Adapting and Conquering (The story of Bertha's rise and fall)

Chapter Twelve

As Jacob and I walked to his locker, our hands brushed in a not so accidental way and my fingers tingled. I glanced at him and noticed a grand smile plastered across his face that most likely mirrored mine.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I remembered the note that was supposedly planted in his locker.

We approached his locker, with shock, I realized a fidgety Delaney was loitering by his locker. I slowed down, knowing deep inside what was coming.

Jacob noticed her uncomfortable expression. He came up to her and asked "What's wrong Delaney?".

"Look...Jacob...we need to talk. I-I just don't think we're right for each other. I've noticed that lately you've been a little...distant with me...and I want to take care of this before it gets out of hand, and before I get more hurt."

"Delaney!? What are you saying!?"

"I think we should break up."

Jacob was speechless. He took a deep breath and I could tell that mixed emotions were traveling through his mind. Confusion, hurt, pain, disbelief, relief, and I couldn't decipher the last one.

He took her by the hands and looked into her eyes, as if pleading with her quietly not to do this, and stammered "B-bu-but why?? I thought our relationship was going great!"

"I heard you talking with Ernie, and you said I'm clingy and that you're going to do something about me. Honestly Jacob, you should've said something about it to me. I could've- I would've changed for you! And because of your idiocy, this relationship is over!"

"Delaney, I'm sorry. I was going to-" Jacob started.

"But you didn't tell me Jacob. Not soon enough. Maybe if you had earlier, but you didn't. I'm done with you." And with that, Delaney pivoted on her heel and strutted down the hall.

I peered at Jacob, trying to see what was going through his head. Tears were forming on his face, and I thought this is my chance to become his good friend!

I know. I'm terrible. But new Bertha takes for herself, gives only to get what she wants, and shows no mercy. New Bertha is cunning and ruthless.

I walk up to Jacob and wrap my arms around his strong body. He responds by hugging me back. He smells soft and clean, he is warm and his arms are strong.

We stay there for awhile until he whispers into my ear, sending chills down my spine. "Why would she do that?"

I pull back a little and see his face riddled with confusion and pain. It's easy to see that Delaney really hurt him."She's not good enough for you. You deserve better than her..." I trail off, wondering if it's selfish of me to try and get another hug out of him, maybe play with his hair.

He looked away, and didn't respond.

I took his hands and looked him deep in his brown chocolate eyes. "Jacob, you have to show her that you are strong and you can live without her. You may not believe it for yourself, but you need to make her see that you don't need her."

Jacob sighs, then with reluctance, straightens his back and takes a deep breath. "You're right." He said, his voice hoarse.

We became silent for awhile, and just, I don't know, existed together.

"Jacob?"

"Hmm?"

"Why don't we get your stuff, and go into algebra, and prove to Delaney that she does not control you."

Jacob nods and with obvious reluctance, and lets go of my hands. "You're right Bertha." He turns around to unlock his locker and takes out his algebra notebook and puts it in his backpack. He stands and faces me "I don't know how I would have gotten through that without you." Jacob says gratefully.

I smile softly and gaze into his eyes. "I don't know how I would have survived the past 15 minutes without being here with you." I respond shyly.

Jacob's face breaks into a smile, and wraps his arms around me once again. I lean my head against his smooth cheek and my hands naturally come up into his hair. It's so, so soft and I run my hands through the field of black feathers, wishing this moment would never end.

Suddenly a loud stomping interrupts us, making us spring apart. A loud, deep voice echoes through the halls. "WHO DARES SKIP CLASS!!!" I met Jacob's eyes, now wide with panic, and I grab his hand to sprint to algebra.

As we run away from the dean, I wonder what happened to the love note? But the thought is whisked away as soon as I hear the bellowing voice of the dean chasing after us.

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You know, I realized Bertha isn't such a common or pretty name. I'm just gonna say that I meant to do that to break stereotypes and equal rights for Bertha and stuff... basically I changed all the names in this story and the original character's name started with a B so that was the next B-name I could think of...

Yeah. Let's stick with the first reason. It has a nicer tone to it. :)