Confessions of a Third Wheel

Chapter 14: The Sad Embarrassing Ugly Truth

Awkward. That's the word to describe lunch. I was sitting in the table right next to where Connor and Pepper sat. I didn't feel like sitting with them since Connor told me that they were going out.

Instead, I sat with Peter and his friends. I knew some of them because they were in the volleyball varsity. Most of them though, we're in the Student Council or in the advanced Chemistry class with Peter. Yes, Peter is a total geek. He doesn't look like one and you'd never expect him to be one unless, you've gotten to know him. Although, he would deny being a geek. Sometimes, he talks about how fascinating these molecule whatever stuff, but honestly that's what makes him really cute; not knowing you're a cute nerd.

"Hey, can I join you? " A petite girl with olive skin and long black hair came over to our table. It was Alice. Alice has been classmates with Peter since fourth grade. I went to a different school when we were in elementary. Alice originally lived in Manila, Philippines, but then her dad got transferred here.

"Sure." Peter moved so she could fit. I saw Peter blush a little when she say down. Peter has had the longest crush on Alice. When we were young, he's always telling me things about Alice. He would say things like 'Alice is so kind. She help this girl who tripped on the stairs. She's beautiful inside and out.' or 'her hair touched my shoulder!'.

"Zoe, it's been so long since we talked." Alice said out of nowhere.

"I know right?" I replied trying to be as bubbly as she is.

Did I forget to tell you that I hated Alice! Obviously I got jealous because she was everything Peter ever talked about. Second, she and Peter were together when we were freshmen. They went out for two months then, one day Peter comes to me and tells me Alice broke up with him. I was so mad at her for breaking Peter's heart that one morning, I punched her on the face. She had a huge bruise under her jaw that turned very purple. No amount of makeup could cover it! But, the reason I really hated her was because she got Peter's first kiss. That was supposed to be mine, but she took it then broke his heart apart.

"Isn't it so weird that we both go to the same school and yet we never talked?" She wondered then flipped her shiny black braid behind her shoulders.

"Yeah. I never really found the need to talk to a girl who's hurt my best friend." Once I said those words everybody stared at me and Alice.

"I wouldn't have broken up with him if you never forced yourself in the picture!" She screamed.

"What?!?!"

"Oh come on! It's pretty obvious to everyone except Peter that you had feelings for him. You got so jealous with me that you kept trying to get Peter's attention. Am I right?"

I was...speechless. I kept trying to force the words out, but they just didn't.

Peter looked me in the eyes and asked, "Zoe, is this true? Did you really have feelings for me?"

I was going to deny everything, but I knew Peter would sense I was lying. I had no choice to tell him the sad embarrassing ugly truth.

I took a deep breath and said, "Yes. I always have loved you."

I was waiting for an answer from Peter, but instead I got one from Alice.

"See? I told you that she liked you. I told you that she's the reason I broke up with you." Alice said with her eyes set on me. She had large brown eyes that would stare you down.

Peter seemed to have ignored what Alice had just said. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was afraid to. First, I didn't want to risk our friendship. I wanted to be sure it was mutual before I told you. Then, fourth grade came and you always talked about Alice and how pretty she is. I knew then you didn't like me back. Freshman year and I thought things would change. Instead, you two became an item. It killed me when I found out that's why I didn't really hang out with you as much. I couldn't bare seeing you love someone else." Tears started falling down my cheek. I was embarrassed enough to let them see me cry. I stood up and ran leaving the cafeteria. As I ran to Connor's table, I slowed down to see if Pepper was there, but she wasn't. I ran out the cafeteria and heard someone calling my name. I thought it was Peter, but it wasn't.

It was Connor.

"Zoe, why are you crying?" He approached me.

"Connor, please. I just want to be alone." I said wiping off the tear on my cheek.

"Zoe!" It was another voice. It came from behind and I saw Peter running.

I asked, "Peter?"

"Zoe, I-I'm sorry. I never noticed." Peter said.

"You're the reason she's here crying?!?!" Connor said.

"Stay out of this, Harries!" Peter replied clearly irritated.

"Why should I leave Zoe crying here alone with some douche bag of a friend!" Connor screamed.

"So what? You're the big hero now?!?! I just want to remind you that you've hurt Zoe too." Peter said angry at Connor for feeling so heroic.

"Both of you! Just stop." I shouted for them to hear.

"Zoe-" Peter started.

"No! Just go. I want to be left alone here. I need some space." I said in a softer tone.

"I can't just-" Connor said.

"Zoe!" I saw Pepper running to us three.

I looked up and said, "Pep?"

"W-What happened?" She asked acting like my old best friend.

"Ask this heck of a best friend here." Connor said pointing to Peter.

"Why don't you ask the guy who is so insensitive and -" Peter blabbered.

"Enough! Both of you leave!" Pepper ordered.

The boys hesitated to leave, but saw the seriousness in Pepper's face. They both stood up and left us alone.

"Tell me what happened?" Pepper said in a soothing voice. I couldn't hold it back anymore. I started to really cry and Pepper wrapped me in her arms. I was glad to have Pepper back.

A/N: What up guys??? I'm so thankful for 100 reads!!! You guys are really amazing. I want to know what you guys feel. I honestly really do want to know, so please COMMENT, vote, share and follow me :)

Also, the photo in the previous chapter didn't show up so, it is here. Credit to @fashioneddolls on instagram.

Love ya'

♡b