Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Satisfied with my messy fishtail braid, I rechecked the closet and drawers to make sure I didn’t forget anything. I stared at my suitcases and sighed. After school, I would come back here, take my things and then go back home. Tying the laces of my adorable shoes, I walked out of the room, shutting the door behind me. I halted before going down the stairs; should I go to Ethan’s room to meet him?

After debating with myself for a minute, I shook my head and walked down the stairs. I did not want to be one of the desperate and clingy girlfriend’s.

I entered the kitchen, smiling. Erica was munching away on cereals while Mrs. Wilson was cooking and Mr. Wilson was busy browsing through the channels on the television.

“Morning,” I said brightly and sat down next to Erica.

“Good morning, dear,” Mrs. Wilson chirped.

I grinned at her as she prepared a plate of bacon strips and scrambled eggs for me. I found myself staring at the stairs often. Erica noticed this and gave me a confused look.

“What’s up with you?” she asked with a mouthful of eggs.

“Huh?” I questioned blankly, ripping my gaze from the stairs.

“I heard your date was a disaster.” she asked, lowering her voice.

My eyebrows knit in confusion. “No. Who said so?”

She shrugged. “I’m just assuming. After all, you went out with my brother. I bet it sucked.”

“No, it did not,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“Erica, is Ethan still sleeping?” Mrs. Wilson interrupted. “Could you go wake him up?”

Erica took her time to swallow her eggs and reply, making me curious. “He’s not at home.”

“He isn’t?” Mrs. Wilson asked, surprised.

She nodded. “He went somewhere.”

“That’s odd,” Mrs. Wilson commented.

Erica just gave her a shrug.

It was odd. I felt questions pop in my brain. Was he trying to avoid me? Does he regret what happened between us last night?

But he didn’t show any signs on the way back home. We just walked back in a comfortable silence with few exchanges. He even wrapped his leather jacket around me the way guys did in movies. Speaking of which, his jacket was way too intoxicating. His cologne, his stupidly breathtaking cologne refused to get off me.

“Who cares?” Erica said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “At least he won’t be yelling at us to hurry up.”

Mrs. Wilson chuckled.

I let my mind wander again. How am I supposed to tell Erica about me and Ethan? She would freak out. But then again, she was the one who encouraged me to go on the date. I mentally groaned with annoyance. This was much harder than I thought it would be.

“We should leave now,” Erica said.

I glanced at my watch and nodded. She grabbed her bag and I grabbed mine and we both headed towards the door, shouting out goodbyes to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson.

“Hey Erica,” I started as I sat in the car.

“Yeah?” she asked, roaring the engine to life.

“Um-nothing,” I finished lamely.

“Okay?” she said unsure.

“Did you talk to Jared?” she asked.

I groaned. “Why did you have to remind me of that?”

“Because you guys need to sort this out!” she exclaimed, putting on her shades.

I sighed.

“Can I tell you something?” I asked, trying again.

“Yeah?” she asked.

“I’m Ethan’s girlfriend,” I blurted out.

She screeched the car to a halt as the traffic light turned red. “What?!”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “Can we pretend you didn’t hear me?”

“We most certainly cannot!” she exclaimed.

I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. I looked at my lap, avoiding eye contact with her. After a minute or so, I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. She was looking in my direction but I couldn’t make out if she was looking at me or not because of her shades.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, not knowing what to say.

She sighed and chuckled. “You’re so stupid.”

I stared at her, confused. “Why?”

“I’m the one who actually told you to go on that dumb date,” she said and I nodded. “I saw this coming. You’re stupid enough to think that I would be mad at you.”

My eyebrows shot up instantly. “That was…not the response I was expecting.”

She smirked. “I like to be unpredictable.”

I rolled my eyes.

*

I rested the side of my head against my locker, still questioning myself why Ethan hadn’t bothered calling me or texting me. And he wasn’t even there in the morning; it’s quite obvious that he’s trying to avoid me. But why?

I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned to see who it was but I frowned when no one was there. I turned back and a yelp escaped my throat when I saw Ethan standing in front of me with a grin plastered on his beautifully shaped face.

“You scared me,” I said, trying to return my breathing back to normal.

He chuckled and wrapped his around my waist and inched me closer to him. I felt myself blush at the way he was staring at me. I noticed few people staring at us but it didn’t seem to bother Ethan at all.

I smacked his chest and asked, “Where were you?”

“Did you really miss me that much?” he asked, grinning.

I scoffed. “Not even in your dreams.”

He shook his head and chuckled. “I thought you would go easy on me now that I am your beloved boyfriend.”

I laughed. “I doubt that.”

