carefully listening

 

Dylan hoped he wasn't over the top, but somehow he felt that way with Tori even if she never said it. Yes, she was very had to read, but then he didn't know her well. And still, she'd managed to tell him so much more than Caitlin ever did, even before he was Dylan.

Caitlin was truly a mystery. And maybe even a lost cause. Still, they'd managed to be chummy. But he knew he'd let her down. She did have her good intentions as if she was not the one to confide in. And in the past year, he found it more true each day. It was surprising Caitlin even wanted to work with him anymore. He knew it wasn't about hate, but it was clear he made her uncomfortable now. It was as if he'd hidden something from her, but he didn't mean to. It was just a certain persona was under his skin that couldn't wait to get out. He'd never felt he was truly Hannah. He'd always been Dylan. Though, Caitlin never noticed.

But now, it was like a clean slate, perhaps. And it was good for Tori to only know him now and not the past. Yet, he didn't want to be a liar either. He really didn't know how to bring up how he used to be. Besides, this was no time to start.

There was a cake to put together. There was cake in the freezer and all it needed was to be iced. It was more of an art project to him than real food, but hopefully, everyone would enjoy the three-tier cake.  He knew enough about Tori that she did love Star Wars. They'd had fun watching the Star Wars movies and even a little cosplay. 

Honestly, he wasn't expecting much from his new friend, but after finding out about all her voice troubles he wanted to be there for her. He wanted to be the friend she needed. After all, maybe Caitlin didn't need him. It was like she was in another world lately. Caitlin didn't like it when he spoke of Tori.

Of course, he asked if she was jealous, Caitlin seemed to resent him, even more, when he brought it up. In the end, he didn't really care what Caitlin thought anymore. She didn't exactly care about him, anyway.  It was a truth he needed to get used to. Besides, there were plans with Tori these days to meet up and hopefully take in a museum or a movie. But that didn't seem possible with so many COVID cases. Maybe she would teach him to crochet instead.