Shattered Hearts

Jealous (7)

I scanned the shelves of the school library in search of another romantic novel while Finn was getting stuff from his locker. "Hey El!" Finn called out and immediately got shushed by the cranky librarian. "Sorry Mrs. Stewart," he muttered while awkwardly shuffling away. "Well that was smooth," I smirked at him. "Well I am known for being quite amazing if I do say so myself," he smirked back. "Trust me I know," I gave him my sweetest smile.

"Do you wanna grab some food? I'm freaking starving," he patted his stomach. I nodded and we walked down the hall towards the exit. We sat down in his beat-up car and took off.

"So about Ryder," he began and I waited for Finn to bash him or say that I shouldn't be around a guy like that. "Are you trying to date him or are you just friends?" He was rubbing the back of his neck nervously and avoiding my eyes. Thoughts flew through my mind. Is he asking because he wants to be with me? Maybe he loves me too. Then it hit me. He's just being protective, like a brother. "Don't worry I'm not looking to date him or anything, don't give it another thought, and don't worry you don't have to give me the speech I know you're just being protective," I blurted out without even processing what I was saying. "Ok then," he nodded.

"I just love you and don't wanna see you get hurt," he looked into my eyes after we parked.

"I'm sorry I just don't know what came over me," I smiled at him.

"I mean I guess I got a little jealous," he laughed nervously. I was dumbfounded.

"You got jealous over me," I stared at him weakly.

"Of course. I mean you're my favorite person. Why on earth would I ever share you?" He displayed a dumb grin on his face. I just couldn't help but smile back. Even if he meant it as a friend it was still nice to know how much he cared.

Even after Finn dropped me off at my locker I was still bubbling with happiness. I blushed as I thought about what he said. I pulled out my notebook and looked into my locker. It has always been decorated every year. Finn and I always pick out some little things right before school starts. My eyes drifted to a picture of me, Finn, and Marcus at a Kodaline concert when I was 14. Life was so good then. Marcus was still here. My hand flew to my necklace absentmindedly. A wave of sadness washed over me. I wasn't going to cry today. Slamming the small metal door shut I went to class.

'You are just too dramatic. Just shut up. Nobody wants to see you cry over your dead brother,' I told myself. I just need to breathe. When I reached my class door I saw the last thing I wanted to. "Aw, is the freak sad?" Ashley stuck her bottom lip out.

"Listen just leave me alone and let me get to class. I don't have time for you today," I stared at the side to avoid eye contact.

"Why? It's not like you'd actually learn anything. You're a lost cause."

"What and you aren't?" I spat. I didn't know where this new confidence was coming from.

"Excuse me do you wanna say that again?" She was livid now.

"Don't pretend that you're top of the class. Everyone knows that you aren't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but I guess that doesn't matter when Daddy's money can just buy you an A." I stood tall and looked dead in the eyes. I still wasn't sure what I was doing or how I was brave enough to do it.

She gasped angrily and slapped me as hard as I assumed she could. With one last huff, she turned on her heel and stormed off. My cheek hurt, but for once I didn't mind the pain. For once I was proud. And for once, I smiled.