Sweetheart

Chapter 2

Have you ever had that one person who you used to have a crush on, and after you've gotten over them, they start to show up more frequently wherever you are? That's Jayden for you. Throughout middle school, I had the biggest crush on him, and it didn't fade until freshmen year of high school when I met someone else. His name was Ben, and he was a great distraction from Jayden. Sadly, I think that's the only good thing that came out of that ten month relationship. Jayden walks over to Andrew and gives him a big hug, rubbing his back. Watching them hug makes me feel uneasy, and I rush over to the drinks table--if only there were booze here. I pour myself a cup of Pepsi, and go back over to Eleanor and Becky. We're all staring at Jayden and Andrew, confused as to when they became good friends. I look at Eleanor and Becky, "Does Andrew like Jayden?" then I snap my head back over to Jayden and Andrew. Andrew is smiling at Jayden, all three of us shake our heads slightly, then Jayden glances over to us; our eyes lock which cause me to glance down, and then back up at him--he's still looking at me. "Uh, did you guys see that?" I turn towards Eleanor and Becky, and they turn towards me too.

"Wait now I'm confused...does Jayden like Andrew? Does Jayden even like guys?!" Eleanor exclaims.

"I know him better than either of you, and he's never mentioned it." Becky says.

"Someone should ask him about." Eleanor says. They both turn towards me.

"Why are you looking at me?" I almost yell. "Wait, Becky you just said that you know him better than both of us, why should I go?" Becky gives me a wink.

"You know why." Becky says. "What about those middle school days? You guys got along a lot, right? Plus I already have my eyes on someone."

"I mean kind of, but that was a different situation. I liked him so much that I tried to be with him as much as I could." I rub the back of my neck, and take a sip of my drink.

"Why not try to bring back the friendship, or whatever it was?" Eleanor says.

"I don't have feelings for him anymore, and why would I want to compete with someone I'm such great friends with?" I look over at Andrew as I say that.

"That's why you have to find out what's going on!" Becky exclaims.

"I guess if I have no other choice, I can find out." Eleanor and Becky jump up and down. Andrew has always been secretive about relationships even with us, his closest friends. We jump through hoops just to find out information about our friend, which is really sad. I down my drink, and walk over to Andrew and Jayden who are engaged in a conversation. "Andrew!" He looks over at me, "Way to ignore your friends!" He chuckles, and then I turn towards Jayden. "And Jayden, how are you? How long has it been?" I try to keep my voice from shaking, and letting him know how nervous I am. Jayden gives me a small smile before he answers.

"Wow, hi Tori. Uh, I've been great. Has it really been since 8th grade? You look so different, but in a good way!" His voice is smooth, and the words just flow out of his mouth. He seems a little surprised that I'm talking to him, but then again it's been almost four.

"Yeah, you look great too! You got pretty ripped." My compliment sounds rushed, and confusing yet he still finds it flattering.

"Thank you." His cheeks turn a rosy color. I turn towards Andrew.

"So birthday boy, are we going to party or just stand around talking all night?" Andrew laughs, and walks over to the stereo set up nearby. "Jayden, can I ask you a question since we're alone?"

"Uh yeah?"

"Do you like Andrew?" His nose crinkles a little.

"No. Tori, I'm straight!" He almost yells at me.