All Because Of Him

thirty two.

"He drives me crazy." It was the next day and I'm now sitting in Jessica's room criss-crossed on top of her bed as she looks through her closet.

      "I mean who the fuck does he think he is talking to me like that?" I watch as she takes a denim jacket out of her closet and takes it off the hanger, stepping in front of the full body glass mirror beside her. She playfully rolls her eyes at me as she slides the jacket on, looking over how it looks.

     "What?" I ask. She's obviously thinking something about this whole situation.

     "He's obviously just acting like this to get to you. Don't let him." Thanks for stating the obvious Jess. I'm well aware that he likes tormenting me.

     "He's obviously just an asshole." I reply and she laughs at my words.

    Jessica pulls clear lip gloss out of her pocket and starts applying it to her lips. I watch an awe as she applies. Jessica is one of those girls that doesn't need any makeup. She's naturally flawless, which is why the boys are always all over her.

     I look down at my wrists where Mason touched yesterday, and rub my fingers across them. For some reason I can't help but crave the way it made me feel. That feeling that pulsated through me. But why did I only feel that when he touched me?

    "He's so different now." I think out loud. "He's not the same as he was all those years ago."

   He's not the same innocent boy who wouldn't even think to hurt a fly. But I guess I can't be surprised, the years of high school change you.

     "Of course not. I mean, are we?" Jess defends, "I don't think any of us are the same as we were in eighth grade."

     Her words make me realize how stupid I must sound. She's right. Why am I so bothered by how much he's changed, when we all have?

     "If eighth grade me saw me now I think she would die before letting me have sex with Steve Matthews freshman year." She joked and I can't help but laugh.

    Oh, Steve. He was so clueless on how the female body worked I'm surprised what they did even passed as sex.

     "Where are you going, anyways?" I ask, changing the subject. I've been in Jessica's room for an hour and for half that time she's been getting ready while I've been sitting here in my pajamas.

     "Mason and I are meeting Alec and Corey real quick to grab some dinner."

     I'm a little shocked that she's meeting them. We've hung out with Alec and Corey before but only at parties. It's not like we ever planned to do anything together. She must still be helping Mason meet some people, and to be honest those two are a great fit.

     I can see why she would pick Alec and Corey to hang out with her and Mason tonight. They are the biggest party fanatics that graduated from our high school. And wherever one, the other follows. Leading a trail of bad choices and small misdemeanors behind.

     "You want to come with?" Before I have a chance to speak up, I hear a voice from behind me.

    "No." A deep tone sends chills down my spine. I face toward the sound and see Mason standing in the doorway. How long has he been there?

     Jessica rolls her eyes and directs her attention back to me. "She can come if she wants." She snaps.

     "She's not coming." He forcefully says, "End of discussion."

    "You mean the end of yours." I smile at Jessica's comeback and take my eyes off Mason as a loud sigh comes out of his mouth.

    "Elle? Do you want to come?" I sit there for a few moments debating it.

    I do want to get out of this house, but being around Mason is the last thing I want to do right now. I don't feel up for him antagonizing me all night.

     "It's alright, you guys go." I say. I almost feel like Mason looks relieved that I said no. What's his problem?

     "We'll probably just grab the food and bring it over here. Did you want anything?" Great. So now Jessica and the boys are staying here after getting the food. Now I really need to get out of here.

     "How about a ride home?" Mason snaps and I ignore him.

    "No, it's okay. I'll probably just go out and get my own dinner." Jessica looks over at Mason before reconnecting her eyes back to mine.

     "Alright, well just let me know if you change your mind." I nod my head and smile as Jessica makes her way out the door, playfully slapping Mason at the back of his head.

     "What the fuck was that?" I hear her say to him as they walk down the stairs. I'm happy Jessica hit him for me,  he definitely deserved it.

     I plop down on her bed, my head hitting her comforter as I think about what to get for dinner. And before I know it, I'm walking out the house  to go pick up my food.

❀

     I stand in the pickup line as I wait for my food. I hate the fact that I'm here but I couldn't help it. It's been months since I've eaten here, and although it brings back painful memories, it's the one thing that sounded delicious tonight.

     "Elle!" I hear them call out and hurry up to the front, grabbing the plastic bag full of my dinner for tonight. I thank the lady handing me the food and take a step back before I turn around  and make my way towards the exit.

     The warmth of the food breaks through to my hands and I am comforted by it. My stomach growls from the smell and I lick my lips in anticipation. Just as I turn the corner to walk towards the house, my body collides with another.

    "Oh, sorry." We both instantly say in unison. I look up to see who it was, and to my surprise Aiden's eyes are looking back into mine.

     "Aiden." I immediately said, my voice was so soft I bet he couldn't even hear it. We both look at each other for a few moments. I don't know what to say.

     "Vickies?" He asks me, looking at the food, I nod at his question and he smiles. "I was just about to go pickup my order." I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding in.

     Aiden and I used to go to Vickies every weekend for dinner. We would pick it up and eat it on the grass at the park across the street from the restaurant. I only went once or twice after Aiden left, and then it just became too hard to go without him.

     I'm not sure how to reply. Knowing that we both are eating at the same restaurant we would go when we were together? Especially since Aiden and I aren't really on speaking terms at the moment. Or at least, I thought we weren't.

     "Well, uh... It was nice seeing you, Aiden." I say, and for a moment I see a flash of sadness across his face. I pick up speed and walk past him.

     "Elle, wait." I hear from behind me.

    It's been almost two weeks since we've last seen each other. Almost two weeks since he ended things before they even began. I turn around on my heel and look blankly at him. I'm not in the mood to be blamed once again for my actions.

     "You have any plans tonight?" He asks, and I shake my head. "How about we go somewhere to eat? I may know a place."