Splinters: Part One

Part One | 40

"Collie-"

"I'm serious. I've been bringing this conversation up over and over again because I guess I just need assurance that you're not going to realize I'm a crappy girlfriend and you deserve better."

"You're not a crappy girlfriend," I laughed, glancing at her.

"Your family used to think so."

"But then they met you."

She sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. "I'm sorry. It's probably annoying how much I keep bringing up this conversation."

"It's nice to know you're afraid of losing me."

She looked over at me. "You're, like, the first guy I've ever really had feelings for."

"So Zech and Andrew meant nothing?"

"Compared to you, yeah."

I smirked confidently. "Brayden 100, Zech 0."

She giggled. "Are you keeping track of both of you guys' wins and losses?"

I bit the side of my cheek. "Maybe."

She shook her head, laughing. "No, but seriously, all Zech was was a stupid eighth grade boyfriend compared to you."

"Were there any other guys you liked before that you haven't told me about?"

She shook her head. "Not any that were important. I've had month crushes and stuff, but that was only Freshman year when I saw how many options I had."

"Weren't you still with Zech then, though?"

"Just because I was with Zech doesn't mean I wasn't looking at other guys."

"Is that considered cheating?" I was hesitant with my question, praying she wouldn't be offended by it.

"Well if you were looking at other girls, I wouldn't be too happy about it. But remember, Brayden, Zech and I were already on a rocky road by Freshman year."

"Wait, do you look at other guys?"

She laughed. "No. Do you?"

"No. Most guys are just my friends."

She laughed harder. "That's good. What about girls?"

I grinned at her. "I'm not saying this just because, but no."

"You don't?"

I shook my head. She was silent for a bit until she crossed her arms, a sour look on her face.

"What about that Kimberly girl in your Spanish class?"

I furrowed my eyebrows. I haven't talked to her in a while. I glanced at Collie, but ended up doing a double-take. "Are you jealous, Collie?"

"No!"

I bit my lip. Should I do it? No. She'll get mad. But it'd be funny to see her reaction. Yeah, I'll do it. "She's pretty."

Collie jerked her head toward me. "You think she's pretty?!"

"Sure! She's really nice, too."

She pursed her lips. "Don't make me smack you, Brayden."

I burst into laughter, accidentally swerving the car a little.

"Brayden, drive! You're going to get us in a wreck!"

Trying to calm myself, I pressed on the gas, getting closer to my parents. "No, Collie, I don't look at Kimberly."

"I knew you were messing with me," she huffed.