The Ex-Bestfriend

Chapter 3 This could be fun (Edited)

The pros and cons list circled in my mind. Meeting no end. Had I even considered the consequences of my words. I cupped my face into my hands and sighed, hoping the air from my lungs morphed into the weight of my problems. Filling my palms so I could throw them away. But I can't bear the thought of holding Crystal back from a lifestyle filled with many friends. Many great memories.

I only fear one thing. Losing my best friend. I placed my English textbooks into my locker. Class ended early. Thank goodness. There was no escaping the endless yawns escaping my lips. The events of yesterday kept me up all night. After I gave Josh my bold answer, he thanked me and left. He got exactly what he wanted. Just like he always does. However, this time I don't believe I can fulfil my promise.  The bell rang. Students swarmed out of their classroom and flooded the quiet halls. It was a struggle to hear myself think.

"Wait, a tomato isn't a vegetable?" Chase enquired. His brows tied together in a tight knot. I buried my face into my locker. If he's around, that means there's a high chance Sir Jerk is lurking around too. I listened. Waited for his voice to fade as he passed. This is my chance. I slipped my textbooks and pencil case into my bag. Now time to get out of here. I was ready to shut my locker when an arm bolted out of nowhere and completed the task for me. I looked up and met a pair of familiar baby blue eyes.

"You aren't avoiding me are you?" Josh asked. Brow raised. Smirk playing on his lips. I peered over my shoulder to the sound of whispers. Passing students took a moment to pause and exchange small words and glances as they witnessed Joshua Collins having a conversation with little me.

"No." I replied,  the word lengthening into a sigh. "I'm not avoiding you." I turned on my heel and entered the raging sea of students, hoping the current was strong enough to separate us. My hopes were crushed. He dodged the oncoming students effortlessly. Sticking to my side like glue. Can the earth just swallow me whole now?

"So, what's the game plan?" He enquired, high fiving one of the freshmans as they walked past. Winking at a group of girls who were deliberately walking in the same direction as him like mindless toads.  It's clear to me that he is taking none of this seriously. I knew this was a terrible idea. What was I thinking agreeing to this nonsense. 

"Look Josh, I don't think I want to-" I spotted Crystal across the hall. Walking in our direction. I looked up at Josh. If she comes here, he will surely want to talk to her. His hollow head giving away our plan I want no part of now. And Crystal, if she sees us together... oh no. She will definitely ask why I'm associating myself with this jerk. What am I going to say? 'Oh hey Crystal, Josh and I were just discussing how he can win you over.' The detention room. It's coming up. Without a second thought I shoved Josh inside however, I shoved him a little too hard and unexpectedly. He tripped over his foot and he landed harshly on the wooden flooring.

"Violet, I thought that was you." Crystal beamed.

"Yes I am me." I abruptly stated. Body freezing. My panic getting the better of me.

"Are you okay? you look stiff." She worried. I can tell she is questioning the state of my wellbeing right now and I don't blame her. "Did Josh almost run over you with his car again." She added with a light hearted chuckle.

I wish. "No, no I'm fine. Just tired." I stretched my lips into a smile to make my lie a little more believable.

"Hey you want to go shopping tomorrow? I saw this really cute top that I want to buy."

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I ignored it the first time but it continued to spazz out in my hands. I turned it around to discover an endless list of messages from Josh.

Violet.

Violet.

Violet.

This is perfect. Invite me out tomorrow. Say yes. :)

I subtly peered inside the classroom to witness Josh nodding his head so violently I feared it would fall right off.

"Hey, Violet." Crystal waved her hand in front of my face. "What's up? you look distracted."

I hid my phone behind my back. "No nothing. I'm free tomorrow so let's go shopping." I smiled.

"Awesome, see you tomorrow." She smiled, placing her headphones back on her head. "oh, and before I forget I have a surprise for you tomorrow." She giggled, wiggling her eyebrows like an absolute weirdo. From experience, when Crystal says she has a surprise it can go either way. One time she told me she had a surprise for me, and I couldn't get red dye out of my hair for months. As Crystal left Josh emerged out from within the depths of the dusty, old classroom.

"Why didn't you say anything?" He asked, staring with longing eyes as the girl of his dreams walked further and further away down the hall. "Oh I understand, this must be part of your plan. I will surprise her tomorrow right?" A glitter of hope in his eyes. He's acting as if he will listen to every command I deliver just to be with her- Wait a minute. Perhaps I have been looking at this situation all wrong. I looked up at him. His puppy dog eyes. My lips curved into a smirk. This could be fun.

"Yeah, you're right Josh. That is part of my plan, I'll text you tonight about what to wear, Crystal will love it." I reassured.

"Alright Violet Valentine, I trust you." He nodded.

Oh Joshua Collins.

I wouldn't.

"Wait." He called out. I sighed loudly and turned around.

"What?"

"I heard her say that I almost ran you over with my car. When did that happen?" His tone sounded a little different. He's no longer goofing around. He sounds... serious. I shook my head.

"It was yesterday. I was walking into the school grounds and you almost switched your car into me." I said waving my arm and walking in the opposite direction. It's not like he would really care anyway. Let's just hope tomorrow he'll leave me alone.