One Plus One Equals One

Chapter 22 - Gwen's POV

Charlene's problem has been sorted. I helped her talk to her mom once we returned from our walk, who was quite upset that Charlene did not feel like she could talk to her about being bullied. I gave them some time alone and found out later that Charlene confessed everything to her mom, and it turned out the situation was worse then she let on. Lois and her friends were spreading awful rumours around the school about Charlene, and turning those in her classes against her. As you can guess first thing Monday morning Laurene marched into the school with Ellison by her side, reporting the bullying and demanding it be stopped. As punishment, the girls were taking off the cheerleading team and there was an assembly about bullying, warning of the consequences if anyone is caught in the act.

Charlene was a little embarrassed and worried that it would have repercussions on her, but so far, the girls are staying away with their tails between their legs. Apparently they were just jealous of Charlene, who is naturally beautiful and has a loving family, and it does not help that she is quite different from others her age (not caring about clothes, boyfriends and makeup). However, since her harassment has stopped, she has definitely become more confident at school, and has made some nice new friends. I am so, so happy and relived that I was able to help rectify the situation, as if no one ever found out, who knows what awful mind-set Charlene could have fallen into. Even the strongest have a breaking point.

One thing I haven't been able to fix though is my relationship with Cohen. It is as if he finds the notion of being jealous to mean he could like me so disgusting he cannot even look at me. I have not spoken to him properly in four days, as he has been ignoring me and staying at Leo's house. His grandparents went home yesterday, and although he came to say goodbye he didn't even look at me once. That hurt. I obviously do not mean anything to him, as he has time and time again proved through his actions. When we were friends (even though it was a pitiful amount of days really) I loved it, as I felt like I could talk to him easily and there wasn't any awkwardness between us. Now his harsh actions are really getting to me and making me upset. I do not know why he affects me so much.

Suddenly there is a knock at the door, making me look up from scrolling on Netflix. It doesn't stream to Losington currently, but one of my conditions of going back is definitely going to be to have a Netflix account. I cannot believe I lived so long without it! I am sure it is probably Susanne at the door, considering she has been coming to me a lot these past few days to talk about her situation with Leo. The poor girl is heartbroken. I did not find out until Monday evening, when I went to bring her some soup up since she had the day off school sick.

Apparently when Cohen took me home Leo took her back to his place, acting all possessive and jealous that she was at a party dancing with boys, and they argued and she admitted she is in love with him. He then 'initiated the hottest make-out of my life' in Susanne's words, but then pushed her away because he felt like he was betraying Cohen. He has not spoken to her since, thwarting her plans of forgetting about him since all she can think about is the kiss, and breaking her even more. Susanne won't stop crying, and it makes me dislike Cohen even more seeing how he is hurting his sister – even if it isn't directly his fault. I haven't seen Leo at school much, but I have noticed he looks quite sullen, and isn't returning the flirty remarks thrown his way. It is really sad that two people who obviously love each other and want to be together won't fight for their love, just because they are worried about upsetting other people.

At the end of the day, I believe you have to do what makes you happy.

"Oh, erm come in." I call out, shutting the laptop and trying to figure out what I can say today to lift Susie's spirits.

I hate to see her so down and depressed, it juxtaposes with her usual sunny demeanour and love of life. Sometimes I really want to hurt Leo for his idiotic-ness. The door hesitantly glides open, and when my eyes connect with his, my eyebrows and lips crease down into a heavy frown.

"What do you want Cohen?" I snap, my defensive side instantly turned on.

There is no way I want to listen to anything he has to say.

A short chapter today! The next few chapters are a little exciting loves... see you soon! xoxo

Edited