In The Off Chance (A Jaria Story)

Chapter 4 - "In the off chance"

So sorry I haven't updated in so long. I PROMISE I will update more often!

Chapter 4: (Aria's POV)

I heard the crickets chirping in the warm night. I walked home along the side walk, hearing my shoes clacking. It was kind of an obnoxious sound, I had to admit. A car pulled up beside me and I turned, startled.

"Aria," Jason called. He stared down at the bag in my hand. "Taking a study break?"

I helped up the bag lazily with a small smile. "More like a sugar break."

He got out of the car and slammed the door shut. "Well, sounds like more fun than what I've been up to. I had to buy a padlock for my shed; somebody broke in today."

I raised my eyebrows. "Really?" I asked, a mix of concern and confusion in my voice.

"Yeah," he confirmed.

"Well, uh ... couldn't have been Mike. He, he hasn't even left his bedroom since Thursday," Was he accusing my brother? I know Mike's broken into a few houses and that was wrong, I know, but he has absolutely no right to act like it was automatically him. 

He raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "I didn't go there," he said, his voice getting a bit high. He was very, very cute. Or, well, handsome. Hot. Beautiful. It didn't take an idiot to see that. Looking into those damn eyes, I felt something flutter in my stomach but quickly shook whatever it was off. "Listen, uh,  I'm glad I bumped into you. I was hoping we could talk," Did I hear a little nervousness in his voice? That made me nervous.

We stood there staring at each other. That fluttering feeling kept coming up and I tried hard to fight it. Jason opened his mouth to speak.

"Look, I hope I didn't step out of bounds earlier. I really was trying to help," Ugh. He was so sweet and realizing this only made whatever was fluttering go faster. 

"No, you didn't," I assured him, shaking my head. "I just have a lot ... going on right now," I licked my lips and looked down quickly. "so," I whispered.

"The truth is I do care about your brother, but ... I also care about you. And I wanted to tell you in the off chance that you might feel the same way." Oh no. Everything in me was screaming "NO" and red warning lights flashed off in my head. This was bad. I was with Ezra and - ugh, that damn fluttering! My raced in a fast paced beat as Jason stepped forward. I should stop this immediately. He leaned in. No, I have to walk away. I can't do this. He put his hand under my chin. I lifted my head. 

Jason kissed me. And I didn't pull away. His lips touched mine softly, sweetly. And then it felt like fireworks went off in me. It was so slow yet so passionate. In that one little kiss, I felt more than I had for Ezra in ... months. I loved the way he kissed me, so gently and protective, yet fiery, yet also cool. I felt that if I could spend the rest of my life kissing this one man, I would in a heartbeat.

But I pulled away. I hadn't even realized until I saw Jason's concerned, almost hurt, eyes. I let out a shaky breath. What had I just done? I cheated on Ezra. The love of my life. But... if he is the so-called love of my life, why did I want to kiss Jason? "I can't do this," I said. 

"Why not?" Jason whispered softly. His look traveled from my eyes, to my lips, back up to my eyes. I know what I should say. I should say that I'm not available. And just when I open my mouth to say that, I think about another thing. Ezra and I lost our connection. I hadn't felt something special for him in a while. But maybe, if I tried to reestablish that connection, then maybe I would forget about Jason. Or I could break up with Ezra and be with Jason. Or ... maybe it would be best if I break up with Ezra, but still say single. Figure things out. I had three options to choose from. But I had to say something to Jason, who was standing right in front of me, waiting patiently for an answer. "I ... I need some time. I do care about you, too, Jason, but I just need a little time to figure things out. Could you maybe ... wait?"

Jason looked down and then looked back up. He licked his lips and ran his fingers through his ashy blonde hair. "Of course, Aria. I'll wait for you, as long as you need." His fingers grazed my cheek for a few seconds before getting back into his car. He gave me one last longing, yet understanding, look as he drove away.

I had to decide now. 

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I'm sorry that part was so short. But I have big plans for this story and now I'm really excited to write more! Please comment your thoughts and thank you guys so much for enjoying this story!

-- Gianna