Just like Before

Chapter 15

*GRACE POV*

"Um, what happened last night?" I asked shyly as I held the comforter tighter against my chest and gulped.

"Which part?" he chuckled. He was slightly smiling, but then he must've realized what I meant, and is eyes grew wide. "Grace, we didn't... if that's what you're asking," he explained. A flood of relief came over to me and I let out a big breath. "Well, you actually wanted to, but I said no because you were drunk and I didn't want to take advantage," he explained. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I sighed in relief.

"Okay good. I don't know what I would've done if.." I trailed off. His expression flashed some hurt and I regretted saying that. I can't just let those things slip out. He loves me.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to say that." I said apologetically.

"No it's fine I get it." he said still hurt.

I was looking right into his eyes then he looked away and laid back down. I got up put on a bra, a pair of leggings, and a tee shirt. I went to the bathroom and brushed my hair and teeth then went back out to the room.

I gathered all of my things and put them in my bag then I put a pair of shoes on and zipped up my bag.

I walked over to Joseph and saw that he was sleeping. I crawled in next to him and I wrapped my arms around his body.

How did things end up this way? I don't get it. I love being with Joseph, but even when I'm happy with him I'm still hurt without Hayes. I've been thinking about him enough though, so I need to stop and focus on Joseph.

All these thoughts were making my head hurt. I sat up and instantly felt queasy. I clutched my stomach and ran to the bathroom. As I threw up over and over into the toilet, I regretted drinking so much last night.

When it was over (hopefully over), I sat down on the cold tile and looked up to see Joseph standing there.

"Sorry I wasn't here to hold your hair back," he chuckled and I smiled.

"It's fine. I quickly brushed my teeth and hugged him tightly while resting my head on his chest.

"What was that for?" He smiled when we pulled apart.

"I didn't mean what I said earlier, and I hope you know that," I explained and a smile made its way onto his face again.

"I know," he whispered as he held my head to his chest and rubbed my hair as we slowly rocked back and forth.

I lifted my head up and kissed him lightly on the cheek. That clearly wasn't enough for him, because he grabbed the sides of my face and smashed our lips together. After pulling apart, he whispered something to me.

"Grace, I love you. I really do," he stared right at me. "Listen, I don't expect you to say it back, but I just need you to know," he finished.

"No, I don't love you, but you make me really happy Joseph," I smiled up at him and pecked his lips once more before I got into the shower.

*HAYES POV*

The past few days I've been spending a lot of time with Sammy. I mean, we've always been friends, but we have become really close recently, and not just because of the kiss. Yes it has a lot to do with this, but not everything. I am starting to develop more feelings for her. I never realized how much I could love being with her, because I always had Grace on my mind.

"Hayes I've been wondering," she started. Sammy and I were laying on the couch in her apartment. I feared that Grace would walk in any minute, but Sammy said that she came by to get clothes, and it looked like she wouldn't be coming back for another day or two. "Well, actually I wanted to confess something too."

"What is it?" I asked as I scooted closer to her and toyed with the ends of her hair whole my elbow was rested on the top of the couch. I looked at her and she looked pretty deep in thought.

"Hayes, have you ever had feelings for me before? Because all of a sudden you kissed me, and now I'm sensing like, that you want she thing from me. I guess I'm just wondering, do you actually care for me that way, or are you doing this because you're trying to get your mind off of Grace?" she looked up at me for the first time and I noticed she had tears in her eyes.

Her words surprised me, but I had an answer.

"Sammy, I have feelings for you. And they have nothing to do with Grace, I promise." I slightly smiled and she returned it. Happiness washed over me as her smile grew, and I then realized how much she means to me. She's my best friend, but I also happen to have these feelings for her that I don't know what to do with, but I am certain that they are good, and meant to be felt.

---

"Hayes!" my mom called. I got home a little while ago and my mom was constantly calling me for help with cleaning. It's not that I mind, but I really need to get my own place soon.

"Yeah Mom?" I walked up the stairs "Do you need help cleaning again?"

"No," she chuckled. "Your father and I have been wondering Hayes, where has Grace been? You never told me what happened after, you know." she frowned and looked genuinely concerned.

I gulped and looked at the ground. Yes, I was trying to get over her and I don't think it's the best idea for us to get back together, but that doesn't hide the fact that I truly still love her.

"We broke up." My eyes stayed focused on the ground and I felt them starting to tear up. I looked up at the ceiling trying not to cry, but she noticed and came up to hug me. It just now hit me how much I will miss her. I honestly don't want to get back together because I actually don't trust myself. I just don't want us to fall out of touch, because I love being friends with her. I guess my biggest fear is that we lose each other completely again.

"I'm sorry Hayes, I know you love her and even if you aren't together in sure she still loves you." she whispered and I finally wrapped my arms around her and out my head on her shoulder. I probably seem like a little kid right now, but I don't really care.

"Mom I'm so in love with her I can't even explain it. But, I don't want to be with her. Does that make sense?" We pulled apart and her face showed confusion.

"I don't understand." she replied.

"Like, I don't want to be with her because of her sake. I know I'll mess up again and I can't hurt her. Not again, Mom. I've done it enough times. That's why we can't get back together. It's just best if we stay apart." I sighed.

"Well I guess I understand." she let out a breathy laugh and hugged me once more before going back to her work.

"But Sammy and I are getting along really well." I perked up and she looked surprised.

"Well, that's great!" a very obviously fake smile appeared on her face, but I wasn't asking for her opinion, so I didn't let it bother me.

*JILLIAN POV*

"Please Cameron?" I pleaded.

"Okay, but only because I love you and you're nine months pregnant." he smiled and walked over to me. I desperately needed a neck massage, and I am so ready to get these babies out of me.

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A/N: please read!!!

hey guys I know it's been way too long since I last updated but I've just been really busy lately. I'll try to start updating more often!! Anyway I hope you liked this but I didn't proof-read.. there will be more of Jillian's POV in the next chapter as well as Nash and Carly!

Qotd: what grade are you guys in? I'm in 8th

~Grace❤️