Dollface

Chapter 18 - Tamsin

Chapter 18

Later in the afternoon, I sat on my front porch and flipped through my phone. I avoided jumping on the school social group or any kind of social media, in general. This was to keep my mind off of it. I didn't want to think about it.

There were missed calls and text messages from Dean. I opened up the text message to look. He apologized repeatedly throughout his text messages. He promised he was going to talk it out with Ava and things would be over. I slid my finger over the screen and read the messages over and over, and for some reason, I felt nothing.

Clicking into the text box, I began typing out my message. I told him I forgave him and that I apologize for slapping him yesterday. My emotions were all over the place and I was so angry. That doesn't excuse my behavior at all. However, I feel we should only be friends. This wouldn't ruin whatever good we have built in our relationship. I want nothing more with him. It was clear he wasn't ready, but that doesn't mean it was his fault. I would still be his friend, no matter what. If he needs someone to talk to, I'll be there for him. Nothing changes between us.

After I typed out my response, I turned off my screen and began walking down the walkway and sidewalk. I wore a pair of leggings and an oversized dark green t-shirt that read 'Brooklyn' over my chest. I swept my hair up into a ponytail. I wanted to walk today. It was a sunny day and maybe getting a little sun would put me in a better mood.

I walked for a good two miles before I stopped at a small neighborhood park. I found a bench and sat down. Wrapping my arms over my chest, I inhaled slowly before exhaling. The clouds shifted and I felt the sun warm my skin. I tilted my chin up and closed my eyes.

Suddenly, I heard laughter. Interrupted by my deep meditation, I opened my eyes to look. On the playground, I saw Benny, Devon, Chloe, Nina, and Kai. They were being foolish on the small playground. And my mood plummeted. I didn't want to see Chloe and Kai together.

Standing up, I began walking away from them as fast as I could. Only Nina called out to me. I pretended not to hear at first until I heard her call again. Sighing, I turned around with a forced smile. I waved my hand.

"Hi," I greeted.

She came running over to me.

"Hey, I'm glad to see you here." What was the coincidence of them appearing in my neighborhood's park? I'm not entirely sure, but I believe the probability was low. Nina looked at me and must have seen I was uncomfortable because her smile dropped slightly.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded my head. "I'm fine."

From behind her, I could see Kai standing and staring at me. I ignored him.

"You want to join us? After this, we were thinking about doing some paintball again."

I shook my head. "No, not today. I got plans, but thank you for the invite. Maybe next time."

"Oh, are you sure?" Nina asked while I started turning away.

"Yeah, I'm sure! Next time!" I lied. "I got to go. I'll talk to you next time. Have fun."

"See ya later," Nina replied.

I hurried down the walkway. I didn't look back until I hit the sidewalk. I took a few steps and was stopped when a pair of hands wrapped itself around my elbow and spun me around. When I saw it was Kai, I sighed. The area he was touching me was actively sensitive to his touch. I wasn't sure if I wanted to throw myself at him or run away from him.

"What?" I asked.

"So, you got pranked and you're hiding now."

The way he accused me got my shackles up. I jutted my chin out and glared at him.