Seal The Deal

21. Red Nightmare

Jessie's POV

Jamie started to be my ride for two days in a row and Landon was still giving me the cold shoulder since our argument. The car ride consisted of me drowned in my infinite thoughts about Landon, Jamie's silent driving and Nadine's smirk as she typed on her phone.

"Jessie, we're here." Jamie's uptight voice brought me away from my reverie as I blinked several times before turning to look at her.

"Oh okay." I mumbled, still a little bit dazed by my never-ending thoughts about Landon's and my last exchange.

"I know you're both ignoring each other and you're mad at him for informing dad." She started when I unbuckled the seatbelt.

"And you should thank him for informing dad because it's the only thing he could do to help you before your- struggles get worse." She explained, her eyes never leaving mine.

And after several seconds of silence she sighed and rolled her eyes at me.

"You're just being hard-headed and you're not willing to admit that it's your fault."

"It's not anyone's fault." I pointed out.

"See, you're just trying to protect your pride." She rolled her eyes as she spoke with full confidence, knowing what she had said was the truth.

"His stepping over the line-

"To be completely honest, Jessie." She cut me off as I threw an annoyed look at her for interrupting me.

"If Landon did not inform dad that time, I would've." She confessed which caused me to eye her, feeling overwhelmed.

"Because you're hurting, Jessie. You're struggling and I'm scared that you'll pick up your old habit by vomitting out the food in fear of gaining weight!" She snapped and her cheeks were flushed as she informed me.

"Sorry." She muttered when she noticed me flinching at her blunt words.

"I know Nadine's words still have an effect on you, Jessie. And your stressed out with the extra pressure dad put on you by scolding you for being ranked fifth." She said and her tone was similar's to dad's when he had insisted me to meet my psychologist.

"You're unaware of it but you're slowly breaking and before you break, Landon is quick enough to notice it and he tried to fix it by informing dad about your issue to prevent you from breaking." She said, in a more softer tone now.

"Sometimes I wonder how you can be so oblivious of yourself yet you notice every small details about everything." She shook her head as she flashed a sad smile at me.

"Yeah, me too." I whispered, only loud enough for Jamie to hear.

We went out of the car and walked to school side by side and for the first time in my life, I thanked the fact that I have a twin who was perfect at everything, who always beated me but she was also the one who knew and understood me more than I did, most of the time.

"Swallow your pride and apologise to Landon before it ruins your relationship." She whispered before walking to her locker as I smiled and shook my head at her words of encouragement.

The day passed in a blur and I have seen Landon in the hallways but he never even glanced my way. I didn't realise how not talking to Landon could affect my mood instantly and I was starting to fear that I would be attracted to him for real. However, I pushed away the absurd thoughts and continued to act nonchalant about Landon's cold shoulder.

It was lunch and a plate full of sushi was staring at me. Dad had infromed Mrs Wong to pack my lunch everyday and he especially made it clear that my lunch must be heavy enough for me so that meant no salad.