Theo cleared his throat as his fingers fiddled with the empty espresso cup.

  ?You heard about that, huh? Typical Charlotte.? he tried to play it off with a forced smirk, but there was bitterness in his tone, and he wasn't really fooling anyone. Especially not her. Not when she knew him too well. She had memorized every one of his smiles.

  ?Not much... but yeah. Since you all suddenly stopped coming... I sometimes see Freddy around. He's still visiting his grandma every Sunday.? she pointed out, eating her cake.

  He couldn't help but smirk a bit at that, feeling a little better at the mention of Freddy. The guy was still around, huh? Typical.

  ?Yeah, that sounds like him. He always had a soft spot for little old ladies.? he drummed his fingers against the rim of his glass, staring into the bottom of the cup. He wanted to ask what else she'd heard about that fight... but he couldn't bring himself to.

  ?But only a few times in few months. Depends on luck.? she added, noticing his slight struggle.

  He nodded slightly, his fingers still tapping against the glass. He wanted to push the conversation further — to find out how much she knew — but the words were dying on his tongue. There were a few moments of silence as the café sounds surrounded them. The soft chatter, the clinking of saucers, the faint music... He could practically hear the thoughts whirling inside her head. Or was it just his own?

  He finally cleared his throat, setting the cup down a bit too loudly. ?So... how's college?? he asked, doing it real smooth. Avoiding the elephant in the room with the precision of a main ballerina from Swan Lake.

  She watched him. ?You're not going to ask how Charlotte is doing?? she said bluntly, not scared like him. More annoyed at seeing him like this. Tongue-tied. Asking about her college as if it really interested him, when they both knew it was just an excuse.

  There it was. The dreaded question. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but his eyes gave him away. He cleared his throat, focusing on the plate before him, tracing its edge lightly with his finger. He shrugged nonchalantly, pretending his heart hadn't skipped a beat at the mere mention of her name.

  ?Charlotte? I'm sure she's fine. Probably got a whole bunch of new friends to keep her busy.? he sounded almost indifferent. Almost.

  She noticed it. Of course she did. She wasn't blind. Never had been. She was fully aware of what his eyes were searching for in the past. Since she herself had watched them for hours — seeing the reflection in them, the sparks, the happiness. Hoping maybe, one time... just once... Well, it didn't matter anyway. Now all of that was just... empty, stupid hopes of childhood fools. And she... she never stood a tiny bit of a chance. That much was true. She smiled.

  ?Well, she is. She's in France now, on a student scholarship exchange.?

  He felt his breath catch in his throat at the mention of that. France... of course. Of course she was. Of course, she was off traveling somewhere while he stayed put, stuck in this damn town—

  He cleared his throat again, fingers curling into fists under the table. He managed a faint smirk. ?France, huh? Sounds exciting.? he sounded about as genuine as a robot.

  He had always been a bad liar. She felt something swing in her chest as she tightened her grip on her cup.

  ?You know... You can always... text her. I don't think... she would really mind.? It was the right thing to say. She knew she would probably regret it — she already was, even as she did it. She didn't really want to. She hated it. But she couldn't stop watching him like this. So... hurt. Feeling she needed... somehow... to fix it. Not like she really could — it wasn't her case. But... sometimes the small things make a difference.

  ?Text her?? he let out a dry, quiet laugh — more like a breath than real amusement. His eyes flicked up to hers, guarded now. ?Yeah. Maybe.? he rubbed his thumb along the rim of the plate again. ?Wouldn't know what to say after all this time.? he paused for a moment, adding softly. ?And besides... seems like she's doing just fine without me.?

  ?You can say you met me. I was always a good excuse.? she said with a slightly forced smile, sipping the rest of her tea. She had always known that... she'd just never said it out loud.

  ?Met you?? he looked at her then — really looked. Not just at the woman she'd become, but at the girl who used to sneak into the living room just to watch him from behind a book. The one who cried when he didn't come around for months. The one who had just given him an out — a way back to Charlotte — with quiet, selfless grace.

  His throat tightened.

