Ariel's point of view...

I decided to go back into Xander's room because, I was not going home again.

Where everything just reminds me of all the bad things...

I got into Xander's bed and covered myself with the cover.  Then I grabbed the remote from off  of the bed and turned the TV on...

Xander came into sight, then he looked at me.

Xander: Is it okay if I come inside?

(I nodded my head)

He walked in and then sat next to me on the bed.

Xander: Ariel...

I'm sorry, for saying those things to you. It's just...

(He paused, and looked up at the ceiling) I sat up, to give him the gesture of "I'm listening."

Xander: I just want to know, how you feel about me.

(Xander is still looking up at the ceiling)

Xander: Ariel, please don't pretend as if you're oblivious or don't know what I'm saying...

I just need to know...

....

(It took Ariel a moment to respond)

Ariel: Well, honestly Xander I'm not sure...

She looks down at the bed with her legs crossed.

Ariel: Zan, it's just if I get into a relationship, with my best friend. What happens after?

Who would I go to if I needed to express my feelings to? If you were my boyfriend and something happens between us.

I just don't want to lose my best friend.

And I know that Zack is my best friend as well but I don't want to lose you either...

Xander...
I'm not ready to voice my opinion, because I don't know what it is.

Ariel hugs him tightly.

Returning the gesture he wraps his arms around her.

Ariel: just need you to be my person, Xander.

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. It's for the Better. For us to be this way.

Ariel: And Xander
I will respect your feelings.

She let go of him.

And then grabbed his right hand.

Ariel: We're in this together, Xander... 

Xander's point of view.

S

he was right. It stings a little. But I knew she was right.

Ariel's point of view

.

I don't know if what I said to him was what I really should've said. I know that my decision will benefit eventually.

(Xander is currently playing his console)

Ariel's point of view still...

When Xander plays his console. I just watch.  And it's interesting. All the different games, and missions. I've learned a few things from watching him.

He knows that I watch him play,  and I don't know if he just does it for me or not. He doesn't play his console very much though.

I turned on my phone, and searched up "Noah" in my contacts.

I went out of the room and went into the kitchen to make a bowl of cereal. I grabbed my earbuds I left on the counter and plugged them into my phone and put the earbud piece into my ears.

I pressed call. It ranged for a few moments, and surprisingly he answered quickly.

*Phone call conversation*

Noah: Hey, Ariel

Oh, hi Noah. I didn't expect for you to answer so quickly lmao.

....

Noah?

Noah: Did you just seriously just say "lmao" during a phone call?

Yes...

Noah: Okay, that definitely isn't right.

They both laughed, together...

Noah: So what did you call for, Ariel?

Well.

She looks at the hallway, to make sure Xander isn't coming.

Well, you see it's about Xander...

Oh?

Well, I just don't think I will be calling you about any special arrangements soon...
Xander just needs me.

Noah: What does Xander have to do with our relationship.

Noah, we don't have a relationship.

I know...

But I want one. I think I like you.

....

Ariel's point of view.

Both of us were silent. So silent I heard Noah's heartbeat pounding.

Noah suddenly answers.

Noah: It's just you're different.

And I haven't had any, real relationships.

And I want one.... with you.

Noah...
I'm not sure it's just I don't know what I'm ready for.

Okay, Ariel. That's fine. Eventually I hope you can give me a call soon about this. I don't know what Xander has to do with this really.

Ariel?

....

Yeah, Noah?

Talk to you later.

Oh. Yeah. Bye.

She hangs up.

I take out my earbuds, and unplug them from my phone.

I close my eyes, somehow hoping it could make me forget about what just happened.

I make my bowl of fruit loops. I didn't want anything special.

Xander walks in.

Xander: I heard you talking to someone. Anyone important?

Ariel: I'm not sure.

Xander: Alright then.

Xander's point of view.

I see in her eyes, she's a little heartbroken. In my head, I knew that it could be a possibility it was about Noah. But I didn't want to make that assumption. I walked over to her. And reached over to her head to rub, and pat it. It may seem weird. But I knew it would make her feel better. She got up from her chair and got up to hug me.

It felt like our hearts were trying to stick together.

I held her. And I couldn't let go. I think we both needed this. She tilted her head up to me. And I looked into her eyes. And she looked into  mine.

Ariel: The universe, is rumbling Xander.

Xander: What do you mean?

Ariel: I don't know really. I just don't know what I need anymore.

Ariel: I say that it's for the better, to only stay friends but it sort of feels like my heart is telling me something else.

When she said that. My heart pounded even more. I was so afraid she was gonna shatter my heart.  I had no words. I just wanted my aching heart to be over. Before she could do anything else, I said something.

Xander: Let's go out and do something fun. You, know we can't stay inside all the time.

She was still looking into his eyes. And she gave a faint smile, and nodded.

It was kind of difficult to not want to just scoop her up. But It wasn't my place. And I wasn't sure if she wanted me to do that.

Ariel: Okay, Xander let's go do that. 

She laughed heartedly, and smiled brightly

Xander: We'll go wherever you want Ariel...