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Chapter thirty-five

Double update today! Now my brain is fried! You're welcome haha.

***

After what feels like a pleasant lifetime of being alone, my phone begins to buzz. Scrambling for my bag, I rummage through searching for it.

Oh no, Oh no no no! Please stop making noise!

Sweat begins to run down my temples as the door handle twists and I finally silence my phone. The laughs coming from behind the door bring tears to my eyes.

I can't handle this shit today. Please not today.

But, to my surprise, I see the curly hair of Jessie and I can't help the anger that begins to run through my veins.

"What the hell was that?!?" I shout standing up and brushing off my legs.

"Calm down! I was only teasing you." He jokes, a smile still plastered on his face. I let out a huff of annoyance before he continues. "Are you ready?"

"Do I look ready?" I snap however, even though Jessie isn't hurt by my tone, I still can't help the guilt consuming me. "Sorry, bad night's sleep." Jessie just nods his head in reply, thinning his lips as he opens the door.

I follow him out as we leave the school and wonder onto the school field. Layla and Eric already stood on the other side, leaning against a bench. My stomach tightens but Jessie grabs hold on my clammy hands. It doesn't bother him one bit; he knows how tough this is for me. The closer we het, the tighter his grip on my hand but I don't mind. I feel safe.

Taking a deep breath, I come face to face with Layla.

She stands tall in heals, her hair straightened and tied back neatly. The black fur coat she wears makes her look all the more beautiful and all the more intimidating. However, her eyes are red and swollen, much like mine.

She's been crying.

I think she notices me looking and clears her throat, asking coldly, "Well then? What do you want to know?"

"Do you know about our parent's affair?" I mumble, the anxiety taking over my throat. But she only nods her head in response. "For how long?" I ask.

"Since day one. My mother didn't think I knew you so she kept nothing from me. Her marriage was already breaking. He tried to walk into our house like it was his own so I had to remind him that I do not take to any random stranger." I notice Eric shuffle closer to her, almost like her was there for her as Jessie was for me. Like this was just as difficult for her to do.

"So, you took it out on Maddie?" Jessie spits, his tone harsh. I squeeze his hand, reminding him this meeting was about the affair only.

"The reason I can't stand you, Maddie, is because your father ruined my life! Your mum forgave your dad again and again! My dad walked straight out leaving me behind. Your family ruined my parents' marriage."

No, this wasn't the way it was meant to go.

"That doesn't give you the right to make her life a living hell! She did nothing to you. What you're saying is that you bullied her out of jealousy?" Jessie continues but before Layla can retort Eric pipes up.

"Watch it Jessie or I'll have to give you another black eye!" Jessie moves forward but I move between them.

"Do you think my mum knows about the affair?" I ask, more confidently then before.

"Oh, she knows. She was the one who told my father." Layla replies.

"I'm sorry about your family. If it's any comfort my parents now going down the same route. Thank you for the answers." I take Jessie's hand and lead him off the pitch. My lungs finally being able to fill with fresh air again.

Finally, I walk out of school grounds, Jessie at my side and my head held high as I realise I just walked away from Layla Pendleton and gave no fucks about it.