Hey guys!
Yes, I'm officially back and writing!:)
Also, this chapter... Some of you will hate me, some of you will love me, and some of you will be like "wait, what?!"
To the people that will hate me: I hope you forgive me:(
OH! And this story reached 200,000 READS!!!:D You have no idea how happy that makes me!!:D
Love you guys! <3
ALSO, the picture on the side is because yesterday was my Prom!!! So I figured I'd practically force you to look at me in my dress and stuff xD And yes, that is me...
ANYWAY.. enjoy!:)
Chapter Nineteen
~Ren~
Nothing had happened. In the past month and a half since the beginning of the semester, absolutely nothing had happened between me and Isa. I'd been her friend, been there for her whenever she needed me, listened to her complain about school, Alex, everything.
And she wasn't liking me enough.
I could only be so patient. I had hoped something, even minor, would have happened. But now it was Valentine's Day and for the first time in years, I had no plans.
All because of one little brunette who I couldn't get out of my head no matter how hard I tried.
I made my way to Caroline and Isa's dorm room, hoping Isa was out so I could talk to my sister about her "genius" plan.
So what if it was 7AM? I needed to get this out. It wasn't like I'd woken up early, I wish I had.
I hadn't even slept over this.
All I could think about was the date Isa had told me about. I'd asked if she was coming over after classes, and she'd smiled, looking so happy I couldn't help but smile back.
"Actually, I have a Skype date with Alex," she'd told me, and suddenly her smile was heartbreaking.
I hadn't even realized how much I needed that smile to be for me.
So all night I'd lay in bed, staring at my ceiling, alternating between hating reality and a daydream in which Isa argued with Alex (in my head, he was shorter than her, ugly, and skinny. He also looked like a girl), and chose me instead.
It was all good, that parallel life, until I came crashing back to the real world and was reminded that Isa loved, not me.
It had been a long night, and I don't think I'd ever thought so badly of myself.
I knocked on Caroline's door, and was surprised when she actually opened it with something other than a growl.
"Hey, Ren! Come on in!" She stepped aside, and I walked in, confused.
"Who the hell are you, and where is my sister?" I asked, looking at Isa's bed. It was empty; I was safe.
"Shut up," Caroline teased, punching my shoulder lightly. "Me and Italy went for a run. She's taking a shower then going to grab us breakfast.
Instantly my mind flicked to an image of Isa in a shower, and I shook my head hard to clear it. I could not think that kind of thing around my sister.
"Right. So we have time to talk about... you know..?" I trailed off, making sure she knew what I was talking about.
Her eyes widened, and she nodded. "Yeah! What's going on?"
I glared. Of course she'd think it was good. "It's not working, okay? She's not any more into me than she was before, and she's still managing to screw with my mind."
Caroline sighed, sitting with her legs crossed on her bed. "Patience, Ren. I know it's taking time, but you're going against a four-year relationship, and that doesn't include the time they knew each other before they started dating. You have to wait."
I groaned. I knew that better than anyone considering how many time a day I told myself the same thing.
"I need something, Caroline. Something that says I'm not wasting my time and emotions on her,"I said, pausing like a movie-scene would happen, and she'd show up and kiss me for no reason.
I felt my phone vibrate, and heard Caroline's ring.
"That was weird," I muttered, checking the new text.
Alex canceled.
Two words. Both from Isa, and both together had the power to put a smile on my face.
"Call her," Caroline told me. It seemed we'd both been sent the message.
I didn't think twice about her advice, already dialing Isa's number. I sent a silent thank-you to the universe for the message to keep fighting for her.
"Hey," Isa said, sounding sad.
"What happened?" I asked, the brief moment of elation fading at her tone.
"He got sick and is now drugged up. He called saying he's sorry he missed my birthday. Then his roommate apologized and said Alex was probably not going to feel up to doing anything for a couple of days."
I frowned, trying to find a good response. All I wanted to do was find the bug that Alex had, give it an air hug, and then thank the med company for creating whatever Alex took. But at the same time, I wanted him to be fine so Isa wouldn't sound this upset.
"What could possibly make him so sick he ends up that high?" I asked, going for a route that steered away from both those thoughts. I watched as Caroline's mouth fell open and she actually slapped her forehead with her palm.
