Second Girl (Reece Bibby)

Chapter Nine

James, Chris, Reece and I were all sat in James’ bedroom, trying to think of some way to sort out what had happened today. The picture of Reece and I was all over the internet. Neither of us knew how we could explain it. It was quite clear that we were more than friends. “You’ll have to distance yourself from Reece,” Chris told me. I knew this was the only option I had but I couldn’t stay away from Reece. “I won’t be without her,” Reece piped up. I ran my hands through my hair as I became frustrated with the situation I was currently in. “Reece, if it’s to save your relationship with Claire then I’ll have to stay away,” I told him, struggling to hide the saddened look in my eyes.

“I have an idea,” James piped up. Anything was better than having to keep my distance from Reece. “You and I could have a staged relationship. It’d draw the attention away from the rumours and stop the fans and media getting suspicious, as well as Claire,” James explained. I looked at Reece who seemed reluctant at the idea. “It means you’ll get to see her more often,” James pointed out, seeing the look on Reece’s face.

I took Reece’s hands in mine and said, “We don’t really have another option because I can’t bear to be without you.” Reece took one of his hands out of my hold and placed it on my cheek. “If it means I get to keep you then yes,” he whispered before kissing my lips.

“So it’s settled then?” James questioned. I let go of Reece and turned to look at James. “I guess so,” I replied with a smile. “Reece!” Claire yelled as the front door slammed shut. Reece sighed, reluctant to leave me. “Go on,” I said with a saddened look in my eyes, “Your girlfriend wants you.” Reece reached out to touch my cheek but I turned my face away. He was confused at my sudden change of mood but he didn’t get a chance to question me as Claire shouted him again.

“What’s wrong?” James asked me when Reece and Chris had left the room. I shook my head, not wanting to talk about it. “Why did you turn away from Reece?” he questioned. I didn’t reply as I looked down at the floor. James lifted my chin so he could see my face. I blinked, allowing the tears in my eyes to fall. “I’m tired of being second best,” I answered James’ question. He didn’t say a word as he pulled me into a hug.

“You’re not second best,” James whispered after a few minutes of silence had passed by. “I am. I always have been.” I don’t think he knew what to say so he just remained silent. Once I’d recomposed myself, James and I left his bedroom. As soon as Tom and Barclay saw us coming from the bedroom they both smirked and wiggled their eyebrows at James.

“You need to talk to Reece,” James told me as he pulled open the door that joined the two apartments. The two of us went into the second apartment and found Claire and Reece sat together on one of the sofas. “Claire, I need your help choosing an outfit for tomorrow night’s premiere,” James told her. She smiled before standing up and leaving the room with James. He shut the door behind them, leaving me alone with Reece.

“James doesn’t really need her help, does he?” Reece questioned and I shook my head. He stood up and walked towards me. “What is it?” he asked, his voice full of concern as he tucked some of my hair behind my ear. “I can’t be second best, Reece,” I whispered. He sighed in frustration. “Char, we’ve been through this before. I love you, isn’t that enough?” he questioned. I hesitated then shook my head. “I want you to be mine, like I am yours. I don’t want to have to pretend that I am not completely, utterly and wholly in love with you because my heart is one-hundred percent yours, Reece Bibby. And I want everyone to know that,” I told him. “You know it’s not that easy,” he replied. Reece tried to touch my cheek but I stepped away from him.

I turned away, not wanting him to see the tears that were ready to fall down my cheeks. There was a silence between the two of us as I crossed my arms over my body as if I was holding myself. I turned back around to look at my boyfriend who looked lost for words.

“Do you love her?” I asked Reece. He stayed quiet for a moment before answering, “No.” I looked down and let out a sob before saying, “Then choose me.”