Between Two

Chapter 34

I kicked at a puddle of water before continuing my way into school, allowing the rain to pound down on me. It's been a few days since Chris asked me out and Jonah hasn't spoke to either one of us—blatantly ignoring us. I've tried talking to him except he wouldn't even bother looking my way. I didn't know what to do and coming between him and Chris was the last thing I wanted to do.

I jumped, nearly having a heart attack as someone wrapped their arm around my shoulders. I looked up, my brows furrowing when I saw Jonah smiling down at me. "It's pouring rain, Avi, you're getting soaked." He simply took off his jacket, swiftly pulling it over me before directing me towards an awning.

"Okay, so now you're talking to me?" I raised an eyebrow at him, moving away while he frowned.

"I'm sorry, okay? I just needed space and-"

"You could have told me that instead of ignoring me. I would have left you alone, Jonah." He nodded, glancing towards the tables where other students were seeking shelter.

Another problem with having a mostly outdoor school, there was never anywhere to go when it rained.

Jonah stayed quiet, his eyes studying everyone around us. I crossed my arms, hoping everything between us would go back to the way it was. However, I doubt it would since right now, its just tense and awkward.

He took a deep breath, finally meeting my gaze again. "Chris and I said we wouldn't try anything with you. And he went against that." I licked my lips, nervously shifting my weight.

"Yeah, well, it's not like we're dating. We're going as friends, nothing more." Jonah stared at me blankly, his gaze unwavering.

"Does he know that?" I opened my mouth then quickly closed it, shrinking back a bit.

I hadn't exactly discussed that with Chris. I just assumed he was asking me to go with him as friends. It never occurred to me that it would be an actual date.

I looked down at the ground, staring at my shoes. "I don't know, Jonah, but we can all go together-"

"Oh, yeah, I'm sure Chris would love that." I clenched my jaw, not liking his snarky tone at all.

Jonah narrowed his eyes at me, but I only straightened my shoulders and gave him a tight smile. "He would because we're all friends. Just friends and that's all we'll ever be. Just like you're friends with Emma." His eyes widened slightly while I swiftly walked away, my hand moving to the strap of my backpack.

I tightened my grip on the strap, looking around for someone I could talk to. Tara usually came to school late and Chris always took Gracie to her elementary school. I basically had no one in the mornings.

I spotted a girl I had for Economics and I quickly walked over to her, needing at least a small distraction. "Hey..." Crap, I couldn't remember her name for the life of me.

She smiled brightly, "Hi, Aviana, right?" I nodded, feeling terrible that she was able to remember my name, but I had no idea what her name was.

"Yeah, how are you? I just saw you and realized we haven't talked in a while." I didn't think it was possible, but her smile widened.

"I'm doing great, what about you? I heard you got asked to Winter Formal." She raised her eyebrows and my smile slightly dimmed because this was the last thing I wanted to talk about.

I bit my lip. "Oh, yeah... it's not a big deal." She laughed, tucking a dark strand of her red hair behind her ear.

"Of course it's a big deal! Chris asked you, he's never asked anyone to a dance before!" I forced a smile, suddenly wishing I never came over here.