Breaking down the walls

The night was cool, a soft breeze moving through the trees as Nicole sat on her bed, staring at the second message from Andrew popping on her phone.

"Please meet me tomorrow. We really need to talk."

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, heart pondering in her chest. She spent the past few days running, avoiding and convincing herself that she wasn't ready for this. But she knew she couldn't avoid Andrew forever.

Taking a deep breath, she typed a simple response. "Okay."

The next day at school, Nicole walked through the school gates with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She spotted Andrew near the benches under the large oak tree. His usual confidence was evident, but there was something else- a quiet urgency in his stance.

Nicole took a deep breath and approached him. "Andrew…?"

Before she could continue, Violet hurried over and grabbed her hand. "Nicole, I need to show you something! Its urgent."

Andrew clenched his jaw and Nicole turned to him, looking almost apologetic. "Can we talk later?" She asked.

Andrew exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Just don't run this time."

Nicole gave him a small, unsure smile before following Violet down the hall. Andrew stood there, watching her disappear, frustration creeping in. He hated waiting.

Andrew adjusted his bag as he made his way towards the school gate. He wasn't expecting to see him again.

His father.

The man stood just outside the gate; his hands stuffed in the pockets of his coat. Andrew clenched his jaw and tried to walk past him, but his father spoke up.

"Andrew."

Andrew halted, his hands tightening into fists. "What do you want?"

His father hesitated; his expression was unreadable. "I just…" He exhaled. "I just wanted to see you."

Andrew scoffed. "Well, you've seen me. Now leave."

His father flinched slightly at the coldness in his tone, but he didn't argue. Instead, he nodded and stepped back, letting Andrew pass.

Andrew didn't look back.

That afternoon, Andrew met up with his best friend, David, at their usual spot near an old basketball court. David dribbled the ball lazily before glancing at Andrew. "You've been weird lately."

Andrew scoffed "Weird how?"

David smirked. "You actually care about something. Or someone."

Andrew exhaled sharply. "It's Nicole."

David nodded knowingly. "I figured. You look at her like she's the only thing that matters."

Andrew didn't deny it. He leaned forward elbows resting on his knees. "I love her, man. And I don't want to mess this up. I want to do this right."

David arched an eyebrow. "So, what's the plan?"

Andrew's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm going to make sure she knows exactly how serious I am."

Meanwhile, Nicole's home was filled with a tense silence. Her mother sat at the dining table, staring at the untouched food on her plate. Nicole's father rubbed her shoulder gently. She's strong," he murmured, referring to Nicole's grandmother. "She'll pull through."

Nicole sat across from them, feeling helpless. Her grandmother had always been the strongest person she knew. But now, she was lying in a hospital bed, and the thought of losing her made Nicole's chest tighten.

While Nicole was about to go to her room her phone buzzed again.

It was Andrew. "Meet me."

"Where?" Nicole asked.

Andrew answered, "You'll see"

Curiosity mixed with apprehension as Nicole slipped on a jacket and stepped outside. When she arrived at the location he had sent to her, her breath hitched.

Fairy lights hung from the trees, casting a soft glow over the area. A blanket was spread out on the grass, candles flickering gently. It was breath-taking.

Nicole approached cautiously, "Andrew… what is this?"

He exhaled. "I wanted to talk somewhere without interruptions."

Nicole glanced at the setup. "You did all this?"

Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah"

Nicole looked at him carefully. "Why?"

Andrew took a step closer, his voice softer now. "Because I want you to know I'm serious about you."

Nicole's breath hitched.

Andrew met her gaze, his eyes holding something deep, something real. "I don't want to play games. I don't want to pretend. So, I'll ask you this once again."

He took another step closer, closing the distance between them.

"I love you, Nicole. Please be mine."

Nicole's heart pounded. She spent so many days running, hiding from this moment, from these feelings. But standing here, under the soft glow of the lights, staring into Andrew's eyes- she knew.

She knew her answer.

A slow, nervous smile formed on her lips. "Okay."

Andrew stilled, as if making sure he heard her right. "Okay?"

Nicole nodded.

Something shifted in Andrew's expression, something raw and unguarded. And then, he pulled her into his arms, while they shared a kiss.

Nicole melted into him, knowing there was no turning back now.