Between Two

Chapter 20

JONAH

"You fucking asshole!" My smile disappeared as Chris yelled at me, letting go of Gracie's hand.

"I had the money! I could, why the fuck- I can pay for her lessons myself!" I took a step back, startled from his outburst.

I didn't expect this, I expected him to be grateful and happy. I was helping him out, it was less stress on him. I was basically doing him a favor.

"I'm helping you out, Chris, a thank you would be nice." He scoffed, reaching back for Gracie's hand.

"I don't need your damn help, I don't need your money. Stop paying for everything. She's my sister, not yours. So back the fuck off." He walked away, Aviana staring at us in shock. Of course she'd be staring at us in shock, she's never seen this before.

"Avi, can you tell Chris to calm down a-"

"No, I'm sorry, I don't want to get between you two. And maybe you should back off a bit, give him some space. I'll see you at school tomorrow." I sighed, giving her a slight nod.

She was right, I needed to give him some space. Later he'd realize what I did for him was nice and thank me. Everything will be back to normal.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"I know, Avi had a club meeting after school and your brother had to go to work. I'll take you home now, okay?" Gracie nodded, sitting down on the floor to take off her ballet shoes.

"Chris!" I handed Gracie her regular shoes, looking to see Chris walked towards me, Aviana right behind him, calling his name again.

She grabbed the back of his shirt, yanking him back, "Aviana, he had no right. No fucking right to take my place." I walked up to them, cautiously glancing back towards Gracie.

"I'm sorry, Chris, you had to go to work right after school and your mom called me to take Gracie to her lesson. I didn't mean to." And it was the truth, Gracie couldn't miss lessons.  He knows this.

"I know, and I understand that, but what I don't understand is the fact that you took it upon yourself to volunteer yourself to be Gracie's dance partner. I already told her that I was going to dance with her." I slowly nodded, knowing what he was trying to say, but how could he blame me? I didn't know.

"I didn't know, I was just trying to-"

"Just trying to help, right? That's your excuse every damn time. Were you just trying to help when you kissed Aviana right after I kissed her? I don't need your help. Back off." I clenched my jaw, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Tara told me Aviana wanted to kiss me. It was never you she wanted." It was fucked up to say that, but it was the truth.

Tara told me Aviana liked me and I like her too. I don't mean to be a dick, he slept with Emma and now he's doing the same damn thing to me with Aviana. And it's pissing me off. I'm not letting it happen this time.

Chris and I both made eye contact, our eyes narrowed. I knew what he was thinking, I didn't want this to come between us, but I really liked Aviana. He fucked around, he didn't deserve her.

"Aviana, go out with me." She took a step back, looking between Chris and I as we said it at the same time.

"Back off, Jonah, you always get everything you want." I crossed my arms in challenge, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Really? Is that why you fucked Emma? To take her away from me, like what you're trying to do with Aviana." He scoffed, shaking his head at me.

"I didn't know you were with her, and I'm not trying to do that. I like Aviana." We started to bicker back and forth, Aviana taking slow steps back each time.

"Go out with me, Aviana, I ca-"

"Fuck you both." She walked out, slamming the door shut.

"See, look what you did." I said, tired of this.

"What I did? You scared her away." Gracie started crying and Chris immediately walked up to her.

He lifted her up into his arms then picked up the small bag she had to carry her things, "I'm being serious, Jonah, leave me the hell alone. I have my own money, I don't need your help." He walked out, not bothering to look back.

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated with this whole situation. I just wanted to help him, he's always struggling and I feel bad. I don't know why he doesn't want my help. I walked out of the dance room, my steps slow as I contemplated what to do. I looked up just in time to see Aviana walking out of the restroom.

"Aviana, can we talk?" She bit her lip, tugging at the sleeve of her hoodie.

"Um... sure." I kept my distance, not sure how I was going to start this conversation.

"I like you." Aviana smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I figured... with what just happened. I want some time to think about all this. I don't want to be between you two." I nodded, understanding what she was saying.

"Talk to Chris, okay? I don't want your friendship to be ruined because of this." I kept quiet, wishing things were different.

"Yeah, alright... I... I like you a lot. Can you meet me at the place I took you to when I went over to your house tonight?" She tilted her head to the side, looking unsure.

"Please, Avi, I just... I... let me show you why you should choose me." Aviana let out an exasperated sigh, moving to walk away.

"Aviana, please..." I gave her a pleading look and she gave in, nodding.

"Okay, I'll see you tonight." She walked away and I couldn't contain the smile on my face.

Tonight I was going to show her that I could be the one for her. Tonight she's mine and the only thing I can offer Chris is an apology.