Under One Condition || Eddie Munson

chapter eleven

The week passed by in a blur, my days seemed to blend together. I knew I was slipping, Carol and Tommy were making my life a living hell whenever they could.

Friday came quicker than I anticipated and I was nervous about tomorrow night.

"Please don't tell me you forgot," a voice said as an arm snaked around my shoulder. I glanced up at the older boy and smirked.

"I just forgot to wash the shirt is all," I easily lied. I hadn't spoken to Eddie all week, he would glare in my direction every time I saw him. "Are you done being mad at me?" I countered.

Eddie's eyebrows furrowed as he looked deep in thought, "hmm, I suppose I was never really mad at you." He kept his arm over my shoulder as we continued to walk.

"I beg to differ, don't think I didn't notice you practically glaring at me." I was annoyed, that's for sure. I didn't understand why he was avoiding me.

"I was worried, that's all," he didn't offer more when I looked at him curiously. Deciding to drop it, I changed the subject.

"Are you going to the party tomorrow night?" I honestly wanted him to come, it would give me someone to talk to. I really didn't want to have to stay around Billy more than necessary. Eddie's face held disgust as he shook his head no. I sighed, "please Eddie, I want you there."

His face changed from disgust to anger, "why? So you can flaunt your relationship with Hargrove?" I stopped walking, Eddie flowed suit as he angrily looked down at me.

I huffed, "is that why you've been mad at me all week? Because I agreed to go with Billy to the party?" He didn't have the right to be upset with me over this. Eddie gave me a face that said 'isn't it obvious?' I rolled my eyes at the lack of response. "I don't owe you an explanation but if you must know, Billy promised to help me out with Tommy and Carol." With this, I started walking again. I didn't care if Eddie followed, unfortunately, he did.

"What's in it for him? Because I know for sure he's not doing it out of the kindness of his heart." I rolled my eyes again. I could easily just tell Eddie all the details but I really didn't owe him anything. It's not like he was my boyfriend.

I groaned loudly and spun on my heel to face him, "it's none of your business. If I wanted your opinion on the matter, I would've asked. I don't see you doing anything about Tommy and Carol." Hurt flashed in Eddie's eyes.

He stared at me for a long while, "Tommy's face is still bruised from the last time I stepped in. If you don't think that's enough, that's on you." I felt guilt bubble up in me as I watched Eddie walk away. I knew he had tried, but he didn't know that they were still bothering me. I inwardly sighed and followed after him.

"Alright, everyone is here so shall we start?"

—

Eddie avoided eye contact the entire time during the game, in addition to making small jabs. "An asshole who only cares about himself talks to you, Aspen what do you do?" "The same asshole throws himself onto you, Aspen, what do you do?" They kept going on and on. I almost got up at one point and left. I avoided making things worse and just tried to play the game.

"Well lady and gents, we're done for the night." Eddie announced as he started to pack up his things. Everyone looked bummed but understood. I stayed behind to help Eddie pack up, hoping to explain things to him.

"I don't want you to be mad at me," I started.

Eddie's laugh cut me off, "then don't do things to piss me off."

I nodded and dry swallowed. I don't like this feeling, having him this upset with me makes me want to cancel on Billy. "They still bully me; whenever I'm alone," I said quietly, "it's getting worse. Recently they started getting physical and when Billy offered to put a stop to it, I couldn't say no."

Eddie seemed surprised by my words, "why didn't you tell me?" He seemed hurt by my actions.

I scoffed, "you've been avoiding me, and I don't know if you even consider me a friend." I avoided looking over at Eddie and focused on cleaning up the board and characters.

I heard Eddie shuffle around to me. He put his hand on the side of my face and forced me to look over at him, "of course I consider you as a friend." He almost seemed to put emphasis on the word friend and I felt my heart drop.

Just a friend.

I softly pulled his hand away from my face and let go of it, "well, next time I'll be sure to let you know. Just let me try to handle it this way." I looked away from Eddie and down at the character in my hand before tossing it into its box.

I felt my mood drop, I know he doesn't see me that way but it still hurt to hear it. Eddie sighed, "I'll go to this stupid party tomorrow, but only if I can bring Chrissy."

I felt my heart ache in my chest, "oh, of course. I like Chrissy, she's really nice." I tried to keep my voice steady, I didn't want to give anything away.

The rest of the game was cleaned up and I followed Eddie outside.

"Eddie! Baby, wait up." I heard a sweet voice yell. Eddie stopped in his tracks and looked towards the voice, a smile forming on his face. Chrissy came running up to him and wrapped her arms around his middle.

I quickly looked away, I didn't want to see anymore. I didn't realize that they were dating, I feel like an idiot. I spotted my car and hurried to it, hoping to get away from the scene.

"Bye Aspen, I'll see you tomorrow." Eddie's voice rang out. I yelled out a 'yeah' and slid into my car.

Pulling out of the school, I finally let myself think.

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This one is a little shorter but PLEASE DONT HATE ME.

I have this all handled.

Next chapter is the party chapter 🎉

Doesn't Joe look so good in that picture?

I love you guys

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