Chapter: Chapter Thirty Eight - The Asshole and the NerdBrandon says, "I hear it's your birthday," revealing all of his arm tattoos thanks to today's sleeveless shirt."That's accurate. In fact, today marks the day I was born, which was eighteen years ago. Oh my god! I'm 18 years old. The news finally clicks. My age, oh my."Are you addressing yourself or me?" His bright silver ear piercings become visible as he tilts his head. Do all those tattoos and piercings hurt? They certainly hurt. Brandon, perhaps not, though. He resembles a mutant who is incapable of feeling pain. Should I punch him, I wonder.What did that serve? I hit him, and he rubs his arm.I began laughing out loud. Lord, why am I acting this way?"I really liked you when you were moody and depressed over Zeke.""I never felt depressed or moody over Zeke!"You shouldn't assume something is true just because you say it in strange, intelligent words.Is he referencing the word "nor"?The person behind me catches Brandon's attention. "Uh-oh. You'd better back off of me.Zeke an
Last Updated: 2023-03-05
Chapter: Chapter Thirty Seven - The Apple Of My EyeI watch my lovely mother and my granddad enter the church from the front, standing next to my aunt, Joey, and Charlie's best friend.She walks with a stunning white dress trailing behind her, gazing excitedly at Charlie. The thought of how content she is and will be with Charlie in her life makes my heart smile. I eagerly await the day when I meet my true love at the end of the aisle.My chest constricts as soon as my eyes land on Zeke. Now that I'm evicting him from my life, will it ever be this painful to look at him? I'm good at forgetting people, as you may know, but not with him. I've been thinking about our time together as I wait for the wedding to start, acquiring ice cream collectively, observing him battle those men after we had ice cream dances alongside him, and a game of FIFA. watching his lunchtime conversations with Cole and Isaac. embracing him, kissing him...When his eyes turn to look at me, I experience sadness. I wish things could be the same again. But it was neve
Last Updated: 2023-03-04
Chapter: Chapter Thirty Six - Walk AwayOne month laterMy hand runs along the silk material of my bridesmaids' gown, allowing the baby pink bottom half of the gown to slip through my fingers. I exhaled a sigh. Not a sad sigh, but a moving I'm on to a new chapter in my life, sigh.So, it's a new chapter in my mind. My mother and Charlie are getting married today. We'll be moving in with Charlie after they return from their honeymoon in Scotland, which my mother has always wanted to visit.The good news is that Charlie lives about twenty minutes away, which means I'll be twenty minutes away from Zeke.Zeke.The person with whom I haven't spoken since the night of the party.I believe it is for the best. I've managed to get back on track with my schoolwork, go out less, and reconnect with old chess club friends, and I haven't cried once about him. It hurt so much, but I had to force myself to forget about him and stop thinking about what-ifs. What if Zeke didn't act like that, that night because I told him how I felt? What if
Last Updated: 2023-03-04
Chapter: Chapter Thirty Five - "Don't give up on him" Just as Zeke disappears down the stairwell, I notice the back of his head. When did he arrive?"I have to leave. It was a pleasure speaking with you, "Mason, I say. We had run into each other and began chatting. I'd rather not waste my time talking to him because I still feel awkward around him, even if he doesn't.I decided that hating him was pointless because I no longer felt the same way about him. I'm too preoccupied with Zeke. The thought of him with anyone else doesn't bother me, but what he did still irritates me. Even if I haven't forgiven him completely, life is too short to hate people."All right," he says, looking down at his feet. "I'll be around then."I say goodbye and head downstairs, hoping to find Zeke. I've given it some thought, and I think I'll take Zoey's advice and just tell him how I feel. What could possibly go wrong?"Marnie!" Zoey emerges from a crowd and runs over to me, knocking someone's drink out of their hand in the process. "I just saw Zeke," she me
Last Updated: 2023-03-03
Chapter: Chapter Thirty Four - Because MarnieI open the front door to a squealing Zoey, who rushes in, grabs my arm, and drags me upstairs and into my bedroom."Would you mind telling me what's going on right now?" As I collapse onto my bed, I inquire. Zoey freaked out and called me half an hour ago, saying she needed to talk to me about something, so I told her to come over. And now she's closing the door and inspecting the outside of my windows for dramatic effect.Finally, she sits beside me on my bed and takes a deep breath. "Last night, Cole and I had sex."My pupils dilate. "Really? You finally succumbed to him.""I didn't give in to him; I wanted to.""... How did it go?" I inquire, surprised that I'm even interested in learning about this topic."Surprisingly effective. Cole is something "With a laugh, she says. "He knew I wasn't a virgin, but he asked me a hundred times if I was okay and sure.""Aww, that's lovely." Cole is perfect boyfriend material, which is surprising given that he has never been in a real relationsh
Last Updated: 2023-03-03
Chapter: Chapter Thirty Three - His wait is overZeke's warm hand in mine warms my entire body when the chilly air hits my skin like ice. I can see his unconcerned face when I look up at him while we stroll across the city.As he realizes he's just caught me watching, his head twists and he smiles. "You could just tell me that I'm attractive,"I shrug and say, "You're hot.He grins. Likewise, Ms. Jones.Unfortunately, I am still at the stage where the little things, like his calling me hot, make me blush.He squeals, "Awww," mocking me. Your blush is very sweet.I roll my eyes, yank my hand away from his, and huddle myself up by crossing my arms over my chest.Ezekiel halts his progress and scowls. "Baby, that was harsh."What was it?"removing your hand. I feel hurt "I'm not sure if he's joking when he puts his hand to his chest.Sorry, little one.He furrows his brow. If you do, I might be willing to pardon you.I interrupted him and glared at him, "Don't say blowjob.I was going to say if you embrace me," he chuckles.I bite my li
Last Updated: 2023-03-02