The Girl Who Can't Say No

The Girl Who Can Say No ♔

The two boys instantly turned away from each other and somewhat ignored me also.

"Well?" I persisted.

"There doesn't have to be a reason to fight," Jaxson reluctantly told me.

"Wow Jaxson, way to tell a lie."

"I'm not lying."

"Rule number one: you're lying," I stated, "why are you guys so unwilling to tell me why?"

Now they look away from me blatantly.

Wait.

Hold on.

It couldn't be.

That is so ridiculous!

But...

What if it is?

"It's not about me right?" I asked jokingly. That idea was so far-fetched, there's no way.

I really hope so.

Both turned to eye me uncertainly and then at each other, I could practically see their brains turning as they figure out whether or not they should tell me the truth. I would've laughed at the stone silent communication if it weren't for the queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Guys?" I said weakly.

Jaxson scratched the back of his neck hesitantly.

"You guys were fighting over me?" I questioned softly.

I was sort of flattered but like... the idea of it, I shook my head, mumbling incoherent words.

Who in their right mind would fight over a simpleton and idiot like me, right?

They didn't seem ashamed or anything, but they kind of appeared like they would rather have lied to me than for me to have figured it out on my own.

"Why were you guys fighting over me?"

In total sync, they both looked at me and then glared angrily at each other.

"Cause he was an *** to you," Jaxson replied firmly and without regret at his choice of words.

"Jaxson! Out now!"

"What?!"

"You heard me. Out. Now!"

"No! I'm not leaving you alone with him," he implied to Connor like he was trash. And no more than trash. I beg to differ.

"I have to talk to him about something anyways," I stated, "alone."

"Like I said before, I'm not leaving."

I walked up to Jaxson who was still leaning next to the brown ordinary table to my right.

Then I hugged him tightly.

"Jaxson. Please," I whispered, muffled by his thin cotton t-shirt.

I could vaguely make out a sigh of frustration.

"Alright Avery."

We both pulled apart from each other and Jaxson grabbed me by both cheeks to lift my eyes to connect with his own eyes.

"Just yell if you're in trouble okay? Just yell. I'll be right outside whenever you need me."

I scoffed, "It's just Connor, Jax."

"That's precisely the point."

"Fine. Okay."

He took his time shuffling out the room and I closed the door behind him.

While I was closing the door shut, I could hear Connor say to me quietly, "You know, I've always loved you from afar."

It took me a while, but eventually I could see.

I could see I was able to let the fear and the grief go.

It was going to be alright.

"It's too late Connor."

"I know." He started mumbling, "I know I should've treated you better. And I was going to. I was just. I was just so... controlled by my feelings for you that I just- I just-"

"Connor," I interrupted gently, "it's too late."

"It's too late," I repeated.

I wasn't aware of how close Connor was to me until he started moving towards me with calm movements and I couldn't help but back away towards the door that was behind me.

"Connor."

"Avery," he responded as he stood right in front of me, blocking any exit.

It wasn't so close, just enough that there was air for me to breathe and my personal space not violated.

"I love you."

I didn't speak, not knowing what I should do in this type of situation.

"You never knew," he continued, "but you were my sunshine. I wanted you. And sometimes I felt like I needed you too. You were the one that gave me life... but I never took into consideration your thoughts or feelings."

"So instead," he began again, "I apologize Avery, I'm sorry for what I've done to you. In that day and others as well."

Unshed tears were forming in the corners of my eyes and I brought the sleeve of my shirt to wipe them away, soaking the hem of the sleeve.

I could see Connor gazing at me with concerned eyes.

"Avery?"

"Thank you Connor, I think that was the closure I needed. Thank you. I'm close to forgiving you, but I need a little bit more time, will you grant me more time?"

"And then," I added, "maybe, maybe we'll be okay."

He smiled, a genuine one that reached his eyes. "If that's what you want Avery, your wish is my command."

"Good luck Connor, I wish you the best," I grinned widely as I turned to open the door again.

"Good luck to you too Avery, be happy," he said, "and good luck to you and Jaxson. You'll need it."

I laughed and then faced him, "Oh, I know, thanks Connor."

"You're welcome," he playfully smirked.

As I exited the medical room, it's as if a huge burst of energy surged through me and renewed what used to be the old me.

I felt free.

I felt okay.

Nah, I feel great.