Swapped Love | ✓

■ Bitter truth

I was trying to focus on the math problem but needless to say, my mind was elsewhere.

Had she already told him everything? How was he reacting?

Was he angry and breaking things or calm and trying to understand what Alice was saying? Jared was usually a calm and level headed guy. I had never seen him getting angry so he was probably getting my point.

If he understood it, would he give us a chance and get into a relationship with me? I would say yes if he agreed. I loved him and hoped to be with him as soon as possible.

I heard a screech outside just as I finished the third sum. Mom and dad were already home? They weren't supposed to return in another hour. Weird.

The bell rang thrice along with a series of violent knocks. Whoever was there had an emergency. Fearing the worst, I adjusted my glasses and walked down, opening the door to confirm my fears.

It was Jared and Alice. Jared looked livid. Alice looked guilty. He looked worn down and tired too as I took in his attire. He hadn't changed his clothes from the last day and looked he could do with few nights' sleep. I couldn't help as I felt more guilty at his current state.

"J-Jared?" I squeaked, surprised to see him suddenly. He came inside as I backed away.

"What is she saying?" Was the first thing he said, pointing at Alice.

He looked at my elbow and then gazed at my face.

"Yes, you are the girl I have been hanging out with. Now tell me. She is Allison, right? You are Alice. What is she saying about you being her and faking? What's with the pretensions and all? I am getting all confused with the swapping stuff," He scowled.

"Jared, I-"

"Fuck. Just tell me in yes or no. I am losing my mind now. Are you Alice or Allison? What is your name?" He gritted his teeth, chewing every word slowly, desperation oozing out from every pore of his body.

I couldn't hide anymore. His face looked completely serious as he knew my answer would change the entire dynamic of our relationship in the next second. I could continue the lie for few more minutes until we met alone and he had cleaned and rested well enough. But, it was high time he knew. I had been fooling him for a long time now and if I wanted a relationship with him, it wouldn't start on the foundation of lies.

"Please," He gently grabbed my shoulders but it was firm hold.

I felt a part of me shatter at the look in his eyes. He was holding onto hope, that one last piece of hope and I was about to ruin it.

"Allison," I breathed.

He blinked for few seconds and then closed his eyes and clenched his jaws. The temperature had suddenly dropped in the room. There was a dangerous eerie silence lurking around us.

His temper was rising, I could see. A single vein in his temple was almost bursting out as he breathed heavily. He swallowed, trying to calm himself as his eyes flickered to me, his hands falling down to his sides as he took a step back.

His face fell as hurt painted over his face. My stomach dropped at his expression as I realized this face would probably haunt me for a long time. He looked so broken and disappointed that all I wanted was to take him in my arms and apologize profusely, kiss his pain away.

"You are the girl who came to that café that day?" He asked quietly, his voice quivering a little.

"Yes."

"You are the girl I have been hanging out with, throughout these months?"

"Yes."

"So, you are Allison Marshall pretending to be Alice all the time?" His voice was getting louder with every question.