Written. (JB//Complete)

Chapter 16

Scarlett

      I run off to my car and quickly get in, dreading every thought flowing in my mind about Justin. After slamming the car door closed, I heavily sigh and get my cell phone out of my book bag. I know exactly who I'm going to call.

I impatiently wait for a voice to sound on the other line of the ringing.

"Hey," Ryan's cheery voice says.

It instantly soothes me to hear his voice, and I can't help but wish for time to go quicker so I can see him sooner.

"Hi, Ryan."

"S'everything alright?" The line sounds a bit fuzzy, like wind going through the speakers; it's probably him rushing through the New York crowds of people.

I sigh. "Not really."

"Why? What's going on?"

I sigh. "A lot of things. I just wish you were here right now, it would be a lot easier for me."

"I know, I'm trying." I can hear the sympathy in his voice. "Don't worry, I'll be home soon."

There's muffling in the background and I grow curious. But before I can ask what he's doing, he says something.

"Look, I'm terribly sorry, Scarlett. But I need to let you go for now. I'm driving Sophia to her class."

"Oh, okay," I frown. "I'll call you later?"

"Of course!" I hear a car door slam shut. "I'll see you soon, okay? Bye."

"Bye."

The call ends and I set my phone down on the passenger seat. I wish I could talk to Ryan more, I miss him way more than I should.

I put the key in the ignition and pull out of the bookstore parking lot, heading home. When I arrive at my driveway, Mom is home and I don't think I can deal with any more of the stress I know she's going to weigh onto my shoulders right when I walk in.

I grab my book bag, keys, phone, and my new book, then hop out of the car. When I open the front door, just as I'd expected, my mom sits on the sofa as if she's been expecting me this whole time.

"Hey, Mom," I strain, attempting to speed-walk to my room to avoid further conversation.

"You stop right there, young lady." I oblige, sighing. "I suppose you know why I need to speak with you?" She crosses her arms over her chest.

"I believe so..."

"Would you mind explaining, then; why I had to waste valuable work time by answering a call from Mr. Calvin about your grades?"

"I..."

"What's been causing this?" she butts in.

"Mom, don't..."

"It's that Justin boy, isn't it. You've been hanging around that delinquent and he's been turning you into someone no one should have to be."

"How could you say that?" Hearing his name makes me cringe. "I haven't changed. I'm the same, old Scarlett that I've always been. We've already gone over this."

"Please. You know it too, darling. I know for a fact that you would never even want to be seen with someone like him, and we both know that you have, so why?"

I look around the room trying to think of something to say. "I don't know." I say in a serene tone. "But I haven't been. I get what kind of man he is, and I despise it, too. How could I ever deny you?" I walk towards her and assure her that I have no intentions to have any more connections with Justin. "Besides, I've already dealt with my grades. They should be back up in no time." We both sigh. "I promise, I haven't been around him, and I'm not planning on it."