The Player's Priority

-three-

-JACOB-

I searched the entire carnival looking for Cora or my sister. I eventually gave up, and called an Uber. People had started following me, getting pictures, but I couldn't care less. All I cared about was that Cora felt betrayed by me.

I got to the hotel, and found Phoenix sitting on a bench outside, a hoodie over her head and earphones in. I sat beside her, as she looked up at me.

"What happened?" I asked, running a hand through my hair. She pulled out her earphones sighing.

"She ran back, and got an Uber here with me. She shouted for a bit before running to yalls room in tears. I tried to catch her but that girl is fast." She frowned and I felt every nerve in my body go rigid. All because of who ever got hat video out and however those idiots got it, had caused Cora to hate me.

"J. You need to help her. I don't know what's going on, but by the way you look at her and the way she trusts you, I know there's something. Fix this, because honestly, I can't help you with your problems. If I could, I would. But I can't." Phoenix said getting to her feet. "I'm going to bed. Night twin bro." She said, patting my shoulder walking in. I sat there for a minuet, also pulling my hood over my head.

After a bit, the tears came back and I didn't stop them this time. The only chance I had with Cora might be gone forever. And she trusted me. She trusted me with her biggest secret.

I don't know how long I sat there crying, but when I heard the fragile voice, my heart skipped.

"Jacob?" She said. I shot up, seeing her small frame in front of me with her blonde hair messily pulled into a bun. Her makeup was smudged everywhere and her clothes had changed into some sweats.

"Cora." I mumbled, as she sat down. I followed, watching her every move.

"Tell me. How'd they get that video." She whispered. Her voice sounded so hurt and broken, and I wanted to fix it. I wanted to see her smile, to hear her laugh, to see her practically skipping.

"I don't know Cora. I just know it came from the pool party." I mumbled, as she nodded slowly. "Are you Okay?" I asked cautiously. She froze, her eyes staring into the distance.

"I don't know. Honestly. It feels like I just got hit by a truck, but when I ran from you and Phoenix, hit felt like a bus came and ran me over again. But I wanted all the pain to go away, so I kept running. When I tried talking to Phoenix, all that came out was the anger I held towards whoever leaked that video. Then I cried because everyone knew and because I treated you and her so badly. So no. I'm not okay." She explains, her eyes tearing up. I search her face, and see pain. Nothing but it. I reach my hand out and rub her knee, letting her know I'm here. She freezes for a second, before continuing.

"I've never felt alive like I have the past week. I don't know if it's because I've been away from my dad, or because of you. But I love the feeling. And I can't keep my mind from remembering that. No matter how upset, betrayed, or even confused I am with you, I can't let that feeling go. So. Can we stay friends Jacob?" She asked quietly, looking at me. I felt my heart rate pick up as I smiled. I scooped her into my arms, spinning her.

Her laughter filled the air as she wrapped her arms around my neck and held on tightly. I set her down and a smile covered her features, forcing small dimples to appear.