More Than One

Chapter 7: runaway mistake

We returned to the table and My mom was smiling bigger. We ate and I didn't talk the rest of dinner.

Once it was time to leave my mother had given us tickets to a rooftop acoustic concert. She handed one ticket to Ally, Ryan and myself.

My mother had to leave early but as we were about to call up a cab Hoodie stopped us "It's fine guys, I can drive you to your hotel." He smiled. We all looked to each other. "It's probably the best, I don't think we all have the money to pay another cab..." Ryan whispered.

"Ya I didn't bring a lot of money with me..." Ally admitted. "Thank you Hoodie that'd be nice." I said. He nodded and went to the valet to get his car.

Ally nudged me. "So!" She said with a laugh "what?" I laughed. "I see the chemistry you and him had on that stage." she said "She's right Nally, we've never seen you more compatible with anyone." Ryan finished putting his hands in his pockets.

"Really? I didn't feel anything." I lied. I just found out my boyfriend that I have been dating for less than a week cheated on me! I didn't wanna rush into anything too soon.

Ally put a hand on my shoulder "Nally, when we get to the hotel you have to break up with Jc..." I looked up at her shocked. "He doesn't know that you know that he cheated. Once a cheater always a cheater Nally. I don't want you getting hurt anymore." Ryan said.

"I know I know! But--" ally interrupted me "But what?! Nally! He fucking cheated on you! What the fuck is stopping you from dumping his sorry ass!" Ally yelled. "What's stopping me? Disbelief Ally! You've never been cheated on! Guys flock to you like a moth to a flame! The one guy I thought actually cared about me cheated on my ass because I wasn't enough for him! So what is stopping me is that I'm hurt! I don't wanna believe that it happened!" I yelled as tears gathered in my eyes.

Ryan and Ally were wide eyed. "Nally I didn't mean--" Ally tried to comfort me but I backed away. Hoodie pulled up in his car. I took of my heels and ran into the crowd of people. "NALLY!" Ally yelled.

My vision was blurry from the tears. I darted passed people pushing by almost getting knocked over. I didn't know where I was going or when I could stop but I just kept running and running.

I stopped by a less busy street and sat on a park bench and took a deep breath. A few moments later I cried.

"Why are you crying dear?" I looked up to see an old woman. I wiped away tears "Sorry I didn't know anyone else was here." I said with sniffle.

"It's fine dear, but you didn't answer my question. Do you mind if I sit?" She asked, I moved over so she may sit. "My boyfriend cheated on me... but he doesn't know that I know... My best friend told me that I should call him and tell him that were over, since I came across the country." I wiped away a tear.

"But I didn't want to believe that he had cheated on me... I didn't know what to do so I ran..." I finished. The old woman gave a quiet laugh and said "I know this may seem hard to deal with, but it's going to happen. it's best to put away the denial because if you don't... You're gonna end up even more hurt. Better rip the bandage off quick than take too long and get hurt." she patted my back and left.

I heard a car screech to a stop behind me. I turned around to see Hoodies car. I stood as Ally ran out of the car and jumped on me to give me a hug.

"I'm so happy you're okay..." she said. I squeezed her back "I'm sorry I was in denial... You were right... I think it's best to get it over with than to continue with this..." I said.

Hoodie and Ryan came out. Hoodie looked at us and asked "Everything okay?" He asked. "everything's just fine." Ally said wiping a tear with a smile on her face.

We all got back in the car, Ryan and Ally sat in the back and I in the front with Hoodie. I still felt awkward and didn't want to talk. I took a glance in the rearview mirror and saw Ally and Ryan had fallen asleep.

I got even more nervous because now I was practically alone with Hoodie. "So what brought you to New York?" He asked snapping me out of my thoughts. "My mom... Ally Ryan and I were living in Los Angeles at the time but I wanted to get away from it all and come visit my mom, them being my best friends they felt it was right to come and we all look out for each other." I had realized I said more than I should've, practically babbled on...

"Well that nice of your friends to come and support you, but..." I looked up at him when he said that. "But what?" I asked "You wanted a retreat from it all, you still have your friends here so is it really a retreat?" It took me a second to process what he said.

"Hold on! Are you saying my friends are the cause of my stress?!" I said. He chuckled and said "No I never said that. But you admitted it." My eyes grew wide. "what?" I said in a gasp.

"You took off in a run because of what they were telling you, Nally sometimes it's best to get away for a little while." I looked down at my lap.

Hoodie put a hand on my thigh. "I'm just saying, if you ever want some alone time holler at me." I felt my face blush. I stayed silent the rest of the way.