  ?Yeah.? he said softly, his voice rougher than before. ?Guess I could say that.? But he didn't look away from her as he added — though I'd be lying if that was the only reason.

  She smiled more, nodding, unable to help feeling that familiar... old pang in her chest. Just able to mask it fully now. She wasn't a kid. She'd grown up learning how to hide her real feelings. Showing how much she wanted to scream now wasn't going to change anything for the better. Only for the worse. She had to think better than that. Sometimes, you just can't have the things you want... The people, the loved ones... Walking with your heart in your hand wasn't always leading in the best directions. ?You should do that. There's no point in wondering what it would be. Don't slip up the chance. ?

  His chest ached again at the gentle reminder. He watched her, for real, studying her now-grown face, the familiar way the light fell over her lashes when she looked down, the slight upturn of her lips when she spoke...

  She was right, he knew that. But there was a difference between knowing and accepting. And he'd spent most of his adult life running from the truth. He tried to smile, but it came out weak, too sentimental.

  ?Guess I should.?

  She nodded once more, finishing her tea to the very bottom. ?Well, I should be going now. I have a project tomorrow, I should study a bit for it. You want the lift?? she asked, smiling. She said everything that she had to say. And at the same time, nothing at all. Having enough, couldn't stand the situation there any longer, just wanting to find the way out. Or rather, she will lose her mind. She was now feeling so... small. It was the same unpleasant feeling of the past, of being completely invisible. It was really no way out, huh? No matter how much she grows... and how pretty she gets... Everything. Was more than pointless. This wasn't about to turn into being about her. Not now, not ever. It was her sister's world... all around. It was one of the reasons why she was grateful they were no longer living in the same town. Otherwise, she didn't know if she could finally learn how to breathe. With fresh air, the way she was doing now.

  He watched her stand, gathering her things, and felt a pang of reluctance. Like the past hour hadn't been enough — like even the thought of her leaving felt too soon, too abrupt. He quickly pushed the thought down, forcing a nonchalant smirk that was just a cover for the way his gaze lingered on her face a bit too long.

  ?Sure.? he answered casually, starting to gather his things as well. ?But are you sure you can handle my old man cane in your fancy car??

  ?It's probably older than you, so I don't think it will mind.? she said as she pulled her coat around her shoulders again.

  He chuckled at that, rising to his feet. The thought of her driving some beat-up old car that was older than her somehow amused him. ?Yeah, alright. Lead the way, then.?

  He followed her toward the door, hiding his hands in his pockets once again. He tried to act like he wasn't stealing glances at her, but his gaze kept drifting, taking in every detail he could. God, when did she get this pretty?

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  She guided him to her car, one she'd bought with her savings from her first job. Since Charlotte had crashed their parents' old car, she hadn't been left with many choices — other than buying one on her own if she didn't want her license to gather dust. It was better to do what you had learn. Otherwise, she would probably forget too quickly. And what use would that be?

  ?It might not look that good... but it's safe.? she said after opening it, getting into the driver's seat. – ?Where do you live now??

  ?Not looking good? ? he peered inside the car, raising an eyebrow at the slightly dented passenger door and the suspiciously fresh sticker on the windshield. But it was clean — immaculately so — and clearly loved.

  ?Looks like it's got character. ? he said, opening the door with exaggerated care.

  He took the passenger seat beside her, eyeing the car with a critical eye. He had to admit, it really wasn't much to look at. But he also knew that if anyone could take good care of it, it was her...

  He paused before settling in, turning to her with that half-smirk — the one that used to make her stomach flip. ?I live near Oakridge. Two blocks from the old bookstore.?

  She nodded, not getting caught on that smirk this time. It wasn't for her... it was just a tease. She turned her eyes firmly to the road. ?The parking is still there, right? I'll drop you there.?

  He buckled his seat belt, stealing another look at her profile.

  ?Yeah. Still there.? The interior of the car smelled faintly of her perfume — something light, like lavender and citrus... Her gaze grew more concentrated as she nodded, turning on the radio and pulling onto the road.

