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

Chapter Seventeen

As we walk down the hall this time, Jacob doesn't hold my hand, which I am very disappointed by. I want to hug him, run my hands through his hair again.

He stops in front of his locker and faces me. "I never really said this before, but..." he pauses for a few moments. In those few moments my mind races excitedly. Does he like me? Is he going to kiss me? Is he going to ask me to be his girlfriend?

"Y-yes?" I stammered cautiously.

"...It's just- thanks. For being there for me. You're a good friend." he patted my arm awkwardly.

My heart sank. Maybe he doesn't have feelings for me after all! A good friend?!? I thought he said he felt something between us...

With every thought, my face fell more and more. Stupid Bertha. Believing whatever you want. Letting your hopes get high.

Jacob senses me sadness and doesn't make any physical contact (But I wished he would), but instead says "What's up? Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. You're welcome."

"What's wrong?" He bent down to pick up a pencil he spotted on the ground. As he does, his hair goes over his eyes, and that moment, that moment is so beautiful, that I am renewed with hope. No, I think, I am not going to settle for friends! I am going to make him like me!

"Um... I just think it's crazy that I don't have your number yet!" I wrap one arm around his back and pull him tight. "Since we're besties and all."

He casually steps out of my grip and lets my hand fall. "Uh yeah sure. I can't believe I never thought of that!" He proceeds hands me his phone, set on 'create new contact'.

I put in my number, and am about to hand him my phone when he holds up his hand. "It's ok. I'll just text you later."

When Jacob opens his locker, there's another note.

It read: I'm really sorry about you and Delaney, you didn't deserve that. I really like you. I like the way you laugh, talk, say my name. You're great, you're a wonderful person. Never let any girl get your feelings. I would hate seeing you sad again. XOXO, anonymous.

Clever Heather and Katie! They must have put in another note, I'm 99% sure!

As he reads the note, he smiles. Then he reads it again. Then a third time he reads it, still smiling. Finally, he turns to me. "Who do you think it is? Maybe Leah... or Maya! She always seemed like she had a crush on me..."

It's me! I want to yell. Screw them! It's me!

"No," I say, trying to make him get rid of that notion. "Their handwriting is too loopy to match this one. Plus, I don't think it's their style to leave a note in someone's locker."

"We'll figure it out, I guess." He sticks the note in his notebook and says, "The bell's about to ring. C'mon!"

Suddenly i get a text. It's from Kasia. Locker room bathroom pronto!"

"I-I gotta get something." I lie.

"Ok, see ya later then."

"Yeah. Text me? I can help you figure it out."

"You can come over later and help me figure it out instead. It'll take too long to figure out over text." He said, so casually.

My face burned red, and my voice reached 4 pitches higher. "Yeah! Definitely!" I squeaked. "I mean- uh, yeah. Cool."

"So I'll meet you at the main entrance after school?"

"Yes!" I said, and retreated in the direction of the locker room before (if it was even possible) my face got any more red.

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I'm just publishing a bunch of chapters rn. woooooot