Young Annabelle Series: Young Annabelle, the Truth About James, What My Heart Wants (40 page)

“Really?” My jaw dropped. After everything he’s done today, the promises he didn’t keep, he wanted to know where I was.

The nerve!

“I’m not joking!” Jenna exclaimed in disbelief, and then started laughing. “Oh, the next one is a good one. He wants to know what’s up with the pictures you just put up on Facebook!”

It worked! It actually worked.

She grinned at me. “Mission accomplished!”

I leaned back against the counter. “I don’t know about that.”

“Oh my
God! You have to read this last text!” Jenna pressed, shoving my phone into my hands. I turned it over and my eyes bulged at the message.

Tiger:
Why are you playing with me?

“Why am I playing with him?” I screeched, looking up at Jenna who was still shocked. “Is he joking me?”

“If anything he’s playing with you!” Jenna sneered. “He’s trying to make you feel guilty!”

“I’m not the one who broke a promise!” I growled.

“He’s so manipulative!” Jenna declared. “Well, I’d like to see him try and get himself out of this one. I know he’s gotten away with it in the past with you, but come on, this time, he’s gone past the point of no return!”

I nodded. “Yeah, he’s gone too far this time.”

*~*~*

After the movie, we’d all decided to go to the park. Apparently there was a little game going on with Dean’s friends and he and Joe thought it would be fun to go and watch, maybe even play a little.

Them not us though.

I rode with Dean as Jenna opted to go with Joe in his car. The thought of the two of them hitting it off this fast had made me smile big.

Who would have thought, not her that’s for sure. I guess when stars hit you, they take you by surprise and since meeting Joe a few hours ago, she’s had stars in her eyes. Not that Joe didn’t either, he was completely enamored by her, practically following her like a little puppy dog, begging for instruction just as long as she never left his side.

He was officially obsessed. Not that I could blame him, my best friend was awesome.

“Did I tell you, that you look amazing tonight?” Dean grinned, driving into the parks parking lot. I’d recognized it immediately, it was the same park he brought me to last time.

Let’s hope there isn’t a repeat of that this time.

“Yeah, but you don’t have to stop saying it. A girl could get used to hearing endless amounts of compliments per second.” I grinned.

Dean pulled his car to a stop. “You do, you look amazing tonight. I’m a lucky guy.”

I looked away embarrassed. “Dean, come on.”

“No, I’m being real with you. I’m lucky.” He assured, grabbing my hand, rubbing his fingers in my palm.

“Then I’m lucky too.” I smiled looking back at him.

“Duh, of course you are. You’re out with Pleasant Views Star Pitcher!” He laughed and got out of the car. I shook my head and got out too.

“Still lacking in confidence I see!” I said across the hood of the car as he gave me a playful grin.

“What’s taking you guys so long, come on!” Jenna yelled as she and Joe crossed the parking lot.

“We’ve been summoned
, let’s go before she chops off our heads!” I smirked, grabbing him and pulling him towards them.

“I’ll go anywhere you wanna pull me to.” Dean said.

“Are you sure about that?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

He nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

Considering everything that’s happened in the last twenty four hours, I didn’t know how I felt about Dean professing his devotion to me like that. He obviously liked me a lot, and I liked him, but I was still trying to get out of the mess I’d created.

I needed time to sort my stuff out before I could commit to anyone else. Including a nice guy like Dean, even though he didn’t like being considered as ‘nice’, but that’s what he was.

“Come on.” I murmured, tugging his arm again.

CHAPTER
32

I’d been dreading every single minute this past weekend.

It was finally Monday morning.

Last weekend besides Friday night had me at my most nerve wrecking, all in anticipation for today. The first time I was going to see James since Thursday during what I thought was us finally moving forward in our relationship.

Just breathe.

After our dates with Dean and Joe, I’d slept over at Jenna’s house. She made me promise not to answer James back, no matter what. I swore on my life I wouldn’t and thankfully he didn’t send me any more texts. He hadn’t called me either. The promise was still kept. But even if he had, I wasn’t going to go back on my word, that guy already made me a fool too many times. I didn’t even go to work on Saturday morning, calling in sick just in case he decided to show up.

Now it was Monday morning and I was on my way to school in a pair of size six blue skinny jeans and a short sleeved black shirt that went past my hips.

Add some black chucks and that was my style. Although I did spend a little extra time on my hair, straightening it and putting it up in a sleek pony tail. I’d also applied some mascara with a tiny bit of blush.

More effort than I was used to, but I could see the difference.

“Anna!” Jenna yelled, pushing off the railing at the bottom of the stairs in front of school. “You actually came today. I thought you would have passed out from the nerves. Today’s the day!”

“Don’t remind me.” I muttered, walking past her and heading up the stairs, feeling a new bundle of nerves grow inside of me. “Is it me or are you having a hard time breathing too?”

