One and Only

Taking A Risk

So, hey! Hopefully this is up really soon!! Well...guess not, but I don't purposely keep you waiting for so long (not always anyways). *evil grin*

My new cover is by pickleandjar! Thank you! And the cover to the side is by -_ProudlyMe_-! Thank you! :D

Anyway, on with the chapter.

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One and Only

Chapter Thirty-Five - Taking A Risk

§Jade§

When I finally emerged from the dense trees to the clearing with the lake, Noah was gone. I felt a bit disappointed, but then I almost slapped myself because if I had been him, I would've been long gone, too.

I had stopped crying, but the pain in my heart hadn't dulled the slightest. It was still as sharp as a needle, but now it was a little less suffocating. Crying had made me feel the tiniest bit better. But I had no right to be the one crying when I had rejected him. I had the stupid trust issues; I was the one who refused, yet tears had come relentlessly down my face. There was no way I could be in love. I had vowed to never fall in love, so there was no way an impossibly sweet, yet pervish boy make me change my mind.

I ran to my car before another downpour of tears could follow the one that finally receded after much wishing. As I started the car, I knew I couldn't go back to his house. I couldn't face him at all. Kissing him and talking to him afterwards had been only a tinge awkward, doing the deed with and seeing him subsequently had been immensely tense and uncomfortable, but this was far worse than any. Having him confess his love for me and immediately walking away from it and then even being in the same house with him would be the hardest thing I had ever done. There would be nothing stopping him from meeting new girls either.

I closed my eyes shut tightly, willing such horrible thoughts to vacate my mind. I focused on driving, getting to Rose's house before I broke down again for the second and hopefully the last time. But even I know with all my heart that this was just the beginning. That I had plenty of saltwater I was going to get rid of soon. Very, very soon. A bad feeling had started to conspire in my stomach. My stomach clenched tightly and my palms started to sweat as I felt as if something terrible had already happened or was about to take place.

Shaking my head and telling myself that it was all just in my overthinking head, I rounded the curb and started to see Rose's house in the distance. The silhouette was black against the dark purple sky, the sun having been vanished for a long time now. I pulled into her driveway, hoping she'd let me stay with her for the night. I also had to call Jane and Steve before they started to worry about my absence.

I pulled my cell phone out while I was still seated in my car. I dialed the home phone and prayed to god that Noah wouldn't pick up.

"Hello?" I heard Jane's joyous voice.

"Hey, Jane! I was wondering if I could stay at Rose's for tonight?" I asked, crossing my fingers and hoping she wouldn't refuse.

"Of course it's fine! You don't have to ask me!"

I smiled shakily, "Thanks."

"Jade, are you okay?" I heard the worry in her voice.

I cleared my throat of the developing lump and said as heartily as I could possible conjure at the moment, "Yeah, I'm completely fine." I added a smile for emphasis, but when I realized that she couldn't see, it dropped instantly.

"Well..." she hesitated, "If you say so."

"I'm okay." I didn't promise. I didn't want to lie. "I'm gonna go now, 'kay? Bye."