When The Puppet Falls For The Puppeteer

The Line I Drew

Myra

"How's your little rebellion going?" Ash teased as she slid onto the bench beside me, Dan following behind with his tray.

"Not easy," I muttered, picking at my food. "He's in all my classes."

Dan took a bite of his sandwich. "Yeah, well, he's losing it. Sucked at practice today. Didn't score once. First time ever."

I blinked, surprised. Marcus never misses a goal. Atleast not that I heard of.

I swallowed. I knew exactly what that felt like. That grip loosening. That panic tightening its claws in your chest. Maybe that's what he was feeling now. And if there's one thing Marcus Clayton can't handle, it's not being in control.

"He's trying, though," Ash said nonchalantly, popping a fry in her mouth.

I looked at her. "Trying?"

She shrugged. "He reached out to me."

My stomach flipped. I inhaled slowly. "What did he say?"

"To talk to you. Convince you to hear him out. He said you've only heard half the story and he needs you to understand his side."

I let out a breath. "I heard enough."

His voice still echoed in my ears, tangled with all the things he didn't say.

"I told him to deal with you patiently," Dan added. "But we all know how patient he is."

"Well, tell me about it." I rolled my eyes.

Dan looked me over, smirking slightly. "And you're obviously testing that patience hard" He gestured to my outfit.

Ash instantly sat up straighter. "Hey. Don't blame her. She has every right to dress however she wants."

"I'm not blaming her," Dan replied, calmly but firmly. "Don't yell."

Ash's expression faltered. "I'm—sorry." She looked down, brushing imaginary lint off her skirt

I glanced between them, unsettled. That... wasn't like her.

"You don't have to fight over me," I said softly. "It's complicated. I don't know what's going to happen between him and I."

I turned to Dan. "But... I do need a favor. Can you check on Lillie? Or maybe get my house keys from him so I can move back in?"

"I will see" Dan said I nodded. I know taking the key option will be difficult, atleast he can just look after Lillie for sometime

Then his voice.

"Red."

My skin prickled as I turned.

Marcus leaned over the table, knuckles pressed to the wood. His eyes were locked on mine.

"Look, I'm—I'm..."

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry, Red."

Ash sputtered on her drink, nearly choking.

Marcus rolled his eyes. "Oh, please, Ashley."

"Did Marcus Clayton just say sorry?" she gasped, half-laughing. "Okay, wait—I need a moment."

"I get what you felt, Red," he continued ignoring her, eyes pleading. "But it wasn't like that. You've got it wrong. You and I—"

"You and I are done," I said, cutting him off as I stood and walked away.

I walked off, not daring to look back.

Ash followed. I ducked into the nearest restroom, grabbing the sink for balance. My chest was tight.