Settle For Less (A Before You Exit Fan Fiction)

He's Holding You Back

(One year ago, Before Chloe and Riley happened)

“I’ll go buy us coffee,” I said, kissing Howard. I walked toward Starbucks to buy our usual after school coffee.

             Everyday after cheerleading practice, my boyfriend—Howard—and I spend the whole afternoon at Starbucks doing whatever it is that we want to do. My name is Zoe, like my twin sister Chloe, I am a cheerleader. Howard is my boyfriend. We’ve been together since freshmen year. Daniel, our football star and also Chloe’s boyfriend, abandoned being captain last year. And ever since then, Howard became captain. I’m a lucky girl. I’m dating the football captain. I may not be the head cheerleader but I am co-captain of the team.

            Some say I’m one of the most popular girls in school. They said I was living the life most of the girls wanted. But I preferred it low profile. It was Chloe who was living the perfect life. Daniel was probably the hottest guy in school and she’s the head cheerleader which makes them not only the most popular couple in school but also the cutest. You might think I’m jelly but I’m actually happy with my life. I wouldn’t ask for anything else.

            “Hi, Jake!” I said to the barista.

            “Oh, Zoe! The usual I guess?” Jake said with a grin on his face. I nodded.

            I brought the coffees to our usual table and peeked outside. All the blood drained from my face, and I felt myself starting to slip off the chair. All the knots in my body seemed to come undone. I started to feel the tears heavy from my eyes, threatening to fall. Howard was flirting with some preppy girl from my school. Put your crap together Zoe, I thought. There’s a reason for everything.

            He walked in and I immediately brushed my tears away, replacing it with a smile. He kissed my forehead. He sat on the opposite direction. I got my Chemistry book and scanned it. This was unusual but I was trying my best to ignore what happened.

            “You’re awfully quiet,” Howard said after a while.

            “Oh, I’m studying for my Chemistry test tomorrow,” I said with innocence.

            “We both know you never study. What’s the problem, Angel?”

            I shrugged. “There’s no problem.”

            “Come on! What did I do now?” he said, impatiently tossing his hands in mid-air as a sign of annoyance.

            I didn’t mean to. I wanted him to realize what he has done and the same time I was praying he wouldn’t know what was up. I can’t back down now. Before I could change my mind I said silently, “You were flirting with that girl.”         

            He laughed. “That was it?”

            My cheeks turned red. I couldn’t believe he thought it was funny. “I’m serious,” I said.

            “You should stop being such a jealous girlfriend, Angel.”

            “Don’t make this about me,” I whispered quietly attempting not to make a scene in public. “I saw you flirting with her.”

            “Damn it, Zoe!” he slapped his hands on the table causing everyone to turn to our direction. “I’m tired of your drama. This is pathetic! I’m out of here.”

            He stood up. Before he could go any further, I grabbed his arm. “Wait! You’re right, I—I didn’t mean to. I was assuming. I’m sorry.”