I Don't Like You Too [[Short Story]]

The Quarry

Slowly, weeks would pass since that incident at school. But how Travis' hatred only grew towards Justin, and his distain for Emily since they broke up. That night at that party at the lake changed everything, giving a whole new perspective of bonding and relationships. It seemed like Emily's new lack of a noticeable relationship turned the whole school to gossip, and her friends were no different.

As Emily sat in the front row of her math class, Yina and Lauren were gossiping constantly with her as usual, asking her the usual questions which she always just ignored.

"When are you going to get back together with Travis?" Yina asked, still sounded in shock that Emily would even be away from him for this long.

"They've been together since like what.. elementary school?" Lauren exaggerated to make her bestfriend sigh expectantly.

Emily turned to face them both as she gave a stern look. "I already told you guys I'm serious about this. Travis doesn't even really know me! I mean.. it's just complicated."

Lauren and Yina looked to each other with squints in their gazes, clearly not totally believing what she was saying. Yina was the first to interject, stating the facts as usual. "But you've been with Travis since forever, you only wanted to break up with him since you started listening to that creep who has a crush on you, don't you think that's weird!?"

Lauren nodded and interjected before Emily could protest. "Totally! Like, you would tell us all the time about how great Travis is and it's like you threw it all out the window! You said it yourself, Justin is a total creep! Why are you even talking to him? Travis has been blowing up my phone trying to get you to talk to him-"

"I don't want to talk to him!" Emily burst out, inhaling deeply as she tried to control herself. "He's just being annoying because he wants me to apologize and get back together with him."

Again, the girls looked at each other, her friends still looking confused.

"You're going mental," Lauren waved off. "You'll get back together with him like you always do! It's inevitable, right?"

"100%," Yina chimed in. "We all know it."

Emily rolled her eyes as per usual and tried to ignore her friends gossip for the rest of the class. It's been weeks and she still hasn't heard the end of it. Her boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, Travis seemed more desperate then usual to talk to her and she just wouldn't give. He had been blowing up her phone and constantly asking her when they could talk, which she never had a response to.

Small parts of her did feel guilty. She hadn't even been able to see or talk to Justin much since the cafeteria fight between him and Travis weeks ago. Her friends gave her grief anytime she mentioned his name or tried to explain herself. But could she blame them, she told everyone numerous times she thought Justin was a loser and she wouldn't be caught dead near him. They'd never let her hear the end of it now.

As the bell rang, Emily and her friends went to their next class together. As usual their mood lightened up and they began talking about more petty things. The thoughts of Travis and Justin dissipated for the remainder of the day.

Her friends seemed to let the topic go which made Emily feel a lot better. They didn't seem to understand her situation but they were still her friends.

Afterschool, as usual, her friends would walk her to the gym for cheer practice before saying their goodbyes. It was easy to forget the drama for a little while as Emily got lost in her passion for cheer and could get back to her usual fun.

...

As cheer practice ended it was time for Emily to head home. She texted her friends and her eyes lingered over her unread messages, eyes scanning over Justin's name. She hadn't been able to face him for almost a week straight. She wanted nothing more than to let go and text him but something inside of her was forcing her back.

Emily sighed deeply as she made her way to the parking lot. As she approached her car she was shocked as she looked up to see a familiar figure standing in her way.

Travis had already been watching her as soon as she left the school, he started in her direction the second their eyes met.

A jolt of butterflies exploded in Emily's stomach as the blonde approached her. She gasped loudly as the 6 foot boy stood over her. Without a word he went right up to her and grabbed her, pulling her close just like he used to. Emily felt her heart beat faster in panic as he leaned down to kiss her.

Emily couldn't help the deep shiver of nerves that escaped her from the familiar yet uninvited action. She couldn't move, standing there shocked.

Travis seemed slightly pleased, as his maneuvers had worked. He stood up tall once again as he looked down at her, feigning a concerned look. "Why have you been ignoring me?"

Emily found she had no air in her lungs even if she had wanted to speak to him. All she could do was form a stern look as she tried to focus on controlling her heartbeat.

"You didn't mean those things you said about me right? You know I know you better than anyone, and I know you love me," Travis added in his usual kind tone that Emily would always find charming, but now she felt it cold and calculating.

Emily stuttered slightly as she tried to find the right words to say. "W-What are you talking about? I just want to be left alone right now-" She made to pull away but Travis kept his grip firm, almost possessive now. His faint smile now turning to a frown as he matched her stern gaze.

"It's really selfish of you to push me out like that.. you think you can just decide to end what we had? I know it's because of him.. so don't fucking lie to me that you just want to be 'left alone'. I know you don't want to turn me away for some fucking loser, you're being stupid," he added sternly.

Emily immediately scoffed at being held tighter, her eyes widening at what she was hearing. Travis was pushy but he was never rude.

"What is wrong with you!?" She shot back quickly, wanting to push away but not daring to try. She wasn't scared of Travis but he was acting like a total dick. "This isn't about him- I don't want to date you anymore so get over it!"

The young man was instantly displeased with her tone, his frown turning into a snarl. He yanked the smaller girl close to him forcing a sound out of her. He was going to let his feelings known, whether she wanted to hear him out of not.

"Fucking liar!" He roared, loud enough to send fear down Emily's spine. "You're a fake bitch you know that? If you think anyone is going to be better for you then me, you're really fucking stupid."

Emily shivered instantly as she averted her eyes from his, shrinking away slightly as he towered over her. It took all of her strength to shove herself out of Travis' grasp, getting a good few feet between them. Travis didn't even try to stop her as he kept his eyes locked on her like a hawk.

A newfound fear crept it's way up Emily's spine as she tried to fight back with her usual petty attitude. "You're the stupid one.. take a hint. Why can't you just leave me alone?"

The fire in Travis' being only ignited more with Emily's attitude. He snapped his mouth shut as he resisted saying something even worse. He was practically seething when he finally found his words. "You're being so stubborn and you know it. I know you're being a fucking brat because that's how you are. Why won't you stop pushing me away?"

Emily couldn't help rolling her eyes at him as she already began walking past him. She was so over this conversation already. Travis way overstepped this time and she wanted to get away from him more than anything. Travis looked at her with near disbelief as she walked past him, ignoring him once again.

Without another word, Emily got in her car and left, leaving an angry Travis in the dust.