Inevitable

Just Friends

Even though I wanted nothing more than to stay on that bench with Henry, I had a big test to study for. I reluctantly said goodbye with the promise of a lunch date later this week. I got back to my empty room and tried to study for my test. I was having trouble focusing on what I was reading. I couldn't stop thinking about everything that happened tonight. What was I going to do about Liam? It wasn't fair to him to let him believe he had a chance. Everything had changed since I met Henry. He was all I could think about. He was the one I wanted to be with. And what was I going to tell Jess and Melissa? I didn't want them to think I was being foolish. I was being careful. If Henry was only interested in hooking up with me, would he have proposed the no touching rule? I don't think so.
My phone buzzing pulled me out of my thoughts. It was Liam calling. I totally forgot I was suppose to text him when I got back to my room. "Hey Liam, sorry I forgot to text you. I got distracted studying for my child psychology test tomorrow."

"It's fine. I just wanted to make sure you are okay. What happened with that Henry guy?"

"I don't want to get into that with you right now. Can we talk tomorrow? I really need to get back to studying."

"Yeah I guess. Good luck on your test. Bye Em." I could hear the disappointment in his voice but I didn't know what else to say to him. I owed it to him to let him down in person. Regardless of what has happened this year, I still cared about him as a friend. After I hung up my phone, I forced myself to concentrate on my work.

The rest of the week flew by. I kept busy with school and work. I was glad I had an excuse to avoid everyone. I was going to have to tell Jess and Melissa sooner or later that I was still seeing Henry. I preferred later. And I hadn't heard from Liam the rest of the week. He could probably sense that we weren't on the same page.
Henry texted me on Wednesday to find out how I did on my test and to ask if I wanted to have lunch with him on Friday. I wasn't sure how things were going to work with him now. Were we going to hang out on the weekends or do our own thing? I really wanted to spend time with him even if it was just as friends. I hoped he felt the same way.
By Friday morning, I was so anxious to see Henry that I couldn't concentrate during my morning classes. I hadn't seen him in days and I missed him. When I saw him waiting for me outside the student union, I had to force myself not to throw my arms around him. He smiled when he saw me walking up the pathway.

"Hey stranger, I missed you!" For a second it looked like he was going to hug me but he stopped himself. I guess I wasn't the only one having trouble with the no touching rule. Being just friends was not going to be easy.

"I missed you too Henry. This week was crazy. Thank god finals are only three weeks away. So what do you want to eat? I'm starving."

"Hmmmm, I think I'm just going to get a sandwich. You?"

"A sandwich sounds good. By the way, it's my treat. Don't even try to argue with me about it!"

He opened his mouth to say something and I placed a finger on his mouth to silence him. His facial expression changed at the physical contact. It really didn't take very long for me to break the rules. I couldn't help it with him. I pulled my hand away before things got weird between us.
     We walked inside and made our way to the food court on the second floor. We both ordered Italian hoagies and drinks and sat down at a table in the corner. Neither one of us said anything. It felt weird trying to just be friends. Henry finally spoke up.

"So what are you doing this weekend?"

"I have to work this afternoon and Sunday. I don't have any other plans. I haven't really talked to anyone. I'm avoiding Jess and Jane has been MIA all week. I'm guessing you've seen more of her than I have. I'm happy for her though. She deserves to be with a nice guy."

"Yeah she's been at our place everyday this week. Bill must really like her. He's a good guy. I'm playing at another frat party tonight. I think Jane and Bill are coming. You should stop by."

He said it casually but he looked at me anxiously. I loved that he wanted me to come see him play.

"Okay, you guys were so good last week. I'm excited to see you play again."

He reached across the table and put his hand over mine. I didn't care if it broke the rules. It felt good to touch him. I was so focused on Henry that I didn't notice when Melissa walked up to our table.