With a sigh, I set the laptop aside, and run my hands through my face as though it would take her image away. As I lay back, the room dimmed from my bedside lamp, I’m left wondering if we’ll cross paths again.
I grab my phone and start browsing through Instagram. The thought of Serena creeps into my mind every few minutes, prompting me to unconsciously search for her profile. Despite only knowing her first name, I hope to the lacrosse Gods that I’ll find girls named Serena nearby. Unfortunately, they weren’t on my side.
Frustrated but determined for some reason, I redirect my focus to the Boba Republic’s page, hoping for any sign of her there. After some scrolling, I finally find her account as someone they follow. My heart skips a beat at the sight of her name, and I quickly pull up her profile.
Serena’s feed offers glimpses into her life, with group photos, snapshots of food and boba, and a handful of selfies. It doesn’t look like she’s been posting lately since there’s nothing from this year. My mind races with thoughts of messaging her or even following her. Should I? Would it be too forward, too creepy?
As I debate my next move, my thumb has a mind of its own and accidentally double-taps one of her old selfies.
Cue the internal panic.
I’m scrambling to unlike the selfie, but it’s too late. I’m sure Serena will get a notification that I’ve been snooping.
Shit shit shit.
“Way to go, Tyler,” I mutter to myself, mentally kicking myself.
Note to self: you’re on a dating hiatus. That means no girls. It’s the summer before your senior year. It’s time to lock in. School. Lacrosse. Family.
That’s all I have time for.
Chapter 3
Serena
Once I’m done cleaning up, I make my way home with drinks in tow for Alli and I. Thai green tea for me and jasmine milk tea for Alli.
I see my sweet old neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bradford sitting on the front porch, enjoying their iced teas. Their warm smiles greet me as they wave hello. “Hi, Serena. Off from work already?”
“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, and yes!”
“Egg roll night?” Mrs. Bradford asks, gently fanning herself.
I nod. “Yes ma’am, I’ll bring some over later!”
My neighborhood is a tight-knit community nestled in a tranquil suburban area. Trees line the streets into rows of charming houses, each with its own unique… character. Our community is diverse as fuck. We have families, college students renting homes, and elderly couples who have been together longer than I was born. You name it, you’ll find the demographic here.
I walk up the driveway, passing the trail of potted plants. Getting my house key ready, I notice that Alli has sent memultiplemessages, voicing out her thoughts. I swear the girl can never send one concise text message. But that’s Alli for you and I love her dearly.
Alli:on my way now!!
Alli:grabbed the pizza from rocky’s but they forgot the ranch :( i think your aunt has a bottle in the fridge from last time.
Alli:is your aunt making egg rolls? i could go for about 20 of them rn!
Alli:also, tonight’s showing is to all the boys i’ve loved before! and, yes, we’re watching it again, and no, we’re not changing it.
Alli:are you off?
I smile at her sporadic text messages. Alli and I have been best friends since we were seven years old. We met at Cheer for Kiddos. My dad went through a phase of entering me into whatever sport he could find to see what stuck with me in a way to get me active at an early age, and it worked.
On the first day of camp, Alli sat next to me on the mat after her mom dragged her crying ass through the doors. She was a huge mess that day (although she wouldn’t admit it today). She sat down next to me and I gave her a shy pat on the back and told her I was scared too. Just like that, it was the beginning of a beautiful yet pain in the ass friendship, ten years in the making.
Alli:i’m dumb, i can just check your location.
“Jesus,” I mutter to myself, shoving my phone into my tote bag. Before I can even insert the key in the lock, the door swings open,the perfect jumpscare.
“You’re here!” Alli greets me with her perfect smile, hands waving wildly. Her eyes say she’s happy I’m back, then they switch to concern when she sees me doubled over. “Omg, did I scare you?”
