Playing Games with The Player: GAME OVER (Sequal to PGWTP)

Chapter 9

"Thanks." She pays no attention to me, and turns her head to look back at the front of the room.

I can't help but chuckle a little.

"Next time we see each other, I'll expect to have an essay of at least a thousand words and no more than fifteen-hundred, telling me about your favorite American novel, with a Charactor analysis, it's signifigance to you, and what you believe the purpose of the book is, all included in the essay. The rubric is on the back of your scheduled assignments. It's how I grade all of your work."

I know mine—The Great Gatsby.

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Time finally passes by before the bell rings, and I scramble through my belongings, quickly putting them in my bookbag as students leave.

"Hey Gabby," I can hear Kade's voice from behind me.

I turn to his voice quickly.

"Yeah?" He jogs a little towards me before proceeding to walk with me.

"You doing anything tonight?"

Was he about to ask me on a date?

"I don't think so."

"Well there's supposed to be a party tonight, I figured maybe you could come around maybe....ten-ish?" I smile a little.

"Sure, you want me to give you my number?" I gesture, getting out my phone nefore he pumches im his mumber to my phone.

"I'll see yah tonight." He grins before taking off again.

Jess is going to die when I tell her.

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I leave out to the student parking lot, grabbing my keys and looking around for Jess.

"BOO!" I feel someone poking into my sides.

"AGGGGH!"

I turn around knowing it's Jess and smack her arm. She continues laughing hysterically as I roll my eyes.

"I hate you."

"Awe, I love you too." She smiles wide and I look around the parking lot.

"So how'd today go?" She grins at me.

"It was pretty good. Met this pretty cool guy. Loved my—"

Jess gasps like she just saw Fetty Wapp pass by her.

"YOU MET A GUY?! Is he hot?" I try to hush her down and beg her to get in the car, to avoid attention.

I close my car door behind me as I throw my bag in the backseat.

"So...?"

"Yes, okay. He's hot." I blush and she laughs a little.

"Tell me everything, don't skip a detail."

"Well his name is Kade." I explained from the beginning how we met, as well as his majors and minors. How we showed up late to class, and how many classes we have together.

"He invited me to some party tonight too."

"Girl, we better get going then."

"It's only 2:30."

"Gabby."

"Okay, whatever it takes to make you happy." I sigh sticking my keys in my car and leaving home.

---

"Jess it's already 7:30, and if you're wanting to do all the things you said, we better get a move on." I urge her.

"Hey! What about that super hot dress you wore to the bar that one time?"

"Are you talking about the one that doesn't I.D?" I question her and her eyes glow up.

"Yes! Is it in the vanity room?" She questions.

"I told you we should've looked in there hours ago but you never listen to me."

"Jess—wait." Something comes to mind and I quickly stop in my tracks.

"You okay?" She turns to me in concern.

"I need to take that ring back." I sigh, before turning back to my bedroom.

I scatter around my top dressor for it, finding it at the bottom of it, beneath my folded clothes.

"I'll just go do it myself."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. You can stay here I'll be right back." I sighs and she gives me a hug.

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Nash's POV

"Mom, I'm fine honest." I sigh a bit.

"You sound terrible Nash. I'm really worried about you." I close my eyes in tiredness before hearing my door bell ring.

I continue to hold my phone to my ear as she speaks concerningly and I continue down the stairs.

It's a little after eight—no one comes at this time.

I finally open my door, feeling the chilling breeze brush my bare chest.

I see no one, nothing until something catches my eye, a white envelope on my porch welcome mat.

I quickly bend down and obtain it with my fingers, before walking out onto the lawn curiously searching for anyone.

I squint, peering out into the horizon, attempting to see of any vehicles that may sped off—nothing.

"Nash? NASH?" Her voice is beaming through the phone.

"Sorry, Mom I'll talk to you later."

I hang up while slipping it into my plaid pajama pants, while continuing to stare into the distance before bringing myself back to going inside.

I shut the door behind me, proceeding to tear open the envelope and find it nearly empty until I notice the sparkle from a shiny object.

I flip it over on my hand and feel the cold metal in my palm.

Gabby.

The engagement ring.

My heart thumps in my chest and my stomach churns wildly.

Gabby came over...she was here, and didn't even say anything...just took off.

Gabby.