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

Chapter Twenty-Four

I walked to Spanish, dreading seeing Katie, hoping against hope that she won't have another outburst, but thankfully she was busy embracing in a very enhanced conversation with Allison, and I could see my name erupting from her mouth in malice. I wince, but then think-I deserve that. I see tears dried on her face and remember, this isn't about me. Katie is going through a rough time too.

I sat at my seat in front of Jacob, who sat stiffly as soon as I walked up. I was too tired to care. Remembering that I was supposed to make things better, no matter the circumstances, I turned to him and start talking. "Hey Jacob." He tries to interrupt but I stop him. "Just listen. I know I've been a pretty bad person this past week. And I don't like that person anymore. It was fun at the beginning, but things started getting serious, and I just want you to know that I'm sorry. I'm going to change-starting by apologizing to all the people I've hurt. It was stupid of me to influence your break up, and take advantage of you like that. I'm going to try to be kinder, but still outgoing. I'm going to be the new new Bertha. I'm really sorry".

I finally look at Jacob. He's sitting there some what shocked, and when he regains his composure he looks... happy. "I'm glad you've finally realized this. I hope the new new Bertha is much better, and from what I'm seeing right now, she looks pretty promising."

"Oh yeah, and I just want to be friends... No more trying to get you to like me and stuff..."

"Good. I'm sorry, I thought I wanted to like you... but the closer we became... I just didn't want it. And I'm sorry I yelled at you too. I just- I guess I'm still not over Delaney yet, even though the breakup was for the better... Our relationship was getting old..." He recomposes himself.

"Sooo... Friends?" I ask.

"Yeah." He smiles at me and I smile back.

Finally, I think, Finally, I have a healthy relationship with Jacob. Friends... I relish the word.

One down, three to go.

All during class, Katie glares at me. As the bell rings, I run up to her and grab her backpack.

"Katie." I plead. "Please let me talk to you!"

She whips around and gazes at me with piercing eyes. "Let go." She mutters, trying to yank her backpack away from me, but i clamp my hand down firmly on the strap.

"Not until you listen to what I have to say." I respond. "Please."

"Why should I Bertha? You weren't there for me, nor for Heather when we needed you. It's always been about you! So go on, tell me. Why should I listen to you?"

I take slow, deep breaths, my hand still clamped down on Katie backpack, my knuckles turning white. "I don't. I don't have a reason." I mutter.

She turns away, trying to leave.

"But- but!" I say, trying to say something that will make her stay.

"But what." She says, stating rather than asking, her face contorted with fury.

"I want to make things right! Please just listen to me! You don't have to forgive me, but hear me out!"

"No." She spits out. "You should apologize to Heather first. Then I'll listen. It's not like you even care about her, do you? Backstabbing her by trying to steal her cousin from her too!"

She turns abruptly and yanks my hand off of her backpack, and exits, leaving me alone.

I want to cry, but I don't. Crying is weak. Be strong. I tell myself. I take a shaky breath, mapping out what I have to do in my mind.

If I want to make things right, I need to apologize Heather, preferably with Katie there. I will have to visit the hospital tonight and pray that Katie is visiting as well. I want them both to hear me apologize. They deserve an apology from me.

Next, I have to apologize to Delaney. This is going to be hard, I think.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 I'm forcing this kid to be my best friend even though he probably thinks I'm annoying, stealing Halloween candy out of kid's backpacks because I need that sugar more than they do, and trying to catch up on Season Two of Stranger things. (DONT SPOIL IT PLZ)

That's basically my life in a nutshell. How are you guys doing?