You Will Live Forever

Chapter 26: The Breakup

Zach on the side.

The next morning I ate breakfast with Jeremy. Larson and Kibba chatted on the couch with Athena about a cartoon that was on. Michael kept glancing at me from across the kitchen as Leo talked his ear off. I guess Leo got over their little argument last night. I couldn't help but to think maybe I shouldn't have kissed Michael. Maybe I was leading him on. Maybe not. The truth was I did like him. Also, he's 'real', unlike Seth or Ian - what am I saying!

Jeremy chuckled, reading my thoughts. I groaned. That damn power of his. 'So you know Michael and I kissed then?'

Jeremy nodded with a smug smirk on his face. He knew everything. He was reading the minds of the entire room.

"I don't think it was wrong of you to do that though if that's what you're worried about." He took a bite of toast.

I groaned. I scooped some food in my mouth and thought, 'What am I going to tell Seth... and whoever else basically confessed their love to me? Why is this a problem of mine? I'm not experienced at this!'

Jeremy laughed. "Honestly it's a little fun watching this all godown."

'You're just happy because you aren't a part of it.'

A weird expression crossed his face for a second, but then he laughed. "Technically I am a part of it because I'm by your side almost 24/7"

"True," I said laughing. He smiled.

Karli angrily slammed her plate down at the table next to Jeremy, startling us. She sat down and picked up a piece of bacon, examining it.

"I just love when you guys have secret conversations right in front of everyone. It just makes me feel so good about myself." Karli said sarcastically. "Especially when you basically admit you never leave her side." Karli glared at Jeremy. 

Jeremy sighed, clearly exasperated. They've definitely had this talk before and that made me feel even more awkward. 

"We were just discussing her love life." Jeremy looked back at me and started laughing. "And how I like to watch her struggle."

I gave a nervous laugh. Karli's facial expression didn't change. She wasn't a fan of Jeremy's response and that was clear.

"Well, maybe you should focus on your own struggling love life instead of involving yourself in hers." Karli hissed.

The entire room was quiet. Everyone was staring at us at this point. Jeremy looked around. He didn't know what to do and that was clear. 

"Karli... can we not do this right here? Can we go... you know... somewhere more private or something?" Jeremy said quietly standing up.

I made eye contact with Athena behind him. Her eyes were wide.

Blake approached his sister. "Karli, Jeremy is right. I think you should talk about this private. I-"

"This doesn't involve you," Karli growled.

Blake put his hands up and backed off. "Sorry for even trying to help." He backed up and sat next to Athena. She patted his knee as if to say good try.

"Karli, right now you're involving everyone. Blake's just-" Jermey began.

"I'm not involving everyone! You are! You always make our relationship about involving everyone! Liz and Leo know so much about us that it's just weird at this point."

Jeremy looked around nervously. "Well, sometimes I need someone to talk to as I'm sure you do too."

"But I don't! I don't tell my brother shit. I don't tell anyone shit! Especially not some person that has made our lives difficult."