You All Along

Chapter 1 

The gentle breeze blew on my face, making my hair messier than it already was. Dramatic, I know. The sounds of classmates’ talking about the big week ahead faded as I was drowning in my own thoughts, leaning against the banister opposite my class. I’m not a typical 17 year old teenager, partying, drinking just wasn’t my thing. Before I could even realize it, tears streamed upon my face. Life isn’t fair, right? But I guess it was worse on me. A billion thoughts crowded my already stuffed head. I couldn’t think clearly. So what’s up with teenagers and rumors anyway? And why should they ALWAYS fall upon all the innocent ones.

“Layla?”

I turned around at the sound of my name coming from where I knew it was safe. The smile. His smile. It never fails to melt anyone. Mostly. “Tears are precious, princess,” he said as he squeezed my shoulders. I broke down once again, crying on to his neck. Jeff pulled me into a hug and rubbed circles on my back. I buried my face in his hard chest. The familiar scent of cinnamon filled my nostrils.

Jeff.

He was all I had now. Since we were 5, which means 12 years of friendship. Rumors of Jeff and I never shook what held us together. Well dating was okay, but Jeff stealing my virginity was the worst that could happen. Slut, whore, hoe. That’s what they called me here. I had to stay strong and move on with all I had. Jeff was with me on that.

“Is this enough Lay? Or should I hold you longer like this?” Jeff questioned, breaking my little train of thoughts. I stifled laughter and pulled away. He gave me a peck on my forehead which left me with butterflies in my stomach. “I’ll walk you to your locker,” Jeff said as he took my hands in his while we walked to the lockers at the end of the hall.

“Thanks.” I said

“Why?”

“For walking with me to the lockers.”

“No big deal, princess” he said. Jeff pulled me closer. We walked in silence, except the humming of the air conditioner above and the ticking of my watch... I reached my locker moments later. The familiar scent of sandalwood filled my nostrils when I opened my locker. I stared into my neat locker, and grabbed my books. Jeff stopped at his locker and grabbed his Calculus books and we made our way to the third block. History and Calculus rooms’ weren’t far apart. On the second floor, right beside one another.

“So did anyone ask you out for the Dance & Dinner night this weekend?” Jeff asked. “Nopppee. How about you?” I said turning to him. “Well, if you don’t have a date for the D&D night, maybe I could go with youuu..” he said sneaking his arm around my waist. I turned to see a smirk plastered on his face as he wiggled his eyebrows at me. I giggled at his childish behavior and removed his hand from my waist. I know him too long to the fact that his hands will get on a tickling spree is it stays there. “That would be lovely, if Elsa agreed, don’t you think?” I responded. I could feel the growing tension with the mention of his ex girlfriend’s name.

My heart shattered when the smile on Jeff’s face disappeared, he removed his arms from my shoulder and left a few feet gap between us and I instantly missed his touch. “Jeff, I’m sorry.” I said as I intertwined my fingers with his. “No, it’s okay Layla. It’s just that…I mean…ugh...it’s just...” he tried to voice out his thoughts. I stopped walking and so did Jeff. I cupped his face in my hands and I felt his jaw tense. “I understand, I’m sorry,” I said and stood tiptoed to kiss him on the cheek. Both of our cheeks flushed red as I quickly turned to walk to my class which was supposed to start in 10 minutes.