Prove It

Chapter 25

 “You don’t tell me anything, so how would I know that?” she questioned.

He pushed off the railing and took a few steps toward her. He stopped when he saw her take as many steps back, away from him. Keeping her distance was important if she was going to stay firm. His face fell and that’s when she knew he didn’t get it. He was hurt that she wouldn’t let him comfort her and that’s how she knew for sure that he didn’t understand what she needed from him. He thought he could fix everything with a hug or a kiss but that wasn’t going to be enough this time. She was done making everything easy, she was done ignoring her needs and wants to keep him happy. She wanted to be happy, too, and just being with him wasn’t cutting it anymore.

He said he loved her, but how can you love someone and keep part of yourself hidden away? There was so much she still didn’t know about him and it was obvious now that the topic of Jessica was off limits. Why was that? Why couldn’t they talk about her? Why was she a such a big secret?

“Why don’t you ever talk about Jessica?” she asked.

“You want me to talk about my ex with you?”

“Do you talk about her with anyone? Jason, even?”

“No, why would I?”

“Why not? Your ex-girlfriend cheated on you with your best friend. I don’t think that’s something you should keep inside.

“I don’t need to talk about Jessica. That part of my life is over.”

“If it’s really over then why can’t stop fighting with Chris? Why not tell me about seeing Jessica after school that one day? Actions speak louder than words, Tristan, and your actions say that Jessica still means something to you.”

Tristan ran his hands over his hair. “I am really tired of you bringing up Jessica. You’re starting to act insecure just like her.”

Sierra suddenly felt cold. He was criticizing her? Why was he being so defensive? He was the one who messed up! Sierra was over this. She was so over it! She stomped away from the wall she was leaning against and came to a stop in front of him.

“What are you so afraid of, Tristan? Would it kill you to admit that you’re not completely over Jessica? That you’re using me to get over her?”

“I’m not – ”

“Shut up,” she cut him off. He had his chance. “Have you considered that maybe Jessica had a reason to be insecure? I’m beginning to think she did.” He stepped forward and Sierra placed a firm hand on his chest to keep him where he was. “I tried to be there for you. I put up with so much for you. My father can’t even look at me right now because of you! And none of that would bother me if you would show me that we’re in this together, that if it came down to it, you would fight for me. But all you do is lash out when things don’t go your way and I’m tired, Tristan. I’m so tired and drained and I deserve better. I asked you to prove that you mean what you say, give me some sign that when times get tough, I can count on you to be there. No more storming out of my house because we disagree and no more childish fights over a girl you claim you don’t care about. All I wanted was a gesture. You can’t even do that.”

“Stop making this about me.”

“Isn’t everything about you? How much you’re hurting? How hard everything is for you?”

“That’s not fair.”

“There’s nothing fair about this,” she muttered.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Jessica and I'm sorry that you feel threatened by my past, but what do you want me to do? You signed up for this."

"So, this is my fault? I can't believe you."

Sierra turned to walk back in the direction they came. Tristan followed.

“You’re just going to walk away?”

“Give me a reason not to.”

He hesitated.

Sierra felt tears sting her eyes. She never would have hesitated for him. She walked faster.

“Are you going to continue the swimming lessons?” he blurted.

She hadn’t thought about it. Right now, all she knew was she couldn’t stand to be in the same room with him in or out of the water.

“I don’t know,” she answered.

“I want you to. It’s important.”

He was right. She had to continue, but it didn't have to be with him.

“Someone else can teach me.”

 “Wait, please,” Tristan said. His voice held a hint of desperation. He grabbed hold of her and turned her to face him. He paused when he saw her eyes. He lifted a hand to brush a tear that had escaped. She turned her head to avoid the touch. His hand fell back to his side. “I know you’re mad and I know I’m doing this all wrong but don’t do this to me. I need to be the one teaching you. Swimming is our thing.”

“It was our thing.”

She pulled out of his grasp and walked back into the cafeteria leaving him in the hall.

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A/N: 

The drama never ends and I wouldn't have it any other way! Happy endings are overrated, no? Who am I kidding, I love happy endings but I think it's more rewarding when it's earned!

I had planned for this to be the last chapter and that's why this took so long, but I didn't realize how much of the story I still had left. I had to break the chapter up and do some serious revisions. I hope you enjoyed and stay tuned!