Unbearable (Unexpected Sequel)|✔️

43- Parallel Families

The next few weeks flew by in a breeze. Things were oddly calm but I was thankful for that. Ben and I pretended each other didn't exist. Dean and I were at a point where he only hung around if he was invited. He'd make jabs at me and I'd fight back. It was irritating to no end, but I could tell he was talking in good fun.

I think Jasmine said something to him because he was acting off. He wasn't as smug anymore, and sometimes even looked uncomfortable. I wasn't sure what she did but I enjoyed it a lot more than I should have.

As for the mission, I told Reece I wasn't doing it anymore. I couldn't. He understood and let me go easily. Thank god Skylar wasn't there. I knew if she was, she'd guilt me into staying.

After the night I let everything out in front of my friends, I felt considerably lighter. Yes, I still despised Dean and Ben, but I also felt better about my shitty situation.

Andrew still wasn't talking to me but I didn't mind as much. When Dylan made me realize that I wasn't in the wrong, I myself realized that there was no use putting in effort with someone like Drew. He shouldn't have been mad that I "rejected" him when he saw it coming a long time ago. If he was still willing to be friends one day, I'd accept it.

Emma and Will weren't together yet but I had a hunch they would be soon. The awkwardness died down and we all really acted how things were before last year. Even Dylan was much better. He no longer mistreated his teammates and acted more inviting toward them.

My parents came back from their long trip. They brought back gifts and extensive apologies. I only shrugged, unsure of what else to say. Justin gave me a pointed look, probably wanting me to explain how much I hated when they left, but I shook my head. Now was not the time. Thanksgiving was right around the corner and family was coming into town. There was no need to get everyone in a bad mood.

The bell rang, dismissing us from our final period. Now we had a whole week off of school. Total bliss if you asked me.

"What're you guys doing this weekend?" Jaz asked as the three of us walked back to our cars.

"More bridesmaid stuff," I answered. Nat invited me over to a family thing they were doing. She explained she wanted me to meet some of her family that was coming down for Thanksgiving. They'd be back in December for the wedding but she wanted me to be familiar with her cousins and stuff.

"Speaking of the Cullen's, can we please go to the diner? I'm so so so hungry and I really want a good burger," she pleaded. Her eyes lit up as she waited for our responses.

Dylan looked at me expectantly. The answer ultimately depended on me because I was the one who had a problem with the diner in the first place. Well, not specifically the diner, but the owner's son.

After much internal conflict, I nodded my head yes. I didn't see a reason to not go back. After all, Jaz was no longer pestering me about getting back together with Dean when she knew the full story. It was refreshing.

We all split and drove in our own cars. Dylan didn't have practice today and Justin told me he'd be riding the bus to get more quality time with his girlfriend so I didn't object. It's not like he rode with me anyway. On the days he didn't have practice, he rode the bus.

The familiar diner pulled into view. I smiled at the neon sign as I got out of the car. Jaz and Dylan joined me at the front and we walked in together. Nat's face made me feel guilty for avoiding this place like the plague.

She didn't waste time coming to our table. "Where have you been?" She lightly smacked my shoulder with the paper pad in her hand.

I laughed looking at my friends' amused faces. "Sorry, I've been busy," I lied.