Love, Camping

Chapter 23 | A love story

Jessica Timbers P.O.V.

When we arrived at the carnival, it was indeed a big event. The shops, lights, and tents were still being set up, but the different stalls with their varied, colorful wares were already captivating and beautiful. The place buzzed with life and excitement, and I could only imagine how magical it would be once night fell and all the lights illuminated the scene.

Despite having the option to leave, I decided to stay and help the family set up their flower shop. I organized bouquets and arranged things just right, feeling a deep sense of belonging. When everything was ready, I hugged Laura, promising to visit again. I thanked Emma for the tiara, and though a little teary-eyed, she blushed and told me I looked beautiful wearing it.

With one last wave, I left the shop, my heart full of gratitude and happiness.

Now, it was time to find my friends.

I walked through the bustling carnival, scanning the crowd, searching for familiar faces.

I spotted a familiar head of black hair and felt a rush of relief—Derrick. But that relief quickly turned into a sinking feeling when I saw who was standing next to him. My heart dropped, and I went on high alert.

Rebecca was leaning into Derrick’s chest, her face close to his. She reached for his face, but he brushed her off. Yet she clung to him, holding his hand, her chest pressing against his. My heart shattered. What were they doing together? What was going on?

Anger and hurt surged through me as I stormed over to them. Derrick noticed me, barely surprised, while Rebecca looked visibly shocked. I didn’t spare her a glance, my attention solely on Derrick. I saw his swollen lip, the bruise on his face, and the black eyes that had once held affection for me now showing only indifference.

"You finally found your way back," Rebecca scoffed, breaking the silence first. "Guess the little trick didn't work."

I looked at her, confused.

She smirked. "Someone may or may not have changed the signboard."

My eyes widened as I realized how I had lost my way. They had changed the signboard that marked the path for hikers, and I got lost because of it.

My anger flared, but it was nothing compared to the betrayal I felt knowing Derrick was aware of it. I looked at him, hoping for some denial, but he just looked mildly surprised and indifferent. It hurt even more that he didn’t care.

"Derrick, what's going on?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mix of emotions.

He shrugged, his expression indifferent. "What's it look like, Jessica? I'm done playing games."

Rebecca snickered beside him, clearly enjoying the drama. "Oh, come on, Jess. You didn't really think he was serious about you, did you?"

My eyes burned with unshed tears. "Why would you do this? Why lead me on?"

Derrick finally met my gaze, his eyes cold. "It was fun for a while, but I got bored. You were never going to give me what I wanted."

I felt like I had been slapped. "So you just strung me along, pretending to care?"

He smirked, his demeanor vile and heartless. "Pretty much."

Rebecca chimed in, "You should've seen your face when you walked up just now."

I could feel my heart breaking all over again. "I trusted you," I whispered, barely able to speak.

Derrick shrugged again. "That's your problem, not mine."