City to Sticks

Chapter Six

6—Jake P.O.V.

What had I gotten myself into? Why had I let my anger get the better of me? After school, Holly had ridden home with me in silence and had stormed inside the house the second I dropped her off. I'd tried to engage her in conversation, but she completely ignored me and if I didn't know better, I'd say she looked kind of sad. Now I was back in the truck with her, again in uncomfortable silence, as I drove us to the movie theater. I wanted to apologize, but I couldn't get my throat to work. I'd already threatened Granger bodily harm if he touched her tonight. Granger had instantly retreated, claiming he'd only asked her out to try to kick my own ass into gear. Why, because my best friends could see what I'd been fighting all along. I had feelings for Holly.

I wish we were going to the movies together, but I would be stuck listening to Wendy's whiny voice and have to deal with her wandering hands. Again, what in the hell had I gotten myself into? We arrived at the theater and Holly got out, again without a word to me. I sighed. I'd messed up. Royally. With my hands in my pockets, I followed her. By the time I caught up, Granger had already paid for him and Holly. Wendy beamed at me and I knew that I needed to have a talk with her, really soon. She needed to understand that she and I were never going to be together. We'd had a bit of fun last year, but I'd made it clear that it wasn't serious. Wendy had set out to seduce me anyway, so it's not my fault if she thought we were more than we ever were.

"We ready?" Granger asked, as I paid for Wendy and myself.

Begrudgingly, I nodded and followed, glaring at how close Granger was standing to Holly. Alright, so they weren't even that close, but I still didn't like it. When we took our seats, somehow I found myself between Wendy and Holly. So I was in heaven and hell at the exact same time. Wendy wrapped her arms around my arm and snuggled close to me. I rolled my eyes and glanced toward Holly. She was staring straight ahead, but must have felt my eyes on her, because she glanced my way. She glared and turned back toward the screen. I smiled. I might have been on a date with the wrong girl and Holly might have been on a date with the wrong guy, but I was going to fix things tonight. On the way home, I was going to show her exactly where I stood.

Feeling a little better about things, I slumped down into my chair, intent on watching the movie. Wendy took this opportunity to snuggle closer and began trying to nibble on my neck. I gently pushed her away, "Wendy, cut it out." She just giggled and increased her efforts. By the time, I finally got her talked into just watching the movie. I looked back to the screen, but couldn't help glancing at Holly again. I bolted upright upon seeing that Holly and Granger were both gone. I glanced around the theater, but couldn't spot them. Without a word to Wendy I stood and hurried from the room. I glanced around the lobby and spotted them in a corner. Holly's head was down and Granger was leaning in close to her. What the hell?

I hurried over and pushed Granger out of the way, "Holly, what happened?"

"Leave me alone, Jake. Go back to your date. I'm being stupid right now." Holly said and wiped at her eyes.

I glared at her, "The only reason I'm here with Wendy is because you decided to go out with Granger."

"Don't put this on me. You were the one making out with her in there." Holly accused.

My eyes widened, "I was trying to get her off of me. She's like a leech!"

"Oh thanks a lot!" Wendy suddenly shrieked from behind me.

I closed my eyes, "Ok, there has been several misunderstandings and yes, I'm to blame. First off, Wendy you have got to get it through your head that we're never going to be together. I just don't feel that way about you."