Confrontations

Six years ago

Macy

I had been avoiding Liam like a plague for the past two weeks.

I knew I had to face him eventually. I couldn't run forever after all. I just didn't wish for it to happen sooner. Usually I need to mentally prepare myself for these kinds of confrontations.

Liam had invited me by the lake that evening and I swear on the moon I always saw those confessions coming and made a mental note to avoid them. I didn't anticipate it with Liam. I knew he had a tiny crush on me and I had that stupid urge to flirt with him occasionally but I had never thought too much of it.

In the middle of the lake on the small canoe, Liam had looked me in the eye and confessed how much he liked me more than a friend. I immediately panicked and found myself rowing us to the wrong direction. When Liam attempted to help me, I found myself in the water. It was a mess. I was a mess. I am grateful he never brought back the topic on our way back save for a few stolen glances.

I had not given him chance to mention another word before I ran back to the house. After that evening, I had made it my mission to avoid him.

"You don't have to run away from me you know." Liam muttered when I attempted to walk away from him.

I adored Liam. Him and I and Tara had been best friends since forever. I couldn't stand to break his heart.

"Liam..."

I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. The hurt was already evident in his eyes. A pang of guilt tightened in my chest.

"I understand Macy. You don't like me the way I do. I got the message loud and clear from the lake plus the way you have been avoiding me like I caught a plague." he mentions painfully. I have to look away to prevent the hurt from eating me wholly.

"It hurts honestly but I also know that I can't force you to do anything you don't want."

"I also hate that we are avoiding each other. My feelings don't need to come in between our friendship Macy. Forget whatever I said, I would hate myself if I was the reason our friendship got ruined." Liam admitted.

"Liam... I..." I splutter scrambling for the right words

"Let's call a truce Macy for the sake of old days and our friendship." he suggests. I send him a skeptical look. In my understanding, feelings for someone don't just vanish in a little time or when you say so.

"How about how you feel Liam?" I ask warily.

"You don't have anything to worry about. I have had a crush on you since we were little. I can handle a little rejection."

I hated how he was sweeping it under the rug like it was something simple. As convincing as his words are, I am not fully content with the truce.

"Are we cool?" Liam opens his arms wide for me with that cute smile of his I can't resist. I really don't like the place our relationship has been for the past days.

"We are cool." I fall into his arms.

His embrace is warm and satisfying. I almost whine when he lets go but I just watch him walk away relief washing over me. I like the direction of things now.

I walk the opposite direction trying to catch up with Tara before someone catches my attention.

My steps come to a halt. It is him. It is Tobias Spektor. I would recognize him in a room full of people and that has nothing to do with his height. He might tower over most students but almost every visibe feature of him is engraved in my head. My heart goes into a spiral immediately.

Tobias curses loudly before his fist connects with his locker. I hadn't realized the little squeal I had let out until he turns and stares at me.

His already darkened face darkens even more. My legs hardly cooperate with my brain to walk away. Even when he sauntered towards me, I remain in the same place, his gaze glued to mine. He stops right in front of me annoyance visible on his face.

I avert my gaze from the face I have dreamt about for nights to his hand. The once injured hand is fully healed save for the little blood that had escaped from the cuts. His proximity is already nauseating and yet I can't make an excuse to walk away. It seems like lately our paths are crossing so much and a part of me doesn't know if it likes it too much than it should.

"Do you make it a habit to stalk people Thornton?" Tobias accuses. I lift my eyes quickly to his, scrunching my nose at his words. What had I expected? Tobias Spektor was an asshole through and through. I wondered why my heart still raced the way it did inspite of that prior knowledge.

"There I thought the academy was a free space but I guess seeing someone in the hallway equals stalking." I reply.

The first time in so many years that we are actually having a conversation if what we are having is regarded a conversation. I had anticipated it going a different way. I didn't think it was going to be civil, at least I am not that naive. Well, whatever I thought, I had thought wrong.

"I know why he likes you. You are quite a mouthful."

We both know he is talking about Ryke. Ever since our conversation about going to his room. I had hang out with him twice when he had a pool party. It was pretty fun until Tobias had showed up. My once clear mind had become frazzled. He had kissed Josie before everyone and the tight knot in my heart almost clogged my breath.

Jealousy mixed with envy tugged at my heart strings and I left immediately. I had texted Ryke an excuse later about getting my period. Fortunately he bought it and didn't ask much about my disappearance.

I watch him with a narrowed gaze. Who is he to meddle in my affairs when he can kiss every girl he wishes?

"Where is your girlfriend? I doubt she would like you talking to other girls." I pretend to look around the empty hallway.

"I can talk to whoever I want."

"Let me guess," I pretend to think before I cast him a straight look.

"Oh yeah, because you are Tobias Spektor and everyone worships at your feet. Sorry to tell you that this girl right here doesn't." With that, I pass by him resisting the urge to look back and watch his face.

I find Tara already waiting for me. She narrows her eyes at me when she notices Tobias coming from the same direction.

"It is not what you think." I murmur closing the door.

"What do I think Macy?" Tara asks seriously.

"I don't know but your eyes where quite suggestive."

"You're playing with fire Macy. I don't want to be the one telling you that I told you saw when you're burnt." Tara mutters.

I just wish Tara was wrong but in the back of my mind, I know that her words are very right.