Bound By Hearts Distance Between Us

Distance Between Us

Jayden and Lena walking through the school courtyard. She's holding his hand, but he's only half listening

Lena

So you didn't call last night

Jayden

(half smiling) Got caught up dad had me rehearsing that speech

Lena

(dryly) right always the good son

Jayden

(teasing) don't act like you don't love it

Lena

maybe, but I'd love it more if you looked at me like I wasn't just a part of the script

Jayden stop walking for a second. Then smiles again like nothing happened

Art room later that day. Noah sketches quietly. Avery watches from across the table

Avery

Are you going to show me that, are we playing another round of "Pretend It's Nothing"?

Noah

(softly) it's just a face. I don't even know who it is

Avery lean in, peeks at the sketch gentle eyes soft features

Avery

Looks peaceful. Which probably means they're fictional

Noah

(shrugs) Peace feels fictional lately

Avery

You should talk to Jayden more

Noah

what's tHe point? he's too busy being… Whatever that want him to be

At home in the Calloway home that night Jayden enters Noah's room knocking once.

Jayden

You always in the dark, or is that just your vibe now?

Noah

It's easier to think when I'm not pretending

Jayden

(leans against the door frame) you're the only one who doesn't have to

Noah

(bitter laugh) that's the lie they feed you. I just don't fake it as well as you

Jayden hearing that doesn't respond

Party Friday . Don't disappear after school like last time

Noah

why? So I can stand in a corner while you perform for Dad

Jayden

(quietly) So maybe it feels less empty

beads of science. then Jayden leaves. Noah turns back to his sketch pad, a shadow of something real in his eye's

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