Page 20 of Already Falling

Haha, no. I just like walking out to the water. I do my best thinking when my legs are at least six inches submerged in ocean water

Reid

Well, ur in luck because I’ve picked the best spot on PB to split a veggie sandwich while sippin’ on ice teas.

I have to admit, that sounds like an awesome time. Eh, what’s the harm in going on one date with him? I’m probably just feeling shortness of breath and chills because I caught some bug at the party. I peek out from the comforter to check on Chloe. She’s still zonked out. Buzzz bzz

Reid

let me know if i’m too much, i’m just…

Annika

ur wut?

Reid

Promise you won’t laugh at me?

Annika

I can never promise you that >:)

Reid

ahah touche

Do you remember before I moved away? Seventh grade before spring break?

I contemplate whether I admit knowing the exact moment I found out. After spring break, going to school and seeing his chair in history class empty. It matched the hole that was left in my heart.

Annika

yeahhh, I think so

Reid

Well, i was going to ask u to the spring dance. I made a card and everything.

And with that text, I melt into my bed. That’s it. I’m here forever now. How could I go on existing after learning the boy I had a massive crush on was about to ask me to the dance? I can’t help but picture my twelve-year-old self and how elated I would have been. I might have peed my pants from equal parts excitement and nerves. And now here I am, eighteen and curled up in my dorm bed texting the same boy, except now he’s a tall man that smells like evergreen trees and has eyes that undress me with one look.

Reid

don’t block my number lmao

i’m embarrassed, forget what I said, just delete my number, forget i exist, k bye

Annika

No no! It’s okay, i’m just processing

Reid

…

Annika

Do u still have the card?