Simple Games

CHAPTER 14

After Thanksgiving I've been practically anxious all the time. Mom's gone back on one of her work trips so I was all alone at home again. I was left with nothing but my thoughts. Zach hasn't said anything since his outburst so I was scared for the rest of the break. I was scared I had lost him.

It was Monday, everyone was back from break now with the halls full of stuff promoting the Winter Formal. I sat there, my leg shaking as I watched the clock anxiously. Ian and I were going to meet after school today at the club room. I was nervous but I knew my answer.

Finally the bell rang and I frantically grabbed my things before racing to the club room. I wanted to get there before him. I got to the door and stared at it for a while before looking back at the school hall behind me. I started pushing all thoughts aside knowing I was doing this all for him.

For Zach.

If I just get this over with then I can explain everything to him and then tell him how I really feel.

My heart raced at the thought of us being together.

Just a little longer.

I got into the room and sat down tapping my foot. I heard the door handle jiggle from behind me and looked over my shoulder to see Ian walk in.

I got up and waited for him to get up to me watching his smile grow on his lips. I felt a stab in my chest as I watched it, feeling guilty already.

"Hey," I said nervously.

"Hi. Did I make you wait long?"

"No. I got here a few minutes ago."

"Alright. So..?"

I looked at the side and sighed.

"Is it okay if we sit?"

"I've got nothing against it."

I walked over to the couch and waited for Ian to sit down next to me. I took in a deep breath before looking at Ian.

"Let me just start off with the fact that you are a great guy."

Ian sighed.

"Are you rejecting me?"

I looked down. "Sorry..."

He sighed again and looked up at the ceiling.

"I didn't want to do this."

I paused as he said that and watched him take out his phone and tap a couple times.

"I know something that I don't think you want others to know."

My heart jumped at what he said as my brain went to a thousand things that he could have meant. But I had one main thing in mind

"Wh-what do you mean?"

He finished tapping around when he stopped and turned it towards me. My heart dropped as I looked at the picture he was showing me on his phone. My eyes went wide and I started to freak out a bit.

"What could you possibly do with this?"

It was a picture of Zach hugging me. He started to swipe through. Pictures of us secretly meeting up here. Pictures of him coming to my house at night with me coming out of his car.

Pictures of him kissing me.

I tried to stay calm and not let my voice shake as I struggled to get something out.

"True, these pictures might not be enough. But word runs like wildfire here. And we all know Emma hates you. Almost everyone knows about your past friendship."