Unbearable (Unexpected Sequel)|✔️

19- Why?

When Monday came around, my heart was beating terribly fast.

After sneaking out of Dean's cabin in the early morning, I made a beeline to my own. I waited there until whomever I was giving a ride to show up. Then, like a coward, I made my escape back home without even talking about it.

Pathetic, truly.

And I had avidly avoided him until lunch rolled around. I was standing at my locker, debating whether to skip or not. I had put myself in a much worse situation than I'd anticipated and now I had to bear the consequences. I wish I hadn't opened my stupid mouth.

A hand wrapped around my wrist and I rolled my eyes, opening my mouth to scold Dean about the concept of personal space. I'm not sure whether it was sheer luck or something else, but I shut my mouth before any words could come out.

And thank god I did.

"Why?" Ben asked as soon as he got my attention. His gray eyes hardened, making his face look stone cold.

I put on my most innocent face and secretly prayed Dean wasn't planning on stopping by. I couldn't even imagine what would happen if he saw us together. "Why what?"

His grip tightened on my wrist. It was sure to leave a mark. From what I gathered, he had a bad habit of squeezing too tight. "You know what," he said. Then, he leaned in and whispered like he didn't want anyone else to hear. "Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?"

"So you liked the cigars then?" I innocently bat my lashes to add to the dramatics.

Ben Stark had no idea that I had him right where I wanted. This aspect of the plan was going smoothly.

"Yes, but that's not–" He stopped and frustratedly pulled at his hair. My wrist dropped to my side and I instinctively rubbed the sore spot. Man, this guy had a firm grip.

I turned away from him and faced my locker to hide my satisfied grin. "Look, I don't know why you're making it a big deal. I did some shitty stuff so it's my apology."

He scoffed as if he didn't believe a word I said. "I've done some shitty stuff too. That doesn't mean I have to go around and apologize for every slip up I have."

My brows raised at his cockiness. But the mask in his gray eyes proved this was a front. He used ego as a defense mechanism to prevent being vulnerable. Deep down, I could tell his mind was reeling with guilt. 

At least I hoped I was right.

"Look, I felt guilty and now I've apologized. My job here is done." I gave him a small smile and shut my locker.

As I walked to the cafeteria, I began to freak out. Maybe my words didn't affect him like I wanted. I might've just screwed everything up.

"Wait!"

My lips curled into a triumphant smile. His footsteps sounded against the tile until he was directly behind me.

"What if I haven't forgiven you?"

Exactly where I wanted him to be.

Turning around, I gave him a shy smile – internally cringing as I did. "Guess I'll have to try harder then." I turned on my heel, closing the distance between me and the door, my escape route.

"Can't wait to see you try!" he called one last time.

Me too, Ben.

As soon as I walked through the cafeteria doors, the real panic set in. Did I say the right thing? Was I supposed to act clingy or hard to get? Saying that sounded way out of character for me. Ugh. After this weekend, I hadn't had time to prepare my next steps and this was totally sprung on me.