Unbearable (Unexpected Sequel)|✔️

10- Mission Impossible

The rest of the week seemed to be going smoothly. No one cornered me in the halls, no unnecessary secrets slipped, and the awkward moments were kept to a minimum. The universe seemed to be doing the bare minimum to keep me from snapping.

It wasn't until I got an ominous message from Reece did I slowly feel my guard going back up.

Reece: 7th period. My office. It's important.

With a dry throat, I stared at the message. There were only minutes before my class ended. Then I'd have study hall, which I had been camping out in my car for lately. It was too much energy to actually go to the library and face the people I didn't want to see.

When class dismissed, I clutched my phone in my hand and nervously made my way toward the gym. I couldn't think of a single reason Reece would urgently tell me to meet him. My mind began wandering but I forced myself out of it before I could entertain several thoughts, most of which would not end well for me.

As usual, I waited in the hall until the students piled out. I leaned against the wall, staring at the off-white color in front of me. It seemed worn down from years of students touching it and I found myself wondering when the last time they repainted was.

"Don't tell me he called you here, too," Dean said, snapping my attention away from the bleak wall and on to him. He made quick strides to reach in front of me. Even from a distance, I could see how distressed he seemed.

Af if we haven't been walking on eggshells this entire week, his hand reached out and cupped my jaw as he stood directly in front of me. Whatever lingering annoyances I had toward him melted away as I leaned into his touch. I missed it more than I'd like to admit. And with the week I've been having, I needed him.

He tilted my chin up so I was looking into his eyes. "You've been distant this week."

"You've been distant this week," I lamely retorted.

He showed no signs of amusement. A crinkle formed between his brows as he looked at me with concerned eyes. I almost felt self-conscious under his gaze. "What's wrong Arabella," he softly sighed.

I felt another pang in my chest, not because he was so worried, but because he sounded tired. I didn't want to be the reason he was stressed out, but I was obviously already on the way to doing that.

I wrapped my arms around his torso and rested my head on his chest. "So much," I mumbled. He hugged me back and just for seconds, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort.

But I also felt sad. The weight of everything was setting in and I desperately needed someone to talk to. When I pulled away, I quickly wiped the tears that managed to escape. I hated the fact that I would cry out of mere frustration.

A frown set on his face. His hands rested on my hips, keeping a small amount of distance between us. "Let's go talk about it."

"But Reece-"

"No, screw Reece. He can wait. This is more important."

As tempting as the offer sounded, I knew Reece would only call us if the situation was dire. So, I reluctantly said, "How about after? I think he really has something important."

"I bet he does," he grumbled under his breath, sounding bitter. "Okay, after, but you have to come. You can't put this off any longer." When I gave him a confused look, he continued. "I'm talking about us. I could tell you've been avoiding me. I want to know why."

My brows quirked in surprise at the fact that he noticed. He didn't seem to make any effort on his side either.

"Come in love birds, we don't have all day," Reece's voice echoed down the hall.