"He messed up big time," Felicity said as she read over the messages. "Also, does someone have a crush they'd like to tell me about?"
Natalie grumbled something and chugged the drink in her hand. She gagged and looked up at Felicity. "What is this?"
"Orange milkshake."
"Ew, are you serious?!"
Felicity laughed and took the glass out of her hand. "No. It's apple cider vinegar. Don't stray from the topic."
"Fine! I do have a crush on him. He's hot and sweet and different. He's nothing like George."
Felicity sighed. "So what he just did is sweet?"
"No, but he's a good guy. And...maybe I did overreact. I don't know why I'm so worked up everytime he mentions Taylor. I feel like he's hiding something from me." Natalie looked up, her eyes focusing on Felicity.
"I don't feel it's right," Felicity said as she got up from her chair. "Friend or acquaintance, he kinda used you to get to Taylor, even though it is indirect. And you know I hate drama, but I think y'all should keep some distance and wait for time to heal the relation." She went to the sink and rinsed her glass, waiting for Natalie to answer.
"I know....but it's Sunday. I literally see him tomorrow morning. And oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. My mother invited his mother and him for dinner tomorrow night because she wasn't free today."
"Well, that's just great. Just avoid him tomorrow in school. If he realises his mistake, you should give him a chance and maybe you both should talk about each other's life instead of playing a dumb question game." Felicity leaned against the counter, her hands crossed as she raised her eyebrows.
Natalie got up and went to the kitchen only to jump onto the counter. "But he's reluctant. There is something major going on that he just doesn't want me to know."
"He might have a reason, but I know it's frustrating. He's shared about his life, so now it's your turn."
Natalie frowned. "There's nothing interesting in my life. George drama was mildly interesting. But that's it."
"Well, I don't think he knows about George. Maybe you should start there."
She snorted. "The thing is, we are just friends and I'm bothered by it. I don't want to be 'just friends'."
"Yeah, I know the feeling. Half the girls reject my confessions and want us to be 'just friends'." Felicity went to the refrigerator and got out a tub of ice cream. She smiled at Natalie, a twinkle in her eye. "Let's talk it over ice cream and a movie. There is nothing that ice cream can't solve."
Natalie shook her head. "Maths. Ice cream can't solve maths." Felicity struggled to keep her laughter in as she pulled Natalie up to her room.
⚜⚜⚜
The anxiety of facing Isaac in a few minutes was enough reason for Natalie to bite her nails and constantly tap against the window. Felicity laughed beside her, casually having a conversation about the weather with an old lady.
She leaned in closer to her friend and hissed, "How can you have small talk whilst I'm dying here?"
"Ah. It must have been much cooler before." Felicity shot Natalie a glare and mouthed a shut up.
"Ugh," Natalie said out loud and made an act of banging her head against the window. Irritated, Felicity excused herself from the conversation and lightly punched Natalie on the arm.
"I thought you had some manners and decency?"
"Nah, I forget them when I'm around you."
"I hate you."
"Yeah, me too."
The bus halted, reminding the girls to get off. Felicity said goodbye to the old lady and pulled Natalie up and out of the bus. Their walk to the school gate consisted of occasional grunts and sighs, but no words were exchanged.
A gasp escaped Natalie's mouth as she nudged Felicity. Felicity followed her gaze and saw what she was surprised about.
Isaac looked horrible. His hair was an actual mess and his eyes were red and puffy, like he had been crying all night. His nose was red as well and he kept wiping it on a napkin, whilst blinking the tears out of his eyes.
"What happened?" Natalie managed to breathe out as Isaac looked around. It seemed like he was waiting for someone.
Felicity tore her eyes away from him and looked at her friend. Natalie's eyebrows were furrowed in confusion and each word she said was wrapped in concern. "He looks like someone hit him with a truck and he lost a lung."
Felicity struggled to keep quiet and said, "Forget your fight and talk to him. He needs someone."
"But he-I don't-" Natalie sputtered. On seeing Felicity's determined face, Natalie gave a single nod and marched up to Isaac.
"Isaac?" Natalie asked, stopping in front of him.
He looked at her and his eyes glazed over. "Natalie. What a pleasant surprise."
"What...I'm sorry. I overreacted. Sorry. But what happened to you?"
"What is that supposed to mean? And why do you care?" He snapped, squeezing the napkin in his hands.
"You don't look too good," Natalie said softly. "Are you okay?"
Isaac was quiet for a long time, just staring at her. Natalie spread her hands out, inviting him into a hug. He hesitated at first and then embraced her, tears rolling down his cheeks.
