My Better Half

Chapter 10- The Pool Episode Part 1

Jack Third Person POV

Jack just stared at Maria for a second, unsure of how to respond. They had arrived at her flat by now and had stopped outside it. Jack felt a little confused because as silly as it sounded, with the way Maria was speaking, he had really expected her to say something else. He also felt a little disappointed but that's neither here nor there. Hell, who asks to be friends like that? It was almost funny in a way.

He saw her earnest, anxious face, and it put him at rest. Clearly, she wasn't just taking the piss, she was serious. Well, as weird as the interaction was, he never thought Maria would even tolerate him, so "friend" was probably pretty good enough...for now. He should just count his blessings.

Jack, chuckling a little: "Of course we can be friends Maria, I thought that went without saying!"

She laughed a little too, relieved. It was a sweet sound, music to his ears, Jack hoped in the back of his mind he could hear more of it in the days to come. He glanced at his watch.

"Oh, look at the time. I best be getting home, I'll see you later, bye now!"

He walked off after they said goodbye but stopped and turned his head again to yell over his shoulder.

Jack, laughing again: "Oh, and remember to unblock my number!"

Then walk back to his was uneventful, and he went through the motions of brushing his teeth, hair, taking out his contacts and flopping into bed. Just prior to drifting off into unconsciousness, he thought to himself what a day it had been... but it had been rather pleasant.

2 weeks later

Rachel was in her room on a Friday evening just chilling, listening to music and reading a book when she got a text from Josh that said: Hey babe! It's a Saturday tomorrow, wanna go out and do something fun together? I was thinking of going to the water park, what do ya say?

Rachel's text back: Heya darling, sure! Water park sounds fun, I will be there. But wait! Can I invite Mari to tag along too?

Josh's text back: Well... I was planning to spend some alone time together with you, but oh well, if that makes you happy I am happy too princess ;) I will bring Jack along with me too so Maria won't get bored

Rachel's text back: Yesss that will be awesome! It can be like a double date! Those two do need to take things to the next level now, and we will be the ones to give them the push!

After a while, Rachel dialled Maria's number

Maria Third Person POV

Maria was practising her violin, she was stuck on a difficult note, and was trying to play it correctly for a while now. So, she was a bit disturbed by the call, but she would never decline Rachel's call.

Maria picked up the phone: "Hey girl, you need something? Cause if it's not something important I was-"

Rachel, cutting her off: "Hey Mari! You gotta come to the water park with me and Josh tomorrow! It's a Saturday, so no excuses, it will be fun!"

Maria: "Wha-? No, I don't wanna be a third wheel, You guys will be all lovey-dovey and-"

Rachel, in denial: "What? Me? Lovey-dovey? Pffft- what are you talking about? Anyways, It's not a request, you have to come, okay then I will send the location through text, byeeee."

She hung up. Maria sighed and guessed she didn't have any other choice but to go then. But why didn't Rachel tell Maria that Jack was joining them? Well just maybe... because the mastermind Rachel figured Maria wouldn't' have shown up, as she would say "it will get awkward". Rachel sure hoped Josh convinced Jack to come though!