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𝑳𝑶𝒀𝑨𝑳𝑻𝒀 𝑴𝑬𝑨𝑵𝑻 everything to Christiana, and that was why the kiss had been eating away at her. Three days had passed, and she still couldn't believe it had happened. She felt horrible. She knew what Brian and Mia meant to each other, and yet, for a fleeting moment, she'd let herself forget.
To avoid the guilt gnawing at her, Chris distanced herself from the group entirely. She couldn't face Mia, let alone Brian, so she spent those days with Jesse instead. Today, she had dragged him to a local carnival, hoping the bright lights and noise would drown out her thoughts.
"Do you want to go on that rollercoaster?" Jesse asked, pointing to the towering ride looming over the two of them.
Chris shook her head. "Not really, but I do want a funnel cake," she said, already scanning for the nearest food stand.
Jesse gave her a baffled look. "CJ, you just ate a chili dog and a large slushie. How do you even have room for more food?"
"I have a big appetite. Plus, funnel cakes are a carnival staple," Chris shrugged, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the stand before he could protest. She quickly ordered two, handing one to him as they found a spot at one of the dining tables scattered around the food area.
For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of laughter from nearby rides and the sizzle of food being cooked in the background. Chris was mid-bite when Jesse broke the silence.
"So...what's the problem?"
Chris froze, her fork hovering in the air. "What do you mean?" she asked, feigning innocence as she quickly shoved another bite into her mouth.
"You've been avoiding the group for four days. And while I love hanging out with you, it's kind of weird that you've spent the last three days with just me." Jesse raised an eyebrow, his tone light but probing.
Chris sighed, setting her fork down and resting her hands on her head. "I think I'm a bad person," she admitted softly.
Jesse blinked, completely thrown by her sudden confession. "What? Why would you think that? You're one of the nicest, most loyal people I know."
