Written. (JB//Complete)

Chapter 12.

Scarlett

      Tuesday afternoon, regular old school day. I woke up, got coffee from Paradise Bakery, went to school, learned stuff I already knew, and came home.

It's felt just like how it did before I met him. I know it's a normal day because I haven't seen Justin, not since the other night, not since our kiss. Was it really that bad? Was I really bad? Well, it wasn't perfect. It was rough, needy, and a bit harsh, not like how I'd expected it to be. But it wasn't my fault, at least I don't think it was.

Just after I park my old Scion tC in the driveway, I get a text from Ryan. I haven't talked to him lately either.

Wanna get together for dinner or something tonight? I need to talk to you, I read.

Oh god, I hope he isn't upset with me. I text him back a simple 'sure' and make my way into my home. Hanging my keys on the rack beside the door, I'm startled by my mother clearing her throat. I swiftly turn around and see her reading a book, most likely about law and order.

"Mom, hi."

"How was school, honey?"

I nod. "It was just a regular day."

"That's good to hear." She slides off her wire-rimmed reading glasses and sets her book aside. Just as I'm awkwardly heading over to my bedroom, she continues speaking. "So, that boy you were with at the marketplace the other day, who was he?"

I stop in my tracks and slowly turn around, my eyes looking at my feet. "Oh, Ryan? Mom, you know him, don't mess around with me," I weakly laugh. Although I know exactly who she's talking about. I'm just trying to avoid a conversation over Justin.

"You know who I'm speaking of, Scarlett."

I look around the room for something that could hopefully distract me from this, but it comes to no use when my mom awaits for my response.

I sigh before answering. "He's Justin. Don't worry about him, please."

She doesn't hesitate to butt in. "I don't want you being around him. I know what type of man he is, Scarlett. He's trouble."

Not the first time I've heard that before.

"You don't know him, though. He's actually a really... interesting person," I try persuading. But I know I'm even lying to myself.

"I don't need to know him to tell that he isn't good for you." Her tone stays stabilized throughout our conversation, and I sound as if I'm doubting myself compared to her.

"Mom, if you think we're dating..."

"Are you? Because that's not what I'm implying here. I'm talking about him interfering in your life, which now, is excelling very much and I don't want him tearing all that hard work and effort down."

"N-no," I mutter, avoiding eye contact.

"Scarlett, he is garbage. He will ruin you, and I will not be able to handle that. Do you understand?" She speaks every syllable so strictly, it makes me form a lump in my throat.

I nod and walk back to my bedroom. I hoped she wouldn't bring up this conversation, but I knew it was going to come sooner or later when she first laid eyes on Justin. I wish she wouldn't be so predjudice, she should at least get to know him.

No, nevermind. That's a terrible idea.

Maybe I should just listen to her. I feel more focused on my life when he isn't around. It's like every time I'm near him, he's this strange force that sucks all of my concentration out of my system; sometimes even when I'm not near him. It's probably best that I erase him from my life, he's already caused a few problems after all.