It Was Just A Bet

Do You Trust Me?

Justin

Ever since my attempt at kissing Pearl at the aquarium, things had been kind of… awkward. We didn’t speak once during the car ride back to the hotel; but, unlike our silence during the car ride there, this time it had an awkward feel to it.

I groaned internally. Why do I always have to act on something right away? The second I have the idea to make the bet with Pearl, I suggest it to her and then persuade her to agree to it. The second I come to terms with my feelings for Pearl, I try to kiss her!

I shook my head. Screw this whole bet. All I want is to show her that I really do like her. But what will make her see that? Buying her gifts? Taking her places? Pearl’s not like other girls. I know that none of the things my money can buy will gain her trust.

I tried to express my feelings to her… something that I usually never do… yet she still doesn’t believe that my feelings are true!

I pounded my fist against the car door in frustration just as we had reached the hotel. Jeffery got out of the car and opened the door for Pearl and me.  

“Thanks,” I mumbled as I got out of the car.

Despite the semi-awkwardness, I stuck out my hand for Pearl to take. I just wanted to feel her delicate hand in my rough, calloused one.

Pearl took my hand and let me help her out of the car. When she was out, I felt her fingers retract from mine, so I quickly held onto them to prevent her hand from leaving mine.

Pearl looked at me and rolled her eyes.

Jeffery closed the car door and then opened up the door to the driver’s side. He gave us each a nod before getting into the car and driving away.

Pearl and I walked into the lobby and over to the elevator. Pearl pushed the up button next to the elevator and then we were just standing there in silence.

I looked over at her and tried to think of something, anything to say, but before I could, Pearl spoke.

“Justin!” She gasped, looking down at our intertwined hands, “Your hand is bleeding!”

I immediately looked down at my hands and was surprised to see blood oozing out from my knuckles and onto Pearl’s hand.

“Oh,” I said, surprised. I hadn’t even felt anything.

“How did this happen?!” Pearl asked as the elevator doors opened and we stepped in. She pressed the button for our floor.

“I, um, hit it against the door in the car…”

Pearl lifted my hand up so she could look at it better.

“I don’t think you need stiches, but it definitely needs to be cleaned up. These cuts are pretty deep.”

“It’s fine. It’ll stop bleeding eventually.” I shrugged.

“Justin, I don’t want it to get infected!”

“Well, why do you care? You don’t like me so why would it matter to you if my hand gets infected.” I looked away.

“Justin,” Pearl sighed, “I said I don’t trust you. I never said I didn’t like you,” Pearl’s voice got quiet.

I looked over at her quickly, a smile on my face. “So you do like me!”

The elevator doors opened and Pearl and I walked out, her still holding onto my hand, my blood painting both of our hands a bright shade of red. She quickly dragged me down the hallway to our room.

“Unlock the door, Justin. You have the keycard.”

“No,” I said, “not until you explain to me why we can’t be together.”