Jenna laughed behind me, catching up by skipping steps. “No, it’s just you!”

“That’s not the answer I wanted to hear! I need words of encouragement, I need help!” I exclaimed.

“You’re going to be fine, just ignore the douche!” Jenna advised, as if it were that simple. “If you want I can take care of him for you.”

I stopped mid-step. “You will not! Don’t talk to him, he has a way with words.” I gave her a pointed look then continued up the stairs.

“You don’t have to tell me twice, you’re clearly the example of that.” Jenna panted.

My eyes rolled. “Thank you for reminding me.”

We crossed the crowded patio and entered inside. I gulped nervously as our feet hit the freshly cleaned floor of the hallway.

“Just be strong.” Jenna urged, squeezing my shoulder one last time before heading off to her locker.

I looked down the hallway and breathed a sigh of relief, James and his boys were nowhere in sight. Class was starting in ten minutes, so they should be on their way. I decided to not go to my locker and just go straight to English. I didn’t want that awkward moment of walking passed them. I went to English and thankfully there were students already inside. I picked a seat in the middle as far away from where he normally would sit, which was at the back beside the wall. I was covered completely.

I became enamored with my notebook, looking over my notes from the last class when the bell rang.

My heart took off in a sprint.

This was it.

Just breathe.

It’s going to be okay.

Don’t even look in his direction.

Pretend like he doesn’t even exist.

He doesn’t exist for you anymore.

A stampede of students rushed inside, I didn’t look up, instead focusing on the floor watching their feet shuffle in. Then I saw his mixed in with the crowd as they rushed inside.

Don’t look up.
I ordered myself for the hundredth time. The final bell rang and everyone took their seats. Mr. Doors began his lesson.

It was going to be okay, James was probably sitting in the back. All I had to do was keep my eye sight straight.

*~*~*

I headed to the cafeteria without waiting for Jenna. I needed to get in the lunch line before he showed up and I’d get stuck in a staring match with him. English went better than I thought, I kept my eyesight straight and as soon as the bell rang I quickly got out and headed to my next class.

I could feel him staring at me, urging me to turn so he could trap me with his gaze. It was a very powerful gaze, one that I wasn’t sure I would be able to look away from. I was proud of myself for fighting the urge to look at him and his beautiful green eyes.

By the time I made it inside the cafeteria, the lunch line was quickly lengthening. I quickly took my place. As the line moved forward, my phone rang. I checked the screen and smiled, it was Dean.

“Hey.” I answered. “Long time no talk.”

“Hi, yeah I know. I didn’t want seem desperate. Do you have lunch now?” He laughed.

“Yeah, in the lunch line now. Do you have lunch too?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m actually sitting across Joe right now. He says hey,” Dean said.

“Oh yeah, say hey back to him, should I say hey to Jenna for him too?” I chuckled and I could hear Dean ask Joe if I should pass a message along to Jenna for him. I couldn’t hear Joe’s response but Dean laughed.

“That would be a no,” Dean laughed back into the receiver.

“He should just come out and say he loves her, I mean I’ve never seen a guy slobber over a girl before.” I laughed explaining. I was about to say something else when I felt my hair being tugged back.

“Owe.” I yelped quietly.

“Everything okay?” Dean asked, concerned. I turned my body and came face to face with the one person I didn’t want to see today.

James.

He stood behind me with two of his friends, smirking to themselves. I scowled at them and turned around.

“I’m okay, just some
asshole
who thinks he’s being funny.” I said loud enough so that
he
could hear.

“I wish I was there right now, they wouldn’t be doing that stuff to you if I was there!” Dean growled.

I could hear their laughter escalating, I was pretty sure it was about me.

“Dean, I have to go,” I said, feeling my face heat up.

“I’ll call you later, give those guys hell okay!” Dean said. I hung up and tucked my phone into my pocket.

The line moved forward thankfully and I entered the restaurant quickly making my way to the refrigerator to grab a salad. I could feel him right behind me as I opened the sliding door.

“Stop acting like this.” James whispered.

“Leave me alone.” I said back, grabbing a salad.

“No.” He said back. “There’s something wrong with you.”

My head snapped up and he stood there with his arms crossed, a snide look on his face. He was so beautiful in his dark blue shirt, his messy wavy hair tucked underneath his signature backwards
Baseball cap. His green eyes sparkled. I snapped out of my momentary daze, remembering his recent betrayal. “There’s something wrong with me?”

“You’ve been avoiding me all day. I thought you wanted everyone to know that we were together.” James sneered.

“Well, thanks to you, I don’t want that anymore!” I snapped quietly.

His eyes widened. “Why are you acting like this?” He exclaimed, sounding annoyed.

“You lost your chance last Friday.” I snipped back.

“Oh I see what this is about, you’re pissed that I didn’t ask you to come out to the lake with my friends.” James sneered, shaking his head.

