Involved

thirteen

isabelle langa

Just as I would any other day, I stayed in the gardens at school doing work. If I attempted to go home now, I wouldn't get much better work done. Lately things have been busy to say the least. I didn't mind taking Olivia to her soccer practices because she was sweet. She listened to my music and let me put the same song on repeat. The part I was most excited for was seeing her practice. The same potential Killian had is the same potential she has.

Spending time with Jeremiah was nice too. He would drive down to see me at least once a week. His eagerness to get to know me was refreshing.

"Isabelle, right?"

I looked up at the girl who stood by my table. I recognized her immediately. The same girl who showed up to all his basketball games. She made an effort of never approaching me which I was happy about because I didn't want to hear about her prior relationship with Killian. Ignorance is bliss and I preferred to stay ignorant.

"Yeah," I began packing my things into my bag. My work wasn't done, but wasn't interested in speaking with her. Which is why I didn't bother asking her name but she still gave it anyway.

"I'm Mariah," she followed me through the garden. My steps were slower, subconsciously wanting to hear what she had to say. I was supposed to be on my way to the outdoor basketball courts where I was expecting to see Killian and Dre. "Sorry. I don't mean to sound creepy or anything?"

"Really? Because you attend all Killian's games like a groupie and now you've somehow hunt me down at school. That's quite creepy, wouldn't you say?" I looked down at the path we walked on. She stayed silent to gather her thoughts.

"I know how this looks. I just...I haven't found a way to say to you what I need to say," she fumbled over her words. Killian never spoke much of his prior relationships, but Mariah seemed far from his type. Then again, I wasn't all that familiar with his type.

But Mariah was tall and dark haired. She had light eyes and fair skin. She seemed confident. Not to say that I am not confident. But hers was different. It was almost cocky. The only thing we had in common was cheer. I noticed she was on the cheer team. She's hard not to notice.

"Which is?"

"Killian isn't a good person. He's manipulative and controlling and-"

"You've been struggling to find the words to tell me that you and Killian had a terrible breakup? I don't think I care all that much to hear the details if I'm being honest," I moved hair from my face. Despite how badly I wanted to hear the details, it didn't feel fair. Killian had never brought it up and it felt like an invasion of privacy to get the gritty details from his ex girlfriend.

The basketball courts were now in view. Killian's height made him easier to spot. I could also recognize a few of the other people playing as either in his frat or on the basketball team.

"It's not a terrible breakup if you're not in a relationship. At least not in his eyes. Look, I'm just trying to help you and tell you what I wish someone had told me. I wish someone had warned me that attention from the guys in their frat isn't a good thing. They humiliate woman and Killian will do the same with you," she warned me and I didn't know whether to believe her words.

The Killian I had spent my time with was sweet and gentle. I didn't know much about his frat, but I remembered my brother telling me not to get involved with anyone in a frat. But I wouldn't associate that warning with Killian. He would never hurt me.

"Take my words as you wish," she set her hand on my shoulder. I nodded, thanking her for her kind gesture. I'm not sure whether I would act on her advice, but I definitely was thinking about it.