Erica tried to act like things were normal. Like they could still be in each other's lives without everything falling apart.
She smiled when they passed in the hallway, waved when they locked eyes in class. And Nicole played along, forcing smiles that never reached her eyes.
But inside, it burned.
It burned when she saw Nicole talking to someone else, laughing like she hadn't once cried over losing Erica. It burned when she sat next to her in biology, their shoulders inches apart but worlds away.
And the worst part?
Nicole still looked at her like she meant something.
Like she regretted everything.
Like maybe, just maybe, she still loved her too.
---
1. The Hallway Encounters
Every morning, Erica would walk through the school's main hallway, a path she couldn't avoid. It was the artery of the school, connecting classrooms, the cafeteria, and the library. And every morning, she would see Nicole.
Nicole, with her effortless charm, surrounded by friends, laughing at jokes, sharing stories. Their eyes would meet for a brief second—a fleeting moment that felt like an eternity. Nicole would offer a small smile, a nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared past.
Erica would reciprocate, her lips curling into a semblance of a smile, her heart pounding in her chest. She would then look away, focusing on the lockers, the floor, anything but Nicole.
The act was exhausting.
---
2. Biology Class
Biology was torture.
Assigned seats placed Erica and Nicole side by side. The proximity was unbearable. The scent of Nicole's perfume, the way she twirled her pen, her soft humming during lab work—it was all too familiar, too intimate.
Erica would focus on the textbook, taking meticulous notes, pretending to be engrossed in the material. But her mind would wander, recalling moments when they studied together, shared secrets, and dreamed about the future.
Nicole, on the other hand, seemed to oscillate between indifference and longing. Sometimes, she would glance at Erica, her eyes filled with unspoken words. Other times, she would act as if Erica was just another classmate.
The ambiguity was maddening.
---
3. The Cafeteria
Lunchtime was a strategic operation.
Erica would scan the cafeteria, ensuring she chose a table far from Nicole's usual spot. Surrounded by her friends—Angel, Kim, Risha, and Audrey—she would engage in conversations, laugh at jokes, and share stories.
But her eyes would often drift to Nicole's table.
Nicole, surrounded by her own circle, would occasionally glance in Erica's direction. Their eyes would meet, and for a brief moment, the bustling cafeteria would fade into the background.
Then, reality would snap back, and they would return to their respective groups, pretending nothing had happened.
---
4. The Emotional Toll
The constant pretending took a toll on Erica.
At night, she would lie in bed, replaying the day's interactions, analyzing every glance, every word, every gesture. She would question her decisions, her feelings, her sanity.
She missed Nicole.
She missed the late-night conversations, the shared dreams, the comfort of being understood.
But she also remembered the pain—the arguments, the silence, the heartbreak.
It was a constant battle between longing and self-preservation.
---
5. Confiding in Friends
One evening, as the group gathered at a local café, Angel noticed Erica's subdued demeanor.
"Hey, you okay?" Angel asked, concern evident in her voice.
Erica hesitated, then nodded. "Just tired."
Angel wasn't convinced. "You know you can talk to me, right?"
Erica sighed. "It's just... seeing Nicole every day, pretending like everything's fine. It's exhausting."
Angel reached out, placing a comforting hand on Erica's. "You don't have to pretend with me."
Erica offered a weak smile. "Thanks, Angel."
---
6. The Turning Point
Weeks passed, and the routine continued.
But one day, after biology class, Nicole approached Erica.
"Hey," she began, her voice hesitant.
Erica looked up, surprised. "Hey."
"I was wondering if we could talk. Maybe clear the air?"
Erica paused, considering. "Okay."
They found a quiet spot outside, away from prying eyes.
"I miss you," Nicole admitted. "Not just as... whatever we were, but as a friend."
Erica looked away, emotions swirling. "I miss you too. But it's complicated."
"I know," Nicole said softly. "I just wanted you to know."
They sat in silence, the weight of their shared history hanging between them.
---
7. Acceptance
After their conversation, things didn't magically return to normal. But there was a shift.
The hallway encounters became less strained. Biology class was still challenging, but the tension eased. They began to rebuild a semblance of friendship, acknowledging their past while navigating the present.
Erica still had moments of doubt, of longing, but she also found strength in her friends, in herself.
She realized that healing wasn't linear. It was messy, filled with setbacks and progress.
But she was moving forward.