Played By Strings Of Fate

2nd String - Angst, Betrayal, and Hurt

Richard, my dad.

"Hey kiddo!" my dad greeted happily and I couldn't hold back my smile.

"Dad! Where are you? I've been waiting for you like, ever since you left." I said half joking, half serious.

"Yeah? Well, I just happened to park my car in front of a busy town square. Mind picking me up? I think I'm right in front of you." I heard him chuckle.

I giggled, "Sure dad." I walked forward to my dad whom I saw smiling crystally at me. He was a few steps away.

Richard has always been out of town for his work so we barely see him. I invited him to this event. And since it's the last Saturday we have left before school starts again, we thought of surprising mom.

Leslie is a teacher at the local elementary school.

"Jade!" dad said happily as he gave me a tight hug, "You've grown over the last five months!" 

"Hey dad." I smile back, "You certainly did too."

"Let's go?" he gestured for me to lead the way as I knew exactly what he was talking about.

I nod enthusiastically.

~~

Leslie's reaction could've won her an Oscar if she was in a movie. Her expression was one of kind. You could instantly recognise love and unending passion through her worry-filled eyes.

Her love for Richard was undeniably strong, and so was his.

I envy them for that.

I was walking towards the podium where the guest list was to see how much people are currently here when I bumped into a something.

Or should I say, someone.

I stumbled for balance a bit before regaining half of my stance. A hand caught my arm, supporting me.

"Jade." a low familiar voice called my name. I froze, scolding myself for not being able to notice him sooner so I could've avoided him.

"C-Clark.." I stutter, seeming unsure of what I just said.

It's the first time in a while that I've actually said his name out loud.

It was then that blood came rushing to my cheeks faster than lightning. Clark was still holding my arm. I slapped it away with so much force, my hand stung.

"Are you okay?" he asked, completely worried as his dreamy brown eyes melted into mine.

Wait. Did I say dreamy?

~~

"It's been a while." Clark broke the silence that has been in the atmosphere for more than an hour.

We were sitting side by side on one of the benches here at the circle. Saying it felt awkward was an understatement.

"Y-Yeah..." I cleared my throat after talking in such a hoarse voice.

A sarcastic answer was already on the tip of my tongue, ready to roll off but I guess it's really nerve-wrecking once you're left alone with your ex-best friend and you feel nothing but anger for him.

'Is it really just anger?' a voice in the back of my mind asked. I chose to ignore it.

"I've missed you." he whispered and my world stopped spinning.

I was surprised.

My heart started beating out of course again. That one night back in Year Ten repeated itself inside my head. The year-end dance, how I first fell in love with Clark because he was such a worrying twat.

No Jade. Stop it. You don't like him like that anymore.

Then I recall the events following after that. When he pretended I didn't exist. I felt the blood in my veins getting fired up.

Is he being funny? Because I'm certainly not laughing.

"You don't have to lie Clark." I said coldly.

It's the first time I've talked to him with anger in my voice. Something pierced onto my chest. Why is that? I have every right to be mad.

"I'm not." he said solidly. Am I supposed to believe that? Am I suppose to believe him again like when he told everyone we were best friends then acted like nothing happened?

He said it with so much sincerity. But I just can't let him pull my strings. Like he did at the prom. Back then, I really thought that we were finally okay again. He's such a deceiver. But I guess I'm just as gullible.

"Sure." I stood up, not wanting to listen to him even though he's only said 13 words to me.

Clark. You stupid idiot. Why do you always have to lie to me?

I miss you. I miss being your best friend. I miss being your hero and you being the damsel in distress. I miss those days when only I had your attention.

I miss you and I want to tell you so many things. What's been happening in my life and how I never got another best friend or how I haven't fallen in love with anybody else, but...

I don't even know you anymore.

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Note: Hello there wonderful people! :) Just so you know, I have little knowledge about their education so please point out my mistakes. Thanks!

-Ai♥