“You said that everyone would know on Friday that you were mine. You didn’t show up. You didn’t even say anything about leaving.” I fumed.

“So just because we’re together that means I can’t hang out with my friends anymore. You can’t have it all. You need to stop acting jealous and get over it. This is how it is.” James explained condescendly.

My eyes widened. “I’m over it, don’t worry.”

“Are you sure about that, seems to me you’re ready to burst.” James said, then leaned forward whispering. “Just like last Thursday, right?”

I leaned away from him. “I had a nice time with you, but now I see that’s probably all you’re good for, let’s leave it at that.”

“Stop!” He pushed, looking sullen.

I shook my head. “No, you stop. You, leave me alone from now on. I don’t want to have anything to do with you, ever!”

“Are you sure about that, because once I’m gone, that’s it, I won’t even look at you.” James warned.

“That sounds great.” I snapped.

“You’ll be back.” James smirked, sounding sure of himself.

“I won’t.” I snapped one last time before circling around him and paying for my salad. I walked out of the restaurant and headed towards Jenna. I slid on to the bench, fuming.

“What happened?” Jenna’s eyes widened.

“It happened!” I breathed, wiping sweat off my forehead. “Am I red?” 

Jenna shook her head. “You had it out with him, where?” She asked.

“In the restaurant,” I told her, trying to take the lid off my salad, but my fingers kept slipping. I was shaking too much.

“Hey – hey, you’re shaking.” Jenna noticed, grabbing my salad bowl. “Let me do it, your hands are out of order. What did he say?”

I watched her easily slide the lid off and push it back to me. “That there was something wrong with me and that I was being unreasonable, and that I should get over it.”

Jenna’s jaw dropped, her left eye twitched and I think I could hear a growl coming out of her. “That asshole! I’m going to kick the shit out of him!”

“There’s no need, I told him I wanted nothing to do with anymore, he followed that with a threat,” I sighed.

Jenna’s jaw clenched back tight, eyes narrowing. “What do you mean he followed that bullshit with a threat?”

“He said once he’s gone, that’s it, he’s gone forever.” I explained, digging into my salad.

Jenna snorted. “That’s not a threat, that’s a reward!” She started laughing. “That douchebag got it backwards, he actually thinks he’s some sort of prize possession that needs to be nurtured at all costs, no matter what. Dare to dream asshole! He gave my girl exactly what she wanted!”

“Yeah,” I told her in mock – enthusiasm, staring transfixed at the logo around my water bottle. “Exactly what I wanted.”

Jenna tilted her head. “Don’t!” She urged, desperately.

“Don’t what?” I asked, confused.

“You’re having reservations. I can totally see the pain all over your face. Dude, I understand you cared for that jerk off, but come on, you can’t feel anything remotely warm towards him now, not after the way he played you, used you. You get a bag of mixed messages and he goes off to the lake with his boys and those skanks.” Jenna exclaimed dramatically, rolling her eyes multiple times.

“I’m human, what can I say?” I told her, finishing my salad. I chugged down the rest of my water surprisingly fast.

I guess the argument left me dry.

*~*~*

“Anna.” Jenna whispered behind me.

“What is it?” I asked as I tucked my notebook into my bag and shut my locker.

“Don’t turn around.” Jenna ordered, sounding urgent.

My eyes widened. “Why?”

“Because, there’s a show going on behind you, one that I don’t think you’re going to appreciate very much!” Jenna stated, sounding pissed. I could hear the disgust in her voice.

I exhaled loudly, looking at my closed locker. “Is it James again?”

“Yep, and a certain skanky skank shoving her boobs from left to right, you’d think there was a freaking compass in them.” Jenna laughed bitterly.

I chuckled at the thought of Donna’s boob’s acting like a compass. “Can I look now?”

I waited a few seconds, but Jenna still didn’t say anything.

“Well?” I asked, impatiently. I wanted to leave school and go home. This day was already exhausting enough as it was, I didn’t need another reminder of how crappy it was.

“Yeah,” Jenna began to say. “They don’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon, the whole lot of them. Why are they even chilling in this part of the hallway anyways? School’s over, they should all be in the parking lot banging each other, quoting Beavis and Buthead, or doing whatever it is that they do.” 

“I don’t care.” I muttered, turning around anyways, even if they were there, I wasn’t going to allow them to make me feel nervous, not in my hallway. A row of lockers away from mine, James and his boys, plus Donna and her hot girl crew were crowding around each other, laughing loudly and play fighting. Donna apart from the rest of her hot girl crew was showcasing her boobs. They were popping dangerously out of the low cut pink tank top she’d worn to school today. They started to pop up and down even more after James and his friends said something to her then laughed. In response, she tried to jump and hit them, but failed, miserably.

“You think she’s doing it on purpose? Pretending to try and hit them or is she really that weak?” Jenna pondered beside me, leaning on the locker next to mine. I leaned against mine and stared at them with her.