That story doe

Chapter 7

Jessie's POV

I've been sitting in the bathroom with the door locked for about an hour. Thinking about everything that happened with Cole. All of that could've been with Santiago. The rush of adrenaline, his soft lips and warm body pressed against me. Was I just using him to get the thought of Santiago out of my head? Was it just lust? Or do I truely like him? Just then, a soft knock came from the door.

"Jessie?" A shaky voice called.

"No. Go away please! I know you mean well but please, leave me be. I'm alone and happy. I don't want to hurt you. " I croaked, my eyes filling with tears.

"Jessie please. I want to talk to you. No," I heard him whisper, "I NEED to talk to you." He spoke, his voice stern. I pushed myself up, pulling on everything around me to help with the effort. My body felt heavy and unable, my fingers numb when I reached for the door's lock. As I twisted the door open, I saw Cole standing in front of me, eyes red and puffy. Had he been crying? I thought, the sight catching me by surprise. As he stepped in the room I noticed how he carried himself, even after something dissapointed him, after something made him cry. He looked strong, undaunted, and he looked completely in unphased, aside from his red eyes. He wouldn't let anyone see how he felt. He shuts people out too? What is he afraid of? He conceals his emotions and pushes them away, like he doesn't want to let anyone know. But now I know.

"Jessie I-" he began, voice breaking.

"No. Don't. Say anything. Not until you answer my question first." After I finished my statement, a confused look popped onto Cole's face.

"What are you so afraid of?" I questioned, pulling myself closer to him so I could make sure nobody else heard.

"Nothing. A man who has cowardice can't accomplish, is weak. A man who fears himself, is cowardice. I am strong and unafraid." He spoke mechanically. No, this was NOT the boy I kissed.

"No, both those statements are wrong. A man who has FEAR is real. A man who fears himself is sensible and aware. And while you are strong and seemingly unafraid, I know it isn't true. You're afraid of something. You were crying-"

"Shut up," he spoke. Even though his voice was quiet,, it held the ferocity of attacking tigers.

"No. I need to finish." I fought back. The curiosity rising inside me.

"Yes,you will. And if you won't I'll just leave. A girl like you shouldn't be snooping around in business that isn't hers." He growled.

"A girl like me? what's that supposed to mean?" I hissed, anger replacing the curiosity I once had.

"A naïve, small, completely foolish little girl!" he snapped back.

"Well at least I don't shut everybody out like YOU!" I calmly replied,hoping that what I said was good enough to make him leave. I found myself flabbergasted when I peered up to give him a icy stare. His eyes were round and his mouth was in a right line, his lips white from the amount of pressure he was using to keep his mouth closed. He threw his head down and shockingly, a single tear fell from his face as he opened his mouth.

"You don't know what you're talkin g about Jessie."

"I may not be an expert, but beacuse you won't tell me anything, I only have everything else to base off of. Did you expect me to be right when I have almost nothing to base off of?"

"Don't make assumptions and learn your place then." he angrily said, his tone hushed. And with that, he ran out sprinting down the hallway, leaving me behind with only silence as my company. It took me a few seconds to realize how terrible I acted. I was such a child, picking at a scar that hasn't healed. Why would I do such a thing? guilt rose inside me, making me feel like I had no other emotions. My entire body went hot and tears spilled over the edge of my eyes, leaving a steady stream down my face. I need to fix this.

But how?