  They drove in silence, filled with music, passing through the still, slightly crowded streets of the town. People dressed in black and white, or colorful clothes, are living their own lives. Going back to houses where they belonged. To friends, to the arms of lovers... or to hours spent alone in their own company.

  He tried to stay focused on the passing landscape... but he found himself drifting back to her again and again. There was something about the way she sat in the driver's seat — a quiet confidence — that made him curious. He shifted in his seat, trying to get comfortable.

  ?So...? he finally spoke, as they turned onto another street – ?How's life at college going for you? Still passing all those med classes with flying colors, I bet. ?

  ?I'm not bad. But I don't want to be the best in the year... The race for the scholarship is rather rough. ? she pointed out, not really interested in that talk.

  He raised an eyebrow at that, turning to her again. He was surprised. She had always been good at everything she set her mind to. School was no exception. He smirked slightly.

  ?Not bad, huh? I bet you're top of the class... and just too modest to admit it.?

  ?No, not really. I'm more of the chatter in the back.? she said, stopping at the lights as they turned red.

  ?Chatter in the back?? he let out a chuckle, shaking his head. ?Same Amy. Hiding in the shadows, even when she's shining brighter than everyone else. ? The light turned green. He watched her hands on the wheel, steady, sure, as she started driving again. ?You always did that.? he added quietly. ?Let people underestimate you.?

  ?I didn't.? she said, turning on the turn signal. ?Just Charlotte loved doing that.?

  ?Charlotte, yeah. She had that habit.? he smirked faintly, leaning his elbow on the armrest between them. He watched her drive in silence for a moment, the words floating in his head before he pushed them out.

  ?You know.? he said, turning his gaze to her serious face. ?You were always the smart one, even if you didn't show it. Your teachers said it all the time. You just never believed it.?

  ?It wasn't a matter of belief. There's a difference between being smart at school and in real life. Luca... was always better than me.? she said, remembering her childhood friend, who was often back then at her side too. A boy from her school, she used to sit with after many of the lessons.

  ?Luca? ? he frowned slightly at the name — as it came with an echo he wasn't expecting. He remembered that kid: quiet, sharp-eyed, always showing up at her house before school with a backpack twice his size. He leaned back a bit too sharply in his seat. ?How is he doing these days? You still keep in touch with him??

  ?Yeah... I do. He's doing well. Working in IT now.? she admitted.

  ?IT? ? he nodded slowly, watching the city lights blur past. He wasn't sure why that answer left a bitter taste in his mouth. Like he'd just lost a competition he didn't know he was in. ?Smart guy. ? he said finally, too casually, maybe too quietly. ?Always figured he'd end up somewhere serious. You two close??

  ?Yeah, why?? she said, looking at him slightly.

  He chuckled. ?No reason.? he added after a second. ?Just asking. ? he could feel her gaze on him, curiosity mixed with... something he couldn't quite tell. He forced a smirk, glancing over. ?Didn't know you liked nerds.? he added in a light tone, trying to brush off that weird feeling in his chest.

  ?What do you mean, like...?? she asked, looking at him a bit flustered, caught off guard. Just for a moment, taking her eyes off the road.

  He noticed her reaction instantly. The hint of pink on her cheeks, the subtle flicker of her gaze. He smirked, enjoying the way she lost her composure.

  ?Nerd. You know... quiet, book-smart, tech guy, always tinkering around with gadgets.? he couldn't help but tease her a bit, pushing the question. ?I just thought you didn't go for the bookish type.?

  ?We're not dating.? she announced firmly, glancing at him while keeping her eyes on the road, a bit annoyed.? He's gay. And living with his boyfriend in a different town. But we keep in touch, since we were raised together.? she explained, to make things clear. ?But yeah... I like the bookish type.? she admitted bluntly. She couldn't help herself. He was... always a bit bookish himself, after all. Mechanical engineering...? She could guess he could have gone somewhere like that.

  His smirk faded slightly as she wiped it off his face with the clarification, but he tried not to show it. Just a bit.

  ?Oh.? he said, nonchalantly. He leaned back, pretending to focus on the street outside. ?Got it. So, just friends then.?

