The Almost Lovers

Chapter 6

We stopped to get ice cream later on in the day, we sat outside in the warm California sun and I closed my eyes dreaming of the beach that I longed to be on but I was enjoying myself out here.

"How do you feel?" He asked and my eyes shot open, I leaned forward slightly and tilted my head. "What do you mean?" I mumbled and he leaned forward with his elbows on the table, rude, and looked into my eyes.

"You're not happy." Jakes eyes were hypnotic, slowly putting me in a trance. I snapped out of it and looked down at my lap. "Of course I'm happy, this is my dream." I said and looked back up at him.

He chuckled softly and leaned back in his chair. "You can't lie to me, I'm not like your boyfriend." He muttered and I looked at him offended but then cooled off. He was right so I can't get angry at him. "I've gotten to know you, your amazing, but your not happy with what you're doing. I can tell by the way your smile fades when I mention your job."

My heart sank.

Is it that obvious, should I hide it better? Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no. I can't do this, not anymore, I need to leave.

"Jake..I-" I started but he looked straight into my eyes with his, they looked almost sad and lonely. "Yes Clarity?" He said in the sweetest tone I've heard him speak in.

I love you.

"I should probably head home, Clark will get worried if I stay out to long." I said and stood up. "Goodbye then." I said and slowly lifted my hand to wave good bye as I backed away. I turned and started walking back to a place a car could come get me.

"Goodbye Clarity." He whispered as he watched me disappear in the crowds of people rushing along in the streets.

--

Again, I retreated to the beach, I wanted to clear my mind and make myself feel better. It didn't seem to be working. All I could think about were his eyes, I wandered why his eyes were so sad. Why he seemed so lonely.

"Clarity!" I heard Michael yell and put his hand on my shoulder. "Yeah Mike?" I asked slightly in a trance while watching as the water changed colors to match the beautiful sunset.

"Clark wants to see you." He said and I closed my eyes. "Tell him I'm busy." I muttered and Mike shook his head. "It's important."

My eyes shot open and I ran inside. "Yes?" I yelled as I burst through the back door to find beautiful flowers placed in a trail around the house. I smiled slightly and followed the multicolored trail of flowers until it turned into rose petals leading to a room that had the door slightly cracked open.

I reached out and the door creaked as I pushed it open. I saw Clark all dressed up staring out a window I just assumed he hadn't changed from when he got home from work. "You wanted to see me?" I murmured as I stepped into the room, my hair was dripping wet and I was just wearing a bikini.

"I've been meaning to talk to you." He said and I felt my knees get weak all the bad scenarios rushed to my brain and I tried my hardest to stay calm. "What about." I squeaked and he turned around.

"We've been together for a while now.." I was so close to cringing. "We've known each other for so long, I think it's time we accept we're meant to be." He said and slowly walked to me.

He got down on one knee and took my hand. I covered my face with my free hand and started sobbing. "Clarity, will you marry me?" He asked, tears in his eyes.

I just stayed quiet and sobbed into my hand, I literally couldn't feel my legs. In the heat of the moment I nodded my head and smiled. I really did love him I'm just..confused. Right?

--

I rolled out of bed the next morning, taking the blanket with me and landing on the soft carpet and feeling the sun rays in my face coming in from the opened window. I smiled and looked down at my ring.

I was excited and wanted to go tell everyone! But I only had three or four friends, Michael, Clark, and Mary. I don't really know what my relationship is with Jake. I'll just say he's my friend.

I walked out of my room, I wore a black loose tank top and some black skinny jeans, I had a flannel shirt tied around my waist and some blue and purple necklaces, I wore my favorite heels that looked like tennis shoes but came up to my knees like boots.

I was feeling a bit emo so I did black lipstick and a dramatic smokey eye. I felt beautiful. I walked downstairs and was greeted by a huge hug from Clark, to be honest I was happy.

I walked out and was planning to go to shopping, I got in the car and we drove off and to the city, when I got out of the car, a person stood out in the crowd of others on the sidewalk.

"Jacob." I whispered to myself and started walking away quickly but you know me, I can never get out of an awkward situation. I tripped over myself and face planted the ground. Unfortunately, I face planted concrete.

The whole of that crowd turned and faced me, including Jacob. I slowly lifted myself off the ground facing the other way trying not to start crying because my face was a little scraped up, and when I say a little I mean a lot.

I closed my eyes tightly and face palmed at how stupid I probably look. I stood up with my hair covering my face and walked away. I pulled out my phone to see the damage and the  whole left side of my face was covered in scrapes. Suddenly the pain got even worse. I guess it's because I thought it wouldn't be that bad.

I cringed at the sight of my face and turned my phone of as I started to pick up the pace. I had no where to go except back in search for help but I didn't exactly think that was a good idea.

I finally just stopped walking and looked back, I didn't see anyone there so I tuned back around and walked to a park bench and sat down. I let a tear fall because of pain but I wouldn't let it all out until I got home or found an empty alleyway.

"Hey." Jakes unforgettable voice muttered as he sat down next to me. I slowly built up the courage to look up at him and when he saw my face his eyes almost popped out of his head. "Was that you that fell on the ground back there?!" He asked worriedly and I nodded slowly.

He stood up and held out his hand and looked at me sympathetically. I reached my hand out and he saw the ring. I saw disappointment flicker in his eyes but he seemed to quickly shake it off.

He helped me up and I tried my best to hide the pain I felt.