Candor or Dauntless: Truth or Dare (Watty Awards 2013)

Part 30: Karma's a Bitch

Once we're inside, he flicks on the lights. They flicker for a few seconds before coming on strong. Inside the room is cleaning supplies. A janitors closet.

I look at him and he's sitting on a stool in the middle of the room. I walk to him and he bends forward. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me close to him. His head is on my stomach. He sobs loudly. I remove his arms from my waist and wrap him in my arms. He presses his head into my shoulder. His sobs jolt him forward. I brush my hand through his long, brown hair to comfort him.

"Uri, it's not your fault Marlene's dating Lynn. She's just going through a phase. Lynn doesn't care what happens or who does it. Marlene doesn't really like girls. She really likes you. Take it from a girl, she's trying to upset you. She's trying to make you jealous. Lynn was just there when she needed her." I say softly. His breaths are shorter and less frantic now. He pulls away from me. His face is splotchy and tear streaked.

He says, "Are you sure?"

I nod, "I am a girl, after all. Lynn was just there. If Peter or Eric or Al had been there, she would have chosen one of them. Just convenience."

He smiles weakly, "Thanks, Tris." I smile back.

"Anytime. You've done it for me." I say.

He nods, "For more than this. For everything. I really appreciate this." I kiss the top of his head,

"Anytime."

He stands up, grabbing my hand. I look up at him and smirk. His face is still shimmering with tears. I reach up with my free hand and wipe them away. He smiles gratefully down to me. He leans down and kisses my forehead, right between my eyebrows. I don't remember deciding to, but before I know it, my hands are on his waist. We stand, my hands on his waist and his lips between my eyebrows, in silence for a long time. Eventually he pulls away. He grabs my hand again. He bites his lower lip and turns his head slightly. I look down in embarrassment. Why was I staring at him? Why do I feel strange looking at him? I shouldn't. He's my friend.

I look back up at him and he's still biting his lip. His other hand fumbles for my other hand. Now he holds both of mine in his. We're standing inches apart. He turns his head again, but this time, I don't look away. He leans down and puts his lips next to my ear.

"I love you, First Jumper." He says and laughs.

"It's been forever since someone's said that to me." I say, surprised. He loves me? What's that supposed to mean? "Why do you love me, Uriah?" I ask. He moves away from my face, but still grasps my hands. "Because you're brave, smart, pretty, sweet and special. There's no one like you. You're...different." He says chewing his lip. I bite down on my cheek. How do I respond to that? He must see my conflicted look because he speaks, "You don't need to say it back. I was just stating the fact that I do. I. Love. You." I sign contentedly.

"Um..okay. I love you too." I say, painstakingly.

He smiles, "But I love Mar more."

I release a quick breath, "And I like Jaden." I move on quickly, "Marlene will take you back. You just need to make her jealous. That'll teach her. She'll instantly want you again." I state. It's so obvious. Sometimes, boys are just naïve. He leans down to my face again.

"Karma's a bitch. She's going to get what she deserves." And then who's lips are brushing mine. I don't move away. He smiles again and presses his lips fully on mine.  

A.N. KARMA IS A GIGANTIC BITCH.

SHE RUINS LIVES, BUT THEN MAKES LIFE BETTER.

It's amazeballs.