“I had to,” Zane replied tersely.
“What do you mean, 'you had to'?”I pressed, needing clarity.
“I can't explain it to you; just trust me when I say there's no
recording,” he said, his teeth clenched.
“How can I trust anything you say?”I turned my gaze away in disbelief.
“Because I wouldn't lie to you,” he said gently, compelling me to meet his eyes again.He reclined against the headrest, his lips slightly parted, and I found myself fixated on them out of the corner of my eye.“And you won't go to the principal tomorrow,” he instructed firmly.My eyes widened at his words, my eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
“I've already told you I will.If there's no recording, why shouldn't I?”I shot back, my anger flaring.
“Please, just don't.”
“Did Jake put you up to this?Did he send you to plead with me?”I searched his face for the truth.
“No,” was his simple reply, leaving me to wrestle with whether to believe him.
“I'm sorry, but I have to,” I said, yanking the earphones away from him.He exhaled sharply and began speaking, and I found myself captivated by the way his words flowed.
“I transferred to our school three years ago and had to repeat a grade.I'm already 19, and if my dad found out I'm involved in anything illegal, even skipping school, he'll send me straight to my mom and her new husband in England.And I think you wouldn't want that to happen,” he said, his voice softening at the end.I was taken aback; I realized I knew so little about him.Jessica never mentioned him, and I never asked.Oddly enough, I didn't want him to leave; I wanted him to stay, though I couldn't admit it.
“I don't care if that happens to you; I have to do what's right,” I replied coolly.He shook his head, a smile creeping onto his face.
“Want to know what I think?I think you do care.I can see it in your eyes.Eyes never lie,” he said, his words sending a jolt through me.
“You're mistaken!”I snapped back.
“Oh yeah?Are you really sure about that, you dummy?”His gaze dropped to where our hands were almost touching, and I could feel his warmth radiating towards me, like a warning not to get too close.
It reminded me of my mother's warnings about touching a hot iron—it would hurt and leave a scar.I knew that if I touched him, it would spark something deep inside me, something that would leave a lasting impression.So, against my better judgment, I reached out and touched his hand.
Chapter 13
November 13th
How can we know whether someone is being honest?Despite their apparent sincerity and smooth delivery, can we truly distinguish between truth and deception?Do lies evoke the same emotions as the truth when we find ourselves uncertain?Or does love simply translate into blind trust, and is there no further discussion?
What a ridiculous nickname—dummy.Did it imply that I was easily swayed?That I was merely a plaything, here for amusement until I wore out?
“Hey, I'm right here!”Jessica called, waving her hand in front of my unfocused gaze.
“Sorry, I just froze for a second,” I replied.
“Come on, it's been ages since the three of us hung out.That's why I invited you over for dinner—to have some fun!My mom made delicious seafood pasta, and we've got wine.Let's just unwind!”Jessica exclaimed, raising her arms in excitement.
I glanced over at Emily, who still seemed uneasy about our tangled romantic history.But honestly, I was over it.If she wanted to date Marco, that was her choice.Oddly enough, I felt okay with it; maybe it was because I had already found myself in another complicated situation.I chuckled as I looked at Jessica.It was crazy.
“Yeah, you're right.It had been a while since we enjoyed each other's company,” Emily added, her gaze shifting between us.I hadn't noticed before, but Emily had grown taller and slimmer; she looked more mature, and her style had transformed.
Gone were the hoodies and sneakers, replaced by leggings, skirts, and stylish boots paired with chic tops and sweaters.She seemed older than her years.
Meanwhile, I hadn't changed much at all: still in my skinny jeans, sneakers, and hoodies.I was still wearing Marco’s oversized ones, which I probably should have returned to him.My hair was long; I couldn't even remember the last time I had a haircut—maybe two years ago?
Jessica, on the other hand, had developed a curvier figure, though her face remained slim.She looked fantastic, even if she lamented about needing to buy a larger size in jeans.
“Remember those days we used to dance half-naked on my bed with Mr.Fluffy?”Jessica said, a wistful smile spreading across her face.Mr.Fluffy was our beloved giant stuffed elephant, who had seen more adventures than we could count.In the end, we had loved him to pieces—literally.
