Going after Love

part 13: getting more attached

Summer rolled in with the warm, lazy days that came with the end of high school. Diana and Zack spent as much time together as they could, knowing that soon, their lives would be heading in different directions. Every moment felt precious now, like time was slipping through their fingers.

One afternoon, they were at the park, sprawled out on a blanket under a tree. The sun was shining, and the sounds of kids playing nearby filled the air. Zack had his head resting on Diana's lap, his eyes closed as she absentmindedly played with his hair.

"You know, we never really talked about what we're going to do over the summer," Diana said softly, her voice cutting through the lazy warmth of the day.

Zack opened his eyes, glancing up at her. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Diana said, looking down at him, "I mean after graduation. We've only got a couple months before you leave for college. Are you going to work? Travel? Spend time with friends?"

Zack propped himself up on one elbow, studying her face. "Honestly? I haven't really thought about it. I figured I'd just see what happens. Spend as much time with you as I can, obviously."

Diana smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. But underneath that warmth was a thread of anxiety. She didn't want to cling too tightly, didn't want to be that girlfriend who made everything about their relationship. She knew Zack had his own life, his own plans, and she wanted him to experience all of that without feeling tied down.

"You don't have to spend all your time with me, you know," she said, trying to sound casual. "I don't want you to feel like—"

"Like what?" Zack interrupted, his brow furrowed.

"Like you have to," Diana finished, her voice quieter now. "I mean, this is your last summer before college. You should do what makes you happy."

Zack sat up fully now, facing her. "Diana, you do make me happy. I don't feel like I'm giving anything up by being with you."

She could see the sincerity in his eyes, but it didn't completely chase away her worries. She sighed, leaning back against the tree. "I just... I don't want to hold you back."

Zack reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. "You're not. Look, I know things are going to change once we're at different schools. I'm not naïve about that. But I want to spend this summer with you, with us, because we don't know what's going to happen next. I'd rather make the most of it than worry about what might go wrong."

Diana felt a lump in her throat. She hated that she was letting her fear of the future creep into what should have been a happy time. But Zack's words, his calm reassurance, helped ease the knot of tension that had been building inside her.

"Okay," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "You're right. Let's just enjoy it."

Zack smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Exactly. We've got all summer."