"Please," Luca pleads.
Pulling my hand away, I cross my arms over my chest. "Let's go out back. You have five minutes."
As we walk towards the back door, we pass Maddox. "Hey fuck face," he says, bringing a hand down on Luca's shoulder.
"Hey," Luca mutters, keeping his head down.
We go out by the pool and I stand there waiting for him to begin. "Time starts now," I say.
Sighing, he begins. "I know we haven't been together for long but I really like you. I'm a completely different person when I drink and I was a dick last night. You were right - I shouldn't have drank that much. You looked so good last night and I thought maybe we take another step in our relationship. I know it was wrong but I couldn't help it. I got pissed and I overreacted. All I ask is that you give me another chance."
I shake my head, looking at the pool. "I'm not gonna be that stupid girl that takes her piece of shit boyfriend back after he cheats on her."
"Hadley, please," he begs softly.
"I can't be with you," I say, finally meeting his eyes.
He takes the opportunity to step forward and press his lips to mine. Using all the strength I have, I push him away from me. He stubles back, falling into the pool. "What the fuck?" he yells when he finally comes back up.
"I think your time's up," I snap.
Muttering incoherent words under his breath, he climbs out of the pool. I hear the door open behind me and turn to see my mom, Jason, and Maddox all in the doorway. "What happened? I was going to ask if your friend wanted to stay for breakfast," my mom says, concern on her face.
I glance at Luca who looks annoyed. "Actually, Luca was just on his way out."
Shaking his head, he uses the gate on the side of the house to leave. Maddox smirks while my mom and Jason stare at me, confused. "Let's eat," my mom says.
We go back inside and eat breakfast together. My mom and Jason talk while Maddox and I keep quiet. There's a certain awkwardness between us after last night. After we're done eating, my mom and I clean up before I go upstairs. "I seen you push him, you know," Maddox says as I pass his room.
"Good for you," I say, uninterested in having a conversation with him.
When I get into my room, I grab some clean clothes and shower.
There isn't much to get over in the relationship I just lost because it was so short lived. The way he intentionally hurt me was the worst. I know I'll be over it soon because there weren't many feelings involved. We liked each other. We were comfortable with each other. But I know I didn't love him. It was far to early in the relationship to decide something so big.
I lean my forehead against the tile wall in the shower as the warm water washes over me. He's replaceable – I know this. But the way he did what he did really hurts.
Pushing my thoughts aside, I shut the water off and get out of the shower.
****************************
After spending the day in bed, listening to depressing music, my phone rings at about quarter after seven. Seeing that it's Brooke, I answer it. "Hello?"
I sit up immediately when her sobbing fills my ear. "Hadley, I need you," she cries.
"Brooke, are you okay? What happened?"
"Come downstairs," she says, hanging up.
I drop my phone and run down the stairs. When I open the door, Brooke is walking up the steps. She wears baggy pants that show off her boxers and a black t-shirt. She's the type of girl who can wear a dress one minute and boy clothes the next. Her curly black hair is everywhere and her eyes are red from crying. "Come here," I say, holding open my arms.
Sobbing, she fills them, crying onto my shoulder. "I don't know what to do," she cries.
I hear footsteps and glance over my shoulder to see Maddox. He eyes us carefully before nodding once and walking away. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion but ignore it. "Let's go up to my room," I say softly, gently rubbing Brooke's back.
She nods and we go upstairs together. We sit on my bed and I keep my arms around her. Leaning her head against my shoulder, she sniffles. "I broke up with Adeline."
My eyes widen. "What? Why?"
Everything was fine just last night. They're the definition of a perfect couple. I don't understand.
Before she can say anything, there's a knock on my door. "Come in," I say.
Maddox opens the door and holds up a small tub of Ben and Jerry's cookie dough ice-cream and two spoons. "I thought you guys could use this," he says, blushing slightly as he looks down.
Wiping away her tears, Brooke chuckles softly. "Thanks, Maddox. That's sweet."
I smile as he walks in, handing us each a spoon and giving Brooke the tub of ice-cream. "Thanks," I say.
"No problem," he smiles.
As he starts walking away, Brooke speaks. "Wait! Stay and share it with us. I guess I could use your help," she shrugs.
He turns around with a grin, holding up another spoon. "Good, because I really love cookie dough ice-cream."
Brooke and I chuckle and he kicks the door closed. We sit in a small circle, digging our spoons into the ice-cream. "Adeline's parents invited us over for dinner tonigh," she says then turns to Maddox. "Her parents don't approve of our sexuality and I know they don't like me because of my skin color. She's white, and I'm mixed - my mom's white and my dad's black. So they haven't liked me since day one," Brooke explains.
"Damn," Maddox shakes his head, looking disgusted.
"I know," she sighs. "Tonight, Adeline was talking to her father and her mother kept making snarky comments. So I snapped. I asked if there was a reason why she was prejudice. We argued and Adeline didn't say anything. I left and she followed me out but she never once stood up for me or our relationship. So I told her I couldn't be with her anymore if she wouldn't be there for me when I needed her," she finishes, a tear slipping down her cheek.
"Brooke, I'm sorry," I frown.
"Don't worry, babe. I'll take care of you," Maddox winks.
Brooke smiles. "I haven't even known you for twenty four hours and I like you."
"Good, because you're my new best friend," he smiles.
She scoops some ice-cream into her mouth and silence fills the room. After a long moment, she speaks again. "Do you guys think I did the right thing?" she asks quietly, keeping her eyes down.
"I think..." Maddox says slowly, "If she makes you happy – so happy that you want to spend the rest of your life with her – you should take a break then go back to her when your ready. If you feel like this is just another teen relationship that won't last, then you should let it go and move on. Do what makes you happy."
I can't help but smile. Knowing he has feelings and cares for others feelings is sweet. "I love her," Brooke says quietly. "I want to spend the rest of my life with her."
"Then you should," I say. "The way you and Adeline look at each other is adorable. You guys love each other. I've always been jealous of you two because I've never experienced that. Just seeing you two together, I know you're meant to be."
She smiles a little. "Thanks Hadley. You shouldn't be jealous though, you'll find love soon enough."
I nod, not knowing if it's true. It's not something I can believe at the moment. "I think you guys will be okay," Maddox says. "Take a week or so away from each other and see how you feel. Being apart will only make you realize what you're missing out on."
Brooke nods and we all continue eating the ice-cream. After we're all full, Maddox takes care of the stuff. "If I weren't gay, I'd totally bang your brother. Just saying."
I scrunch my nose in disgust. "That's disturbing. And it's step brother," I correct her.
"I think he actually has a heart. Not common in guys," she says, ignoring my comment.
"I know," I sigh. "He's different."
But... is that a good or bad thing?
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{A/N: As mentioned in the story's description, the first 5 chapters are published on Wattpad as a preview. The story is 100% complete & published on Dreame (more info in my bio). HOWEVER, I fully publish them on Wattpad at random times throughout the year to give you all a chance to read my stories here. If you follow me & add the story to your library, you will get a notification when I republish them here. Thank you all for your support! 😊}