Double Vexation ( A Harper's series. book 11)

Work In Progress

I was rattled.

Shaken.

Part of me was glad that Duel was honest with me but the other half of me was hurt, angry. Most guy's would have lied about their love for another girl so I guess I should be grateful that Duel was up front. With him what you see is what you get. However I didn't like hearing the truth and I had to wonder exactly where I fit into this equation. What was I to him and further more what was we doing? Was I wasting my time hoping for something that may not happen? Was I just someone to pass time with until he gets the girl that his heart wants?

Sorry, but that's not going to work for me. I can't constantly worry if he wished I was her, secretly calling her or comparing me to her. It's best to just cut him loose and look for someone who's heart is free to love me the way I need to be loved. It's obvious I would play second fiddle to this Zoe character and I'm not willing to do that. It wouldn't be fair to me or my heart so I'm going to save myself from a future heartbreak. From this moment forward the thing I had for Duel will be forgotten and buried. I'm not even sure what it was we had but it's best that it stops now before I get in too deep.

The school day dragged on and my mind kept wondering back to him no matter how hard I tried to concentrate on what the teacher was saying. To make matters worse Duel contacted me several times but I left the messages unread. Although it did give me some satisfaction knowing that he obviously couldn't sleep because of our morning conversation. At least I wasn't the only one bothered by it. By lunch I couldn't handle the persistent calls and texts so I switched my phone off.

To make my day worse I had to stay after for cheer practice. I was messing up quite often during the routine that Patra even questioned me. I simply said that I hadn't slept well and left it at that. For the most part I trusted her but because of my parent's I had to keep Duel on the down low.

Midway through practice we stopped for a water break. As I was unscrewing the top off of my bottle Petra nudged me. "Isn't that the guy who smashed Blaine's face?"

I followed her gaze and spotted Duel sitting at the top of the bleachers. Dread filled my insides and I pretended not to notice him or his angry stare. Turning back to Petra I shrugged my shoulders. "I think so but who cares". I said very casually as if I wasn't concerned.

Then it dawned on me, I had told my mom that she didn't need to pick me up, that Petra was giving me a lift. However at the time that wasn't true. I was suppose to ride with Duel but that has since changed. "Hey Pet, can you give me a ride home?"

" Sure ". She agreed as we jogged back onto the field.

The remainder of practice I did very well. Partially because I wanted to show off in front of Duel. Even though I would sneak glances his way to ensure he hadn't disappeared part of me wished he had. I could feel the heat of his glare on my back and silently prayed that he wouldn't cause a scene when I breezed by him to get into Petra's car.

All too soon practice came to an end and Duel was still rooted in the same spot. Grabbing up my gym bag I tried to hustle Petra along. As I walked by Duel I didn't spare him a glance but I could detect the fury in his face. "The fuck your problem?"

I just kept walking as Petra eyed me confused. "To got two options. Stop walking or get your ankles broken". He yelled out.

" What the hell? " Petra questioned.

"Just keep walking. Don't look back, just walk fast". I rushed out.

The both of us increased our steps but I could hear Duel's big, hasty steps catching up to us. Just as my hand reached for the car door handle I felt my shoulder being grabbed and I was spun around. "The fucks up Chelly?" Duel yelled getting in my face.