the Distance <Remake>

Chapter 8: Hotel

As we proceeded our way to the establishment, everything was already taken care of, and it was 8PM. They went over protocols and rules for the next 30 minutes and dismissed us. I was content with the fact that the whole lecture was over. As I made my way to the cafeteria, I bumped into Greg and fell on top of him. For a moment, time froze and our eyes locked for a minute. My breathing intensified and he could feel my heart beat increasing. He gently pulled himself up, and quickly pulled me up apologizing for the encounter. For a moment, I wanted to regargitate some ruthless words but couldn't find myself to do such a thing in that precious moment:

"Are you ok?"

"I- I'm fine"
I answered nearly hesitating.

My sweat began dripping, and I was nearly losing my consciousness, not because I had a problem, but because being in his presence makes me weak in my knees and drowns me in intimate thoughts. Thoughts that were forbidden being created in my mind, thoughts that were meant to be resented but I couldnt bring myself to do it. I was confined in my own feelings, and I couldnt bring myself to escape what my heart wanted. I just wish I could stop, but everything was happening so quickly. I managed to regain a little light in my path, as I began to speed-walk , not even bothering to pace myself in my current state. But Greg chased after me and turned me around to face him.

"I-"

"Ruby, what's with you, you look tense right now."

Greg said this with lots of obvious concern written all over his face. I hesitated to tell him, but I just broke myself free from his gentle grasp instead and sprinted to the cafeteria. I then quickly began filling my plate with mashed potatoes, served myself a glass of water, and snatched an apple sitting in a fruit plate. This should help keep me at a very moderate health level for MEPS. As I dissapeared into the darkness of the outdoors, I could only reside out there for 15 minutes, as I stared at my food with desire; beginning to devour it, allowing my taste buds to consume every exquisite flavor this meal contained.

The moment was broken when Greg showed up sitting next to me.

"We will have to end up sharing a room together, so you have one bed and I have mine."

"Good to know I guess"

I tried to be as civilized as possible in this conversation, but it was clear that this wasn't going to happen so simply. I placed my plate down on the sidewalk, and since it was empty I grabbed the nearest rock and let it sit on top so the wind doesnt blow away the paper plate. I then turned all my attention on Greg. Not only was I afraid of how I'd perform in the military, I have a history of letting so many people down at times, and admitting feelings only shattered a lot of my relationships. It's better I dont remain friends with people, and I know shit happens, but I dont want to dig that past up that I've intentionally buried deep down, hoping it would never find it's way back up to the light of day again. Revealing it's true colors causing me to dissapoint someone yet again, inducing guilt on my conscience, and that includes lots of pain transferring to my heart. The roaming thought began to dissapear when my attention was focused back on Greg.

"Are you alright, Ruby?"

"I'm fine, dont worry."

I pretended like I was in a relieved state of mind, and that nothing was wrong. But this guy was intelligent , he could describe my expression from the way he saw it in his perspective.

"If that were true, why do you look so hesitant, afraid and dissapointed?"

"I'm not any of those things, this is just how I look all the time, I'm not sure if you've noticed, but you sound stupid, embarrassing yourself right now."