?True Love?

Chapter 3

*Scott's heart sped up in his chest at Ramona's words. The thought of Ramona meeting her ex-boyfriend somewhere secret with no idea what the reason was made him anxious. He didn't want her to go. Not with things the way they were right now between them, anyway.* "Are you sure you should go? What if it's a trap or something?"

*Ramona rolled her eyes at Scott's words. She appreciated his concern, but she wasn't really in the mood right now to hear it.* "I doubt it's a trap. If anything, it's probably some kind of pathetic attempt to try and get me back. If I don't go, he's probably just going to bother me incessantly anyway."

*Scott felt like throwing up as Ramona spoke. Gideon was probably trying to get Ramona back? And Ramona was actually going to go? The thought of it was so sickening that Scott had to take a deep breath to calm himself down.* "You don't see the problem with that?" *He asked, trying to keep his voice steady.*

*Ramona scowled a little at Scott's words. She knew there was a problem with it, but she didn't really care. She was just annoyed and didn't want to deal with anything right now.* "God, relax. It's not that big of a deal. I'm just going to shut him down, say no, and leave."

*Scott felt a little bit better upon hearing Ramona's words. She wasn't planning on giving in to what Gideon wanted, she was going to shut him down instead. That was good... that was what Scott wanted. But at the same time, he still had a feeling of uneasiness in his gut that he couldn't shake.* "Are you sure? I mean, it seems pretty sketchy that he wouldn't even tell you what was going on until you get there."

*Ramona shrugged nonchalantly at Scott's words.* "What am I supposed to do, not go? Like I said, he's just probably going to be annoying and bother me relentlessly if I don't go. This is the easiest way to get him to stop bugging me, and then I'll tell him to piss off."

*Scott hesitated for a moment, biting his tongue and suppressing the urge to protest. As much as he didn't like the idea of Ramona seeing Gideon, he couldn't exactly put up a good argument about it, especially knowing Ramona.* "I... I guess that makes sense... But, I don't know, maybe I should come with you?"

*Ramona raised an eyebrow at Scott's suggestion, a small hint of surprise on her face, but she quickly shrugged it off.* "No, trust me, it's better if you don't come. This whole thing is just going to be an annoying waste of time, and having you there will probably only make it more annoying."

*Scott felt a pang of hurt from Ramona's words. She sounded like she didn't want him coming with her... but maybe that's the right thing. It probably* was *better if he didn't go. Still, the thought of Ramona meeting Gideon all on her own still didn't sit well with Scott. He wasn't feeling very good about this situation.* "But, if he's trying to get you back, isn't him seeing you there alone going to make it worse? That'll only give him more hope..."

*Ramona let out a huff, knowing that was a valid point. But she also hated how much Scott was trying to question her about this. It was irritating, not to mention embarrassing, that he was getting concerned about her meeting her ex.* "Damn it Scott... look, just... I'll be fine, okay? I can handle Gideon. This won't turn into a whole thing so just relax."

Scott finally accepted it.

*Scott bit his lip anxiously, staring at Ramona for a moment. He wasn't feeling good about the whole situation, but the look on Ramona's face told him that there was no point in arguing with her about it. So, after a moment, he let out a deep sigh.* "Alright. Fine. Just... be careful."

*Ramona nodded in acknowledgement. Scott's acceptance to the situation made her feel a little bit better. She appreciated his concern, and she had to admit, it was kind of cute that he was worried. But at the same time, it was embarrassing and irritating.* "I will. And it's not like I'm going to be gone for long."

*Scott nodded, feeling only slightly reassured. Ramona was probably right, she would probably be back soon. He wasn't sure how he was going to handle waiting for her, though. The thought of Ramona alone with her ex-boyfriend was gnawing at Scott's stomach, and he was already feeling anxious and on edge. After a moment, he spoke again.* "Yeah... you're right. Hopefully it won't be long..."

*Ramona could sense Scott's uneasiness, and she found it almost endearing. It was sweet that he was worried, but she wished he wasn't so anxious sometimes. She gave him a small but reassuring smile to try and at least slightly ease his worry.* "Hey, stop fretting like that. Like I said, I'll be fine. It's just Gideon. I've handled him before."

*Scott swallowed and nodded in acknowledgement to Ramona's words. She was right, she could handle Gideon. She had dealt with him before, and Scott had no doubt that Ramona could shut him down when the time came. But at the same time, the fact that they were going to be alone together was still not sitting well with Scott at all. He let out a sigh and tried to put his worries aside for now.* "Yeah... I know you can handle him, I trust you. I'm just... I don't know..."

*Ramona's expression softened as Scott spoke. She understood his concern, and she appreciated that he trusted her. She gave him a small smile.* "I know you're concerned, Scott. And I appreciate it. But I promise, okay? I'll shut Gideon down, everything will be fine, and I'll be back soon. Okay?"

*Scott was comforted somewhat by Ramona's words. She was reassuring, and she seemed so sure of herself, which put Scott at ease somewhat. But he was still a bit anxious, as much as he tried to stay calm.* "Yeah... okay. Okay, I trust you. Just... please be careful, alright? And... and call me to let me know you're okay as soon as you're done with him, alright?"

*Ramona nodded in agreement, a small, reassuring smile on her face. She was touched that Scott was so worried and that he was trusting her. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a small squeeze.* "I will. I'll text you as soon as I'm done with Gideon and I'll let you know everything is fine, okay?"

*Scott relaxed a little bit upon feeling Ramona's hand squeeze his own. It made him feel a lot better, even if only a little, and he squeezed it back.* "Yeah... sounds good. And if you need anything while you're talking to him or something, whatever it is, you can call me, okay? You won't annoy me, I promise."

*Ramona rolled her eyes and let out a small laugh at Scott's words. She knew he was being paranoid. But it was cute how worried he was. She appreciated that he was concerned for her and willing to be there for her if she needed him.* "Yes, I know. But I'm sure I won't need to call you. Like I said, everything will be fine. But I will text you anyway just to let you know when it's over and I'm okay, okay?"

Ramona left.

*Scott felt his stomach twist as Ramona pulled her hand back from his. The reality of the situation was really setting in: Ramona was going to see Gideon. Not only that, but she was going alone, and there was nothing Scott could do about it. He felt a slight pit of despair in his gut. The only thing that made him feel a little better was the fact that Ramona had promised to text him as soon as she was done...*