Along for the ride

Chapter 21

"Oh my God." I whispered, pulling my hands back.

I didn't know how I didn't realize this sooner. I knew I recognized those eyes from somewhere.

"Jakob," I said his name, more statement then question.

"Hey, Gabs."

I cringed at the sound of my old nick name.

"You left," I choked, "And you didn't even care."

I saw his face drop, the sadness in his eyes, "No, Gabbie, I did care-"

"Bull shit!" I cried, shaking my head, "If you cared, you would've picked up the phone, maybe even answer one of my texts."

I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

That tear, that one tear represented alot at that moment. It representedall those years I cried over him. All the unbearable pain I felt when I arrived at the theater and he wasn't there. This one tear represents my broken heart. And it's all thanks to him.

Jakob Wilson Carter.

Rhyan was the least of my worries. What happened between us was bad, but it definitely didn't top this.

He took a step closer to me, looking deep into my eyes. "I didn't want to leave, I had to."

"So you couldn't explain that to me four years ago? I would have understood," I chuckled, "But all you cared about was yourself. You know what? Maybe you are right. Maybe we shouldn't be friends. It's a bad idea."

He shook his head, slowly, trying ti place a hand on my cheek.

I turned my face, "If you came back because of me, then leave. I never want to see you again."

I stormed inside my house, slamming the door behind me and leaning on it. I slowly slid to the ground.

The tears that were once gone, returned.

*Flashback*

"Has anyone seen Jake?" I whispered, to Valorie.

She shook her head, "He hasn't been at school for two weeks. How long are you going to say you have the flu?"

I sighed, sitting up in bed, "I guess I'll go back Monday."

Valorie smiled, sitting next to me. "Everything's gonna to be okay." She promised.

I nodded, hugging her tightly.

"Now let's get you ready for my birthday party shall we?"

~*~

I walked into school praying it would end as quickly as it started.

I had on a teal NorthFace hoodie, with teal pattern leggings and white combat boots. I added pear earrings, an anchor necklace and a ring. My hair was up in a messy bun, with a white bandana tied at the top.

I walked over to my locker grabbing the things I needed for first period.

"Hey, Gabbie!" Danielle chirped, arriving at my locker with Max, aka Ginger.

I glanced down at their linked hands and raised an eyebrow, "Did I miss something?"

She blushed, shifting her gaze, "We might be dating?"

"Aw, I'm happy for you guys," I smiled at them, shutting my locker.

I hadn't told anyone about Jake or Rhyan. I was in no condition to be smothered. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends, but I just needed some space.

"Anyways, how are you? I haven't heard from you since the party."

"I know, I've been really busy-"

The bell rang, signaling the beginning of a new day.

"But I'll talk to you guys later. I love you," I manged, blowing Danielle a kiss.

Today was going to be hell.

~*~

"Are you awake, Gabriella?"

I sighed, "Yes, Mrs. Walker."

She gave me a concerned look, "Try to stay awake, okay?"

She continued her lesson, while I doodled on my notebook to ignore stares from Jake.

Or should I say Jakob.

I sti couldn't believe he was a part of my life for two weeks and I didn't realize it. He had change so much since the last time I saw him.

The only good thing about today was that Rhayn wasn't hard to avoid. We didn't have any classes together and he sat with his other friends at lunch.

Other then making awkward eye contact a few times, it wasn't that bad.

My friends noticed the small talk and short responses but I guess they just granted my wish, and that was giving me space.

It's going to be that hard to avoid Jake, due to the fact that he's my partner for this stupid project.

But I decided I'd cross that bridge when it got there.

After what seemed like the longest hour of my life, the bell finally rang.

I got up, walking out the door trying to ignore the voice behind me.

"Gabbie, wait up!"

I spead up, arriving at my locker and quickly began shoving my books in my bag.

"Gabbie-"

"I thought I told you to leave me alone," I muttered, holding back tears.

I heard him sigh.

I continued to shove my books in my bag, not wanting to look at him.

"Dammit Gabbie, look at me." He begged.

I turned to face him, "What do you want from me?"

"I just want to explain. You deserve that."

"You should've thought about that sooner," I went to leave, but turned around, "What did you expect? That you could come back into my life, our lives, and everything would be okay and would start from where we left off?"

He didn't say a word. All he did was look at me with those eyed I couldn't help but stare at.

"That's not how things work. Now it's my turn to leave. Only difference is I'm actually saying goodbye."

I'm hurting him.

I know I am. The look on his face says as I turned away from him said it all.

I wanted him to feel the same pain I felt when he did this to me.

When I made it to my car, I got in, slamming the door shut behind me. I leaned back in the seat, taking a deep breath.

Today was hell.

(A/n: Sorry for the short chapter! The next one will be longer I promise. Thanks for your love and support, i love you all.)