Chapter 23 - I miss you (1/2)

Wednesday morning Sarah didn't have class.

Her plan was to work on the project, but she could not focus. She was not able to think about anything except about events related to Aiden. Even when she put all her mental effort to think about the project, she was not successful. Her mind was echoing: 'Aiden, Aiden, Aiden…' Eventually, she gave up.

Sarah checked her email and noticed few requests for code review from Aiden. 'I will look at these when my mind clears up' It made her happy that it's something related to him, but she needed to focus in order to do a code review, and she felt that her brain is a mush.

Sarah sent an email to Aiden with several online stores where he can get customized scarfs for his grandparents and went back to bed. Since she can't work, she should rest. But her thoughts are stubbornly going into direction of a warm hug, and that familiar scent. Her memories of his smile and his deep gaze so vivid, like he is right in front of her. Questions are running through her mind, 'Did that really happen? Was it a mistake? Why do I feel so restless? Will this ever stop?' Sarah was taking deep breaths trying to calm down, but her heart was beating as if it's trying to jump out of her chest.

Her phone made a sound indicating she got an email. She checked and it was reply from Aiden. One word ”Thanks”. She looked at that email and her heart calmed down. It took her few minutes to realize that she is not restless anymore, 'Did just one small email from him settle my emotions? Impossible!'

She turned on her chat app and texted Vivian:

[Sarah]: ”My head is a mess”

...few minutes passed...

[Vivian]: ”Something happened?”

[Sarah]: ”I'm sure you can guess. Do you really need more details?”

[Vivian]: ”Yes, because I want to know. And no, because I told you so”

[Sarah]: …

[Vivian]: ”Do you want to meet?”

[Sarah]: ”I need to figure out this on my own”

[Vivian]: ”OK”

Sarah wanted this unfamiliar feeling to go away. She was always strong willed and in control. She never experienced feelings so intense that they consume her mind, and she can't ignore them.

Sarah got her running gear on and went for a run. Her mp3 player was blasting music in her earphones. Run with a familiar music and cold winter air on her face helped her clear her mind. Finally, she didn't think about Aiden.

Happy with the outcome, she returned to her dorm, and took a shower. Just as she settled down, her mind started racing again. 'Ah! Will this ever stop?', she was desperate.

It was lunch time, so she got ready and headed to cafeteria.

~Tesla University, cafeteria~

Sarah got her lunch but didn't have much appetite. After forcing few bites, she gave up. She still had more than half an hour until afternoon class, so she pulled out her book 'Anna Karenina' with hope to keep her mind busy. It was not working, her eyes went over the lines, but her brain was not accepting them.

”Looks like your mind is elsewhere”, deep voice came from behind. Aiden took a seat next to her. When she realized that he is right next to her, she inhaled and held her breath.

It took her only few seconds to become aware that restlessness which consumed her since she woke up disappeared.

She exhaled and said in a quiet voice, ”It seems I can't help but to think of you.”

Aiden was surprised, and it took him few seconds to recover. He smiled, ”I missed you too.”

”Huh?” Sarah was confused. 'Is this missing someone?'

She shook her head, ”It seems I have a lot to learn.”

”It will be my pleasure to teach you”, he said with a sly smile, and she found his voice enchanting.

Sarah observed him and her lips stretched into a smile. She acknowledged to herself that when she was with Aiden, it felt right. Like that is the way it's supposed to be. She felt like a puzzle with a missing piece, and he was the piece completing her puzzle. Sarah told herself not to run away from this. Every time she was with him, her feelings changed and reached next level. She was curious what the next level will be.

Sarah noticed behind Aiden a man looking at them. She took a minute to recognize him, and asked Aiden, ”Behind you, three tables down, short brown hair, dark blue jacket with gray collar. Do you know him?”.

Aiden glanced behind and frowned. ”Yes, Philip. Why?”

Sarah hesitated for few seconds seeing that Aiden's mood worsened, but she started talking, and can't stop now. ”Last week he approached me and asked if I'm your girl.”

'Why would Philip approach her? He can't have good intentions. I need to keep her away from him.' Aiden was getting agitated while thinking about Philip talking with Sarah, ”And, what did you say?”

”I don't remember”, Sarah mumbled. She could not tell him that she stated that they are not even friends, but acquaintances at best.

”If he asks you again, make sure to tell him the truth.”

Sarah can tell that he is upset about something, but is not sure about what, ”What truth?”

”That you are my girl”, he smiled.