Love, Camping

Chapter 21 | Am I sure?

Jessica Timbers P.O.V.

After leaving Alex outside his room, I decided to go outside to ease the pounding in my head. It was far better than crying in bed.

The chilly breeze hit me like a sharp sting, and I trembled, pulling my cardigan closer. Instead of returning to the party, I chose a different route and headed towards the road. I stormed off on the sides. When I got far from the hotel and not a single familiar face was in sight, I slowed down. Thankfully, the road was lit and still busy. I found a large tree and decided to stop under its shade.

Folding my arms over my chest, I tried to calm my labored breathing. I was pissed at Alex for yelling at me and calling me a whore, but I knew what he said was true.

Partially true. I never slept with Derrick!

I was also pissed for not defending myself.

I knew what I did was terrible, but Alex was now just overreacting. He was not even making any sense by calling my feelings for Derrick a crazy obsession. He has no idea how I feel or what I am going through. I am as troubled as him with my emotions fighting against each othet. He only makes things worse by ignoring my side of the story and refusing to believe what I had to say.

My heart was already torn in two, each piece pulled in a different direction by the two of them. My mind was a constant whirlwind of emotions- excitement and guilt, joy and confusion. When I was with Derrick, I felt an undeniable spark, a connection that made my heart race. But then, thoughts of Alex would intrude, filling me with a sense of betrayal and longing.

Every moment I have spent with either of them was tinged with an undercurrent of anxiety, and the thought of losing either of them felt like an unbearable loss, yet the idea of continuing to deceive them was equally painful.

I hated the duplicity myself but couldn't bring myself to make a choice. I was trapped in a maze with no clear way out, desperate to find a resolution that wouldn't break my heart or theirs.

I sighed, feeling tormented than ever.

I had no idea how long I'd been standing under the tree, but darkness had fallen. I decided to head back. Rubbing my temples to ease a growing headache, I forced myself to move and began walking down the path toward the hotel. My body felt stiff from standing awkwardly for so long.

Ignoring everyone, I went straight to my room. Part of me wanted to turn back and check on Alex, but I pushed the thought away. I couldn't deal with anyone right now. I just hoped he made it to his room.

As I approached the hallway, I noticed a figure standing outside my room. It was Derrick.

A groan and a furious grunt formed in the back of my throat. My rage surged, and my legs quickly led me to him.

He wore a different t-shirt than before, an olive green one that hung loosely across his broad shoulders. Standing outside my door with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his phone.

He looked up at me, surprised.

"I have been texting you," he said, waving his phone at me. "Where have you been?"

His unawareness of whatever had happened in the previous hours added fuel to my anger.

"You are seriously asking me that? Where were you?" I inquired, accusingly,

His brows raised at my unpleasant mood.

"What is it, babe? I remember I had left you in a much better mood." He sounded cocky at the end.

I shook my head in irritation. He chill demeanour infuriating me further.

I walked past him, knocking into his arm, purposely. He did not even flinch, whereas I nearly stumbled. Angrily, I began unlocking my door.