Camp Pinewood ~Book 2~

22

Sydney's POV
After everything with Alyssa, I was in the mood now to fix any other problems I was dealing with.
I was off to find Ethan.
After everything with Alyssa date raping him, and me getting back together with Jesse, I hadn't really hashed things out with him. It seemed the universe would agree with me because as I was on my way to search for him, he ran into me.
"Oh... Hey." He said, standing there awkwardly, running his hand through his hair.
"Hey, could I talk to you?" I asked. We were near a bench so I gestured to it for us to sit.
He hesitated, looking off at the water, the direction he was going, before sighing and nodding his head. "Sure." He agreed, sitting down.
I sat down beside him, not sure how to start. Luckily, he took the reins for me.
"Look... you should know that I didn't mean to cheat on you with Alyssa. I don't know if Jesse told you but she drugged me."
"He told me." I said.
"Oh... well-"
"That's why I wanted to talk to you because I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I should have listened to your side of the story before... flipping out like I did. I mean... It's Alyssa. God only knows what goes through that girl's mind and all."
"It's okay, I understand. But could I ask one question?" he wondered.
"Of course. Shoot."

"Is there any chance of us getting back together?" he asked me, looking up at me. His eyes were filled with hope, but only a little.
It hurt to say what I was going to say next.
"Ethan... even if things hadn't gone on with Alyssa like they did... I just... I love-"
"I get it. I figured as much. I'd rather not hear it though, if that's okay."
I nodded, not sure what to say. But he still had more to say.
"Look Sydney, I still love you. I want to be with you. And I want to be the one who makes you happy. And I'm not telling you this to say you have to choose between Jesse and me because I know that I'll probably lose that if I do, but I'm saying you have options. I'll still be here, waiting, if it doesn't work out with Jesse. And if he makes you happy then I'm glad you'll be happy cause that's what I want for you. Is to be happy. I love you."

I was speechless. I had no words. Either what I say would hurt him because it isn't what he wants to hear or what I say just sounds stupid. I didn't want either of those things. I felt awful now, as everything really hit me. I broke his heart. I hurt him. And he didn't do anything to me but try and be the best for me. And I hurt him.
"I know that face. Don't blame yourself Sydney. It's not your fault. Just... be happy with Jesse. Okay? Be happy."
I nodded again and I couldn't help it, I leaned in to hug him. It seems it was national hug day today. I felt tears form and I fought against them. I wasn't going to cry.

"Umm... Sydney?" a voice asked from behind the bench. I pulled away from Ethan and looked up into the eyes of Ron and John.
"Oh, hey guys. What's up?" I asked her, wiping my eyes to make sure no tears had escaped.
"Umm... Jesse's looking for you."
I looked at Ethan.
"Go ahead. I'm fine Sydney. And I'm glad we fixed things, really. Friends?"
I smiled, feeling a bit better at that. "Definitely."

I followed the twins to where Jesse was- in his cabin, practically alone- and when I finally reached him I immediately stood on my toes and kissed him, surprising him.
"Well hello to you too." He said, raising an eyebrow.
"So... I talked to Alyssa. And Ethan."
"Oh?"
"Ethan and I are friends now. We're cool. And Alyssa... well I guess we're friends too."
"What?!" The twins exclaimed, then turned and walked away when Jesse glared, telling them to get out.
"Allow me to repeat what they said: What?!"
"She wanted to start over. She was crying and... and we talked. She just needs some friends. She's lonely, and... I can't blame her for feeling that way."
"But you can blame her for everything she's done."
"But she's done all of that because she's lonely Jesse. You were her everything you know that? And I just came here one summer and 'took you' as she puts it. So I told her I'd be her friend and... we hugged. She seems like she really wants to start over."
He sighed, and paced around a little. After a few moments of this, he turned and faced me again. "You trust her?" he asked me.
I nodded.
"Then I'll trust her too. A little. She's gotta work up to more though."
"That sounds fair." I said, smiling and taking one of his hands. He stepped up closer to me, a small smile on his face.
"Well, what's not fair is you teasing me like you are now." He teased, kissing my hair.
"All is fair in love and war." I quoted, kissing the corner of his mouth before pulling away from him, a smirk on my face.
He didn't let me get very far though, before pulling me back to him, his arms encircling me and kissing my neck. I moaned softly, my hands interlaced in his.
"For once we're alone..." I said, my tone suggestive now.
"Mmm... not for long though. We've got dinner plans tonight."
"Oh?" I asked, not really paying attention.
"Yes, with my mother. She said she'd get to know you better."
Damn it. I thought to myself, wanting nothing more than to just be alone with him now. I sighed and stepped out of his arms, and he let me go.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm having dinner with your mother. I'm not going to look like a homeless person this time." I told him, leaving to go get ready.