My Last Breath

Chapter 16- boys will be boys

When I saw them, my heart just broke. I can't even describe the pain that I was feeling that day. Taking my seat for the ceremony, my mom looks at me "have you been crying cause you saw your brother?"
Wiping away the tears, I nod trying to cover up the true pain. Watching my brother get his diploma, I clapped and smiled for him; pretending like everything was okay. When Bruce got his, he seemed so happy. We watched other people get theirs, until the ceremony ended. Pronouncing them the class of 2016, I smile as Mitchell walks toward me.

"Hey Ash!"
"Hi, I'm so happy for you," I sniff and fake a smile. "No, something's wrong, what is it?" His blue eyes get worried.
"N-nothing, you seemed so happy up there. I'm so proud of you Mitch!" Hugging him, he does the same as I squeeze him tighter. Pulling me away, he asks "where's mom?"
"Talking with your girlfriend, don't go over there," I plead.
Laughing, he pats my shoulder and walks over. Rolling my eyes, I walk away as I see Jesse come towards me. Having a smile on his face, I close my eyes and breathe "just be cool Ash, be cool."
Embracing me, he pecks my lips, "oh good, you made it." I nod "how could I not," Sniffing, he tilts his head "what's wrong babe? You sad about your brother leaving?"
Shaking my head, I rub my nose, "no, can we talk?"
"Sure Ash."

Exhaling, he holds my hand and I flinch. Not thinking about were that thing has been, we walk a little ways until I stop and turn to face him. "I saw you."
Turning red, he looks down "oh, I see; listen babe I-" Cutting him off, I try and be strong "you cheated on me with my best friend Jess, how could you!"
Scratching his neck, he runs a hand through his hair, "I've been meaning to tell you Ash, it's just I got distracted," he grins. Slapping him, I close my eyes "how long has this been going on."
"Uh, 3 months now," he looks away quickly.
"That's total crap Jess, how long!" I raise my voice.
Biting his lip, he sighs "6 months."
"I'm sorry Jess, but that's the last straw... it's over." Walking away, I bite my lip to keep from crying as Jesse closes his eyes "Ashely, please baby," he pleads. Not looking back, I walk back to my mom. Hugging her, she seems surprised "honey, are you okay?"
  Nodding, I sigh "I just have to take care of something first; that's all."

Storming to Carter, she sees me and smiles "hey-" I slap her "how could you Carter, I thought you were my friend." Holding her cheek, she watches me walk away and curses under her breath. Bruce looks at me and sighs as he talks to his parents. Looking at him, he looks away as his dad hugs him. Hugging him back, he sees me sit down and excuses himself. Walking toward me, my eyes drift upward "not now Bruce," I cry. He sits down next to me "what's wrong Ash?" My red eyes dare to meet his "Jesse, that's what's wrong."
"Oh, I'm sorry, do you mind I ask what happened?"

  Shaking my head, I start crying again "oh god, it was awful." Hugging him, he takes a few seconds to respond, but hugs me back. He rubs my back gently "sh, it'll be okay. Just let it all out."
Sobbing at this time, I try not stutter "H-he-" Closing my eyes, I take a breath "he cheated on me with my best friend!"
  Lifting my chin up, he looks at me with sad, green eyes "I'm so sorry Ashely, you don't deserve to be cheated on." Sniffing, he wipes my tear away and bites his lower lip "you deserve someone who treats you right, not a little piece of shit like him," he nods toward Jesse."
      Chuckling, I sniff "I'm sorry to have wasted all this time with my drama, go share your celebration with your girlfriend." Getting up, I walk a few steps before he calls my name "Ash!" Turning my head, he smiles "I don't have a girlfriend.. oh and by the way, you look gorgeous in that dress," he winks.