Flee

Chapter 7: I Was Already Missing Before The Night I Left

Arden's POV

I know Jace is still there outside my window, but I don't want to talk to him. Especially not now. I don't want to have to explain anything to him. Not now at least. Maybe some day I will want to.

Maybe.

I fall asleep quickly. When I wake up in the morning I smell the smell of pancakes. I automatically become concerned because Tim doesn't cook anything, so it must not be him cooking.

I walk downstairs and see exactly who I figured would be down there. Jace and Jason's mom. Right when I see her I turn right back around on my heels. I go right back up to my room and pack my backpack once again. I need to get out of here. 

For a girl who wants to leave more than anything I am sure taking awhile. I pack all the things I need to survive and climb out my window. About a month ago I tried to do this exact thing.

I decide just to skip school today, because we only have one week of school left until Christmas break. What could we possibly be learning?

Last time I tried to escape, it didn't work out too well. I sure hope it does this time. I walk to Jace and Jason's house because I want Jace to come with me.

Jason. No thank you.

I knock on their front door and Jason answers it. I try to not let my disappointment show.

Just kidding I let it show. He needs to know I hate his guts.

"Hey," he says.

"Is Jace here?" I ask him ignoring his greeting.

"No, but I am guessing he'll be back soon. Do you want to come in?" He asks.

No, not really, but I nod anyway. Jason moves aside so I can enter.

I walk into their house and plop down onto the couch and make myself at home. 

"So how's life?" Jason tries to start small talk. 

"Jason, just stop," I tell him. 

"Why?" He asks. 

"You know why," I tell him. 

"No I really don't." 

"Well do you want me to summarize last nights events for you? It isn't even what you said that makes me mad. I don't care what you think about me looks-wise or personality wise. Honestly, I couldn't care less about that. I am mad because I trusted you and trust is the hardest thing for me and you threw it away like it was nothing." I say not looking at him. 

"Arden..." Jason says. "I don't know what as wrong with me when I said that. I didn't mean a word of it. I know you know that. " he says with a pleading look in his eyes. 

"No I don't know that, Jason. I only know as much as people tell me. If I knew what everyone was thinking trust would be easier and I know that you know that."  I say mocking his earlier statement.  

"Can I tell you something?" he asks. 

"Go ahead," I tell him. 

"I did not mean a word of what I said last night. I just have so much going on and what I said about leaving you behind if necessary and everything else was probably the stupidest things I have ever said in my 18 years on this earth. I was also so jealous." He says as his eyes pierce right into mine making me feel uncomfortable. 

"Jealous? Of what?"  I ask him. 

He takes a deep breath. "The first time I met you, you were looking for Jace. I didn't even know you then, but I was jealous. I can't tell you why though because I don't know. Jealousy is something you can't control. I assume that it was because nobody in my life has ever cared about me as much as they cared about Jace.  Mostly, because he is the sweeter one and the funnier one and the one that everyone just naturally likes more. Even strangers like him more. I guess I was jealous because even though I didn't know you then, I knew that you were special. This is probably the most cliche thing to say, but you are the most spectacular girl I have ever met."