When False Turns to Fate

Chapter 6

Hey! Long time no see... Sorry about that. Here's the new chapter. Enjoy!

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Kate hasn't talked to me at all since this morning. She hasn't flat out ignored me, but all I have seen of her is the back of her head as she leaves to retrieve something she "forgot" or runs an "errand". How many errands can a high school girl run before lunch?!?!

I don't know exactly why she is blowing the conversation we had this morning so out of proportion, but it's seemed to make her enjoy the male attention she's been getting even more. She has received countless cat calls and given a few numbers, and she just smirks and bats her eyelashes. If things don't work out with Danny, she certainly has a few backups.

Oh well, that doesn't matter. What matters is my world history grade. Now that my grade is so low due to this assignment, all I can think about is getting absolutely every other worksheet in that class perfect. I can't afford anymore slip-ups. My mom would have my head if I didn't keep my 3.8 GPA. Any less than that is unacceptable with her.

Along with academics, my mother is extremely adamant about me playing the piano. She is convinced I'm the next Beethoven. Blind to her eyes though, is the fact that I'm really not very talented at piano. Yes, I can play pretty well (who wouldn't after ten years of lessons), but it's purely technical. I don't have any REAL talent.

My mom isn't convinced though, and every year I perform in my recital- even though I'd rather be hanging with Gabby watching Pride and Prejudice and dreaming of my nonexistent Mr. Darcy. I never do incredible, but she seems to think I'm sure to get a full ride scholarship for it. I don't know what I'll do when that doesn't happen. Probably change my name to Clancy and go on the road with my hippy boyfriend. How much worse could it be compared to the disappointment my mom would show?

I'm snapped out of my thoughts by a paper ball hitting the side of my face. I startle and almost jump out of my seat in the middle of Mr. Hanley's lecture. I look in the direction the ball came from to be met with the sight of Brett silently laughing at my reaction. He sobers up a little, mouthing the words wake up dummy, smirking at my dazed state in math class. I can't really help it. Hanley's monotone voice combined with the boring subject of calculus is bound to put even the most dedicated student to sleep eventually. I'm convinced the only reason Brett isn't in the same dozing position I am is the coffee I brought him this morning combined with the opportunity to throw stuff at my head.

I shoot him what I hope is an intimidating scowl before quickly turning my attention back to the front of the classroom before Mr. Hanley "randomly" selects me to demonstrate the next problem. I swear, it'll be a miracle if I last all year in this class.

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"Hey, wanna come to my house and watch a movie?" Gabby asks, as she,Brett, and I stride out of the school building."you guys can hold hands, I won't judge," she adds, giggling as I send her a death glare. She knows we don't like each other like that. However, it seems to be her personal mission to embarrass the both of us by making it seem like we have some secret fling going. It's extremely awkward.

However, Brett just laughs it off easily, accepting Gabby's offer. He walks off- saying he'll meet us there at five.

As soon as he's gone, I turn and smack my best friend lightly in the gut. "Gabby you know we aren't like that! Why do you keep making things weird?!" I ask, trying to keep my voice from broadcasting across to the entire parking lot crowd. Gabby, in return, smirks and rolls her eyes like I'm the most oblivious person in the world. Traipsing off to her car, she simply calls out a quick farewell and shoots me a flirty wink which only furthers my annoyance. I wave a goodbye with a sickly sweet grin on my face to show my annoyance before walking the short distance to my car.

When I reach it though, I'm surprised to see Michael leaning against the hood. Oh no. This can't be good. I calmly walk up to my trunk and unlock it to put my backpack in- practically forcing myself not to look affected by his presence. When I go to open the door to the driver's seat though, I hear him speak up. "Are you just going to keep on ignoring me?"

I decided not to grace that with a response. Instead, I just stare at him with what I hope is a blank expression. I refuse to let him see how much his presence effects me. In reality, I'm terrified. I'm terrified that he will try and suck me back into his trap. That he'll tell me he's sorry and I'll come running back just so he can metaphorically slap me in the face again. I don't think I can put myself through that kind of hurt again. So I'll remain strong- showing no emotion whatsoever towards Michael.

"Look I've got some things to say," still no response from me. He looks reluctant, but when he notices I haven't attempted to leave, he continued. "I never meant to hurt you. It was a simple little mistake, Holly, why can't you understand that?!"

I couldn't listen to this anymore. I snapped. "A simple, LITTLE mistake, Michael? What do you call a big mistake then? Because sleeping with the captain of the cheerleading squad while I'm away at my grandparents' is not necessarily what I call a simple mistake." I was furious! I had really cared for Michael. He lied to me- told me he loved God and wanted a pure, Christ centered relationship....

But that isn't even a possibility now. "I got home to dozens of people asking if I was ok- letting me know that they were there for me and that I would get over you. I had no idea what they were talking about! You had texted me all summer telling me everything was fine and you couldn't wait for me to come home. You have no idea how it feels to come home to everyone telling you that you're 'perfect' boyfriend just cheated on you!"

I felt my bottom lip begin to quiver. Michael just stood there speechless- searching for some excuse for his atrocious behavior. All he could come up with was, "I was lonely."

"Well you're going to be lonely a whole lot more now." I stated bitterly. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him- trying to direct all the pain he had inflicted on my heart back towards him.

"Holly, please just give me another cha-"

"Don't try to talk to me again Michael." I cut him off and open my car door. I hesitate for a split second, giving him enough time to hold my door open, looking at me with his most pleading expression. He leaned in like he was about to try and kiss me.

I didn't think- I just smacked him. He stumbled back (more out of pure shock then actual harm) and fell on his rear. I took the opportunity to slam my door and turn on my Impala. He had just stood up by the time I had shifted into drive and started moving. I looked in my rear view mirror in time to see him run after me. I sped up a bit until he gave up.

Eyes on the road, I let a single tear fall. That one tear is all the feelings I have left for Michael. With one swift motion, I wipe the tear from my cheek and blast my radio- heading home to change into pj's for The movie at Gabby's house.

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I hope you guys liked it! Let me know what you think and vote!

-M.J. 😚