Through the Lens

30

Staying under the radar had been my intention. Walking into school, I passed Ethan giving him a sideways smile before heading to my own locker. There waiting for me was Josh. I should have realized that he'd be here. The last time he'd messed up, he hadn't given in easily. But this time, he had what he wanted, my sister. So why was he here?

Spinning my lock, I pointedly ignored him and hoped my silence would be meaning enough.

"Jessa, you have to know I'm sorry," he pleaded, giving me the most sorrowful look I'd ever seen.

Sighing, I gave up on my combination because my mind wasn't working. What to say to make him leave? "Josh, for what it's worth, I don't think you are a bad guy. And maybe you never set out to hurt me, but you did. And I'm not up to this right now."

His hand reached up, maybe to stroke my face, but another hand slapped it away. "You need to go. Now," Ethan said, looking like a bear protecting his den. Ethan's pointer finger was almost touching Josh's face.

Taking Ethan's hand away, I linked his fingers with mine. And Josh missed none of it. "So you're really with him now."

Pulling my hand back because this was exactly what I didn't want. I could see this breakup turning around in the rumor mill as being my fault. Not that I cared, but Ethan was new. He had enough crap in his world for people to blame him for. He didn't need the blame for why everyone's darling, Josh, was broken up with his girlfriend. "Josh, don't even try it. You did this. Don't blame anyone else." I spouted off at the mouth.

"And you didn't even give me a chance to explain," he said, resoundingly.

Ethan looked ready to pounce. I took his forearm in my hand, trying to hold him back. "Chances, really?" I asked. "I gave you several. And you messed up each time."

Tipping his head in Ethan's direction, Josh said, "Do you know what they say about what he did?"

"Stop, Josh. This isn't about Ethan. Please," I paused. "Just go."

"Yeah, Macon, leave," Ethan said.

Josh was vibrating with anger. "What did you say to her to poison her against me?"

"I didn't have to say anything. You buried yourself," Ethan said, rising to Josh's bait.

"Please," I said, backing up Ethan.

Josh said, "Just let me just talk to you for one minute."

"Not today, okay?" I said, weary of the people standing in the halls. I so hoped this confrontation didn't end up on YouTube.

"I'll call you," Josh said and backed off. With him walking away, I said nothing, letting him have the last word. There was just no point otherwise.

Ethan pressed his shoulder against the adjoining locker to mine. I went back to trying to remember my combination. When it clicked, I opened it and quickly switched out books getting ready for first period.

"I don't blame him," Ethan rattled out. Closing my locker with a twang, I looked at him. Seeing that I was confused by his statement, he added, "I would fight to keep you, too. He didn't know what a good thing he had until it was gone."

His words had a calming effect on me. The sly grin on his face only added to my teasing him. I said, "So cliché, Mr. Hart."

"But true," he said, his eyes seemingly growing dark. The desire to kiss me was plain on his face.

Playfully, I stepped back. Out of his reach, I said, "See you later, Mr. Hart," and headed off to class.

All thoughts of my confrontation with Josh gone, I couldn't stop smiling as Ethan did his best to get my attention later in our third-period class. Thankfully, I was able to ignore him mostly.