GROWING PAINS

TEN

I eventually walk outside the bathroom. Brandon is staring at me with concern.

I fold my arms and walk past him. He catches up with me and he stretches out to pull me in for a hug.

I flinch, "Please, just leave me alone." He stops and stares at me. I sigh and walk out to the fields.

I sit down on the benches and sigh. I take in the green patches of grass.

-
Today is my twelfth birthday and my heart is beating so fast.

Justin grabs my hand and pulls me underneath the bleaches.

Justin Bronse has been my crush since kindergarten. He is currently staring at me.

He smirks, "Happy birthday beautiful."

I am blushing like crazy. He leans in and so do I.

We kiss.

He pulls away to soon and I hear his friend shouting, "I got it. Dare complete."

He left me standing there completely heartbroken and hurt.

From that day on I swore to never let anyone in that easily ever again.

-

I feel Brandon's presence next to me. I sniffle but remain silent.

He says gently, "School is about to come out in the next fifteen minutes. We should probably get going before then." I nod.

I get up and slowly start walking back inside. Brandon says nothing but follows closely behind me.

We head to the parking lot. I'm about to get into the car but then Brandon says  softly. "Savannah."

I ignore him, he then does something unexpected. He places his hands on my waist and spins me around.

"Brandon wh-" The bell cut me off and students come pouring out through the doors.

Brandon lets me go and then put of nowhere I see Piper Hue staring at us.

She laughs, "No way! Brandon Campbell is that you? Oh this is good! Savannah Brain. This is to to to good!"

Brandon glared, "Piper, that's enough." She folded her arms and she said quietly, "You were supposed to end up with me. Instead you end up with a rich snob who is so insecure she makes others feel bad."

My breath hitches.

-

I cringe at the sight of Piper Hue attempting to kiss Brandon Campbell. I mean she's three years younger but my gosh.

Piper pulled away and I smirked, "Having fun Piper?" She glared at me, "More fun than you and Thomas, I bet."

I fold my arms, "Who do you think you are." She folded her arms, "Piper Hue. Who are you? Oh yeah, that's right miss insecure Savannah Brian."

-

My tears well up again as people have crowded around us. Brandon clenches his jaw.

"Piper, please. This isn't the time not the place." She huffs, "Really? So you two having a little make out sesh is relevant?"

He glares at her, "We were not making out." I walk away from Brandon and hop into his car.

Ignoring all the whistles and laughter from students. I even got comments like, "Looking fine Savannah."

Brandon notices my discomfort and he gets into the car and we drive off.

I allow the tears fall down my cheeks. I say nothing. Neither does he. The tension is so thick, we could cut it with a knife. The silence is defeaning.

We arrive at my house and I get out the car and Brandon is running after me.

I leave the door ajar open for him to come inside. I then walk to the bathroom, close and lock the door.

I slide down with my back against the door and cry. I regret everything I've done to innocent people.

My self-esteem is low. I see nothing but a petty girl. I see no beauty, no bravery and not even the slightest bit of confidence.

Brandon sighed and knocked on the door. "Open up for me. Please."

My reply towards him is my silence. He sighs and I hear him murmuring curses under his breath.

I focus on my breathing and after a while I open the door.

I see him sitting with his head down in his hands on the couch. He notices my presence in the room.

He looks up and I see some hurt and vulnerability flash across his eyes. He pats the spot next to him on the couch.

I mentally debate but give in and plop myself next to him. Remembering to keep some distance between us.

He croaks out, "I'm sorry for putting you through that." I sigh, "It's not your fault for my careless ways in High School."

He glances up at me, "You're not that girl anymore Savannah." The tears well up in my eyes. "You don't know that."

He reaches for my hand, "I do." I remain silent. He says softly, "We can cancel the deal. After today I don't want to hurt you even more."

I remain silent but I sigh, "No." He looks up at me. "What?" I smile weakly, "A deal is a deal. This is also part of the healing process."

He smiles, and so do I. He then leaned in and so did I. We were inches away from kissing until he whispers.

"You're so beautiful."