He huffed cutely.

“Now answer my question, would you?” I asked, eagerly wanting to know.

“Turn around,” he instructed.

“What? Why?” I asked.

“Just turn around,” he insisted.

“Ethan, I swear, if it’s a fake insect or something like that, I will haunt you after I die,” I said as I turned around.

His arms came around my head and something cold rested on my neck. I looked down and clasped my fingers around the cold charm. I turned to face Ethan as soon as he clasped the necklace around my neck. I felt a huge smile form on my face when I realized it was an ice cream shaped pendant. I chuckled and looked up at him.

“Ice cream?” I asked, laughing.

He nodded, chuckling.

I leaned forward, standing on my tiptoes and softly pressed my lips to his, wrapping my arms around his neck. I felt tingles spark through my skin as I ran my hand through his dark hair. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I pulled away from him. I smiled, feeling the adorable necklace rest on my neck. I could feel quite a few people stare at us but I didn’t care. He enveloped me in a hug and I rested my head on his chest.

“When did this happen!?” I heard Abby’s shrill voice exclaim. I looked up to see her gaping at us and Michael standing next to her with an amused look on his face.

“Why don’t I know about this?” Abby questioned, giving me a look.

“Oh god. Why me?” I heard Erica say, nearing us.

I softly chuckled as I separated myself from Ethan.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Abby whined as Ethan and Michael got busy in one of their conversations.

“We just got together last night,” I said softly.

A grin appeared on Abby’s face. “Details. Now.”

Erica groaned and pretended to puke. “I really don’t need to know any of this.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “Erica, you have to admit it. They’re one of the cutest couples.”

Erica just ignored Abby and leaned against Rachel’s locker.

*

I walked out of my Physics class and headed towards the canteen.

“Ash!”

I looked around to see Michael walking towards me. I waited till he caught up with me and then we continued walking.

“How are things between you and Abby going?” I asked, grinning.

“It’s great,” he said, smiling.

“That’s all I get?” I questioned.

He nodded, giving me a sheepish smile. We headed to the canteen table we usually sat on and sat down.

“So, you and Ethan huh?” he asked, sitting opposite to me.

I nodded, blushing a little.

“You want something to eat?” he asked, getting up.

I shook my head. As Michael left to get something to eat for himself, I unlocked my phone and caught up with my messages.

I heard footsteps near the table I was sitting on. I looked up to see Jared standing near the table. My eyes widened a fraction but I managed to relax. I had managed to avoid him for the past few days but now, I knew there was no way I could escape.

“Jared,” I breathed. “We need to talk.”

He nodded. “I know.”

He sat down where Michael was sitting previously. I bit the insides of my lips. I didn’t know what to say.

“Th-That was one of the worst things to find out,” I started. “Especially since we went on a date.”

He hesitated before answering. “Yes.”

That’s all he’s going to say? Am I supposed to do all the work?

“Jared, do you think we could forget about the date? And just go back to being friends?” I insisted. “I mean I get that we’re step-siblings but we were friends before that and according to me, we always will be.”

“It’s easier said than done,” he mumbled.

“I know,” I replied, knowing that he was completely right.

He sighed, thinking. I waited for him to make up his mind.

“Friends it is then,” he said, giving me a brief smile.

I smiled back, studying his oceanic-blue eyes. I always had a strange obsession with blue eyes.

Abby came skipping towards us just as Michael came with a tray filled with fries and a burger. Abby grabbed a fry and gave Michael a quick peck on his cheek. I smiled at them. Abby noticed me and Jared and looked between us, trying to figure out if something happened.

“I still need some more time to digest that,” Jared said, pointing at Michael and Abby.

I laughed and then suddenly, I realized that if he couldn’t get used to Michael and Abby, how in the world would he be able to even accept the fact that Ethan and I are in a relationship? I tried to push the thought away but Ethan came walking towards us and sat down next to me and kissed my cheek.

Abby sighed dreamily. “The two adorable love birds.”

I peeked at Jared through my lashes and his was blank. Completely blank. No expressions whatsoever. What was he thinking?

“Couldn’t you find some other girl to hit on, Ethan?” Erica asked, nearing us

“Nope,” he said, giving me a small squeeze.

A/N: So, I know this chapter wasn't that happening but Jared and Ash patched up! ..sort of :P

I'm just taking things slow. Trying to show more of Ethan and Ash's cute side, you know? :3 Speaking of which, do you guys think they're cute? If you do, please comment below and let me know! I really do like reading all your comments :D

Oh! And sorry for the late update, I shall update soon next time! :)

Well, that's all for now. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and please leave votes and comments! :D

Bye! <3