Page 27 of Already Falling

A seagull squawks and snaps me out of my ocean-induced trance. Right, I came here to get clarity on Reid. I take another deep breath and close my eyes. The ocean wraps around my ankles like a gentle hug. Should I go for it with him or keep it casual? I wince even at the word casual. Casual, casual, casual. That word haunts me. Is that even what I want? I don’t think so. I wish I could say I want to keep dating him, but I’m worried about classes. I can’t let school slip. My parents would be so disappointed in me. They are the most important people in my life.

I open my eyes and look out toward the ocean. I think I also expected Reid to be texting me constantly since our date. But he’s only texted me once, and it’s been three days.

Reid

gm :]

Gm… that’s it? He didn’t even spell it out completely. Maybe he wants to keep things laid back too. I suppose that would answer my dilemma about how I should approach things. But I shouldn’t lie to myself. I’ve always been into Reid. He’s kind and confident. He makes me laugh and forget about my worries. I know I can’t be relaxed about this. Especially not after the way he kissed me. No kiss I’ve ever had has made me forget where I was when I opened my eyes. I wish I could let myself go and fall into my feelings towards Reid, like I did when we were kids. My responsibilities are clouding my ability to be carefree.

Buzzz bzz

Reid

Hey :)

I hope you aren’t too busy today.

I look up at the ocean suspiciously. He always texts me after I am on a spiral of thoughts about him. His ears must’ve been ringing.

Annika

Just deep in thought, as per usual

Reid

I hope you are thinking about me ;)

Yikes, sorry, that was awfully cheesy

Annika

I walked right into that one

Reid

What do you say about seeing a movie with me Friday night? They are screening Mean Girls in the Amphitheater.

Annika

No way! I love Mean Girls. I could watch that 100 times.

Reid

Well, perfect because I’ve never seen it, it will be my new movie this month.

Annika

…

Reid

What?

Annika

Did you just say, you’ve never. seen. it?

I glance up from my phone and realize I have the cheesiest smile on my face. Gah! See, I’m screwed. I notice the tide is getting higher and decide to move back over toward my bag and walk up to a bench by the sidewalk. Buzzz bzz