Accidentally Tasha

Chapter 15

Quote

Love is worth the sum of itself, and nothing more (Alice Hoffman)

The next morning, mom drops me off at school. I find Nyanda waiting up for me by my locker. I immediately start laughing because of a cat video she'd sent me yesterday.

"Morning girl," Nyanda waves.

"Morning," I answer.

"You are in such a good mood! If I didn't know better I'd think you were in love." she says.

I notice people looking at us weirdly. No one greets me today. It seems Nyanda was branded an outcast for good. Anyone who walks with her is bound not to have any other friends. Well, to hell with them.

I do not respond to Nyanda's statement. Her eyes are open wide as she asks,

"Who's the guy?"

Before I have time to answer Kate taps me on my shoulder,

"Tasha, can I talk to you?"

It takes all my effort not to groan out loud.

"Sure," I say.

"In private," she says, looking at Nyanda.

"Just say whatever you will..." I say.

"...No, it's okay," Nyanda excuses herself.

As we walk to home room, Kate says,

"I'm sorry for hiding the truth from you. I just didn't want you to hate me again. I missed my best friend so much." She says.

I notice the tears fall from her eyes and offer her my hankie. I take a detour and lead us to the bathroom. She cries into her hankie with more declarations of how much she missed me and didn't want us to hate each other again. I feel sorry for her. Maybe she really isn't a bad person. She's just annoying and clingy as hell.

"I just have one thing to ask you," I say.

"Sure," she says.

"Why did you date your best friend's ex? You knew how I felt about him."

She breathes in deeply and braces herself to tell me the truth.

"I fell in love with Ashton in third grade. I was the new kid and at the lunch room, I'd tripped and dropped my lunch in front of everyone. They all laughed at me. I ran out of the lunch room and he'd followed me out and given me half his sandwich although I could tell he was not full. And then he'd introduced me to you and told you to take care of me."

"Wow," I say, shocked.

So Tasha fell in love with her best friend's long time crush? Damn, that's cruel!

"I know, he's such a good guy! I'm so lucky to have him." She says dreamily.

"Wait, you guys are still dating?" I ask.

"Yes, why shouldn't we be?"

Luckily, the bell rings before I give some lame excuse. I try really hard not to cry. Ashton really is a player, what made me think that he would change for me? I put him out of my head and concentrate on my classes, but my good moods are long gone. The day passes without event, although at clubs time I opt not to join the cheerleading squad and join the photography club.

When I get home, the guys are all there again, practicing for the Crestshore town Fair coming up this Saturday. I feel Ashton's gaze on me, but I completely ignore him and head to my room. When they leave, I get a text from Ashton telling me to meet him at our clearing in the forest. At first, I don't plan on going but decide to go so that I can confront him.