Cheek to Cheek

Chapter 24

A/N: Thanks for all the wonderful support! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter that completely changes EVERYTHING! Votes, comments, and fans are greatly appreciated!<3

I woke up around noon on Sunday, still feeling exhausted and weary. I didn’t feel like jumping out of bed to start the day, so I chose to lounge around in my bed, occupying myself by staring at the ceiling.

By the time, I was done, it was around one. I had no plans for the day, and had decided to spend the day relaxing. However, as much as that appealed to me, I had to clear things out first. I grabbed my phone and texted “Hey” to Jake before I could stop myself.

I gently set my phone beside me and stared up at the ceiling, imagining what he would say. I should have texted him back yesterday, and the fear of tension just settled itself in my stomach. Who was I kidding? Of course there was going to be tension. I just wouldn’t feel right leaving it like that. It’d be worse to handle it in class.

My phone vibrated, and my stomach sunk as I realized who it’d be.

Hey. Sent: Today 1:05 PM

I sat up straighter, eying my phone. Clueless at this point, I had no idea where to take the conversation. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but I was still fairly clueless on what to text him. A few minutes had passed by, yet no possible ideas had fazed me. My phone vibrated again in my fingers.

Are you mad at me? Sent: Today 1:14 PM

I quickly replied. No. I’m just... confused. Sorry for running out on you. Imagining Jake looking at his phone with concern made my heart practically melt. Oh, how I’ve sunk into this sink hole.

It’s cool. What are you confused about? Sent: Today 1:21 PM

Wasn’t it kind of obvious? The kiss. I didn’t enjoy being blunt like that... heck, I was never even ever blunt like that.

Why? Sent: Today 1:24 PM

That was a good question. Why was I so confused to begin with? Hell, if I even knew. I don’t know. I typed. I’m still figuring that part out. 

It was unusual I was being so honest with him about the matter. Yet, there wasn’t much to lose anymore. If it could have been lost, it would have been lost with the kiss.

Well, I have it figured out. Incase I didn’t make it obvious, I like you, Kat. And I wish I could tell you this, rather than text it to you. Sent: Today 1:29 PM

My eyes stared at the screen starry-eyed for a moment. Before I realized it, my phone started to ring. I dropped it to my lap and stared at the caller ID. I had to pick up; I knew it was important. However, I didn’t know if I was ready to hear those words just yet.

Slowly, I answered the phone and cautiously brought it to my ears.

“H-hello?” I stammered. I heard that forsaken dark chuckle of his that could have made my heart stop.

“Hey, Kat,” he said, clearly amused. How could he be amused at a time like this? I swallowed what little pride I had left and asked the inappropriate thing at the time.

“W-what’s up?”

The other end didn’t take a moment to pause, but I could hear from his breath sucking in that that wasn’t the right thing to say.

“Nothing much,” he said bluntly. “Trying to tell this chick who’s been avoiding me something important.” I bit the inside of my cheeks.

“I haven’t been avoiding you,” I replied curtly. He scoffed curtly on the other line.

“I never said it was you,” he responded. “Is it the guilty conscience speaking?”

“Shut up. Now what did you want?” I said harshly. Mentally slapping myself, I quietly sighed. Mistake number two.

“You,” he replied meekly. I could just picture him cupping my face like he did two nights ago and planting his lips on mine. Boy knew what he wanted. I didn’t reply, but I softly breathed into the other line. I was baffled. 

“Hellooo. I like you. Didn’t I make it obvious?” he asked.

“Don’t worry, I can still feel the kiss-” I said, before slapping my hand on my mouth. Mistake. Number. Three. Three strikes, and I’m out.

“Oh, really? Hehe, don’t worry I won’t tell anyone,” he said, chuckling. This was not so not good. No, it was beyond not good. It was bad. Really bad.

“Well, how do you feel?” he asked. I shrugged, slightly confused.

“About what?” I replied.

“Uh... me?” he said. I bit my lower lip in confusion, still unsure of what to say.

“I don’t know...” I quietly began.

“What do you mean you don’t know? I mean, you either like me, or you don’t. One of two. Don’t leave me hanging,” he said. This was not going in a good direction, and it was not going to end well.

“It’s just-” I tried to say, but he cut me off.

“There’s nothing. You either like me or don’t. What could there possibly be?” he asked frustrated. It was hurting him. I knew it was.

“I don’t know. I’m still confused about my feelings. I haven’t known you that long,” I replied. I could hear him breathe gently on the other end.

“Yeah. Guess that’s true,” he replied emotionless.

“And then there’s Jack, and I’ve liked him for a long time...” I continued. Oh goodness. Mistake number four. And the worst one yet. I quickly bit my tongue for telling him that. He knew I liked him, but it was the wrong time for me to bring that up.

“And then there’s Jack,” he firmly declared. “The guy who wouldn’t even spare you a second glance, yet you’re just so obsessed with him, and for what? The dream of being one of the girls in his bed? Here’s a tip: why don’t you ask him? He’ll gladly take anything he can fucking hump.” My mouth hung open in shock... I mean, seriously. I’ve never heard him this pissed off.

“I-I... no... that’s not it...” I stuttered.

“Then what is it, Kat? What do you see in him?” he asked. “Are you just into guys that take their pants off for any girl? Do you want me to take my pants off for you? Damn, you’re just so difficult to please,” he replied bitterly in a mocking tone. I was completely shut down by what he said. I didn’t know he could get so angry.

“No,” I said quietly. I had nothing else to say. Just no. What did I see in Jack? Why have I liked him for so long where the only fate that waited for me was a one-night stand?

“No? Is that all you can say? No?” he asked angrily. I was in deep. I was at a loss for words.

“How can you say that about your best friend?” I whispered. He scoffed.

“He’s not my best friend,” he said. I couldn’t believe what was coming out of his mouth.

“You’re really gonna let this get to your friendship?” I asked flabbergasted.

“It wasn’t about you. Don’t change the subject,” he demanded.

“Then what was it about? What is this all about?” I asked frustrated. Jake was quiet for several moments. I couldn’t even hear him breathing on the other end. Oh please God, don’t tell me he stopped breathing! Eventually, I heard him sigh.

“I’m sorry I’m no Jack for you,” he said calmly. I didn’t respond. I heard him hang up on the other line. I exhaled deeply, feeling small drops of dew covering my cheeks. I hadn’t even realized I was holding in tears.

I’ve been stupid. Oh, so stupid.