Escaping Love (Rewrite) [Book #1]

|| JACKIE ||

|| Friday, September 6th ||

"Do you want to-" Amber asked as she got me a cup of ice water from the kitchen.

"No," I said firmly, "I mean yes. Maybe?"

She sat down next to me and took the glass from my hand before I broke it. I told Amber the story from when I left the house, Charlotte's compliment and kind gestures, dinner, and the walk to the Space Needle.

"She avoided her main reason to come here," I sighed, "until we were standing up at the top, looking out into the city."

"Was it just that one reason?"

"No, her first reason was to come and reconnect with my family. The second was that she loves me," I said.

"...Shit," Amber breathed.

"Then right after she said it, she kissed me while we were at the Space Needle," I said.

"I'm guessing you didn't take it well and left Charlotte at the Space Needle as you attempted to escape?" Amber asked me.

"I mean, she ran down 98 flights of stairs to catch me down the sidewalk after my phone call with you," I informed her.

"Now you've lied to her," Amber said.

I groaned as my head fell into my hands, "I know. I had a girlfriend. Keyword: had."

"You know, I never liked that girl," Amber said.

"Yeah, you've said it. Maybe I'm shocked? Charlotte was right. I did want this to happen. But, I was a 15-year-old, what did I know about love?"

"Your wish came true, she came back to admit her feelings this time," Amber stated.

"Even if I did, it's forbidden enough because she's now my teacher," I sighed.

"Hey, at least it's not Shay," Amber said.

"Sure," I sighed as I curled up into a ball on the couch.

"You look like a sad puppy. Would you like me to stay over?" Amber asked.

I shook my head, "I think I need the time alone to gather my thoughts."

She nodded, "All right, then I'm going to head home and sleep. My mom is sick, and I feel bad, leaving her alone for more than an hour. Dad's at work," Amber said.

"Okay, I hope she feels better," I said as we made our way to the door.

"Text me if you need anything," Amber said.

"Thank you, but focus on taking care of your mom. She needs the care more than I do," I smiled. "Drive home safe."

"Thank you," she said.

We opened the door, and I froze. Amber did too.

"Hey, I don't know why I came. I should have texted you instead. But, I was about to leave, and then the door opened," Charlotte said.

"Okay, I have to go," Amber said and walked out and walked past Charlotte, giving her a small smile.

"Charlotte, you can't just show up at my doorstep like this."

"I know, and I just wanted to apologize for my actions earlier. Damn it. I should have texted you instead," Charlotte groaned.

"It's fine, now that you're already here," I said. "It would be rude if I didn't ask. Would you like to come in or anything?"

She shook her head, "It's fine," Charlotte said as she looked around the neighborhood. I took my keys and closed the door. We were both outside now and went to the bench on the porch.