Emily, wait up. The girl turned towards the voice. She already knew that Thomas was waiting once again outside her house.
Arent you tired of this yet? Youre here every single day! Emily said. Thomas handed her a small bouquet, a little awkward.
I just wanted to see you, he replied.
Emily hesitantly took the flowers, letting out a long sigh. What am I to do with you? You need to realise nothings going to happen between us, she said, clearly frustrated. I keep telling you the same thing. Youre like a kid.
I cant help it. Maybe itll pass one day.
It wont pass as long as you keep chasing after me. Ive told you a hundred times, Thomas! You mean nothing to me.
Dont be cross, love, it doesnt suit you. Sweet dreams, Thomas said quietly.
And Im not your girlfriend! Emily shouted after him.
Thomas had fallen for Emily almost instantly. Shed started at their school when he was in Year 8, and from then on, shed always sat next to him. Emily had liked Thomas, too; back then, they were inseparable. Now, after finishing school, Emily had changed completely. She no longer saw Thomas by her side.
How can this be? Thomas wonders. He starts seeing Emily being walked home by other blokes. Its painful for him to see. In those moments, he swears never to chase her again. But the next day, somehow his feet carry him to Emilys door all over again.
Emily has long guessed shell find Thomas sitting on the bench by the gate each evening. She hopes hell finally catch her with another man and leave her be.
Why are you here every evening? Waiting for someone? she asks him one night.
Thomas lifts his gaze. In front of him stands a girl he hasnt seen before. He instantly notices her bright ginger hair and the freckles dotted across her nose. When she smiles, shes wonderfully pretty. A fox-red dog trots at her heel.
Thomas thinks she looks cheekythe sort of girl whod run about with a dog. He smiles and says,
Im just waiting on happiness. But its nowhere to be found
Maybe youre looking in the wrong place, the girl replies. Maybe you should go out and find it. Charlie and I walk here every day. Fancy joining us? The three of us can try our luck.
Thomas glances up at Emilys window, hesitates, then stands up and says, determined, You know what, I think I will.
Emily is rather taken aback. For the first time, she doesnt find Thomas on that bench. She slows her pace, but sees no one. Emily walks over to the spot Thomas usually sits.
Its empty, she thinks. Suddenly, a dogs bark rings out. Then, in the distance, she spies two figures. From afar, Emily clearly recognises Thomasand a girl. A pang of jealousy stings her. For the first time, Thomas hasnt been waiting for her. Inside, she feels an ache, an emptiness. And the stranger leads Thomas further away.
