Choose To Be Happy

Chapter Ten ~ Together

RYAN'S POV

As I woke up my mind began to wander to Jessica. More towards the fact that Jared, of all people, was talking to her yesterday. I don't have anything against him but it is just confusing. As far as I know he has never talked to her before so why is he trying to now. Jess wouldn't tell me what exactly they were talking about so I thought that was a little strange.

I brush it off and try to forget about it. I sent a quick text to Jess to tell her good morning, like I usually do. She didn't respond so maybe she isn't up yet. I mean it's almost twelve in the afternoon so she should be awake. Oh well.

I have to go to work so I needed to get ready. After my shower and breakfast I checked my phone and she still hasn't answered. I started getting worried. I got to work and clocked in and still no reply from Jess. I head over to the shelves and spot Jared. He was on his phone and he couldn't stop smiling.

This is unusual. The only reason he could be smiling is if there is a girl, but he has said for the past few weeks that he doesn't want a relationship right now. Jared is so confusing.

"Hey J, what's up with that weird smile on your face?" I said with a laugh. He shifted his gaze to me and gave me a blank stare.

"I wasn't smiling. I-It's nothing, dude." Jared said. Why is he acting so strange? He's never on edge this bad. I roll my eyes at him. "Okay, whatever you say."

JARED'S POV

I had a hard time keeping my self calm at work. I found myself smiling and constantly checking my phone. I had texted Jessica this morning and we have been talking ever since. I was quickly snapped out of my trance when Ryan approached me. He asked me what was up with me and why I was so smiley.

I didn't want to lie to him. Then again, I didn't want to tell him that I was texting the girl he has a "thing" with either. So I just said it was nothing.
I didn't mean it like Jessica is nothing. Because she is very much something to me. I think I like her and I don't know what to do.

I went back to texting her after he walked away. I told her that Ryan was at work too and she said that he had texted her this morning but she never answered. When I asked her why she just gave me a "Idk".

Me:  but aren't u guys a "thing"?

Jessica:  wym?

Me:  like aren't y'all bout to date or something?

Jessica:  honestly, I have no idea. But, we aren't together.

Me:  Ohkay :)

Jessica:  okay :)

Me:  gotta question for ya......

Jessica:  shoot

Me:  after I get off you wanna go get some ice cream?

Jessica:  .......

I waited for her to respond. I hope that she would say yes. I know it's wrong to ask Ryan's girl out, but it's not like we are going to date so it's fine. Just then my phone buzzes again.

Jessica:   sure

Me:  see u then :)

Jessica:  see u then :)

As my shift ended I went to my house to change into something other than my uniform. I put on some dark jeans with a white v-neck and my maroon high top converse. I text Jessica to tell her I'm on my way to the ice cream shop that we decided to meet at.

I arrive shortly and spot her pulling in beside me. I get out of my car and walk over to her. She sees me and gives me a big smile. God she's perfect. I take a look at her outfit and notice we are matching. She is wearing a white top with skinny jeans and her maroon converse as well. She looks beautiful even though she is being casual.

We exchange 'hellos' and head in the shop. She orders her favorite ice cream, which is chocolate chip cookie dough, and I order my favorite as well, which is rocky road.

We take a seat towards the back next to a window. I start asking her questions about herself like how many siblings she has, her favorite color, movies, food, and different stuff. We have been talking for the past three and a half hours when we noticed that it is getting pretty dark out.

She looks at her phone and back up at me. "I better get going. I had a lot of fun tonight by the way."

I smile knowingly because she just admitted that she had fun being with me. "I did to. We should do it again sometime, yeah?"

She agreed as we walked out of the small ice cream shop. We reached our cars and it got slightly awkward. I didn't know whether or not to hug her or what. From the look on her face she didn't know what to do either.

I decided that hugging her would be fine. I began to lean in and she caught on to my idea. I wrapped my arms around her small waist and she wrapped her arms around my neck. I felt like our bodies fit together like puzzle pieces. Our hug lingered a little longer that it was supposed to.

When we started pulling apart it was slow. As soon as I could see her face again I felt the urge to kiss her. She looked back at me with the same look on her face. Before I knew what I was doing, I leaned down slowly. She began to lean in as well and the tension was high.

For some reason I felt the pang of guilt run through me as our lips were centimeters away from each other. I pulled away quickly before our lips connected. I regretted it the moment I saw her face. She looked at me with confusion taking over her. I felt terrible.

I couldn't kiss her because of Ryan. We're buds and I respect that. Maybe this whole thing was just wrong. But then again they aren't "together".