Pay the Price

Chapter Eighteen: Betrayed

I watched as Karen stormed off with tears crowding her hazel eyes.

I don't understand! She had raced here about an hour after Lane had left balling her eyes out, rambling about some guy I could have and how I betrayed her and I'm such a bad friend. I was so confused.

Before she slammed shut her car door, she yelled. "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. And if you need a hint, check your phone!"

As soon as she was gone, I hurried up stairs and grabbed my phone. There was one new message, from Karen.

Karen: U r the worst friend ever! I thought you were okay with me and him?! Whatever, u can have him cuz we broke up, after what u did!

Below the message was a picture- a picture of Lane and I kissing!

Actually,we hadn't actually kissed yet, it was the part in the scene we practiced! Whoever did this is dead, and I know exactly who it is.

-

"Tony! Or should I say idiot jerk- face? What the frig is wrong with you?!" I thrundered down the stairs to the living room where Tony had kicked his feet up and flipped to the sports channel.

Tony didn't smirk, or look up, just sat there, but something must've turned because his eyes betrayed his anger. "You had no right to be mad at me, so this is what you get! I lose a friend, you lose a friend."

I huffed. "Ugh! First of all, you had no right to do this, and secondly, what friend did you lose in this mess?"

He hesitated. "You." There was a long silence, but he finally figured out what to say. "That's what I thought of you, Jenn, a friend. When things started to look like more, I panicked. Why do you think I never get involved in relationships? Commitment isn't my thing." He stood. "But I'm still pissed at you for being mad at me."

After that whole speech, he ruins it by saying that he's mad. "Well, guess what?!" I shouted into the kitchen. "So am I! And you broke the rule to not talk to me!"

I can't believe him. Why would he send a picture of me acting out a scene of a play to my best friend? Now she hates me and thinks he cheated on her with me. I need to sort this out.

I remember Karen telling me her parents were away this weekend and so was Julie. If I go to her house, I might be able to explain.

-

When I arrived at Karen's house, there were a few lights on inside, which shone brightly against the darkening sky. A few stars were beginning to emerge and tree branches were casting shadows along the street. The road was dead and the summer breeze had cooled to a chilling wind.

I slowly crept up the steps and knocked quietly. A shadow swept past the curtain in the living room, and two eyes poked out. Karen saw me and refused to answer the door.

I sighed, walking back to the car. I would have a better chance getting her to talk to me by letting her cool down, than freezing outside when I could be working on what to say.

As I started the ignition, a heavy feeling of loneliness slithered inside me. My best friend is mad at me. Karen hates me! I really needed someone to talk to, and I knew exactly who I could go to.

-

"Jenn?" Easton stood, holding the door open. "What are you doing here? It's late and we have school tomorrow."

I sighed, stepping in when Easton offered. "I just- I need some advice."

He closed the door and led me to the living room. It looked like Easton was alone and doing some homework. "I was just finishing up some math." He cleared the table. "What do you need to talk about?"

I took a deep breath. "Well, Tony is mad at me because he thinks I am mad at him for not liking me back, so when I practiced a kissing scene of a play with Lane- we didn't actually kiss, by the way- Tony took a picture and sent it to Karen! Now Karen is mad at me and broke up with Lane. What do I do?" I found a tear slide down my cheek, and tensed when Easton cradled me in his strong arms.

He rocked me back and forth and I felt myself give in. I sobbed quietly into his shoulder. "It's okay, Jenn. At school tomorrow, when Karen is less tense, just catch her alone and explain like you explained to me." He paused. "And, you and Tony should make up. You don't want to lose him, Jenn. He can be a good friend, you just might need to be the first one to apologize, then he will too."

I nodded and sat back. "Thanks, Easton. Why do you always seem like you have the best advice?"

"Because I do." He smirked and placed his hand gently over mind, which was resting on my thigh. His fingers curled under mine and I caught him holding my hand. Easton stood and led me to the door.

It was silent for a while and we stood, staring at each other. I took in his tall, handsome figure, and noticed how he wasn't checking me out or trying to flirt, he stared deep into my eyes. They were hiding something.

One hand let go of mine and Easton used his arm to lean against the door. "I like this." He murmured, and it seemed like his face was getting bigger, then it hit me; he was getting closer, leaning in for a kiss! I didn't move, didn't lean toward him or back away, just waited.

Just as we were a few inches apart, Easton stumbled into the staircase, from the door pushing him back. His mom came in, both hands filled with groceries. I smiled cheekily, then mouthed a goodbye to Easton, dashing out of the house.

For some reason, I wish Easton's mom had've arrived about five seconds later.

-

School finally arrived and I glanced frantically around the parking lot. Karen should be there somewhere!

Eventually, I spotted her shiny light blue car, only two seconds before the bell for home room rang. I sighed, now I was going to have to wait until after class. Actually, you know what, I don't care about French this morning. My friendship with Karen is way more important.

I caught her just before she went into the classroom.

"What are you doing, cheater?" She spat the last part, trying to struggle out of my grip. Fortunately for me, she didn't get away.

I locked us both in one of the bathroom stalls. "Karen. Karen!" I yelled the second time when she refused to listen. "I didn't kiss Lane."

"But, I saw-"

"No, Karen. Tony took that picture because he was mad at me. Lane and I were practicing a part of a play, and we didn't even do the kiss. Please forgive me, I need you."

Karen didn't make eye contact. "You could easily be making this up." She paused. "But, you're my best friend and I believe you. I missed you! Jenn, I knew you wouldn't do that to me, and neither would Lane. I need to go find him and get him back."

I let her go and went back to the French room. Before I went in, I saw Tony's seat was empty, but I know he's at school. If I find him, I can apologize and make up like Easton said.

Finally, after searching the halls, I heard his voice around one of the corners. "Tony, I-"

I stopped when I saw what he was doing. Blair was pressed up between him and the locker. Tony was holding her by her waist and occasionally touching her face. Blair had her hands around his neck and the two were making out against the old lockers.

I turned and fled down the hall. How can I make up with someone that is making out with the person that broke up my relationship with Jack?

How can I call Tony a friend?

.....

Hey guys, so I really hope you're enjoying my story, and a heads up, it's almost done, not like next chapter, but a few more. (The picture up top is the one Tony sent to Karen) Thanks so much for everything and remember to comment, vote, and follow! Also, if you haven't already, please check out my other story, "Scooter's Ride" and try to get it to 1K views! Thanks again so much!