Bet ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 25: Ring

Why did I let him get to me? I mentally wailed. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I stomped along, not caring how the chilly gale whisked past me. I was upset with myself for snapping at Jean. Sure, he was crossing boundaries I often did not let people wander past, but me reacting in the way I did had to have raised suspicions. After all, he was proving to be quite the observational person.

I remembered how his eyes scanned me, his gaze searching me for something, though I was unsure of what. I recalled how small I felt beneath his stare and how assertive he had been, leaving me baffled at the time. Chills ran the length of my spine at the memories. I wrapped my arms around myself, fighting my best to control the way I was feeling...whatever it was that I was feeling, that is.

Stupid, Jean. I scoffed. Stupid observational horse face jerk. I slowed my pace, the waves of my feelings crashing down on me, leading me to stop in my tracks. A keen breeze blew around me, my hair moving in multiple directions. I stared blankly at the pavement. S-stupid...me.

I wanted to push on, but I couldn't bring my legs to do so. I couldn't quite figure out why I was so worked up about the whole ordeal, but I was. I was trembling, possibly due to the cold, but most likely brought on by the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Either way, I couldn't move. I was paralyzed.

Just then, my cell phone began to ring, pulling my attention back into the real world. I dug into my pockets, fishing out my cell phone. I took a glance at the caller ID, expecting to see it was my father when my heart dropped. It wasn't YF/N. No...it was the last person I wanted to have any contact with.

My mother.

I trembled, my eye twitching at the sight of my mother's contact information popping up. I was stunned, surprised she'd even call me after spending all that time never contacting me...which only raised flags of suspicion. Why was she suddenly dialing me? I knew there was no way it could be anything good.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and answered, "H-hello?"

"Y/N? Y/N? It's your mother," YM/N said, her voice a cross between frantic and stern, suddenly transporting me back to my childhood. "Hello? Y/N?"

I bit down on my lips and squeezed my eyes shut, breathing, "Mom, Mom. Calm down. I know it's you. I recognize the caller ID."

"I don't understand these things. Back in the time of Walls, there was no such thing as cellular devices and people did just fine," she ranted.

I shook my head. "I know, Mom. I know. But this is the 21st century and we've come a long way in technology since then."

Here we go. I took a few steps to a nearby bench, claiming it as my own. I didn't care if the wind occasionally sliced through me. There was no one around, so I wasn't worried about anyone overhearing me. After all, I was talking to my mother...against my will.

"Advancements in technology means nothing," YM/N spat, her tone shrill. "This new generation knows nothing about the sacrifices our ancestors gave. Tch. They know nothing about sacrifice in general. You all are just -"

"Mom," I interrupted, lowering my face into my free hand. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Didn't I teach you that it's rude to interrupt adults?" she asked coldly, her tone dry.

I began to bounce my leg, the emotions of aggravation and panic overwhelming me. She was still the same old same. There was nothing new with or about her. I was certain she was still living in the past, most likely viewing me as a mere child. Then again, maybe she was indeed aware of the present and of the fact I was a grown woman. Either way, her response was no surprise to me.

"Did you hear me, Y/N?" she asked, that sharp edge in her tone causing me to clench my jaw. "I taught you manners, now use them."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and whispered, "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to be rude. I crossed the line."

"That's better. You know, letting you go to that school has worn on your behavior. I won't stand for any of it," she continued. "If it were my choice I'd pull you out and bring you back home. Maybe then you could actually achieve more with your life. Like joining the Order and find a husband and have children. You know, a woman does not belong in the workforce. They were made to be homemakers."

I just let her go on her spiel. I honestly didn't give it any mind. My mother sometimes had a verily old-fashioned way of thinking. Sometimes and it depended on what the topic of conversation was. All in all, my mother was an interesting woman to deal with.

As if a switch had been flipped, YM/N shifted her tone and said, "So, I just landed in Trost and I need you to come get me."

My heart sank. "Wait, what? You're here? In Trost?"

"Yes," she answered matter-of-factly. "I'm at the Trost International Airport and I need you to come get me. Now, preferably."

I dropped my hand down, astonishment washing over me. I was shocked. All talk about YM/N coming to Trost had come to a standstill. I had talked to YF/N almost daily and he had never mentioned anything to me. I knew he would've told me anything involving YM/N...had he known. Telling me that YM/N had once again cut communications with YF/N. Just her little game.

"Well?" YM/N pressed. "Are you on your way?"

I snapped myself out of my thoughts and sighed, "Ye-yeah. I'll grab a cab and be there as soon as possible."

"Good," YM/N said. "I'll see you soon."

"Yup," I confirmed.

At that, my mother hung up, not saying another word to me. I sat there for a few extra moments, disbelief washing over me. I was in utter shock. YM/N was in Trost and there was no way for me to avoid her. I was trapped...even after placing thousands of miles between us.

**Bello my sweet lovelies. I first wanna say that any views some of the characters may hold do not reflect my own. So, just remember that, please. And, as always, thank you soooo soooo soooo much for everything! Y'all are the bestest! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. "River" by Bishop Briggs