Just Friends

Chapter 17: This Kiss

"Kiss, marry, or kill? Jack, Dakota, or Hunter," Clary asks, pushing her glasses up.

     I freeze at my spot once I hear those words. How can a ridiculous question make me nervous in one minute? Should I answer or should I just ignore her? Before I can skip the question, Clary answers for me.

     "I guess you'd marry Dakota, kiss Jack, and kill Hunter."

     I turn to glare at Clary, but I don't deny it. Ever since that day of Dakota asking out Makayla, I pushed everyone away. I'm back with only one friend which is Clary. I even asked her to walk me to school.

     Why would I avoid Jack? I needed to because I don't want to go back to liking him again. I don't want to feel pain anymore. Dakota and Jack are practically chick magnets; and jealousy isn't something I can handle well.

     "Let's play another game," I tell the brown-eyed girl.

     Clary's eyes light up and chirps in, "okay!"

I stare at the scene across the cafeteria. It was Dakota and Makayla. They were both cuddling, sharing kisses, flirting, etc. It makes me sick. I didn't realize I was glaring at them until Clary nudged me.

     "You look like a stalker," Clary insults, eating her sandwich.

     "Sorry," I mutter and continue eating my lunch.

     Again, my eyes dart to the couple. Apparently, they're the new cutest couple in school. It's ridiculous and stupid. Why is everyone put in a level? I just want this world to vanish and start anew.

      "Stop staring! If you don't stop, I'll stand on this chair and yell out to them. If I go down, you'll go down with me," Clary threatens.

      I don't listen to Clary. Instead, I get up from my seat and walk out of the cafeteria. I hear Clary call out to me, but I ignore her. I'm not mad at her. I'm mad at myself for being this way. Before I knew it, tears brim my eyes. My vision goes blurry as a fresh tear slip out.

     I furiously wipe them. I make it to the vacant hallway. I lean against the wall to regain myself. I take deep breaths, trying to calm myself down.

     "Colette?" 

     I turn to see Jack looking at me with worry. Immediately, I wipe my tears and stand up tall. Faking a smile, I greet him.

     "Stop lying. Are you okay?" Jack asks, standing right in front of me.

     My lip quivers at the question. Again, I let out a small sob. I held most of it in, but I'm too weak to stay strong. I shake my head, signalling I'm not okay. 

     I feel warm, sturdy arms wrap around my shoulders. Immediately, I bury my head into Jack's chest as I sob loudly. I wrap my trembling arms around his torso, clutching onto his shirt. Slowly, I calm down while relaxing in his arms.

      "Colette," Jack starts speaking. He pulls away and tilts my chin up with his index and thumb finger. He lifts my head so I could face him.

      Before I can ask if something was wrong, Jack smashes his lips onto mine. I freeze, processing what happened. My first kiss was being stolen by a friend. His soft lips brushes against mine. His breath tickles my lips. The kiss sent fireworks into my stomach. Although, I don't kiss back.

     We pull away, panting for air. I stare at Jack, wide-eyed. "W-why?" I stutter.

     Although, we were interrupted.

     "Colette?"

     Jack and I turn around to see Dakota staring at us with wide eyes.