21

As I sat on the bench, the cool breeze ruffling my hair, my thoughts swirled around the sight of Levi and Mia. It was infuriating to see how easily she had invaded our space, and even more frustrating to realize how much it affected me.

Just as I was beginning to calm down, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to see a text from Spencer: Hey, how did it go? You okay?

I sighed and typed back, Not great. Mia was there. I left.

The three dots appeared, and I waited for her response. When it came, it was quick: Ugh, that sucks. Want me to come over?

I hesitated. I didn't want to drag Spencer into my mess, but the thought of being alone with my thoughts was daunting. Yeah, if you don't mind.

On my way!

I put my phone away and leaned back, staring at the trees swaying gently in the dusk.

Spencer arrived about twenty minutes later, her hair slightly tousled from the wind and her cheeks flushed with the cool air. She plopped down next to me, a concerned frown on her face. "Okay, spill. What happened?"

I recounted the scene, my voice laced with frustration. "It felt like she was just... I don't know, flaunting herself. And Levi—he didn't even see how uncomfortable it made me."

Spencer sighed, her expression shifting to one of sympathy. "That's rough. But you know Levi, right? He might not even realize the impact she has on you."

"Maybe," I said, biting my lip. "But it still stings. I thought we were getting somewhere, and then she just swoops in."

Spencer placed a hand on my arm, grounding me. "You need to be upfront with him. Don't let this fester. But I get it—how do you even bring it up after... that?"

"I thought Levi was just being friendly," I said, my voice rising with frustration. "But it felt like he was encouraging it! He was so laid-back about it, as if he didn't even realize—or didn't care—that it bothered me!"

"Cora, I know it's hard, but you need to tell him how you feel," Spencer urged, her tone encouraging but firm.

"I know you're right," I said, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety wash over me. "But I'm terrified of coming off as jealous or insecure. What if he just brushes me off or thinks I'm overreacting?"

"Being honest about your feelings isn't being jealous. It's being real," she replied, her voice steady. "If Levi truly cares about you, he'll want to understand."

"Maybe," I said, frustration bubbling up again. "But what if he thinks I'm just being dramatic? I hate that I feel like this, like I'm overreacting to something that shouldn't matter. I shouldn't care that she's all over him, but I do! And it makes me feel weak! I am not even sure what I feel."

"Cora, you're not weak for feeling this way. You're human. It's normal to feel threatened in situations like this, especially when it comes to someone you care about."

"But it's not just that!" I burst out. "It's that I thought we were building something real. I thought I could trust him, but then Mia shows up, and it's like everything I thought we had disappears. I felt like a fool! Like I was just a placeholder while he gets distracted by someone shiny and new."

"Did you tried to talk to him?" Spencer asked gently, her eyes searching mine.

"No, I told you Mia was there and now I'm not even sure how to approach it. I feel so conflicted! One minute, I'm ready to confront him, and the next, I'm terrified he'll laugh it off or, worse, think I'm just being dramatic."

Spencer reached out, her hand resting on mine, grounding me. "You're allowed to express how you feel, Cora. Don't let the fear of his reaction keep you from speaking your truth. You deserve to be heard."

I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my hair. "You're right. I know that. But I'm tired of feeling like I'm the only one who cares about this. I feel like I'm fighting for something that he doesn't even see as a priority."

"Maybe he doesn't see it yet," Spencer suggested, her voice calm. "But if you don't talk to him, he never will. You have to give him the chance to understand."

"Ugh! Why does this have to be so complicated?" I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "I just want things to be simple and straightforward. Instead, it feels like I'm navigating a minefield, and every step could blow up in my face!"

"I get that," she said, her voice gentle. "You deserve to express what you feel without worrying about his reaction."

"Easier said than done," I muttered, feeling the weight of my emotions crashing down on me. "I just wish I could fast-forward to the part where everything is sorted out and I don't feel like I'm going to implode at any moment."

Spencer squeezed my hand, her support grounding me. "Take it one step at a time. When you're ready, you'll find the right moment to talk to him. Just remember that you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, no matter what."

As we sat in silence, the park slowly transitioned from evening to night. The sky turned deep blue, and streetlamps flickered on, casting a warm glow over the path.

"Want to grab some ice cream?" Spencer suggested, breaking the silence. "It might help clear your head."

I couldn't help but smile. "Always a good idea."

As we walked toward the ice cream shop, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe the conversation with Levi could wait a bit longer. I needed to recharge, and right now, spending time with Spencer was just what I needed.

The shop was bustling with laughter and chatter. I ordered my usual—chocolate chip—and took a seat at a small table outside.

Spencer dug into her scoop of cookie dough.

As we chatted and laughed, I began to feel a sense of clarity emerging through the frustration. Talking to Spencer was helping me process everything. Maybe the conversation with Levi could wait a bit longer. I needed to recharge, and right now, spending time with Spencer felt like the best thing I could do.

Later that night, as I got ready for bed, thoughts of Levi swirled in my mind. The tension between us felt thicker than ever, but instead of dread, I felt a flicker of anticipation. I was ready to confront the chaos that lay ahead, and for the first time, I felt a little more equipped to handle it.