I wish we hadn't ended.

Chapter 6: Regret.

ARIA BEVERLEIGH
Back in the passenger seat next to Zaid, I couldn't help but wish the day wouldn't come to an end so soon. The joy we shared and the connection we felt lingered, and I knew I'd spend the evening going through the cute selfies we took. Laughter and fun defined the day, offering a welcome break from the routine. However, a subtle tension crept in as I couldn't shake off the image of Jamilah's presence in Zaid's classroom today.
Gosh, did I have to think about this? Like right now?

"Aria, you're lost in thought again. What's on your mind?" Zaid turned towards me, the red glow of a traffic light illuminating his face.

"Just tired, it was a crazy day with mixed emotions," I replied, meeting his gaze.

"I understand, and I'm sor—"

"Can we skip that talk?" I cut in, avoiding delving into the complexities of our recent fight.

"Sure. So, did I manage to make up, at least?"

"Yeah, you did," I chuckled, clutching my Hello Kitty plushie.

"Good for me then," he mumbled, but I caught him stealing a glance at my lips. In turn, I observed his lips. The moment turned awkward, and he quickly refocused on the road.

"Why did he look at my lips? Did he have feelings for me too?
These questions echoed in my mind.

Like, why would you stare at your friend's lips, right?

At your best friend's lips.

"Thanks for today, Zaid," I said, aiming to break the building tension.

"Don't thank me. We had a fantastic time together, and I'm looking forward to another hangout," he replied, a sincere smile playing on his lips.

Did he mean it? I wondered. I reciprocated with a smile, glancing out of the window, caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The ups and downs of the day left me drained, yearning for a soul-soothing break.

After a 15-minute car ride, we reached my house. Zaid inquired, "Want me to walk you in?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm good. It's just three steps. I ain't a little kid."

As I was about to open the door, Zaid suddenly gripped my arm, his eyes locking onto mine. In that moment, my heart picked up speed, and I found myself both stunned and intrigued. I could feel the warmth rising in my cheeks and ears, and my breath caught in my lungs. It was a silent exchange, yet it held a multitude of unspoken emotions.

"Sleep well, see you tomorrow," he said, releasing my arm.

"You too." I mumbled. I KNOW, I could have said something like "Goodnight, thank you! Sleep well too!" But instead, I chose to be DRY. But I promise, that happened unintentionally, like I was stunned, my mind went blank because I was expecting something else.

I then composed myself, took a deep breath, and reopened the door. Really? All of that just for a simple goodnight? I hurried to my house door, and he hadn't driven away yet. He waved, I waved back, then headed inside. I heard his car pass by after entering. It was cute that he waited for me to get inside – not all guys do that.
But I was still upset— that moment was just UNEXPLAINABLE.

In my room, I felt empty once again. He was gone. Loneliness crept back, accompanied only by the memories we had created today. Was he thinking about me right now too?

ZAID EASTON
After dropping Aria off at her house, I found myself in the car on my way home. The atmosphere felt dull and lifeless without her – no bracelets jingling, no small talk, no sweet perfume, no Aria. While waiting at a red traffic light, my eyes were drawn to the passenger seat where she had sat, and there, I noticed one of her bracelets.