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

Chapter Sixteen

The next day, I successfully applied my mascara by myself (I only poked myself in the eye twice), covered up all my pimples, and wore short shorts without my mom commenting. As we drove to school, I prepped myself in my head on how I would make Jacob like me again and explain the whole Delaney-note thing. I was ready for the day when I entered the school.

In Spanish (we still had a sub), I forced Jacob into a conversation with me, and he actually engaged in it after a couple minutes. I finally asked, "Why were you so distant with me the past couple days? It wasn't about...the whole after break up thing was it? You're not embarrassed, are you?"

Jacob avoided my gaze for a moment, then looked at me and said "I really shouldn't be talking to you," then turned his seat away from me and returned his focus to his notebook.

My breath hitched in my throat, and I was ready to just accept that it was over between me and Jacob, but then I told myself that the new Bertha didn't give up this easily. I couldn't let this conversation end like this.

"No." I stated firmly to Jacob.

"Huh?" His confused expression rose to my face.

"I said no. I won't let us end like this after what happened between us on Monday. You felt that-I know you did. There is something between us, and that something makes me want to be by you."

Jacob stares at me, for such a long time that I began to doubt what I said. Then he speaks, so softly I can barely hear him over the chatter of the classroom. "I felt it too."

"Then why are you ignoring that feeling?"

"I don't know."

I look at him for some time and he finally breaks.

"After 5th period, I-I got a note saying that I should stay away from you..." he ducks his head, embarrassment flooding his voice.

"So you followed a note from someone who you don't even know against someone that you shared a special moment with?" My accusatory words pricked him and he flinches. Or that could be my spit flying everywhere.

"I think it was from Delaney."

"Even better" I say with sarcasm, "You took advice from someone who broke up with you 3 hours before. Honestly, I think she's jealous after she saw us together before we went into algebra. Do you really want to listen to her?"

"No, not really." Jacob mutters.

"Exactly." I say, pleased with myself that I won.

Jacob looks up at me with his deep brown eyes "I'm sorry that I treated you like that the past couple days. I really appreciate what you did for me on Monday...and I don't want to ruin... what we had..."

"It's okay. I get it. You were scared of getting hurt again...after what Delaney did to you, I would be too. I'm just glad that we're good again." I flashed him a smile.

"Wanna come with me to my locker? Maybe better things will happen there this time." He chuckled, a sound that filled me with warmth.

"Of course! And let's pray that better things will always happen at your locker."