Stuck with you (BWWM)

Chapter 13

As Yasmin, Ben, and Will hung out together, Yasmin's frustration was palpable. She had been trying tirelessly to convince Gabi to return to the musical, but it seemed like an impossible task.

Sitting on the couch, Yasmin let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't know, guys. I've tried everything, but Gabi is just so stubborn."

Ben shifted uncomfortably, his guilt evident. "Maybe this is all my fault. I joined the musical to win her back, and look where that's gotten us."

Yasmin looked at Ben, surprise evident in her eyes. "Wait, you? You hate musicals. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Ben sighed, his gaze distant. "I thought if I joined, it would show her how much I cared. But now, everything's a mess, and I don't know how to fix it."

Will chimed in, offering his perspective. "Dude, it's not just about joining the musical. You need to show her you care, no matter what you're doing."

Ben nodded, a mix of frustration and regret in his expression. "I know. But I think I've already screwed things up beyond repair."

Yasmin nudged Ben, a knowing smile on her face. "Ben, you're head over heels for her, aren't you?"

Ben's eyes widened, and he looked away, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

Yasmin grinned, leaning in. "Come on, Ben. You're practically talking about her even when she's not here."

Ben's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his voice quieter. "I can't help it. She's always on my mind."

Yasmin laughed softly, her teasing tone gentle. "You, my friend, have it bad."

As the three of them continued to chat, Ben's realization lingered in the back of his mind. Maybe Yasmin was right. Maybe he needed to show Gabi that he cared, not just through joining the musical, but through his actions and words. And maybe, just maybe, he needed to find the courage to tell her how he truly felt.

At school Walking through the crowded school hallway, I couldn't help but notice them. Brandon and Jade, together. The sight hit me like a sucker punch to the gut, stirring up a mix of emotions I thought I had buried.

As I continued on my path, Jade seemed to have other plans. She bumped into me, a sly smile on her face. "Well, well, well, look who it is. Gabi, the drama queen."

I clenched my fists, my voice dripping with disdain. "Jade. What do you want?"

She laughed, as if she found the entire situation amusing. "I just wanted to see the aftermath of my handiwork. Seems like Brandon's doing much better now that he's not dating a baby anymore."

Her words hit me like a slap in the face, and all rational thought flew out the window. The anger I had been bottling up exploded, and I took a step closer to her. "Excuse me? You think you can just talk about me like that?"

The hallway seemed to shrink as a crowd began to gather around us, their curiosity piqued by the brewing confrontation.

Jade smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "Oh, come on, Gabi. Don't be so sensitive. I'm just speaking the truth."

My patience was wearing thin, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. "You know what, Jade? You mess with the wrong girl."

Before I could think, my fist connected with her cheek, the satisfying sound of impact echoing through the hallway. Gasps and whispers filled the air as Jade stumbled back, shock written all over her face.

"Not so tough now, huh?" I spat, my voice laced with defiance.

Jade's hand touched her cheek, her expression a mix of surprise and anger. But there was also something else-a flicker of vulnerability that I hadn't expected.

The crowd around us buzzed with excitement, some cheering while others whispered in hushed tones. But in that moment, I didn't care. I had stood up for myself, pushed back against the chaos that had been suffocating me.

As I turned away, leaving Jade behind, I felt a mixture of satisfaction and relief. Maybe the drama would never truly go away, but at least in that moment, I had taken control of my own narrative.