My Better Half

Chapter 8- Resolutions

Maria Third Person POV

Maria was really confused about what to do in this situation. On one hand, she didn't really care about what other people, especially boys, thought about her. But this time, for some mysterious reason, she was really feeling disturbed and uneasy at the idea that Jack might think that she actually hates him (which she did....but not that much, like she didn't.... hate-hate him, if that made any sense) Why was she feeling this way? Was it because, now that their best friends were so involved with each other, they will be seeing each other more often too? And so she wanted to clear things up with Jack? But... it wasn't just that.

As Maria heard Jack say those words "Good to see you" and "How are you" in a really stiff and monotone voice, she couldn't help herself anymore. She leaned in towards Rachel and whispered something in her ear, which made Rachel chuckle a bit but then nod.

Rachel: "Okay Josh, it's all nice and comfy here with our friends but let's just go sit over there, okay? Sitting four at a table together is really crowded right? I wanna hear what happened after you beat those 'pissants' all by yourself, come on now~"

Rachel pulled a flattered Josh out of there with her cheesy words giving her best friend exactly what she asked for: some alone time to make things right. As soon as the lovey-dovey couple left, Maria turned to Jack. Her hazel eyes looking right into his soft ocean blue ones. She spoke up.

"Jack......There has been a huge misunderstanding......The text I sent you last night was not meant for you. I didn't have your number saved and I was driving... so I thought after seeing an unknown number popping up, it might be Lucy, so I said "Love ya" and "sweetie" for her... BUT don't get me wrong! I am grateful for you checking up on us too, just that....it was a huge misunderstanding, I am sorry, it was all my fault"

Maria's eyes were glowing, not exactly sparkling... it was like she was determined to prove herself to Jack. Without giving it a second thought, Maria took the palm of his hand and held it tight in between hers, making him look into her eyes once more.

"A-and that block... Believe me, it was never my intention! Well, yeah, I got a little mad for you teasing me, b-but I never wanted to block your number for that!! I had just woken up and my hand slipped so I uhh... accidentally blocked your number, please, believe me."

Although some parts of this was a lie (she couldn't possibly tell him that she was shaking from embarrassment and her hand slipped), most of the things Maria said was the honest truth. Her eyes somehow looked desperate, but for what? Maria didn't know. Her heart was racing from nervousness as she waited for the blond sitting in front of her to finally say something.

Jack Third Person POV

Jack sat there in stunned silence, not really sure what to say. So, it had all just been a big misunderstanding? He had to admit that he felt quite relieved. He thought about the story for a second... Yeah, it was quite late last night, she probably didn't realise it was him texting... Sure the "hand slipping and accidentally blocking" bit sounded a little far-fetched, but she was looking at him so earnestly that he couldn't bring himself to believe she was lying.

He had never seen this side of her, it seemed more vulnerable, open, honest, and genuine....and she had apologised. She seemed sweet like this. Jack wasn't one to hold grudges, especially when there was no reason to. They had been staring into each other's eyes for a good while now, and when he quickly glanced over to Josh and Rachel and saw their matching smug faces, he realised something else...

Jack, a bit embarrassed: "Maria, I'm really happy you explained what's going on and I'm grateful for your apology, believe me, but um... you... errr... you're kind of still holding my hand."