You and I

Chapter 27

Peyton POV

What. Just. Happened.

"Rowan, wait, hear me out. She's just-" I started.

"She's just? Just what? Your girlfriend? Yeah." Aniah said.

"What?" Rowan's eyes started to water and then she looked to the ground. "I, uh, I just- I've gotta go." She rushed out of the room and out the door.

"Rowan wait!!!" I ran after her and attempted to grab her wrist, but she got away.

Her house was only a few blocks down, but it was raining and I didn't want her to get soaked.

"Rowan come on, it's pouring outside. We need to talk!!!" I finally got her hand.

"Peyton, let me go. I do NOT want to talk to you." Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

"Just let me explain." I pleaded.

"Save it." Rowan ripped her hand out of my grasp and ran.

"Rowan!!!" But she was to far now to even hear me.

Then Aniah came up behind me. "Um, excuse me? What are you doing chasing after her?"

"Aniah, what are you even doing here? We dated THREE years ago. Three years Aniah. You moved away and I never heard from you again. You never answered any of my texts or calls. Never!!! And you expected me to just wait around for you?"

"Peyton, I was perusing my dreams. And I didn't want anything to hold me back. But now, I'm here, for you!!!" Aniah said.

"No. I already have someone. Did you see that sweet, beautiful girl who's heart was just crushed? She actually cares about me. Or at least she did."

"That doesn't matter. She already mad at you, just break up with her and we can be together forever!!!" Said Aniah.

"How shallow do you get? Aniah, I love her!!! And now, because of you, she's gone. Did you honestly think life back here would pause until you came back? I found love, which is something I never had with you."

"You know what? No one is worth this much hassle. Forget you." Then Aniah got in her red mustang and sped off.

I can't believe her.

Then I hopped in my car and drove over to Rowan's. I ran up to her door and knocked. Carmen, Rowans little sister, opened the door.

"H- oh." Her smile turned into a angry frown. "What do you want?"

"Please, just let me talk to Rowan?"

"No way. Now leave. Rowans had enough bad news for one day." Carmen said. She started closing the door, but I shoved my foot in the way.

"What do you mean? What happened?" I asked frantically,

Carmen sighed. "Rowan probably didn't tell you this, but she was in line for a roll in a new movie. In fact, the lead roll. And she was going to be doing a lot of stunts. But after her accident, the cast director didn't think Rowan could do the stunts and re-casted. Row just found out when she got home. Wet." She glared at me then slammed the door.

Why didn't Rowan tell me about this movie?

But that didn't matter now, Rowan thinks I cheated on her. And there's no way I can change her mind, talk to her.
Wait! I had an idea. I don't have to "talk" to her. I can write to her.

I drove back home and ran to my room. I pulled out a pen and paper and started to write:

"Dear Rowan,
I know I'm the last person you want to hear from right now, but I have to explain my self. Aniah, the blonde, used to be my girlfriend. But then one day she moved and never spoke to me again, no matter how many times I contacted her. So then I gave up. Three years later she just pops up and thinks we were still together. After you left, I explained to her how shallow she was being, expecting me to drop everything and run off with her. Then she stormed
off. I think she's gone for good. But you have to believe me, I have no feelings for her. I have no feelings for anyone else but you. Because Row, I love you. I love you with everything in me. And nothing and no one can get between us. And I hope you never forget that.
Love, Peyton.

I sealed up my letter, and drove back to Rowans. I climbed up the tree that lead to her balcony. I placed the letter on a chair she had there then knocked on her door. Then I quickly climbed back down and left.