Intertwined | ✓

| 9 |

Ariel quickly ran to her locker, grabbing what she needed, and shut it with a slam.

She was about to run back when she bumped into Rue and Raina.

"What's the rush, babe?" Rue laughed and Ariel smiled sheepishly.

"Kayden and I are going out for a movie, I just need my cardigan" she told them, her excitement was evident in her voice and the way she could seem to stand still.

"How are things with the two of you?" Raina asked Ariel with a smirk.

Ariel knew what she was insinuating, especially with that expression. "They're...good" she replied.

Raina raised a brow at her. "Just good?" She questioned.

"Okay, really good" Ariel couldn't help but giggle, feeling a blush form onto her face. "He makes me feel happy. Like when he's around, I'm always in a good mood. The teasing that used to bug me, I don't really want to go a day without it" she said.

The girls looked at Ariel with an all-knowing expression.

"But I still don't know if this is real, on his side" Ariel added.

Ariel knew that around Kayden, she wore her heart on her sleeve. She knew she shouldn't but couldn't help it either. Kayden may care for her, and showed it through his actions, but Ariel still didn't know if it was all indeed genuine or just for the bet.

"Fair enough" Raina shrugged, not wanting to push it.

Raina felt like if she were to say something a little too real, it may upset Ariel and Raina didn't want that, especially before she was going on a date.

Instead, Raina chose to bite her tongue for now and then discuss with Rue, a more nicer way to go about things.

"Oh shoot, he's waiting for me" Ariel realised.

"Come on then" Rue said as they headed out together.

Ariel had a smile on her face as she walked out with the girls, but that quickly faded when she saw the sight in front of her.

Kayden was by his car, but he was not alone. Marissa was with him, and his lips were on hers.

Ariel's steps halted on their own, as if she couldn't even move anymore.

"Oh no" Raina said at the same time Rue said, "This isn't good".

The girls could see Kayden back away from her, and Ariel didn't want to see anymore.

Kayden's head snapped in her direction, and his eyes widened.

"Ariel!" He shouted, as she ran.

She didn't even know where she wanted to go, but she just didn't want to be near him right now.

Raina and Rue ran with her.

Rue stopped her and pulled Ariel into a hug as she clung onto her, not wanting to look at Kayden, burying her face against Rue's shoulder.

"Easy there gambler" Raina then said, placing her hand in front of Kayden, halting his movements of coming any closer.

"Please, Ariel just let me explain" Kayden pleaded, and Ariel felt his hand graze her shoulder, before it was gone.

"You can, just with some distance" Raina then said, pushing his hand away from Ariel.

"Please Mermaid. Just give me a chance" his voice sounded broken, but she didn't want to hear anything.

Raina then looked towards Ariel, calling out her name.

Ariel shook her head. She didn't want to hear anything, especially if he was going to tell her something that would only end up hurting her. She just felt stupid.