Her Bet

chapter 18

Laria

I look at him nervously. Since when did boys make me nervous.

"It's not what it looks like."

He looks at me and I don't see any emotion on his face.

"Say something."

"Is that why you didn't want anyone to know . Because they would be confused as to who you're with. Why would you do this?"

"I... Cole and I are nothing Danton . He's always showing up uninformed an-"

"That's not a freaking reason."

"Ok what is it that you want me to say ?"

"Tell me the truth."

"That's the truth . I don't think Cole is the problem, the problem is you . I think you're overseeing our relationship here . We're just hooking up , I'm not your girlfriend so I have every right to be with any guy I like. I'm going to tell you this again , I just like the way our bodies work together but I don't like you Danton. I don't, not even a little bit. "

"Wow I.... I think you're right. I always have overseen this thing we have . I thought it was.... something. "

"It doesn't have to be like that Danton, I want us to continue like we used to . I want you to know that you're also allowed to get with anyone . It can be like an open relationship. I can't be with you when you're expecting a lot from me . It's your decision."

And with that she gets to have the last word again . I sigh and decide to text Meera.

Me: can I crash in your room , I'm sleepy.

Meera: sure , we would be there soon.

Me: thanks

I walk out the bathroom and head to her room. I just want to leave at this point.

.....

"I freaking love this method , I think it's faster and easier ."

"Yeah ."

"Are you sure you're ok Danton? You've been gloomy since last week Friday . Did something happen at the sleep over?"

"No Meera, I'm just tired . My mom is getting closer to birth and she has me working non-stop ."

"Oh , ok. I hope she's alright.."

"She is , thanks."

It's been almost a week since the sleepover. I haven't talked to her since , because I don't want to . Ever . My dad always warned me about such situations with girls and I hated it but now I love him more knowing his words helped me . He said if she gives you an option to break up with her more than once , do it . And so I did , even if I never talked to her about ending things.

"I'm going to the bathroom. "

"Be quick . Barry would be here any minute and we'll leave."

"Ok."

I run to the bathroom and I feel a hand grabbing me in a classroom.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"No Danton, what do you think you're doing? Why are you ignoring me?"

"I'm not ." I say and try to leave but she holds my hand.

"What's wrong ? I called countless times , texted and still nothing . What is it ?"

"I thought you were smarter than that ."

"Excuse you?,"

"Don't you get it ? I ended things a long time ago. You said it's my decision and so here it is , I don't want to continue this anymore."

"Why... I-I don't under-"

"You never do Laria , I'm tired . I want to free myself from this punishment. I want to be with someone that has similar goals like me . Someone that I want that wants me back . You're right Laria, I am expecting a lot from you but I can see you can't offer it so I'm freeing both of us from this pointless hoookie or whatever you call it . "

"Do you want me to end things with Cole, I will."

"No no , this isn't about just me . It's about both of us . You like Cole, it hurts but it's the truth and I have to live with it. I-"

"No I don't. I don't like him."

She says caressing my cheeks but I push her hands .

"I'm sorry but I can't . I'm not this kind of person . A person who is fooled by your touch , I'm not . If I want to end things then I want to end things. Obviously what we had was sudden and now and I want

"Danton please..."

"No , I don't want to be with someone like you . I'm not like you Laria, just because you told me I can be with other people doesn't mean I would . You don't know me and obviously I don't know you . It hurts to even think about how you come to me after being with him . Don't call me again."

"Danton-"

......

"Dear , eat your breakfast ."

"Sorry . "

"What are you thinking about? I've realised you aren't you for the past week . Is it school?"

"No , it's just that I have a lot to plan for Barry's birthday."

"Oh right."

"Are you ok though, with the whole labour stuff.?"

"SÌ. Although I'm a bit scared , I mean I haven't went to labour since you so..."

"Relax , it's going to be ok. Will dad be there with us too.?"

"Yeah , with you two this is going to be great . I can't wait to know the gender."

"I hope it's a girl so I can fight the guys after her ."

"Please , you don't even know how to fist . Anyway, I'm tired goodnight. Wish you luck for Barry's birthday."

"Night ."

"Wait , can I ask?"

"Sure..."

"Do you have a girlfriend or have you atleast thought of having one."

"Mom..."

"What? You can't always just sit around reading books . You need passion, you need love . The happiest people are those who succeed in both success and love . I can't just stand here and watch you not even bringing a girl for me . At least before I die ."

"Mom , don't say that . Don't joke about death. "

"Answer my question."

"No ."

"Ok , is it because you don't know where to start o-"

"I don't know mom . Can I just breathe please."

"How about Meera, your friend."

"What on earth is wrong with you? Meera...are you... Meera. Are you for real. ? "

"Why do you sound so nervous then,"

"Nervous? Please stop being delusional."

Even if I didn't want to admit it , I was feeling nervous. I was sweaty and I don't know know . Maybe because I can't imagine Meera and me , or can I .?