Chapter 4
What just happened?
“Joe…” I said slowly. “What is going on?”
He took a minute to say anything. He turned away from me and mumbled, “She’s just jealous.”
“But she said you kissed her! And you even said you loved her!”
“She…I…She’s jealous, I told you! You know how she is about us,” he said, glancing shortly at me.
“Yeah, but is there even an ‘us’? Apparently if you’re off kissing other girls, there isn’t,” I crossed my arms.
“Of course there is! I just…Okay, I fell for her, and I wanted her and you. I just never thought of the consequences.”
“Well, you lost one girl,” I stated. “You’re about to lose another.”
“Please, no. I love you, Taiylor. Trust me. I was with you first, so I’ll stick with you.”
“You make it sound like you’d rather be with her,” I sniffed, wiping my eyes. “And I’m right aren’t I?
Joe took a step toward me. “You mean more to me than her.”
“Uh huh. You should’ve thought of that before you cheated.”
“I said I was sorry!”
“Actually, you didn’t,” I nearly smiled at his slick move, but kept my analyzing glare persistent. He moved closer to me and kissed me lightly.
“I just did,” Joe said, pulling away. “Am I forgiven?”
“Not yet,” I said shortly. “Just give me some a chance to think things over.”
“Okay. Take as much time as you need.”
I turned around, dodging his attempt at a kiss. I left the room but poked my head in one last time.
“Oh, and even though Ashley and I didn’t get along very well, I still hope she’s okay, and she doesn’t do anything stupid. Because if she does, it’s on your conscience.”
I left him, hoping he actually thought about that. I had my own thinking to do, but instead I went looking for Nick and Kevin. They were in the kitchen, talking in hushed voices. When I entered, they brought their heads up and smiled awkwardly at me.
“How are you?” Nick asked.
“You okay?” Kevin questioned.
“Yeah. I’m fine. I mean, I kind of expected this to happen, just not now. I always thought Ashley and Joe were really close.”
“So, what are you going to do?” Nick asked, taking a drink of his Dr. Pepper.
“He asked me to take him back, so…”
“No!” they both said quickly. Kevin almost stood up.
“Don’t give in, Taiylor. You’re better than that,” Kevin advised me.
“Then what am I supposed to do? I love him!”
“Just hold on. Don’t do anything too quickly without really thinking about it. You’re falling right into the palm of Joe’s hand. He wants you to say yes, just so he can prove he always gets his way.”
“Just hang out with us tonight. Forget about Joe,” Nick smiled.
“What are you doing?”
“We’re seeing 2012,” Kevin grinned. “You know, the movie about the end of the world? It looks sweet!”
I laughed at his excitement and agreed to join them. They were happy, which made me feel a little better. Screw Joe for right now. I was with Nick and Kevin, my best guy friends and I wouldn’t let him ruin it.
There we go. =] Tawnee...it's your turn, m'dear!
