The Decuplets

A Second Chance

Ella

It was the final day of Spain, and Scarlett and I were hanging out in our room and watching a movie when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," Scarlett said.

It was Reece. "We're busy," I said, gesturing to the rom-com playing on the screen.

"No, you're not. We really need to talk, El," he pleaded.

Scarlett shrugged at me, so I got up and followed him reluctantly out of the door. "Come to my room," he said.

He sat on his bed and patted the spot next to him, but I opted to sit a safe distance away. "I'm really sorry that it seemed like I was flirting with that girl," he started.

"Girls," I corrected.

"Fine. Girls. I guess it's just that I'm not used to commitment. I haven't had a girlfriend since I was thirteen."

"It's not commitment Reece, it's common decency. You were right that we aren't committed to each other, but you can't always claim to care about me and then turn around and flirt with another girl in front of me. Twice!"

"But I didn't even mean to flirt! That's what I'm saying, I'm just not used to having someone looking over my shoulder."

"Do you know how much of a dick you sound like?"

"Okay, that's not how I meant it. I mean, I—"

"—am not used to treating girls with respect," I finished.

"I wouldn't put it like that, but..."

"It's harsh, but it's true."

"But I want to be different for you," he insisted, moving closer to me on the bed and taking my hands in his.

"Sure, that's what they all say," I deadpanned. Cam and his bet. Zach and his 'we're not a thing' and his 'leveling playing field'. Reece and his relentless attention seeking. They don't see girls as real people, and somehow I always expect them to see me as one. Hell, the best I've been treated all of Junior year was Jacob on our two dates. Riddle me that one...

"Come on, I'm better to you than Zach," Reece scoffed. Yet again, I wanted to strangle him.

"Don't bring him into this," I demanded, ripping my hand from his.

"Is that not what you just did?"

"That was a general comment," I spat.

"Whatever. Look, Ella, I don't understand why we can't just enjoy our last day in Spain. Remember the first night? And the second, at the club? Wasn't that great?" he asked.

I turned away from him and placed my chin on my palm, saying, "You said you were different in the first place, but suddenly I still have to wait for you to change. You know, I wouldn't have gotten into this if I knew you were who I always thought you were."

"I have changed, though."

"No, you haven't. You're not some secret new, sweeter version of yourself who sticks up for me. Maybe you have your moments, but you're the same at the end of the day," I dismissed.

"Maybe you don't see it, but I know I've changed. I wish you'd give me more of a chance to prove it," he begged, and I wanted to believe him.

"How can I trust you?"

"I would do anything for your trust. I promise I will be better."

I gave him a small smile. I did want to trust him. I didn't want things to go no where between us—they just started!

"So, can we try again?"

"Sure," I agreed, smiling as I rolled my eyes. He wrapped me in a hug then pulled away to kiss me. I could tell he was super excited about it, and his giddiness rubbed off on me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer and thinking about how nice it was when we were happy together.

"I really like you. Like, a lot a lot," he said in between kisses.

"Good, 'cause I like you a lot a lot, too," I replied.

"Good," he grinned. I headed towards the door but he grabbed my wrist and spun me back around. "Meet me in the hot tub tonight?"

"See you there," I laughed.