Waiting For Summer. Sherelle Green

always knew he had more to give. He hadn’t said anything to her at the time, but instead, he’d remained silent while she hashed out her feelings. Feelings that he was all too familiar with. She’d said that, at times, it seemed like he didn’t really care about her at all. That wasn’t true. He had cared about her, even if his heart had been blocked. He told her such, but she didn’t seem to listen. He didn’t push the issue because, unfortunately, she wasn’t the first woman to tell him that.

      Seventeen years ago...

      “I’m so excited we’re here,” Rochelle said with a squeal when they walked into the dance. Aiden only smiled and tried his best not to get annoyed by the way she was tugging on his arms.

      “It’s the last dance we’ll have before high school starts. Aren’t you excited Aiden?”

      “Thrilled.” He hoped his voice didn’t sound as nonchalant as he really felt.

      “Why can’t you at least pretend to be happy that you’re at the dance with me?”

      “I am happy to be at the dance with you.”

      She crossed her arms over her chest. “Then why are you looking around the room like you’re trying to find someone else? You better not be looking for Summer.”

      “Why can’t I look for Summer? Aren’t you going to look for your friends?”

      “My friends are all girls. No boy and girl should be best friends. It doesn’t make sense.”

      He sighed. “I have guy friends, too, so how about you look for your friends and I’ll look for my friends.”

      When he stopped looking around the room for Summer and looked at Rochelle, he noticed how sad she looked.

      “I’m sorry,” he said sincerely. “Do you want to dance now and we’ll find our friends later?”

      “Yes,” she said with a big smile, before grabbing his hand and leading him to the dance floor. He really did like Rochelle, but he didn’t understand why she always got so upset about Summer. They were just friends.

      “This is nice,” Rochelle said when they were on their eighth song. Aiden discreetly looked around the room as she talked. Summer should be here already. Last time he’d talked to her, they’d agreed to arrive with their dates around the same time.