Learning To Let Go

Life is Complicated

Isabella’s POV

The moment the doors slammed shut behind us, Avan and Liz converged on us. The grin on their faces was a tell-tale sign of our success.

“Perfect,” Liz whispered, turning off my dress. I gave her a small smile and stepped off the chariot to bump into Rene and Ashleigh.

“That was some kissing,” Rene said, giving me a tight squeeze. I grinned at her and waved Jacob over, who was talking to Avan and Liz.

“Rene’s very impressed by our kiss,” I said, waggling my eyebrows at him. He chuckled and said, “Maybe we should make her jealous more often.” I laughed and he leaned in and pecked me on the lips.

“Get a room guys,” Ashleigh said, pushing us apart. I laughed and dragged Jacob towards the lifts, leaving Rene and Ashleigh chattering away behind us. We walked into a lift together and I hit the button for the sixth floor. I turned to Jacob and said, “What floor?” he looked down at the floor and said softly, “I was hoping I could bunk in with you. Seeing as we have limited time together.” There was a lump in my throat and I felt my eyes get wet. I stepped towards him and tilted his head upwards. His grey eyes were pools of sadness, and there were tears sliding down his cheeks silently.  I lifted up my hand and wiped the tears away.

“Of course you can,” I said, just as the doors opened on the sixth floor. I pulled him lightly behind me and pushed open the door to my room. I walked over to the toilet and began to remove my makeup. A pair of firmer reached for a towel and dabbed my face dry. I turned around, embracing him. “I’m heading back to my room to change first,” he murmured softly in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I nodded my head and he walked out of the room. I walked over to the huge wardrobe the Capitol had filled with clothes and selected an oversized t-shirt and a pair of denim shorts. I climbed into my bed and rolled over to face the window with the view of the Capitol. The towering skyscrapers were brightly lighted, and the crowds bustling below seemed like tiny ants from up here.

Just then, the door opened and Jacob slipped back in. He climbed into bed with me and I rolled over to face him. His eyes were close, and his blonde hair ruffled. I traced the outline of his lips with my fingers, moving up to his eyes. They fluttered open, leaving me staring into those mesmerizing grey eyes. He leaned in and i closed my eyes, feeling his cool breath against my flushed cheeks. He pressed his lips to mine, and my body melted at his touch. I slowly sat up, wrapping my arms round his neck, pulling him closer. He tugged at the rubber band that held my braid together, and entangled his fingers in my hair. He deepened the kiss, sending shivers down my spine. We pulled apart, and his fingers brushed my fringe behind my ear. I closed my eyes at his touch, shivering. I opened my eyes and saw him place his hand on my upper thigh, climbing upwards. I hit his hand away and said, “No Jacob, be good.” I could see the disappointment in his eyes but he took his hand back. I leaned forward, my lips brushing his ear. “But you can kiss me all you want,” I whispered. He grinned and put his lips to mine.

I had just begun to entangle my fingers in his hair when the door swung open.

“What the hell?! Isabella, what’s going on?” Aaron said, barging into the room. Jacob and I immediately sprang apart, a guilty look on our faces.

“Nothing’s wrong Aaron. Jacob’s my boyfriend. Can’t I kiss my boyfriend?” I retorted, hands on my hips. In the moment it took for him to process my words, my eyes never left face. “You... and... Jacob,” he whispered, the pain seeping into his voice.

“Look Aaron...,” I said, but he cut me off mid-sentence. Then, I watched him walk out of the room, tears streaming down his face.