes off of me. His deep brown eyes had me frozen at spot, mesmerizing me. He stops once our noses are inches apart. I can feel his breath against my lips, making my ears go red. 

     "Tell me what's wrong," Dakota whispers, barely audible since my heart is pulsing through my ears.

     Out of no where, I immediately tell him how I felt about his new friends, how we drifted apart, why we drifted apart, how I felt about middle school, everything (excluding my feelings for him). I feel guilty because I had no idea Dakota felt this way.

     Once I finished explaining, Dakota grabs my wrists, catching me by surprise. I stare at him, wondering what he was about to do. Without saying anything, Dakota pulls me into a tight hug. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion; confused by his sudden affection.

     "Da-" I was cut off by Dakota.

     "I'm so sorry. I had no idea you felt that way. Why didn't you say anything sooner?" Dakota clutches onto me, as if I'll disappear.

     It took me while before I hugged him back. I relaxed against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. I wrap my arms around his torso, ignoring the heat on my cheeks. We both stay in this position, embracing each other's warmth.

     Minutes flew by, and Dakota pulls away from me. I look up into his eyes and mutter, "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were feeling that way."

     "Let's not talk about it anymore. I'm just glad we cleared things up," Dakota smiles a goofy smile, making my heart flutter.

     "Although, I'm really tired. Can we cuddle like we usually do?" Dakota asks.

     My eyes widen in panic. When we were little, I hated cuddling because Dakota would always spoon me. It was uncomfortable to be treated as a teddy bear, especially since I needed personal space. Although, that wasn't the case anymore. I don't want to cuddle or else I'll grow nervous.

     I was about to say no until Dakota wraps his arms around my waist and lays me down next to him. I'm stuck between his body and the couch. I squirm against Dakota's arms. Although, Dakota squeezes me tightly and closes his eyes. From his breathing, I could tell he fell asleep.

     I sigh and relaxed against his arms. Hesitantly, I bury my head against his chest, inhaling his scent. Immediately, I fell asleep.