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The fact that he’s chosen to give up on me…
But I know it’s not right. To keep his identity a secret from me for so long because of what? Fear? What can he possibly be so afraid of? What does he have to hide? Which makes the possibility that it’s Paisley or a prank that much more believable.
I try not to sigh as I read over the letters and poems. I delve into them, dissecting, searching, hoping that maybe there’s a clue to his identity. Or a clue why he’s so reluctant to tell me who he is. But I can’t find anything.
Maybe it’s not the loss ofhimthat has me this upset, but the loss of thepossibilityof having a relationship with someone who appreciates me for who I am. Accepts me for who I am.
My phone beeps with a text from Willow in the group chat.
Willow: Heard anything from him?
Chloe: No. Nothing.
Willow: Sucks. I’m sorry.
Lily: Maybe he needs more time?
Willow: How much more time can she give him? What he’s doing isn’t right.
Lily: You never know what a person is going through. Maybe he has an issue he’s worried Chloe won’t accept.
Chloe: I don’t care what issues he has. I would give him a chance no matter what.
Ava: Maybe he has really bad social anxiety?
Willow: Definitely a possibility. Would explain why it’s so hard to work up the courage to speak to her.
Chloe: I wouldn’t want to force him if he really does have anxiety. Ugh, guys. I messed up big time.
Willow: I don’t think you did. I think you were firm with him. If he really does have anxiety and has a hard time meeting people, he could have written you another letter. Maybe explained why he’s hiding?
Chloe: Not if I pushed too hard.
They’re quiet. They probably don’t know what to say.
Chloe: I have no way of contacting him to apologize. Unless I write something for the online paper. But that might make things worse…
Willow: I want to root for you guys, but seeing him hurt you like this really upsets me. Maybe it’s time to forget him.
Ava: I don’t want to give up on you guys, but Willow might be right. Maybe he’s not ready for a relationship.
Chloe: Maybe I should just forget about him. Forget any of this happened and just move on with my boring life.
They’re quiet again.
Lily: I wish it didn’t end like this.
Chloe: Me too
Willow: There is something I can do…
Chloe: What?
Willow: I can try hacking into the security system again and search through every footage that features Derek Chen. Maybe there’s a video of him speaking to someone. It could be your guy.
Chloe: Forget it. You don’t have time for that because you need to work on your app. Besides, I don’t want you to hack into the school again. Look, I just need to accept that this is over.
Lily: Maybe don’t close the door on him completely. He might still reach out.
