35 Times Flies By

She would occasionally meet Cyril and Aiden during college, have a little chat and then mind her own business, which was nothing but running around in the race track many times, before classes would start. At home, she would practice archery, almost the entire day. When she would tire herself out, finally, she would enter her room and study until midnight. Most of the days, her mom would find her snoring on her desk, books lying here and there.

She had lost her appetite. She had never been this lonely, Linda used to be there for her all the time. Occasionally used to text her, and even call her from time to time. Always sending memes, jokes, celebrity gossips, new songs and whatnot. But they hadn't been in touch since she had left.

She had become very lonely. Even though she had other friends, like Aiden, Cyril and Henry, but the problem was, all of them were boys, and it was a different feeling for her as she had no other girl - friends except Linda, because she did not need one. Linda had been always more than enough, her one and only true best friend.

Now, she didn't have someone to whom she could express herself. She treated Linda like her sister, always sharing her joys and griefs. The more she thought about it, the more nervous and anxious she became. Moreover, Linda hadn't even updated her even once after she left. Not even personally, nor publicly on social media.

Ivy would mock her for being a sore loser at making friends and would laugh at her for being a complete mess these days. Even daring to pull up a prank on her every now and then. She then started to distance herself at college, hiding in some unknown corner, spending time alone. She started to crumble under mental pressure. Her mom noticed this unusual behavior and even inquired about it, but Emily brushed it off that moment, faking a smile.

Entering her room, she realized, that right now her mom was her only support and decided to open up about her feelings. She went back downstairs, sat down with her in the kitchen and talked things out.

Emily had no idea how long she talked but she kept talking for hours until her voice became croaky as she poured out her emotions. But... She purposely did not bring up the topic about being bullied because she didn't want her mom to be worried about her very much.

After she was done, Emily had to admit, she felt way better. However, she still could not get over the fact that Linda had not contacted her for so long and it was really unsettling. She was uneasy, but had a firm belief that there must be a reason behind it, knowing Linda for so many years, she knew how she would keep her updated about her whereabouts.

The next day she appeared at college, fairly refreshed. Although, she had no intention of meeting up with Cyril or Aiden, as it would be really embarrassing for her to explain her situation. What if they make fun of me? What if they just turn a cold shoulder? What if they say I'm too weak? She could not bother herself to face them and give an explanation of why she had not kept it touch with them over the past few days.

She deliberately avoided those places where they usually met. Hiding her face, pretending to ignore and mind her own business, she quickly tried to make her way towards her class. But, unfortunately for her, Aiden recognized her and was waving his hand while running towards her. Emily started striding more quickly but Aiden grabbed her arm and forced her to face him. She dare not make eye contact her kept her face lowered, avoiding his gaze.

"Emily..." He said. She could clearly sense the sorrow in his voice. Her heart ached, like it never did. It was a different and contradicting feeling. "Emily..." He said again, "Why are you avoiding me?"

Emily bit her lip. She did not have the strength to answer him. Realizing the fact that during all this time, while she wasn't in the right state of mind, not contacting him made him suffer too... The way she had been feeling all this time, Linda not responding to her texts and calls. Her heart throbbed with pain. So much, as if daggers were stabbing her from the back.

"Why did you not respond to my texts? You even ignored all my calls." He said, once again, making her feel guilty, more than ever.

"I-..." Emily tried to respond, but lost her energy.

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Just then, Aiden's warm hand touched her chin, as he lifted her head to meet his gaze. "Emily, look." He muttered in his low husky voice. Emily's finally looked at him. His hazel-green eyes staring directly into hers. She was mesmerized. She had never been this close to him...