Chalk It Up To Fate

Chapter 2: Reece

I pulled into the parking lot just before the first bell, letting me know I have 5 minutes to make it inside and in class before Coach kills me. I have never been a morning person, but lately, I haven't really been a night person either. My dreams are plagued with the same devastated face that ruined my life. I haven't been able to get more than a couple of hours of sleep for the past couple months, making football practice a living hell.

I rush into the building and throw my backpack in my locker. I am halfway to my first class when the final bell rings.

Shit.

I walked into Mrs. Patterson's English class hoping she wouldn't make a big deal out of it.

Unfortunately for me, she's a bitch.

"Mr. Davis, you set a new record; being late on the first day." Her shrill voice hits my ears.

I set my books down with a thud and slid into my seat. "What? I gotta entertain the class somehow. It's not like you're going to," I retorted. Way to start the year.

Double Shit.

She looks at me over her glasses, not impressed.

"If you don't like my class you can leave it. Do you want to set another record of being the first student in the principal's office this school year?"

"And not grace the rest of the class with my presence? Now that would be selfish!" I remarked sarcastically putting my hands on my heart and giving her a mock pout.

Mrs. Patterson was not impressed.

"Mr. Davis I suggest you stop with the smart comments or we're going to have an issue. Open the syllabus. I am not doing this with you again this year." She turns away from me to the smart board; projecting the syllabus. I release the breath I was holding and open my computer to do the same.

As she started to drone on, my best friend next to me nudged my arm with his elbow. "Reece dude, where were you last night?" I looked at Easton, then back to my computer. I sighed and muttered "busy" under my breath.

Easton learned in half whisper shouting my way, "Amanda was there bro, you missed it." He looked at me with a shit eating grin.

It was because Amanda was there that I stayed away.

The last time we were drinking at a bonfire together damn near broke me.

Still avoiding eye contact, I replied, "We're not together anymore dumbass, I don't care what she does in her free time." The lie came easy. It's the same lie that I've been telling myself all summer.

"Even if what she does is Karson Frazier?"

My eyes shot to him this time, clenching my teeth so hard it hurt. "What did you say?" my anger was evident. That only made Easton's smile widen. "Yeah, they've been hanging out all summer. They seemed pretty cozy at the party too."

Rage overtook my body.

Karson? Of all people, Karson?

I could picture them cuddling next to the fire, his arm over her shoulders, Amanda leaning into his touch. Him whispering in her ear before kissing her. Just that image made me want to rip his arms off and punch his face for good measure. I wanted to destroy any part of his body that ever touched her.

I started shaking. which Easton noticed right away. His smile started to waiver as I stared daggers at him.

"Bro, just admit it. You love her. You're jealous. Just be a man and get over yourself."

"I had all summer to fix things, if I loved her don't you think I would have done it already?" I turned back to my computer.

"No," Easton replied, all humor gone from his features. "I think you're scared."

I didn't respond. Taking in a deep breath I tried paying attention to Mrs. Patterson, but my mind kept going back to Easton's words. I'm not scared. No, she just deserves better than me. I can't give her what she needs. Isn't there a saying, if you love them, let them go?

But you don't love her dumbass.

I panicked for a split second before rage overtook my body for the second time this morning.

I looked at Easton again, putting a smile on my face.

"She is nothing more than another body to add onto my list. A pussy that good is meant to be passed around. Karson should enjoy it while he can. I know I did."

As I said it I felt disgusted. I never wanted to picture her with anybody other than me and now here I am thinking about Amanda and Karson sleeping together.

I wanted to vomit.

Before Easton could say anything, the bell rang signaling the end of class. I shot out of my seat ignoring Easton's protests and got the hell out of there. I thought I was hallucinating when I turned the corner.

Unfortunately for me, I really was witnessing Karson leaning against the wall talking to Amanda. She was responding to something he had said with a laugh.

I stopped in my tracks and admired her. Her beautiful black hair was curled in soft waves down her back. Her smile lit up her face, and her makeup brought out the blue in her eyes. She would have been absolutely perfect, if only she wasn't laughing with that prick Karson.

He was looking down at her with a soft smile.

I wanted to kill him.

Without thinking, I started storming over to them. Before I could even react, a locker door came into my vision and smacked me in the face.

I stumbled back, grabbing my nose, "Ow!" I cursed, holding my face.

"What the fuck?" I yelled.