I don't go back to the cafeteria, I don't even go back to class, I just walk.
I don't know where I'm going, until I hear a familiar voice behind me.
" Sarina"
I turn around, as soon as I hear my name, my eyes welled up with tears. I see a tall, lean boy in front of me, I frown at the sight of him.
Lucas.
His swim bag is swung over one shoulder, his damp, black hair sticking to his forehead. He must've came from swim practice, I guess I missed the entire class period after all.
Lucas Gillard, I've known him for a good time, we are on the same swim team, him just being in the boys group. We get to know each other in 8th grade at swim tryouts.
I was nervous as heck, and he managed to notice me shaking. " What's wrong?" He asked, gently tapping my shoulder.
I turn around to face him, rubbing my hand up and down my arm.
" Oh, it's nothing, just the tryout shivers"
He chuckles at my words, not sure if I meant it as a joke, but I smiled awkwardly back at him.
" Oh, don't worry, most of us get that" he waves a hand.
I don't know why, his words felt so comforting, it caused me to smile a bit, feeling better about myself.
We chatted a lot after that, and that's how we not only made the swim team together, and became amazing swim buddies, but also amazing friends.
I try to force a smile, but I know it doesn't reach my eyes. " Yeah, I'm great", I say, voice hollow.
He doesn't buy it, of course he doesn't. " Sarina", he says quietly. And just like that, the last of my walls came crashing down. My chest tightens, my throat burns.
Little before I knew it, I was sobbing. Lucas doesn't hesitate. He steps forward, wrapping his arms around me, he's warm, solid, and steady.
My face is digged into the fabric of his shirt, but instead of minding, he just rests his head on my shoulder, the wet water droplets, dripping off his hair tips, hit the floor.
I can smell his strong cologne implanted in his shirt, as it stings the inside of my nose, his arms wrapped tight around me. As if someone were to try and snatch me away, they would fail.
My whole world just fell apart, and somehow he's the only thing holding me together.
Lucas:
I don't say anything, just let her cry.
Because, sometimes, words don't fix things, sometimes, you just have to be there. And I'd do anything to be there for Sarina. Even if she doesn't see me the way I see her.
Even if she never does.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucas doesn't let go right away, and honestly? I don't want him to.
Because for the first time all day, I feel safe. Eventually though, I step back, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.
" Sorry" I mumble.
Lucas shakes his head. " Don't be". I let out a shaky breath, trying to pull myself together. " I probably look awful right now".
Lucas studies me for a second, then shrugs. " You look like you." Something about the way he says it makes my stomach flip, but I ignore it.
This is Lucas. My best friend, I don't need another complicated mess in my life right?