Because of You

Chapter 15

Nolen

"So, tell me all the details of this date and leave nothing out," Choochie grinned, balancing her books in her arms.

"Well he was the perfect gentleman, the concert was good, he paid for my meal, and I gave him a little kiss at the end of the night."

"Awww shit, so you out here feeling the kid," Choochie smirked, bumping me with her shoulder.

"Girl, shut up," I laughed.

"Whatever."

As we made our way through the halls, I saw Jacob standing at his locker getting his things together for the day.

He glanced up at me quickly before looking down.

I didn't care though.

Had he never played games, we would be on speaking terms.

"So what's up with you and him," Choochie asked, gesturing to Jacob with her head.

"Nothing," I scoffed, sucking my teeth.

"Mmhmm. You still not talking to him," Choochie asked, "I mean you were about to have sex with him and everything."

"First of all we only kissed. Sex was never in the plan."

"Uh huh, but you were drunk so you don't know what could have happened."

"I know, but I'm positive it wasn't that."

"Whatever you say," Choochie grinned.

We parted ways to head to class.

As I was rounding the corner, I bumped into someone.

I looked up and saw Jacob.

"Heeeyyy," I dragged out, attempting to sidestep him.

He stopped me.

"Nolen, please stop ignoring me," Jacob asked.

It was more like a plea.

I could see the swirl of emotion in his eyes.

"For what?"

"Stop being so damn stubborn," he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me to the side of the hall.

I snatched away from him.

"Don't be grabbing on me," I scoffed, wiping at where he grabbed me.

He rolled his eyes, "Look, I've been going through so much shit, and you not talking to me is not one more thing I want to add to the list. You couldn't possibly know what I have been going through because you've been so busy wrapped in your own world and purposely shutting me out. Ignoring every message, every call, every voicemail. And that's fucking selfish because I never meant to hurt you, and you can't seem to grasp that!"

I stared at him, taken aback.

"Well, if you wouldn't have acted like a bitch, we would be talking to one another. I wouldn't be ignoring you, and guess what, my life isn't all peaches and cream either. I have problems too, so please don't come at me with that."

He shook his head, a humorless grin on his face.

"You just don't get it do you?"

"Get what?"

I furrowed my brow in confusion.

"Nothing."

"You always say that," I said, sidestepping him.

"Be careful," he called after me.

I waved him off.

My brows furrowed deeper.