He's Just A Player

Chapter 36: The "Test"

Chapter 36: The "Test"

      "You didn't tell me that you and Connor broke up," Katie said accusingly, glaring at me from across the table.

      I sighed and popped yet another tater tot into my mouth.

      "I was busy yesterday..."

      "Yeah, busy with Aiden I'm guessing," she retorted.

      "Yes. And what's it to you, anyway?" I asked.

      "It's just strange timing. Did you break up with Connor because you wanted to be with Aiden?" She asked.

      I was taken aback by Katie's strange question. How could she think that?

      "Of course not. I broke up with him because I didn't like him anymore. Our relationship was just slowly falling apart," I replied honestly.

      "Uh-huh. Sure," she muttered.

      "Is something wrong?" I asked.

      "No, why would you think that?"

      "Because you're acting awfully grouchy today," I replied.

      "I'm fine. Just a bit disappointed that you and Connor are over. He seemed to be a good fit for you," Katie said.

      "Don't get me wrong, Connor's a nice person......but we broke up for a reason. Things just didn't work out between us. I'm sure we're better off as friends," I responded honestly.

      "Well, I've also noticed that you've been spending more time with Aiden. Anything to say about that?" She questioned.

      "Is this the Inquisition or something? Why do you even care?" I shot back.

      Katie set down the bottle of juice she was drinking and furrowed her eyebrows.

      "I just don't want to see you get hurt again. I know you used to really like Aiden - "

      "Yes. And that was awhile ago," I cut in.

      "I know. But when you spend time with Aiden, your feelings tend to grow stronger. I just don't want you to get your hopes up, only to have them crushed when Aiden moves on," she said.

      I could feel a small part of me feeling sad at her words, but I quickly pushed them away and shrugged.

       "Aiden has stopped dating for about a month so far. He's been a good friend to me. And....I don't think he'd ever try to hurt me on purpose," I replied.

      It angered me that Katie was even having this discussion with me. I knew she cared about my well-being, but I was mature enough to make my own decisions without having to be chastised. Besides, I'd known Aiden nearly my whole life. I wasn't about to give up that friendship because Katie felt as if he weren't good for me.

      "Okay. We'll see," she replied quietly.

      I stood up abruptly and took my lunch tray with me.

      "Where are you going?" Katie asked.

      "Outside. I need some air," I replied coldly.

      I threw my lunch away and walked outside, sitting under a tall oak tree. If I had spent another second listening to Katie talk about Aiden, I would have exploded.

      I appreciated the fact that she was looking out for me, but I didn't appreciate the fact that she was blatantly bashing Aiden in front of me. I know she had been rooting for Connor and I for a long time, but he wasn't for me. And that's a part of the risk of being in a relationship - you may have to face break ups.