The Big Five

33. End It

The school year was coming to an end. I couldn't believe that I would be a senior now. Just a couple more weeks and school was out. I just could not wait.

Walking through the hall, I sighed when I saw Roger at his locker. I know I said I would end the game, but I seriously did not know how to tell them. I tried, but it never ended quite like I expected.

I have to end it, I told myself.

The thought continuously nagged at the back of my mind like an irritatingly persistent mosquito. You know it's there, buzzing around, sometimes going right to your ear, but you just can't get rid of it until you take action to spray the repellent.

I need to end it. I need to end it.

Every time I walked up to one of them to tell them it's officially over, I ended up fidgeting or getting distracted. If only I could just let Maggie do it for me.

I made up my mind to tell Roger. I had to. I just had to.

I dragged my legs over to him, each step feeling like it was dragged down by heavy weights. Why? I wanted it to be over didn't I?

Deep down I knew a part of me wanted more of them. It was selfish, but who could resist five hot guys chasing after them?

But I couldn't do that. It wasn't right. It just wasn't me. They were a distraction. I needed to get my life straight before I could even begin to think of getting a boyfriend.

I arrived just as Roger was closing his locker. He seemed surprised to see me, but he gave me a knowing smile.

"Hi," he said.

"Hey," I replied. I resisted the urge to take a deep breath. I needed to do this firmly and with some kind of finality.

"So, what's up?"

I played with my hands and avoided his gaze. My answer ended up coming out as a mumble.

"I'm ending the game."

"What?" He leaned down slightly.

"I'm calling it off."

"You lost your voice or something?"

I sighed. Come on! Just tell him!

"Roger," I finally said, "I...I need to tell you something and I need you to listen."

He nodded. "I'm listening."

I exhaled deeply, trying to stall as much as possible. I can do this. It's no big deal.

"I know what you guys said about this stupid game going on until next year, but...but I don't think I can. I'm here to tell you to..."

"To?"

I closed my eyes to gather my thoughts. I had to be firm.

"I want to tell you to...just...just leave me alone. I'm done with this game. You guys have your own lives. So just...just ignore me like you always did. It'll do both of us a favor."

He stayed silent. He was processing it, his expression unreadable. His eyes seemed to have dulled in color.

"R-Roger?" I asked cautiously.

He shook his head and smiled slightly. "No, no. I get it. You've had a tough time. Don't worry about it. I guess we put you through a lot. I'm...sorry. About that."

I stared at him, almost scared that he'd blow up in anger. But he didn't. He merely adjusted his bag, turned around, and walked away.

****

"I don't think I've ever felt so horrible," I finished telling Maggie and Emma what had happened.

Maggie shook her head. "I know. It must have been hard."

I nodded sadly. Guiltily.

"It had to be done," Emma interjected.

"I know," I sighed. "I know."

"Well, that's done," Maggie said. "Now what are you going to do about the others?"

"I honestly don't know," I admitted. "I don't know if I can go through that again."

"Well at least you only have three more guys to tell," Emma said softly. "Joey already knows, doesn't he?"

I nodded.

"Maybe he should tell the others."

"No," I immediately said. "I have to do this by myself."

Emma nodded. "Yeah. It's your job. If you don't get it done, you'll regret."

"That's a good quote," I smiled. I pulled out my notebook and scribbled it down.

If you don't get it done, you'll regret.

-Emma Morgan

"You and your quotes," Maggie laughed, playfully nudging my shoulder.

I grinned. "You know I love them."

We were about to discuss more of this problem when Emma's phone rang. She frowned when she saw the caller and picked it up.

"Yeah?" She said.

Her forehead creased in worry as she listened to the other end of the line.

"Uh huh."

She suddenly stood up.

"What? Yeah. No. No, I'll be right there. Yeah. Just hold on a bit."

She hung up and stuffed her phone in her bag.

"Emma?" I said getting up. "What's wrong?"

I began to worry when angry tears began to run down her face.

"Th-they found him," Emma said, her voice shaking in anger. Her fists were clenched tightly around her bag.

"Found who?" Maggie asked, now standing right beside me.

"Him. The driver who killed Grandma."
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This book is almost coming to an end! Also, so sorry about the late updates. And for the short chapter. I wanted to make it longer, but I find it fitting to end like this.