"Who the hell knows?" Isa asked, suddenly angry. "I'm so sick of all this. Missing calls, texts, this. Maybe its not his fault, but I'm mad, you know?"
Caroline caught my attention again, mouthing the words "This is your chance", and my eyes widened. This was the sign I'd wanted, this was the exact thing I needed to fight even harder for her.
Who knew this kind of thing really happened?
"I get it, Isa, just breathe. Why don't we take the day off and I'll let you force me to watch those shitty girly movies?" I suggested, the idea forming easily.
Caroline nodded, giving me a thumbs up and a relieved smile. I rolled my eyes at her. There was no way I was going to screw this up.
"Why not? I have some chick-flicks that would be fun to make you sit through," Isa agreed, and I grinned at Caroline.
"Sounds like torture. Lets do this. I do want at least one action movie today though,"I warned.
Isa laughed, the sound echoing in my head. I'd actually cheered her up, that had to count for something. "Fair enough. I'm bringing a shitload of ice-cream too, so be prepared for waterworks and binging."
I sighed dramatically. "Guess I'll get tissues and extra shirts," I said, acting as though it was a horrible thing to have to do. But as long as she was with me, and not Alex, I didn't care.
Well, I did. But I'd suffer through it.
"Yeah, yeah, see you in about an hour," Isa laughed.
"Sounds good. See you then." I hung up, looking at Caroline. "Did I do good?" I asked.
She nodded. "Perfect. Now go to your place and make sure it's clean. And kick Adam out for the day."
I started making my way out, but paused. Hearing her say Adam's name reminded me I wanted to ask her something. "Are you ever going to tell me how you and Adam know each other? Because he denies knowing you, but I knew he's lying. I know you too well to believe him."
Caroline sighed. "That's a whole other day, Ren. Let's get through your drama first."
I nodded, understanding she didn't want to talk about it right now. "Fine. But we will talk about this," I insisted.
"Okay," she agreed. "Now go!"
I did as she instructed, letting her and Adam's deal slip to the back of my mind.
Today was the day, I knew it was, where Isa either became a permanent friend, or she fell for me.
I was hoping for the second.
~Isabelle~
Was getting mad a good idea? Probably not.
Was it reasonable? Definitely not.
Was going to Ren's all day a better idea? Hell no.
I knew this was a dumb idea. I knew hanging out alone with Ren on Valentine's Day and watching movies was a terrible idea, but I still wanted to do it. I wanted to spend the day with him.
But I also knew I had no right to get mad at Alex. He couldn't control getting sick, could he?
He could have text you before taking the meds. He could have taken less or a lower dosage. My mind reasoned, and I to admit I was right.
Maybe he wanted to get out of this I didn't know.
I did know that I was annoyed, bored, and that I'd take any excuse I could to get out of lectures today.
I made my way back to my dorm with some breakfast from McDonald's; Care and me needed it after the actual exercising we'd done.
"Honey, I'm home," I said, laughing as I opened my dorm doo.
Care snickered. "Thank God, food!"
I mock frowned, shutting the door behind me.
"I see how it is. Food over me. Love you too."
Care shrugged. "I barely every exercise. I'm starving."
I couldn't help but agree. It had been a spur of the moment decision to go running, and I still hadn't decided if the pain I was now suffering was worth it.
"Same here. Anyway, I'm going to hang out at Ren's today. In case you didn't check your phone, Alex canceled." I scowled.
"Yeah, now want to tell me why he pulled a dick move again?" Care asked, taking a bite of her breakfast burger thing. She sounded mad, and I sighed. What made me think texting her about Alex screwing up was a good idea?
"He got sick and took pain meds or something. He was kind of drugged up when he called, but his roommate took the phone and said Alex would be out of it for the next couple of days," I explained.
Care nodded. "Got it. Well, have fun. I'll probably be gone all night." She winked.
"Have fun on the date," I told her, knowing automatically that's what she meant.
"Always do." She ate the rest of her meal quickly and stood up. "Now I have to go and suffer through lectures. Talk to you later."
I waved as she slipped her shoes on. The door closed behind her and I finished my own breakfast. When I was done, I began shoving my romantic DVD collection into my bag.
