For some time I keep hearing gossip here and there about us and I suspect Wyatt is hearing all the same things because he seems a bit distressed and withdrawn on campus. It’s like I can see him shrinking into himself, making himself smaller, trying to disappear. I hate seeing him so affected by what others are saying and thinking about us. I’m used to people talking about me, but it still hurts to know how people perceive me, but it hurts more to hear what they say about Wyatt. They say the most unhinged and cruel things so casually, it’s like they don’t realize we are real people, with real feelings. 

But I shouldn’t forget about all the nice things they say as well, I remind myself. There are good people out there, we have friends who care about us and are happy for us. 

“Even if everyone is gossiping, remember that they don’t know you.”, I tell Wyatt as we sit outside in the mild spring weather, enjoying a break between classes. “They don’t know us.”, I smile at Wyatt and squeeze his hand. He smiles softly in response. “It only matters what we and the people we love think.”, I add as I rest my head on Wyatt’s shoulder. 

“Yes. Let them talk, we know what’s true and that’s all that matters.”, Wyatt agrees, but it sounds like he’s trying to convince himself with those words as well. It must be hard for him to be in the spotlight like this, when he’s so used to fading into the background. My gentle wallflower, I hope all the harsh words you hear don’t make you wilt, I want to see you break out in beautiful bloom this spring. 

I’m startled from my thoughts by Camilla sneaking up on us from behind. 

“Well, well, well… who do we have here, if it isn’t this campus most talked about lovebirds.”, Camilla beams at us, “Aw, you guys are just so cute together!”.

“I agree!”, I say with a laugh as Wyatt seems flustered and Camilla just shakes her head, still smiling. 

We sit together and chat, trying to soak in the sunshine, and it feels peaceful and nice. I can almost forget all the mean things said and I’m happy Wyatt also seems more relaxed and calm. Wyatt’s friend, Noah, from class, and apparently volunteering as well, soon joins our little group. I feel a bit bad for never noticing Noah when volunteering, but to be honest I was so focused on Wyatt I didn’t really pay attention to anyone else. The break seems to end too soon and so we have to head back to our respective classes. I’m left wishing for more small moments like this. 

.

As time passes, we still occasionally hear people talk about us, but we also care less and less about what they say. Time can heal most things and as we learn to talk through the things that bother us, their words affect us less. I think it takes Wyatt a bit longer to get used to and to get over what they say, but he doesn’t seem as anxious as before. I think it helps that I try to keep us busy; working on the project for class, hanging out with friends, lazing around reading comics together. The weather is getting warmer and the grass greener, and if Wyatt and I really were (love)birds like Camilla called us, I think we would be singing such a wonderful tune right now, right along with all the other birds who have returned after the harsh and cold winter. I giggle a bit to myself as I think this. 

“What’s funny?”, I hear Wyatt’s warm voice next to me.

“Nothing. Just thinking this bird needs some fresh air! The weather outside is too nice to sit inside studying.”, I put down the text I was supposed to be reading, but that I clearly forgot about in all my daydreaming. 

“I think we should try to-”, Wyatt says, but I interrupt him before he can finish suggesting we study a bit more, like I know he will.

“And I think we should go on a little picnic date!”, I exclaim with a huge grin lighting up my face, “I’ll prepare what we need, so you can study a bit more if you want.”, I say as I get up.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll come help you.”, Wyatt gets up as well, naturally taking my hand as we go to prepare everything needed for a spontaneous picnic date. “You’re right, we need a little break, it’ll be fun.”, he smiles at me and kisses the hand he is holding.