You Only Live Once | lrh

0.2

E M B E R

Come Monday, I arrive at school early, and I go up to my locker, only to bump into my most favorite person in the world.

"Everett."

"Ember," he replies, narrowing his green eyes at me.

"Please move. You're blocking my locker," I tell him through clenched teeth. He moves, and I open up my locker, trying to find my books.

"I want you back," he says.

"Good for you."

"That's it?"

I look up at him, studying his handsome features. His brown hair falls onto his forehead, and he brushes it back with his hand. "Yep," I say after a moment, my heart beating a mile a minute.

"I miss you," he says softly, leaning closer.

"Everett, look. I miss you, too, but—"

"Then what's left to say?" he whispers, his green eyes staring into my brown ones.

"I-I," I stutter, unable to think straight with him this close. His familiar scent floods my nose, and tears prick my eyes. His lips suddenly slam into mine, and I gasp in shock. He takes the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth, immediately taking dominance. "Everett," I mumble against his lips, trying to push him off me. He ignores me, only kissing me harder and grabbing my hips. "Stop." I shove him again, and he pulls away. "Get off me," I snap, shoving him in the chest.

"I thought you missed me?"

"I do, but I can't take you back," I reply, smacking his hand away as he tries to wipe a tear off my cheek.

"Ember, how many times do I have to apologize?"

"I've given you so many chances, Everett," I sigh, finally managing to grab my books. I close my locker before looking at him again.

"I know. And I'm sorry. I love you, Ember. You have to take me back," he begs, his eyes glistening. For once, I actually believe his apology.

"I need time to think about it," I tell him, and he nods frantically.

"You still have my number, yeah?"

"Yes. I'll text you, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks, Em. I love you," he says again, backing up a bit. I just nod and walk past him, wiping my eyes.