The next morning, after my last memorable meeting with Ian, I got ready for school. I was full of purpose and determination. I was ready. I changed into a pretty pink halter dress, accompanied with a black jacket and black heels. My hair was straight, and I ran downstairs to peck my mom on the cheek before sprinting to my car and heading for school. I reached and met our group by our tree. Everyone was having fun as usual.
The entire group was gathered in a circle watching something. The guys were laughing and the girls were making noises of appellation. I walked in to see what was going on.
"What's up, guys?" I asked.
Jared looked at me out of the corner of his eyes, "We're watching a video of the party you left early."
I looked down at the video. It was a disgusting one of Caroline and Jenna doing what Ian had described earlier. I looked up to view their expressions. Their faces were red but somewhat triumphant. It made me feel sick to my stomach.
I walked over to where Izzie was standing, "Hey, what's up girl?" I asked.
Izzie looked at me. "Nothing," she responded, abnormally unenthusiastic her face plain.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Well, it might have something to do with the fact that you stole the one cute guy I liked other than the one your dating," she whispered in my ear.
I remembered that she'd had a huge crush on Jared when he'd moved here but claimed she'd gotten over it by mid-8th grade after he hadn't asked her out yet. He'd asked me out the following year, the same year Ian had switched back. The same year his mother had died.
I felt guilt twinge inside of me for several reasons.
"Oh, well we're just friends, and I passed out.." I trailed off.
"Don't start that with me, Ash, you're my best friend. I love seeing you happy, but I want to be happy too. Please, please don't cheat on Jared with Ian Weston, who has suddenly gotten cute. Please. I like him, and you have Jared. I mean, I never really got over him in 8th grade...actually ever. Just, pl--"
"Izzie, we're just friends, chill. I'll help you with him," I answered, cutting her off and lying through my teeth.
"Ash, if you like him..." she started.
"Swear I don't, Izzie," I answered, lying.
Her face happily lit up as she accepted the lie and started talking about how he'd changed and stuff.
I nodded, listening to her numbly. what had i just done?
The school bell rang. "We have class," I said tonelessly. She gave me a quick smile and ran off to class. Jared came beside me and walked me to class with a quick kiss before I walked into pre-cal.
A few minutes later, right before the bell rang, Ian sprinted into the classroom. He plopped down into the seat in front of me. His Ray-Bans had disappeared. His shiny brown hair hung carelessly in his face. He was wearing dark skinny jeans and a gray C-X sweatshirt with vans. He gave me a quick grin, which i happily returned and sat down.
I passed him a note:
A: hey
I: hey luv.
A: so...
the weight of my worries pressed down on me. I have to tell him.
I: so...
A: Izzie likes you.
I: WHAT?!!
A: yeah, she begged me not to steal you
I: WHAT?!?
