Not So Bad After All (BWWM)(EDITING)

Chapter Eight

I glared at him, trying to hold onto the simmering frustration that was bubbling up inside me. It wasn't hard... It's Jayden after all...

"Did I just see you take their money?" Jayden asked strolling over to me. His voice cutting through the tension and his eyes never left mine.

"Yep," I confirmed, my voice flat, though inside, my heart was racing. "Apparently, I'm some kind of stripper now, all thanks to you."

"How's that my fault?" He tilted his head, his voice teasing, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes.

"What do you think?" I said, throwing my hands up in exaggerated sarcasm,

He smirked again, shaking his head. "God, I hate you."

"The feeling is so mutual," I shot back, narrowing my eyes at him, anxiety and adrenaline clawing at my chest as if I couldn't quite get enough air.

I turned on my heel, eager to get away from him, to feel the solid ground beneath me and the familiar comfort of Sky's presence. I needed to distance myself before this day got even worse.

Today was definitely going to be one of those days.

______________

The final bell of the morning classes finally rang, and I practically sprinted to my locker, eager to shed the weight of my textbooks. Honestly, the morning had flown by, which was a rare occurrence on a dreaded Monday.

I whipped out my phone and texted Sky.

Me:  Girl, where are you? I'm waiting at our lockers for you.

A few seconds ticked by, and then nothing. Sky hadn't even opened my text yet. I sighed, a wave of worry washing over me.

Me: I'm going to lunch. Let me know you're okay. Love you!

I bit my lip, debating whether to call her or not. Just as I was about to hit the call button, I heard a familiar voice booming, "Aye, babe!"

I spun around to see Ryan approaching, his usual entourage of football buddies trailing behind him. And of course, there was Jayden, his presence a constant reminder of the events of the past few days. Sometimes I seriously hated that they were friends. It was like no matter how hard I tried to avoid him, Jayden was always there, lurking in the background, a constant thorn in my side.

"Hey babe," Ryan said, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

I couldn't help but notice Jayden's eyebrows furrow in a confused frown. What was there to be confused about? We did this every day. It was practically a routine, a public display of affection that had become a part of our daily lives.

"Sitting with me at lunch?" Ryan asked, his arm slung casually around my shoulders.

"Don't I always?" I replied, forcing a smile.

To be honest, I wasn't exactly thrilled about spending lunch with him. The events of Saturday still lingered in the air, a heavy weight on my chest. I knew I needed to address the cheating allegations, but I wanted to have that conversation in private, just the two of us. His response would determine the future of our relationship, and I wasn't sure I was ready to hear the answer.

"Have you seen Sky? I can't find her anywhere, and she's not answering my texts," I asked Ryan, trying to change the subject.

He shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. "Nope," he said, his attention already drawn to something else.

I sighed inwardly. It was clear that Sky was the last thing on his mind.

"That's funny," Jayden commented, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Brandon is missing too. I didn't see him last period either."