Simple Games

CHAPTER 15

I was standing at my locker waiting for Ian, feeling nervous as I did. So many things could happen because of this. What if Zach saw us together? What if word got out? I didn't want to think about it too much.

As I was in my head I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders and looked over to see Ian with his usual sly smile. I didn't brush off his arm. He had too much power here. I was scared to go against him.

"Shall we go?"

I nodded my head for some reason having lost my voice. I couldn't speak and I didn't know if it was because I didn't want to or honestly couldn't. That smile never left Ian's face as he led me to class. We sat down in our usual seats and I felt as if the world was moving slower. I sat there with a blank expression on my face though not knowing what to feel in the end.

The day went by as usual when I noticed a crowd by the lunchroom. I did my best to squeeze through because I was actually interested.

Emma and Zach were standing in the middle of the clearing and I felt my stomach drop.

"What are you saying?"

Emma's voice sounded weak as if it was about to break. Different from her usual confident tone.

"We're breaking up. I wish I could say it was nice being with you but it was like being chained down."

My eyes widened at what I just heard.

Did Zach just break up with Emma?

Emma looked shocked herself, along with the hundreds of students gathered to see this.

"Y-you're kidding right, Zach? You would never break up with me. We're the power couple of the school!"

"Well, sorry to burst your bubble but we're over."

Zach started to walk away when Emma grabbed his arm.

"Tell me this is a joke Zach."

"Why would I want to stay with you a moment longer?"

Emma pulled him down and whispered something to him that I couldn't hear. Zach pushed her off and just walked off without saying anything else.

"Zach! Get back here! You can't fucking do this to me! Get back here asshole!"

I watched as Emma looked over her shoulder and then out of nowhere, somehow locked eyes with me. I looked away and started to walk back out of the lunchroom pushing through the many people gathered here.

As I was trying to walk away I ran into someone and frantically looked up to say sorry.

It was Zach.

He smiled at me and grabbed my hand before taking me off somewhere.

"Zach! What are you doing? Let go of me! What if people see us?"

"They're all distracted. C'mon, just a little longer until we get to my car."

I stopped him just outside the school doors.

"No!"

He looked back at me, his chest heavily moving up and down as he tried to catch his breath.

"Jess, how much more do I have to do for you? I just broke up with Emma for you."

"You should have done it sooner! You fucking creep you were practically cheating on her trying to fuck me! And now you're trying to make it seem like you were waiting to use this card to win me over? What the fuck is running through your head?"