A/N: it's BACK!! thank you a bazillion trillion times for everyone who left comments. you guys are just so awesome for supporting this little project of mine and i should really apologize for being gone for such a long time. stupid mid-term exams.. i hate them with a passion! but thank goodness, that's over and done with and i've finally had some extra time to spend on some writing. i've spent a few days thinking about this, and i really like how the plot is turning out. i hope you guys will like it too. two new chapters are posted, so read and review!! xoxo
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE - Out On The Line
It was like time stood still for me. My thoughts swirled in my mind and I slowly opened my mouth, desperately hoping this would somehow prompt me to say something... anything. But silence escaped my lips. I was at a loss for words.
With a sad look in his eyes, Jeff gave me a faint smile.
"You don't have to say anything," he said quietly. "I just didn't want to leave Stoneybrook without taking that risk... without letting you know how I felt about you."
He held my eyes in his gaze and I had to look away. My heart was aching for him. There he was, laying his heart out on the line for me, and in return, I was giving him.... nothing.
He seemed to take my silence as the answer that he needed from me. He softly chuckled and said, "I had this crazy thought in my head that this night was going to be one of the best nights of my life. The girl I loved would tell me she loved me back..." He paused for a while, his eyebrows furrowed as he collected his thoughts. "Just the idea for being back with you again was worth the risk, Char." He looked up at me and let out a deep sigh. "So much for taking risks, huh?"
He looked out into the darkness and shook his head. "I-I should go. Tell your parents thanks for me." He got up and brushed the crumbs of his jeans. "I guess I'll just see you around then." He looked down at me longingly one last time and slowly turned to leave.
I closed my eyes, my breath shaking and tears pricking my eyes.
Was I about to lose out on a chance for an amazing relationship with someone who loved me? Was I ready to let him walk away from my life? Was I ready to risk my heart again, in it's already twisted and broken form?
"...Don't go." Those were the two words that managed to escape my lips. I prayed that he heard them, hoping desperately against having to repeat those words, having to be in that vulnerable position again. But I opened my eyes and he was already more than halfway across the lawn by then, making his way to the driveway.
It was as if I was being compelled by this unknown force as I jumped up from my seated position, my bare feet contacting the cold cement and sending a quick shock up my body. Grass cushioned the soles of my feet as I ran across the backyard. I hastily turned the corner into the driveway and slowed down my quick pace.
Jeff was already in the driver's seat of his mom's car, but the engine wasn't running and he had his head down on the steering wheel. I watched him for a few moments and he didn't move. I slowly approached the red sedan and softly tapped the glass window. Surprised, he abruptly turned his head and our eyes connected. I gave him a wistful smile and said,
"Please don't go."