Temptation

Chapter 45

I didn't know what to say... I, for once was actually surprised, I mean, like, truly surprised. I wasn't upset, I had no right to be. Shawn was allowed to find his happiness, just like I was. I just don't understand why he didn't tell me? All of these hours we've spent together, he didn't even mention her, not once. And that's when a crazy thought came to mind. Maybe if he didn't tell me, it was like there would still be that chance that we could workout. Maybe he was still hopeful... But that's crazy because obviously it wasn't anything like that.

I remember when we were little, I think we were 8 years old. Back when him and I both thought girls and boys had cooties, and we swore we would never, ever get a boyfriend or girlfriend. We pinky promised. And a pinky promise meant a lot for us. However, as we got older, around age 11. We were a little more mature, and I started finding a small interest in guys and for Shawn, in girls. That's when we came to the realization that eventually, we would date when we got older. Our parents convinced us, "it was a normal thing, and It was all part of life."

I remember perfectly what he said one day, as we sat on a swing set, eating cookie dough ice cream in my backyard. "Alice, when I get a girlfriend, you will be the first to know." He stared off into the sunset, deep in thought. I replied with, "Really?" I was shocked more then anything, partially because I didn't expect that, and because I didn't think he had even given thought to that. "Of course, you're my best friend." I remember him smiling at me, as the words left his mouth. And thats when I knew... On that small swing set, in my backyard, as his eyes peered down at me. The way my stomach twirled and my heart danced with joy.... I just knew.

Shawn was like my protector, he protected me from everything, from everyone... I remember when he defended me from Tommy, back in the 6th grade. Tommy was this troubled kid, always picking his nose, and always pulling on my pony tails. He'd call me names like, ugly and tattletale, and I would cry like there was no tomorrow. Until one day Shawn finally confronted him and said, "If you don't leave her alone, I will tell." It wasn't the scariest thing to say, and that's because Shawn has never liked conflict. But after that day Tommy did in fact leave me alone. And that's all it took, I was in love; I, Alice Underwood, had fallen for my best friend.

When I realized I... liked him. It was like, the most bizarre idea in the world. I started noticing the smallest things I never used to pay any attention to. His smile, and his eyes, even what he wore. At first I was scared, but I became more comfortable with the idea, after talking to my mother about it. She insisted he liked me too, but I would just roll my eyes and change the subject. I knew she was right, I felt it too. Although, we never said it to each other, I think we both knew... deep, deep down, we both knew we cared for each other, as more then just, best friends. We always have.

I looked at Lauren, straight in the eyes... She was really, really pretty. One of the prettiest girls I might have ever seen. Something about her eyes intimidated me. They were just normal brown eyes, but there was something magical about them. They had this spark in them, and when you looked at her, you were compelled. They were so full of life, and you could see her bubbly personality right through them. I envied that. Because compared to her, my eyes weren't anywhere near magical, they were red, and swollen, full of agony and confusion. I was jealous of her, she had it easy. Because being with Shawn was that... it was easy and wonderful.

She arched a defined brow at me, and thats when I realized, I hadn't responded to them.

"Um... It's nice to meet you." I smiled shaking her hand. She had a strong grip, showing she was confident, and very sure of herself.

I looked up and meet Shawn's eyes, we exchange a look, that only both of us knew, and we could say so much just by looking at one another. In the moment I was saying, "You have some explaining to do, but I'm not mad at you." Shawn's eyes screamed, "I'm so sorry."