Always You

Chapter 3

As Harper led us around the side of the bar, my stomach twisted as I recognised the familiar voice and the hushed giggle that followed. They were sitting on a bench, tucked away in a dark corner. Even though the shadows distorted his face, there was no mistaking the broad frame that was Pete Daniels. The small figure wrapped under his arm let out a small giggle as he whispered something into her ear.

"Hello Pete," I said, sounding a lot calmer than I felt on the inside.

Pete's eyes shot up as I approached the pair. Mouth wide open, he gaped for a second before stuttering, "oh- um, uh-"

"I thought you were home visiting family?" I asked, trying to keep my calm.

His eyes darted to the side, "I, um, got home early-"

"and you didn't think to tell me? I haven't heard from you in two days!" The figure beside him shifted, and I noticed Pete's hand resting on her upper thigh before he swiftly retracted it.

"I thought you were busy with your assignment. You said you were having a night in after it was done." Pete said, eyes glued to the far wall behind me.

"So what, you took that as a free pass to do whatever - whoever - you want?" Jordan interrupted, voice raised.

"Look, I'm sorry! I can explain-" Pete stood up into the light, leaving the girl timidly sitting at the bench.

"Explain what, Pete?" I challenged, narrowing my eyes at him. I took a brief glance at his outfit, "your green shirt says it all."

His eyes landed on my face, "but-"

"You know what Pete, this is the last straw. We are done." I bit down on my lips to stop the tears from spilling over as I turned to walk away.

"I wouldn't have had to do this if you had put out!" Pete blurted out.

I turned, eyes wide in disbelief. "Excuse me?! That does not justify cheating!"

"Oh come on baby, if you will just give me a chance to rock your world..." He had the audacity to wink at me after making that suggestion. My shoulders tensed up and I could feel Harper and Jordan stiffen next to me and breathe sighs of disbelief.

Smelling the alcohol in his breath, I looked him squarely in the eye. "Pete, we are done. Have a good life."

Not giving him a chance to respond, I turned on my heel and quickly walked away, my eyes burning as I tried to stop angry tears from forming. Harper and Jordan caught up with me, and I felt two pairs of arms wrap around me.

"What a douche. He does not deserve you!" Jordan exclaimed. "Seriously, I could beat him up if you want." She glanced at me with a serious expression, "just say the word and I'm there."

With her clenched fists raised, I couldn't hold back a brief smile as I pictured Jordan facing off 6 foot Pete.  I'm lucky to have such protective friends.

"Man, he puts the player in football player," Harper added. "Are you okay?" She asked with a gentle voice.

"No seriously, it's okay. There's no need for that, Jordan." I continued, "I think I'm okay, I'm upset but we were starting to grow apart anyway." I felt their eyes on me and looked up to meet their worried expressions.

"Thanks for being there for me guys, I really appreciate it." I paused, "I don't want this to ruin the rest of your nights though, I know how much you've been looking forward to this party. Go have fun!" I stifled a small smile.

Harper glanced at the crowded dance floor but Jordan's gaze was fixed on me. "We want to stay with you to make sure you're doing okay."

"Honestly, I think I can do with some thinking time alone," I said. "Seriously, just go and have fun. I'll just head back to the dorm and sleep it off- I'll be fine!"

Jordan studied my face briefly. "Okay, well if you need anything I'll have my phone on me," she finally said, hesitantly.

I forced a smile, "you two stay safe and have a fun time! You'll have to tell me all about it tomorrow."

After hugs were exchanged, the girls headed in the direction of the dance floor, leaving me in the back corner of the gymnasium. Suddenly aware of how crowded it was back here and how stuffy the air was, I did not wait another second before heading out the side doors.

Once outside, I plopped myself on the closest bench I could find. Taking in the crisp evening air, I felt my mind clear as my tense shoulders relaxed. Then the tears came.

It hadn't even been a long relationship, we were only together for six months. But somehow, his betrayal still hurt. Am I not good enough? What if I had opened up to him more?

As the tears flowed silently down my face, I heard the doors to the gym open, filling the quiet courtyard with music momentarily before the beats were muffled as the doors closed again. I looked up.

Just a guy, taking a phone call. He'll probably be out of here as soon as it's over. His back facing me, thankfully he hasn't noticed me yet. I didn't want anyone to see the mess that is my tear stained face so I shifted further into the shadows and looked down at my feet, shielding my face from the light in case he looked my way.

"Yep, she's okay. A little shaken but she's alright." I heard footsteps as the guy starting pacing back and forth.

"No honestly it's fine man, least I could do. Brody's offered to walk her back." He paused, "... yep. See you."

The footsteps stopped as the guy sighed and sunk into the bench opposite mine. Great.

"Rough night hey?" I could feel his gaze on me.

"Mm, yeah. Not the best." With my face still shielded, I replied, not wanting to be rude.

"That makes two of us," he sighed. "I certainly didn't expect orientation week to end this way." He chuckled.

That chuckle. I froze. There's no mistaking that chuckle anywhere.

"Are you okay?" His voice sounded concerned. I peeled my eyes from the floor and finally looked up at the guy sitting across from me.

A tuft of wavy brown hair flopped lazily across his forehead which was bunched up with concern. My eyes were greeted with a set of bright blue ones which twinkled as his eyebrows raised in surprise, "wait, Sierra? Sierra Leigh, is that you?!"

"Ezra?" I couldn't help but crack a big smile as I swiped at the last bits of tears with my hands.

It's been a few years and he's grown up a lot, but there is no mistaking that it was the one and only Ezra Jaggers sitting in front of me.

Thanks for reading my story! I am super duper new to writing and wattpad so I would love any feedback you guys may have! Feel free to message me or comment away! :) Next chapter coming soon!