New Believers Of God

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

I just wanted to run away from this whole situation, with Holly and with the guys. But of course, as much as it frustrated me, knew I had to handle it.

The problem was that regardless of which trip I chose, someone else was going to be left disappointed. It was a lose-lose situation. Those were never something you willingly dealt with.

At the very least though, I had bought myself some time. I didn't have to be signed up for either one for another two weeks. That gave me a chance to think it all over. But even then, it still wasn't an easy choice to make. I simply couldn't decide.

During school on the following Thursday, Holly approached me while I was at my locker, a plastic bag in her hands.

"I got you something." she said, excitedly.

"What is it?" I asked, already having an idea.

With that said, she reached into the bag, and just as I suspected, pulled out a gray GLOW hoodie like the one she had, complete with my last name on the back.

"Oh!" I gasped, trying to act surprised "You didn't have to buy this."

"I wanted to." she replied, "After all, how can you go on the trip without one?"

Deep down inside, that only ate at me more. But I didn't know what to do about it.

"Thanks Holly." I told her "That was very nice of you."

"Oh Cole." she told me "We're going to have such a great time! I wish we could go right now!"

"Please stop." I thought "You're killing me."

Later on at gym class, which Ethan was in with me, him and I discussed Wildside as we played a game of capture the flag.

"I still can't believe something like that exists." he said, "It must be so much fun to work there."

"Yeah." I said back, wanting to so desperately avoid the conversation.

"What's the matter?" he asked, seemingly catching on.

"Nothing." I answered, "I'm just watching for the ball."

What a lie that was. I always hated this game.

Even in the locker room, he continued to talk about it.

"Have your parents signed you up yet?" he asked.

"Not yet." I answered, "But I'm sure they will soon."

Right at that moment however, as I went to pull my gym bag out of my backpack, the hoodie accidentally fell out with it, face up on the part that said GLOW too.

Ethan looked down at it, and I instantly knew there was no way around this.

"What's that?" he asked, clearly knowing already.

"It's a gift from Holly." I reluctantly answered, "That's all."

"Is it a gift?" he asked, "Or is it more than that?"

"No Ethan." I answered, nervous as ever "That's it. I swear."

"Yeah right. Are you seriously doing this again Cole? Choosing her over us? What do you take me for, an idiot?"

"It's not like that! You don't understand!"

"I understand enough. I can't believe you, and after we apologized too. I used to think it was cool seeing you and her together, but not when it's interfering with us. You're a traitor Cole. A real traitor!"