Tattered Souls

Chapter 22: I Love You

Sam

"Alright that's all for today. Everyone enjoy your weekend!"

I get a mix of nods and groans as they all file out of the classroom to head home for the weekend.

The first week back from a break is always the worst and this one wasn't an exception.

I finish cleaning up my classroom and im about to head out the door when Paige bumps into me as she walks in.

All of the papers she was holding fly everywhere and a deep blush spreads on her face.

"Sorry about that..."

I smile and shrug my shoulders.

"No biggie, I know you're a clutz sometimes."

She pouts for a second before her eyes light up as if she remembered the reason she rushed over.

"Oh hey! I'm glad I caught you! Are you busy this weekend?"

I tilt my head as I help her pick up the papers.

"Umm sort of,You need something?"

I invite her inside and close the door before sitting at my desk.

She sits on the edge of it, my eyes trailing down her legs for a moment before giving her my full attention.

"I was just wondering if you wanted to go out to a club or something. First weeks are always stressful and i thought it would be nice to go out and unwind. We haven't really seen much of each other all week so I thought it would be a good idea.You can even show me if your pick up lines ACTUALLY work on someone."

I laugh and scratch the back of my head getting a little nervous.

"Actually Ashley invited me to an event that she's bartending at this weekend. I'd love to go out with you but I already agreed to go there and support her"

This brought a frown to her face followed by her lips pouting out in the cutest way.

"Oh. okay." She crosses her arms over her chest and swings her legs aimlessly as she avoids my gaze.

I smile a little because she always gets like this when I tell her no but I can tell she's a little more upset this time than usual.

Is it me or does she seem a little jealous?

I get up and stand in front of her.

She looks away from me so I put my hands on the desk and lean in closer.

"Now why on earth are you pouting? Why don't we go out next weekend or go out for brunch or something on Sunday hm?"

She shrugs her shoulders avoiding eye contact with me.

"I don't know, your little girlfriend might want to spend more time with you."

I roll my eyes sighing and crouch down a little so I can see her face.

Every time ashley gets brought up she acts like this even though I'm just trying to be a good friend.

She obviously knows about our past fling that we had going on but we're different now.

We're also not dating.

"She's not my girlfriend. I'm just trying to support her the same way I would support you ."

She scoffs looking down at me.

"Anytime she's around she gets all of your attention. How come you've only been hanging out with her lately huh?"

She asks as I stand back up.

I sigh sliding my hands in my pockets.

"Because I was trying to give you some space."

Her frown breaks for a moment and she looks away.

I wouldn't say that I've been avoiding her, but ever since she left my house I've been trying not to get so close.

That's also why I'm keeping my hands in my pockets.

I can't touch her.

If I do, I might not be able to keep it together.

I know how she feels about Jason and I don't want to get in between them.

The last thing I want is to lose my best friend so even though my feelings for her continue to grow, I have to keep them at bay.

"Im sorry for putting you through all of this."

Her eyes start to tear up.

"I never should've asked you to do this. Im a horrible friend."

I see a tear slide down her cheek and I can't stop myself.

I take my hands out of my pockets and brush the tears off of her cheeks, gently holding her face in my hands.

"Hey hey don't cry doll. You're not a horrible friend. I just should have had more self control."

I step closer and kiss the top of her head.

I hate seeing her cry like this, especially over me.

I gently rub her back so she can calms down and feel her hand grab onto my shirt.

"Don't worry about a thing. I'll make sure everything is okay."

I feel her grip tighten on my shirt and out of concern,
I pull back a little to see what was wrong and she begins to panic.

"No please, don't let go!"

I wrap my arms back around her shushing her.

"Okay okay I won't."

She sniffles into my chest and I sigh before picking her up and laying on the couch I have in my room with her on top of me.

Sometimes I use it to nap during my free period or whenever I have parent teacher meetings, I like to have them sit over here so it has more of a comfortable feel.

It's also a great place for when people need to get something off of their chest.

I lean in the corner and she lays on my chest with her legs up on the couch.

I gently rub her waist trying my best to get her to relax.

"Just calm down darlin. Everything's going to be okay."

She finally calms down a little and I think she may have fallen asleep.

I sigh rubbing my forehead and loosen my tie as I make myself comfortable.

This woman is going to be the death of me, I already know it.

"I love you.."

I look down at her and smile before gently playing in her hair.

"I love you too doll, you know that."

She sits up and gently caresses my face.

My cheeks heat up because the look she's giving me is making my heart pound harder by the minute.

"No I mean...I think I'm in love with you Sam."