Gemotions

The party lights blurred, a kaleidoscope reflecting the chaos within Leo. He’d recognized Chloe from across the crowded room, the girl who’d defended him against the neighborhood bullies, the girl who knew all his secrets. He'd gone over, a knot of excitement and anticipation tightening his stomach. "Chloe! Remember me?" he’d asked, a hopeful lilt in his voice. She'd tilted her head, a confused expression clouding her features. "I'm sorry," she'd replied, her voice slightly strained, "I don't think we've met." Leo felt his face flush. He retreated, bumping into a table and spilling a drink down his shirt. He mumbled an apology and then just kept walking, away from the chatter, away from the flashing lights, away from anyone who could see the turmoil churning inside him.