Four

God, I feel like a dweeb.

If a first date could've gone worse, it'd be a world record. I was at a complete loss for words, and as soon as I got there, I felt like I was out of place. I want to keep dating Sammy and see where it goes, despite all that. But if things continue the way our first date went...

After a few periods dragged on, I got to lunch and saw the group sitting together. I take a seat next to Sammy and greet her, then everyone else.

"Looks like there's a new couple, huh?" Marie chides. Sammy gives half a smile in response but doesn't say anything. I blush.

Something immediately seemed off to me. It felt like the distance between me and Sammy was infinite, despite us sitting right next to one another. She didn't really say anything to me either. When I'd say something to her, she acted like she didn't hear and would talk with someone else at the table.

My heart sank. Austin, who had been quiet, picked up on this quickly. Sitting across the table from me, he gives me a soft look. My ache eases a little bit for some reason, and I smile and nod at him.

The rest of the lunch period felt like it took ages. The whole day after was the same too.

***

I end up texting Austin a little bit after dinner.

"Can I ask you something?" I text him.

"Always."

"Do you think Sammy was ignoring me today? Or was I overreacting?"

"I mean, maybe a little. You should definitely ask her if you want to know for sure, though."

I sigh and my heart beats faster. "I'm worried. Was the date that bad?"

"You shouldn't worry so much. It probably doesn't have anything to do with you."

"Okay. I guess I'll talk to her."

I shoot Sammy a text as well, asking if we could talk. She calls me right after I send it instead of responding over text.

She sighs. "Hey, Dylan."

"Sammy, I-"

"No, I should start. I'm sorry I acted weird today and kind of ignored you," she interjects.

"S-so, you were ignoring me. Did I do something wrong?" I ask, a little pained.

She pauses. "You didn't do anything wrong. I just... I don't know if I want to be more than friends with you."

My heart shatters. "What?" is all I could muster.

"Do you want the truth? It might hurt."

"Yes."

"I think you're an amazing guy, but I always saw you as a brother to me. If I'm being honest, I shouldn't have agreed to the date, and I'm sorry. I've actually had a crush on Austin, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings because I know that I wouldn't want to be rejected either," she explains to me.

It definitely did hurt.

"You should've told me that from the beginning. I'm not a replacement for my best friend," I reply, a little bit aggravated.

"I know that now. I really felt like the date was forced and awkward. I'm really sorry."

"I'm gonna go. Bye Sam." I hang up before she responds.

I throw my phone on the floor away from me and lay down on my bed, soaking it all in. I almost feel like crying, even. Despite this only lasting for a few days, it still hurts like hell to let go of. It hurts like hell to feel unwanted.

I leave my phone tossed on the ground as I turn off the lights to go to sleep.