A Quarter Mile Away

26 - Tunnel Vision

Fun fact about me: I've loved Justin Timberlake for 21 years. Yes I am definitely older than 21. 😫 I'm getting old!!!

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Please listen to Tunnel Vision - Justin Timberlake for this chapter

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I was leaning against his bike as I watched him communicate our order to the front counter. He turned his head to look back at me before giving me his signature smile, I instantly reciprocated the gesture. It was interesting to see that the waitress was clearly trying to flirt; smiling and flickering her lashes as she placed a strand of hair behind her ear, but he just kept looking between the ice cream flavours and occasionally looking back at me.

He was showing no interest to anyone or anything around him, all his attention seemed to be directed towards me. Just the thought of that made my heart burst into tiny butterflies, caused my palms to become sweaty and my stomach clench in anticipation.

He had tunnel vision and it appears as though I was the only one he could see at the end of that road.

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Jaxon:

I stood there with my mind miles away, well not that far away. My mind was hung up on the girl that was currently leaning on my bike waiting patiently for me to return with our ice-cream cups. She has captivated my thoughts since the day I met her, seeing the way she admired my bike, I knew at that point that she was different to other girls.

My weekends used to only consist of racing or watching the races, occasional dating but nothing too serious. Despite my reputation within the racing world, I worked hard on my grades. I wanted to get into college and make something of myself. I've always been the type to stay away from relationships, I've had no desire for them.

Now? I keep thinking about this girl and this girl only. I've wanted to pursue her since day one and I have no idea what the hell is happening to me.

"Ice-cream for you and your sister?" I noticed the hope in her voice as the cashier prepared my order.

I smiled at her as I said "We both know she's not my sister." With that said I grabbed the cups and made my way back to Avery.

"Cookies and Cream ice-cream" I said while handing her the cup. I watched as her eyes widened in excitement before smiling at me, "You're a life saver!"

I let out a chuckle as I watched her eat a spoon of ice-cream. I liked the location of this ice cream shop because directly in front of it was a local park, so with our cups in hand we made our way towards the two swings that sat side by side.

We both sat there in silence, I had so many questions I wanted to ask her. I was really good at reading people but I seemed to fall short with Avery, despite the fact that I've known her for this long, I hardly knew anything about her. She always seems so closed off, her eyes are constantly full of fear and she walks around like someone is about to snatch her away.

I wanted nothing more than for her to know that she could trust me with her secrets, but then that makes me think 'Just how many people have said that to her and ruined it for her, for me?'

I looked over at her, she looked so content with eating her ice-cream, swinging lightly on the swing. For once she looked relaxed and happy to be here, in the present. I got up to throw my cup in the nearest bin before standing behind her to gently push her.