Between Love and Friendship (Completed)

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

I was totally not looking forward to school that Monday. After my blowup at Annabelle’s pool party, I figured that my social life had hit rock bottom. With Annabelle probably hating me again, and the rest of the student body following her lead, there was no way it could get worse.

At least, I didn’t think it could.

But when I opened my locker after fourth period that morning, I knew I was in for even more trouble. There was a note. It was written on a sheet of wide ruled loose leaf with a blue ballpoint pen. I didn’t even have to think twice to know who the note was from.

Gabriel.

My heart thudded in my chest, as I began to read:

Meet me in the art room during your free. There’s something important I need to tell you. Come alone.

                                                                        -G

Before I could even analyze the letter properly, someone crept up behind me and covered my eyes. Almost as a reflex, I crumpled the paper up, and stuffed it in my bag. God forbid the person behind me had already read it.

“Hey beautiful.”

I instantly relaxed, realizing that it was Trevor.

“Hey yourself,” I said in reply, taking his hands off my eyes and turning around. “Don’t scare me like that.”

“Wasn’t trying to scare you. But if I did, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” My voice sounded shaky and nervous. Did I have a reason to be nervous? I couldn’t tell. Part of me felt guilty, like getting an invitation to meet with Gabriel and not telling Trevor about it was wrong. He was, after all, my boyfriend.

He was great. An amazing guy. Loyal. Sweet. Considerate. Any girl would have been lucky to have him. Why he wanted me, out of everyone, I had no idea. I wished that I could care for him the way he cared for me, but if I was being honest with myself, I just didn’t. I wished I could just like Trevor. It would be so much easier. I would be happy. But then there was always the thought of Gabriel lingering in the back of my mind. And although he wasn’t mine, although he probably wanted to tell me why he never wanted to speak to me again, I couldn’t let him go.

He had heard every word that I said to Annabelle that Friday night. He heard the ugly truth, the mean, unfeeling version of myself on rampage, and there was no way to take that back. Gabriel probably hated me too for being such a bitch to his girlfriend.

I couldn’t blame him really. Since, according to everyone else at school, I’m the villain here.

“Is everything alright?” Trevor asked suddenly, reminding me that he was still there. “You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine,” I reassured him with a smile. “Really.”

“Okay, well, I’ll see you after class.” He bent down and planted a quick kiss on my cheek.

“Bye.” I said quietly, thankful that he didn’t go straight for my lips.

* * *

When sixth period lunch finally came around, I suffered greatly from a painful, anxious feeling that had been rapidly arising in my stomach. Since I had read Gabriel’s note, slow deep breaths and focusing on the lessons had kept me calm. But now that it was actually time to talk to him, there was nothing I could do about my nerves.