It Started with a Dare

19

I made my way down the hallway with my head down. I felt everyone's eyes on me; however, their chatter didn't stop.

"Isn't that Jared's ex?"

"I haven't noticed her since the party."

"What's she going to do now that he's back?"

"What's her name again?"

I clenched my fists, and that's when an arm snaked around my waist. "Hey, beautiful," Ridge whispered in my ear.

I smiled and looked at him, ignoring everyone. "Hey."

"I haven't heard from you since Friday," he said, concern laced within his words.

I nodded. "I know. It's just that it's been a lot to take in," I sighed.

Ridge nodded. "I understand." He looked mad. Beyond mad.

"Are you okay?"

"Do you still love him?" he asked, catching me off guard.

I stopped dead in my tracks. "What?"

Ridge looked at me. "You heard me."

"What does that have to do with anything, Ridge?" I asked.

"I want to know if I should leave now, or should I wait until after you fall back in love with him," he said.

I flinched. "He's only been back two days. We spoke at the party. That's it, so I don't know what brought this up," I said angrily.

Ridge dropped his arm. "I know that he hurt you, but I also know you loved him. I saw the way you looked at him at the party. Those old feelings flashed across your eyes."

I clutched my books, resisting the urge to throw them at him. "You have no idea what it felt like, and you also don't know what I went through. So, until you do, don't throw those things in my face. If you wanna leave, leave! I'm not going to stop you."

Ridge looked hurt; his anger gone. "Braelyn, I'm sorry," he apologized.

I shook my head. "You have no right to throw those things in my face."

He nodded. "I know. It's just that I don't want to loose you and risk you getting hurt," he said.

The bell rang, cutting our conversation short. "I'm not going to get hurt," I said then made my to third period.
××××××
I walked to my locker, swallowing when I saw someone blocking my locker. "Xavier," I said when I neared him.

"I heard J was back," Xavier said, using the nickname he gave him. Did I mention that Xavier and Jared were best friends?

I opened my locker, nodding. "Yep," I replied briskly.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I scoffed, "Why would you care? You haven't been around." I pulled out my backpack and stuffed my books in it.

"I've been busy, Braelyn," Xavier sighed, running a hand over his face.

"Heard that one before," I retorted, slamming my locker shut. I looked around the hall, and my eyes landed on a familiar someone. Jared was looking straight at me. I quickly looked away, and focused on Xavier.

Xavier stared at me. "I know. It's just that-" he cut himself off.

"Just that what?" I asked, throwing my backpack onto my shoulder.

"Nothing."

I crossed my arms, shaking my head. "Right. Well, when you figure out your nothing, you know where to find me," I said harshly then stormed out of the school.

I met Ridge by his car, and he looked at me. "You okay?" he asked.

I nodded and forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired," I said.

"Okay, well, I'll get you home," he said. I nodded and got in. The ride to my house was quiet. I told Ridge 'bye' and kissed him. I got out, and Ridge pulled out of the driveway.

My eyes fell upon Emilee's car, and I sighed. This should be fun.

I made my way inside and up to my bedroom, where I found Emilee. She sat on my bed with my shoe box in her hands. The one with all of my memories with Jared. She looked at me with disbelief in her eyes. "What's this?" she asked.

"Stuff," I replied in a whisper.

"Braelyn, he cheated on you and humiliated you in front of everyone. Why would keep stuff like this?" she asked, holding up a necklace. It had the letter "J" on it.

I shrugged, close to tears. "I-I don't know, Em," I croaked. "I don't know."

Emilee sat the box aside and made her way over to me. Wrapping her arms around me, she said, "You need to forget him."

"I want to so badly."

"Then, let's," Emilee replied. "You have Ridge. Don't let Jared's return get in the way of your happiness."

"Help me," I cried.

"That's why I'm here," she said.