A Tragic Love Story

Chapter Four

Josie's POV

After Jose sped away, I pushed past the students with prying eyes and hushed whispers. Great, now my brother is effecting my school life.

When I got to my locker Caleb was already there, a worried look appeared on his face as I got closer.

"Josie," he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight. It was the nicest part of this crappy morning. "I heard your brother was here and he had a gun?" He whispered that last part - which was unnecessary because from the stares I was getting the entire school already knew.

"Are you ok?" He asked, slightly pulling out of the hug. His eyes were heavy with concern, but I couldn't focus on that.

My gaze shifted to his lips. The lips that were on mine last night. With everything that's happened today I had almost forgotten about it. It was the second time he's stolen a kiss from me. The second time he's sent my heart into a series of acrobatic stunts.

The memory of the kiss sent a shiver down my spine. Then I remembered another thing: the bet. Also, his track record with girls. He'd love them, then leave them. I didn't want to be added to his list.

"Josie, are you ok?" His brow creased as he looked at me intently.

I took a step back, creating some much needed distance between us. "I'm fine," I muttered distractedly. "I have to get to class."

"The bell doesn't ring for another twenty minutes," he informed me.

"Right," I sighed, not making eye contact with him.

It felt weird being around him now and I hated it. He'susually the person I feel most comfortable around. But that stupid kiss.

"Why did you do it?" I questioned him, bringing myself to lock eyes with him. "Why'd you kiss me?"

He exhaled, leaning his back against the metal locker. "I told you why," he stated. "I love you. I'm in love with you."

A part of me - a huge part - wanted to believe him. We've been friends for years. He knows more about me than anyone. However, there part of me that couldn't let go of what Alexa said. Add that in with the timing of him confessing his love for me and I get a bad feeling.

What if I opened up to him in a way that I never have before and find out I was just a game piece?

"You don't believe me do you?" He asked, a frown his face.

"Why are you telling me this now?" I asked him. "And the thing with the bet -"

"There's no bet," he cut me off. "Since when do you believe anything Alexa says anyway?"

He had a point, she wasn't the most trust worthy person. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that, although he's an amazing friend, being with him romantically would end in disaster.

"I think we should take a break."

His jaw went slack. "What? Josie, that's insane. I -"

"I need to think," I cut in. A guilty feeling swelled inside me as a deep frown set on his face. "And I can't do that if you're around me all the time."

He sucked in a deep breath, slowly letting it out. "What the hell am I supposed to do without my best friend?"

"You could start with your homework," I suggested, giving him a teasing smile.

He snorted at the idea, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his joggers. "How long?"

"Just until the weekend," I told him. "We'll talk then."