Love or war?

Chapter Six

I could barely sleep last night all I could think about was Ace the player. Why did I fall so hard? Now all I get is burned.

I got out my bed and walked over to my dresser to get clothes and get ready for Naomi's meet.

As I finish my makeup I shut off the music on my phone and walk down the stairs.

"Whoa what's with the early bird?" my dad asks peeking from behind the fridge door.

"Swim meet dad. Every Saturday since last month." I replied annoyed at how oblivious he could be.

"Oh right," he mumbled closing the fridge.

I grab my car keys and climb into my car turning the key in the ignition and immediately turning up the radio.

I arrive at Naomi's swim meet and walk over to the bleachers to sit with Naomi's family. As I'm walking I see a familiar face in the crowd, one that kept me up all night. He saw me and instantly his eyes lit up as he walked over to greet me.

"What's up?" Ace asked wrapping me in his arms.

"Why are you here?" I ask pulling back really confused.

Ace looks lost and sad as he searched my eyes for an answer as to why I'm being so distant.

"It's Naomi swim meet and I came to watch it with my girl. Is everything ok?" Ace asked concern washing over his face.

"Ace we need to talk." I say worry filling my eyes as my head is rushing with thoughts of last nights picture.

"Sure what about?" He asks grabbing my hand guiding us toward the bleachers.

"No not here. Later." I say still worried as his fingers are intwined with mine. My heart is pounding because of how cute Ace is and the way he's treating me so well but my mind is screaming don't get burned.

We climb on the bleachers up to where Naomi's family is. I sit down next to her mom and dad and Ace sits on the other side of me. We make small talk while we're waiting for Naomi's first event. I don't what I'm supposed to do? Pretend everything is ok until we talk after the meet or continue my distant reactions?

Well without really thinking I continue my distant reactions because every time Ace gets close I picture him having Alexis on the other side. Finally I guess Ace couldn't take it anymore because as soon as Naomi's parents left to talk to somebody he blurts "Alani what's wrong with you?!" I was shocked by his sudden outburst.

"Nothing. I just didn't get much sleep last night that's all," I reply hoping he doesn't continue to ask questions.

"No." he turns my head and looks me dead in the eyes. "Alani what's wrong with you?" His eyes look hurt as he asks the question.

I don't know how to react so I just grab his hand and bring him with me outside. As we're walking a storm of emotions is cluttering in my head and I don't know what I'm going to say once we get out there.

The door closes behind us and Ace turns towards me looking concerned and happy that I'm finally going to talk.

"I, I, last-" I cut myself off not knowing what to say.

"Alani I know we've only been together for a few days but you know you can talk to me about anything," Ace replies sitting down on the bench looking for me to follow. I sit and decide he's right and I just need to spill. I take a deep breathe.

"Ok. Last night I was on Instagram and Alexis posted a picture of you two and all the comments were saying how you guys were so cute and you looked like you were standing really close and I just I don't know. I just want you to tell me I'm over reacting," I look up at him hoping to see the understanding guy I fell for.

"Show me the picture." Ace says sternly.

I pull out my phone and bring it up handing it to him scared for his reaction.

"Alani this picture is from when we were dating. She's been trying to get me back ever since but you know I would never hurt you like that. You want me to tell you you're overreacting but you had a right to worry. I guess I don't have the best rep around school. But I don't want you to doubt my loyalty. I may be a jock but I not a jerk like that." Ace says looking into my eyes.

I am overcome with relief and more love for this boy and I'm unable to control myself as I wrap my arms around him and hide my face in his shoulder. I never want to move I just want to be held in his strong arms knowing everything will be ok.

As I bring my head up his arms release and I see a figure walking out of he door. It's Naomi and I'm so confused as to why she's there so I hop up and run over.

"Hey don't worry I'm on a break so it's fine but I went over to talk to you guys and my parents said they didn't know where you went and so I was looking around to make sure you guys were ok," Naomi says looking at both of us with relief.

"Oh yeah we're fine sorry for worrying you. I'll tell you about it later. For now go in there and kick some butt," I say as we all walk back into the building.