  She nodded, driving, glad he finally got the message. ?Yeah. Just friends...? she said, keeping it clear. She still remembered the teasing from the past... and at school. It had already gotten boring.

  ?Think I missed a bit too much.? he huffed lightly.

  She looked back at him. ?Well, of course you did, grandpa.?

  ?Grandpa, again?? he let out a low laugh, shaking his head as he turned to her.

  ?Just trying to keep up with the times, sunshine.? he couldn't help but be a little surprised by the news. ?You two looked cute, but it seems time flies fast.? But this time, when his eyes met hers briefly in the dim glow of the passing streets, there was something softer underneath. Not quite teasing. Not quite safe. ?Though I'm starting to think you're the one who's grown up way too fast.?

  ?Why is that? Missing carrying me to bed now?? she teased, just a bit, finding the sudden melancholy a little funny.

  ?Missing that? ? he turned to her, dropping his voice low, half laughing, half something else entirely. – ?Kid, I carried you to bed too many times. You remember how you fell asleep on my shoulder during that pirate movie? Charlotte threatened to ban me from the house if I let you sleep on the couch. ? he paused, a smirk forming. But his eyes lingered a second too long. ?But yeah... maybe I miss being someone's favourite place to fall asleep.? The air in the car shifted, quiet now, charged in a way neither of them expected.

  Her heart skipped at that. A bit hard. Too hard. And she tightened her grip on the wheel, with all her strength, pushing it away, trying not to let herself get distracted — even if it was probably already too late.

  ?Right... You just wanted to get me away from the living room so you two could be alone.? she said, smirking a bit at that, hardly. Very hard. Barely managing to.

  He let out a soft snort of breath.

  ?That too.? he said sarcastically. The memory was sharp in his brain now — the way she'd curled against him, sleeping like a limp rag doll, completely content to be held. ?You were a clingy kid.? he added softly. ?Couldn't get you to let go even in your sleep.?

  The fact was... she was aware of that. That evening. And she just... didn't want to let go. Couldn't do that. Couldn't leave him with Charlotte like this. Feeling it in her bones, that if she did, something might break inside her. And she would be crying hard all night — and the few nights after. So, she simply didn't.

  ?Yeah... I was a bit, wasn't I?? she said, quieter, getting back on the road. ?Is this the turn?? She asked, meaning the way to the parking near his house, swiftly changing the topic.

  He looked out the window, almost surprised to see they'd already reached his street. He felt like the car ride hadn't been long enough — like he wasn't ready for her to drop him off.

  ?Yeah.? he said, clearing his throat. ?Turn right here.? he tried to keep things light, ignoring the sudden tightness in his chest. ?Thanks for that. Not many people are willing to drive an old man around at night. ?

  ?No problem. You're welcome.? she said, stopping at the parking spot. ?Have a good night.? she added, smiling a bit.

  He hesitated for a moment before unbuckling his seatbelt, glancing over at her. Her face looked soft in the glow of the streetlights, her gaze fixed on him, and he felt that familiar pang in his chest again — the same tightness he'd felt ever since she met with him in front of the main building of their university. He tried to push it down.

  ?You too.? he kept his voice casual. ?Drive safe, alright? Wouldn't want you crashing the car on your way home.?

  ?I won't. I'm a better driver than my sister.? she admitted, watching him as he got out.

  He smirked slightly at that, the familiar banter feeling like coming home in a way. He couldn't help it.

  ?Oh, I bet you are. ? he said, pushing the door open.?Still remember the time Charlotte nearly drove us into the ditch on the way back from the beach.? he turned to her, catching her gaze just for a moment. ?Night, sunshine.?

  She watched him, despite all of that, feeling a slight tightness in her chest. ?Sleep well, grandpa!? she called after him, waving, before she turned the car on again and drove out of the parking lot, leaving him there.

  ?Grandpa...? he mumbled as he shook his head with a quiet laugh, watching her drive off. The taillights of her car disappeared around the corner, and he was left standing in the quiet of the night with his hands in his pockets. He didn't move right away. Just stood there, like he expected her to come back.

  And for the first time in years, he felt the quiet weight of unfinished things settling in his chest.