Along for the ride

Chapter 22

The next few days have been hard, but manageable.

Apart from Rhyan's stares, and apologetic texts, he's simmered down a bit.

I'm guessing Jake has gotten the hint as well. After our encounter at the beginning of the week, he's surprisingly kept his distance. The glares and awkward eye contact has been our new way of communication.

As for our project, I have worked on most of it by myself. Once I'm finished, he can add his name to the work.

My friends have noticed the difference between me and Rhyan. He no longer sits at the table anymore and anytime I'm around, he's never near.

They are all unknowing of Jake's true identity.

The girls would freak if they found out Jake was really Jakob. They would give me all the reasons in the world to forgive him, and they wouldn't leave me alone about it untill I talked to him.

But the truth is, I didn't want to talk to him.

He broke my heart into a million little pieces. His and Rhayn both.

Jake's blow had a bigger affect on me, but it was still something that I didn't want to go through.

After school was over, I decided to stop by Bev's to grab something to eat.

"I'll have some curly fries with a side of six-piece nuggets, and Dr. Pepper, please."

The waitress wrote down my order then left to fix my meal.

After an hour of starring blankly through the glass window of the Cafè, watching countless people walk by, I decided I need a warm bubble bath to calm my nerves.

I place a tip on the table and headed outside. The sun was just beginning to set, and a warm breeze was blowing.

I was home in less than ten minutes, not going the speed limit.

I aimlessly opened the door, walking into the darkness of my home.

I didn't even bother to turn on the light, as I made me way for the stairs.

"Gabbie?" I heard a voice say, in the darkness.

It startled me.

A random voice saying my name in the dark.

I pressed myself against the wall, shaking at the thought of a criminal in my house.

"I-I I'm not scared to call the cops," I called back, searching for my phone in my bag.

I noticed the broad shoulders heading my way with extended hands.

"No, no, I'm not going to hurt you."

It can't be.

"Jake?" I blurted, dropping my things.

There goes my bubble bath.

~*~

You have 0.5 seconds to explain why you're in my house before I seriously call the cops," I threatened.

"You deserve an explanation," he began, "And you wouldn't listen to me inside of school. Or answer any of my texts or phone calls."

"Do you blame me?"

I could see him shake his head.

"But you deserve an explanation," he repeated, cutting on the light.

And there he was, standing less than two feet away from my in my living room.

He had a drowsy look on his face, like he hadn't slept in days.

He sat on the couch, pressing his fingers to his temples.

And then he said something that hit me like a truck.

"Mom has cancer," he shook his head, "Or had. We don't even know anymore."

I felt myself walk over to him, and sit next to him. I placed an arm on his shoulder, suddenly welcoming him.

He shrugged it off, "Stop. I don't deserve this."

"I'm an ass." I whispered.

"Don't even say that," he mumbled, "I should've told you sooner."

Silence.

Ten minutes passed. It consisted of me rubbing his back, while the sat with his head low.

"Is that why you left?" I whispered, trying to be gentle.

He nodded, "I found out that day. I got home and she had already packed all my things. From what she told me, it was spreading. We had to go to Los Angeles, where they had better treatments."

He sighed, a heart felt sigh, "I wanted to say goodbye. I asked her if I could and she told me I couldn't. She said that she didn't want anyone to know we were leaving. She didn't want anyones pitty."

I felt tears tricking my eyes, which I blinked away.

"I wanted to tell you," he whispered, "But I didn't want to upset her. She couldn't afford to be anything but happy."

"That's why you didn't show up," I whispered, "Or returned any of my text or phone calls."

He nodded.

I sighed, grabbing his hand, "I'm so sorry."

"No, I'm sorry," our yes met with mine for the first time.

They were watery and light red.

I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

"I came back for you," he placed a hand on my cheek, rubbing it with the back of his thumb, "I missed you so much, Gabbie."

I twisted my lips into a straight line, trying to hold back my sobs.

My mind was running wild.

My first love at the age of twelve was back in my life, and I couldn't say I wasn't crazy about him.

"I wanted to be there," he started, "For our first date.

His cool breath swept aginst my face, as I suddenly forgot how to breathe. His deep light hazel eyes were soft and gentle.

"I'd like to make up for that day. If you'd let me." He smiled a bit, his face pleading.

I nodded slightly.

A small smile appeard on his lips, as his eyes flickered down to my lips, then back to my eyes. He licked his lips, and kissed my forehead.

I wrapped my arms around him pulling him close. I never wanted to let. I never wanted him to let go.

"I don't want you to leave again," I whispered, into his neck.

He pulled me closer to him, hugging my tighter, "I promise I'll never you leave you, Gabriella Reynolds." He muttered into my hair, "Never again."