I Meet the Mutt [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

14 | The Truth About Ian

Recap: Angie just came from the library, where she saw Josh tutoring a girl. She had a sudden realization that when she succeeded in her goal of dating Josh, she'd have to survive the popularity and criticism thrown her way. Even though Angie's having second thoughts, that doesn't mean she's giving up just yet. And now she's on her way to Ian's house, determined to settle things once and for all.

A heavy weight settled in my heart, obliterating any other thought I had.

Time to be mature. An adult.

My book and last interaction with Josh remained long forgotten as I parked my car in front of Ian's house, a little shaky about what I was going to do. Don't get me wrong—fighting with my friends wasn't what scared me. The fact I was going to have to directly confront my own buds didn't really intimidate me as much as irritate me. I was afraid that I would be the reason of Ian's...risky business.

Just as I was opening my car door, my phone abruptly vibrated, interrupting the cool, eerie stillness outside as the sun spread its last rays, leaving the dark blues to cover up the sky.

Missed call from Emma.

My mouth dried a little. Over the past week, she and Logan had both left voicemails, texts I didn't bother reading, and calls I just sent to voicemail. They'd stopped trying the last few days, but apparently today was a day for confession.

Missed call from Logan.

Then, steeling myself, I walked up to the porch and pressed the doorbell.

...

Nothing happened at first. There were a few dwindled lights in Ian's house, but one car was missing from his driveway, and the light in his bedroom was off as well.

That sounded creepy.

However, right as I was about to ring again, I heard rapid footsteps thumping down the stairs, and in a few moments, I was in front of Ian's little brother with his toothy grin.

This is cheating, I thought to myself, trying and pathetically failing to stop a smile. I squatted down. "Joe? I don't know if you remember me, but I'm—"

Joe hugged me.

He wrapped his little arms around me, giggling and patting my hair. When he pulled away, his eyes shone brighter than ever—and my heart pretty much melted into a pile of goo. "Angie! I've missed you! Why didn't you visit me?"

"I—I was busy. That's why I'm here again, to visit you," I lied, feeling so brokenhearted and insincere in front of this innocent boy.

You know, most of the time, when I saw children, I thought only of one word: obnoxious. Seeing Joe made all those thoughts go away. He was the epitome of good. And Ian was so damn lucky to have him as a little brother.

Thing was, Joe was still relatively young—probably about eight or so. And he was so damn adorable.

Joe pouted. "Are you sure? How do I know you're not going to disappear again?"

"Because I'm promising you that I'll return," I assured him firmly. Instantly, all sadness vanished from his face, and he grinned at me.

It felt horrible lying to this kid, as my coming back depended solely on whether or not Ian and I made up again, but the smile on his face...well, it made the totally miniscule lie worth it.

"Yay! I know you always keep promises. You know why? Because Ian's—always—talking about you."

I inhaled sharply. "Is he? Wait, is Ian even home?"