To My Future Cheating Husband

XXIV. Deep Breaths

Inhale.

Exhale.

"You're fine, Ava Makee. You've been through much worse. You can do this."

After a little pep talk, I step out of the restroom to see Seth leaning across from me, "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

I turned my body and made my way towards the school parking lot.

"I don't know what happened in the cafeteria, but I know you didn't do anything bad."

I stop walking.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

I turn around, "And why are you so sure I didn't do anything bad? Maybe the rumors are true. I did hit Mina. What are you going to do then?"

Steadily, Seth walks towards me, eyes never once wavering from mine. When he looked at me, it was as if every ounce of breath was taken from my lungs. It was challenging to breathe. "You wouldn't."

"And how are you so certain? Hm? I'm Ava Makee. The school bitch. It's in my fucking nature to bring hell to everyone."

He didn't respond.

I laugh, "What? You're trying to be nice to me so you can bunk with me? Sorry, but this hoe-tel is closed for today. Try again...never."

His lips thinned momentarily before he opened it. "Why do you do this to yourself? It's one thing for other people to put you down, but why are you putting yourself down? You didn't do anything wrong, so why are you acting like you did?"

"It's because I will. I will always do something wrong. It's who I am."

I fought back the tears, knowing Trevon and everyone else is waiting. I began walking backward, "You don't know me, Carrillo, so stops acting like you do."

"I know you go grocery shopping with your mom every chance you get." I grip onto the straps of my backpack. "I know you go watch movies with your brother nearly every weekend, despite not being into it yourself. I know you're an absolute coffee addict." One after another, he steps closer to me. "I know you're afraid."

He looks down at me, and I look up, "Enlighten me."

"You're afraid of being alone."

I laughed, a small chortle one, "What? You've been stalking me, Carrillo?"

He stuck his hands in his pockets, "You can say I'm an observer."

"Don't tell me you're in love with me or something?" I teased, feeling the heavy sensation lifting.

He smirks, "If the feeling is mutual."

I shook my head, "I guess we can never come to an understanding then."

Seth cocks his head, "I don't understand."

"Understand what?"

"Why do you hate me so much?"

"Now, it's my turn to say it. I don't understand." It was easier to breathe.

"Don't lie to me, Makee. I see the look in your eyes. Every time you see me, it's like you want to rip my throat out, and I just don't understand why. I mean, I never did anything to you." He tilts his head to the other side, "Did I?"

"You're that curious?"

"Yeah."

"You want the truth?"

"Completely."

"I don't like you because you're Mina's friend."

That is the truth. I simply don't like Seth because he is on Mina's side. That's all. I can't help it, having this absolute hatred towards Mina despite our minimal interactions in this lifetime.

"That's all?"

"That's a big part of it."

There's also the nasty memories of Seth and me bickering in my previous life. That's all we do when we see each other; fight over Mina.

"What did Mina ever do to you?"

More than I can ever say.

"Her existence is a thorn to my side."

"Because she stole Luke from you?"

"Luke was never mine to be stolen."

Seth puckered his lip, "Mina isn't a bad person." I clearly know that.

"I know."

"You should try to talk to her." I can never understand why Seth is so keen on Mina. So pushy when it comes to her.

"I'll tuck that away in my suggestion box."

Seth folded his arms as his head cock to one side, allowing his hair to sway, "You are a tough one, Makee."

I smile, "I'll take that as a compliment," I said, before walking away from him.

I shook my head, "God, I hate that guy," I mumbled underneath my breath.

"Makee!" Seth screamed, and I held the urge to turn around and punched him. It's as if he doesn't understand when a girl needs some alone time. I turned around, and he threw a bottle of pills at me.

I examined the white looking bottle that says Advil. I look at Seth, "Why are you giving me this?"

"Isn't that yours?"

"I only brought Tylenol" and sleeping pills "I don't use Advil."

His brows crunched, "Well, it fell out of someone's backpack."

I shook the bottle and decided to store it inside my bag just in case I need it. "Who?"

Seth shrugged, "That group you hang out with or Luke. Whatever. Just keep it." I took a step back, "Oh, Makee. Try not to use too many sleeping pills. Too much of that shit isn't good for you," he said with a grinned as if he knew a dirty secret. I rolled my eyes as Seth walked down the opposite end of the hallway, far away from me.

"Av!" Trevon shouted when I appeared in the parking lot. I smiled and made my way towards them. "What took you so long?"

I scratched my nose, "I was talking to a few classmates on the way here."

"What did those bitches say to you?" Winnie asked, pulling up her sleeves. "Because I got a thing or two to say to them."

I shook my head, "Calm down, Miss Pugnacious."

"Hey. We talk about this. Use words I understand."

"Why are you all still here?" I asked.

Ben smiled, "We thought we could go out tonight. Together." His smile drops, "If you want that is."

I smile, "Definitely."