Contrary || l.p.

15. Back to the Start

"I love him, but everyday I'm learning: All my life, I've only been pretending. Without me, his world will go on turning. A world that's full of happiness, that I have never known."

~~~

Jessie's P.O.V

"So...we're good?" Isaiah asked me after a short conversation.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Yes, we're good."

A smile appeared on his face as he let out a sigh of relief. "Man, Jessie. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"I know," I mumbled. "But you gotta know your boundaries around me," I set, sternly. "That means, if you think this is some sort of gateway of getting back together, it's not."

He nodded once. "I know, I know. I don't even deserve that... what matters is that you're happy. I should accept that, even if it's not with me."

I smiled at his words. "Thank you," I whispered.

He awkwardly bit his lip and cleared his throat. "C-can I at least hug you?"

Hug me?

I scoffed at his ridiculous question and playfully rolled my eyes. I brought him in closer and gave him a hug of forgiveness. For once, I felt this heavy weight being lifted off my shoulders, and it felt good to put the past behind us. Maybe being his friend will lead him to a new direction, and he'll find happiness of his own with someone else. At least he'll know how to treat her.

Just then, both of us turned to the distant music building for in the corner of my eye, I saw someone running out of the door. Isaiah happened to notice it too, as we both let go of the hug.

"Hey, isn't that your boyfriend?" he asked as we watched Liam run into the men's restroom.

"Who, Liam? Oh he's-" I stopped myself and cleared my throat. "Yep, that's him. I wonder why he's running."

He shrugged. "He looks like he's sick or something. You should go check on him."

I nodded in agreement, and he sent me on my way towards the men's restroom. I began wondering what had made Liam leave like that. Maybe he really needed to wee? What if he's throwing up? Why did he look so pissed?

Just then, I realized that I was heading towards the men's room. I stopped dead in my tracks before my hand touched the door handle, and I swiftly pulled away as if I touched a hot stove. I couldn't believe I nearly walked into the mens room. I stepped aside and just decided to wait for him until he was done in there.

After a few minutes, the door seemed to make a sound that portrayed a latch being unhooked, and it swung open to reveal my best friend.

"Liam!" I shouted a little too loudly.

He jumped and cursed under his breath. "Jeez, Jessie!" he shouted angrily and walked right past me.

I shrunk a little at his reaction, but revived myself to follow him.

"Are you okay?" I asked him as I sped up, trying to catch up to his pace.

"I'm fine," he mumbled.

"Are you sure? You ran in there like you were gonna barf or something."

"I'm fine," he pushed on.

"You don't seem like it."

"Well, I am."

"Oh, come on. I know you well enough to know when you're lying to me."

"Jessie, you're pushing it."