I threw my trash away, text Ren to let him know I was on my way, and finally began walking.
The weather had that sunny but cool feel, and I loved it. It was soothing, calming, and gave me time to think about everything.
By everything, I meant Ren and Alex. Some part of my mind knew I was a terrible person, that I was a hypocrite for even thinking of them in something even close to the same way. I had Alex, what right did I have to think of Ren? I couldn't help it though. Ren had quickly become someone I could depend on, someone that I trusted completely. He was one of my best friends, but then...
I liked him. I still liked him. I still couldn't help the little pause in my heart when I saw him looking at me like he was remembering exactly how we kissed.
In times like that, I stopped thinking clearly. All I wanted to do when he gave me that look was remind myself how much passion was between us, how he could make me feel...
A gust of wind blew through my hair, snapping me out of my memories.
I had Alex. I was happy with him.
Wasn't I?
I shook my head, denying the implications of the question. I was happy with Alex. We'd been together almost four and a half years, as of March at least, of course I was happy.
Luckily, I reached Ren's dorm before I could do anymore damage to my current mental confusion.
I knocked in case Adam was walking around shirtless again.
Ren opened the door, and I hated that him shirtless made my heart beat a little faster.
"Hey! Sorry, I was getting dressed. Come on in."
I rolled my eyes, needing to look anywhere but at him. "No problem," I lied. "I have a whole set of movies designed to torture you," I joked, holding up my bag.
Ren's eyes widened. "Damn girl."
He took the bag, searching through the movies. "How the hell do any of these help? The Notebook? A Walk To Remember? Jesus Christ, it's like you want to be sad."
I sighed. "It helps because it provides hope for girls who want that perfect relationship, and reminds us that our lives could be worse," I explained, deciding the best movie to start with was Valentine's Day. It wasn't amazing, but it set the rest of the day up.
"Really? Okay, fine. At least this one has no tears," Ren complained. I set the DVD up, and took a seat beside him on his bed.
"Well, not really. Not sad tears exactly," I said, thinking about the ending with the little boy and his mom.
"Oh great. Let's get this over with."
I didn't argue. I pressed play, and settled back to watch the movie.
"What kind of idiot does that? I don't think you're supposed to climb the Ferris Wheel," Ren commented.
I laughed, holding my ribcage. For the past four movies, he'd been making jokes and comments about the actions of the guys in a Nicholas Sparks book or movie. For the first time ever, I hadn't burst into tears at A Walk To Remember, or even Dear John. I hadn't cried once during The Vow. Now we were on The Notebook, and I knew it was going to be hilarious this time.
"It's romantic, Ren," I told him.
He scoffed. "It's stupid. People like him are the reason things get banned. No skating in certain areas, no loitering, that kind of stuff. They're all because of guys like him," Ren said, faking anger.
I couldn't stop laughing if I wanted to. I could barely breathe right now as it was.
"Why are you doing this to me?" I joked, emphasizing just how funny this was.
However, Ren took it seriously. He smiled a little, but I could tell it was just to keep the tension light. "Because, Isa, no matter what the reason, he shouldn't have canceled on you through someone else. Hell, he shouldn't have canceled at all on you. So I'm being the keep-you-happy guy tonight."
There it was again. That look that made me want to just lean in and kiss him. But something was different, I could really locate it, but I knew something had changed.
He was always there for me, even at the beginning when he helped move boxes of books into my room, or when he'd helped me get to my class after sneaking out of some girl's dorm. He'd been there for me since I'd met him, and managed to completely earn my trust. He was funny, he was a good listener, he was a good kisser, he was... perfect for me.
His arm draped over my shoulder, and without thinking I leaned into it, curling up against him. I fought to remember that this was a strictly-friends kind of relationship, but everything in me right then was arguing that Ren, unlike Alex, was everything I was missing.
And right then and there, I found myself thinking something I wish I could forget.
Holy shit, I'm in love with Ren Michaels.
So... yeah... please don't hate me too much if you're Team Alex? Even you guys knew she'd think this at some point, right?
Anyway, love you guys! I'm giving myself four weeks to finish this soo let's do this!!:D
LOVE<3