"BETROTHED" ✔️

Chapter Twenty-six (Heart Aches)

***

I woke up later that morning at eleven. Luckily it was a Sunday. No classes. I stretched and sat up on my bed. Immediately, images of the previous night flooded my mind. My heart ached seriously.
I'd fallen for Shane, who was Sloane's boyfriend!

This was bad luck.

Just after I'd sworn never to fall for someone who didn't love me in return. Why did I go for the wrong people?

I looked around to make sure Keisha wasn't close. Yes, I was going to call Josh on the spot to accept his proposal. It was better for me to go back to Boston, forget Shane and get married to Josh. The thought disgusted me but I had no choice. It was the best thing to do.

I picked my phone up and was about to call Josh when I suddenly received a text from Shane. I gulped and then decided to read it.

-How did you sleep? Hope well. Cuz as for me, I didn't sleep at all. I know I shouldn't say this but you should know how I am. I don't hide things. I've been thinking about last night and you.-

Shane was walking temptation. No! An obstacle whenever I had to call Josh. How did he do it? Why did he always call or text at the wrong time? Was this some sort of test?

I replied:

-Good morning, Shane. I'm flattered. Do you know when Sloane will return?-

I mentioned Sloane so he would remember that he was still her boyfriend and had always been in some sort of Way.

-Today.-

-Treat her right. Please.-

-I already treat her right. It's up to you to treat Me right.-

What did he mean??

-What?-

-Have a great day, Shayenne.-

And that ended it. Things were going to be real hard for me. Too hard actually. I decided to tell Shane what I had in mind.

-I've been unable to avoid you Shane and I think you know why by now. And so I plead with you, Shane, avoid me.-

-Are you serious?-

-Yes. For the sake of Sloane and Josh on my side. I appreciate her too much.-

-I would've had no problem with that until last night. Yesterday got me thinking . You got me thinking. A lot.-

-Forget the thoughts please.-

-That's hard.-

-Please try.-

I awaited a reply for up to five minutes. And then it finally came.

-Alright. If that's what you want.-

-Don't forget to treat Sloane well.-

-Like I said, I always do and that'll never change.-

I felt relieved but saddened. Shane had maybe indirectly confessed that he liked me but I'd begged him to let go. The fact was, he liked Sloane too, a lot. I just had to give up on him. I was the one left in great confusion.

***

It hurt but was worth it. Shane did as he was told. We didn't speak much. He didn't call or text unless I did so first. I felt frustrated. I sobbed most nights, unable to understand my feelings. I couldn't lie that I missed speaking to him. I just couldn't . But it was my fault. I was the one who'd asked him to avoid me. But apparently I was the person most affected by it .

I decided to go to Boston for the weekend of the first week of the second month. I missed my parents and felt I had to speak with them. Keisha had proposed to follow me but I refused . I needed some time alone with them.

**
Friday after I'd packed my stuff, I texted Sloane;):

-Hi, Sloane. I'll be traveling to Boston tomorrow morning. I'd be back Sunday evening.-

She soon replied.

-K hon. Let me know if you've arrived safely. And tell Shane about it.-

-Can you please do that for me?-

-Why?? Y'all seem to be cold towards each other. Is there a problem?-

-No.-

-Then do it Sha. Have a safe journey :-).-

I put my phone aside. I wasn't going to text or call Shane. No, no.
--
That night I told my parents that I'd be coming. They were quite happy. Just after speaking to them, I received a call from Shane. Wow. It'd been long. I quickly answered.

"Hello?"

"Long time. Heard you're going back to Boston? Cared to tell me about it?"

That was sarcastic.

"Um, I was going to but–"

"When are you coming back?" he cut in.

"Sunday evening."

"And I had to get this information from Sloane?"

Oh Crap.

"Shane are you angry with me?" I muttered.

"You know me right?"

I guess that meant yes.

"I–" I didn't know what to say.

"You'll be seeing Josh?"

"Um, yeah. Probably." my voice trailed off. Shane was silent.

"You still love him?"

The question seriously surprised me.

"I don't know."

"Just what I thought. Safe journey miss Harvey."

Before I could reply, he'd hung up. Was Shane jealous? He'd called me by my family name. Not a pet name.

I felt awkward and disturbed.