Chapter 9: The Misunderstood

Just a continuation, so still a part of the flashback. ;)

Recap:

Steve’s POV:

“Hmm. I like my guys feisty,” she told me and without another word kissed me on my mouth. I was taken aback, but I didn’t push her away. Maybe it was because I wanted to know what was going on with me. The old me would have liked it even if I have a girlfriend. But right then, all I felt were disgust and guilt. I have changed, I admitted to myself. I pushed her away from me. I then heard a familiar voice, distant but loud enough to get my attention.

                “Princess! Hear his side first,” Julian was moving away from me while calling out to her.

                “Sh*t,” I whispered. I grabbed my phone from my pocket, and searched for Faith’s number. But when I was about to press the call button, I remembered something that made me stop.

She was the first one who cheated on you, dumbass.

 

Chapter 9: The Misunderstood

BEFOREbreakup

Princess’ POV:

                The last thing that I expected to see during that night was Steve kissing another girl. And she was not just any other girl. It was Vanessa for crying out loud. He actually cheated on my best friend! I clenched my fist when I remembered that scene again. Julian told me when he caught up with me that Steve saw us and that he knew that we saw him. It angered me more knowing that he actually saw us but he didn’t even bother explaining. I can’t believe Steve just destroyed my first ‘date’ with Julian, to think that I was even ecstatic and excited when he proposed that we hang out for fun " just the two of us. Ugh, I super duper hated him right then.

                When Julian drove me home, I wasn’t in the mood to talk to him, so I just sat there looking out of the window.

                “What are you planning to do?” he shattered the stillness inside the car.

                “I still don’t know. If I don’t tell her, my guilt will just continue consuming me. But if I do, she may not believe me and will get angry at me,” I answered honestly. I was really confused and torn.

                “That’s really a tough situation you’re in. Just do what you really want to do and everything will work out just fine,” he reassured me. I couldn’t believe that he was the same Julian who hadn’t failed annoying me since the start of classes.

                “Yeah, I’ll do just that,” I smiled. When we arrived at my house, I slipped out of his car and turned to him. “I’m sorry that I had to cancel our plans. I can’t believe I just wrecked a lovely evening. But hey, now that I think of it, maybe someone up above pitied me and even spared me from you tonight,” I told him jokingly, acting like I had just realized the most brilliant thing.

                “Oh wait, should I laugh now?” he asked. He was obviously trying hard to look serious, but clearly he couldn’t pull it off because a playful smile escaped from his lips.

                “Shut up.” I lightly punched him on his chest. Whoops. Wrong move. His chest felt like a brick wall. I blushed when I realized where my thoughts were heading.

                “Why are you blushing? You liked it?” he was wiggling his eyebrows. I blushed even harder.

                “Shut up,” I retorted. Way to go Princess, you just made a complete fool of yourself. There are thousands of words in the English dictionary, but all you could think of were ‘Shut up.’ Great, just great.

                “I should go now,” I mumbled fast and walked away hurriedly before he could even mock me more.

                “You didn’t have to be so shy! Haha. Good night milady. Prince Julian has to scurry now on his black gorgeous stallion. I’ll be waiting at our secret place tomorrow when the moon is at its peak,” he shouted at me sounding like a true knight. He was unmistakably trying to embarrass me. Some of my neighbors were looking at us with amused expressions on their face.

                “Then hurry now, my lord. For the wicked witch of the West may get here soon and will hunt ye down to the ends of this cruel world when she catches ye ogling me,” I tried to stifle my laugh as I said the last words. I swear I could have won an Academy award with the way I acted. I might have caught him off-guard because he fell silent for a while before he barked a sexy laughter, shattering the quietness of the evening. I laughed with him not caring about my neighbors who were probably weirding out.

                “That was hilarious! You should have seen your face,” he was laughing so hard that he looked like he was already being hysterical. I could already see him tearing up.

                “Well, I’m glad I made you boisterous, my lord,” I grinned at him, but he frowned.

                “It was supposed to be the other way around! I was the one who was planning to make you laugh, since you are the one who’s looking depressed,” he grumbled. He looked so adorable that I wanted to walk towards him and pinch his cheeks. I was touched just by looking at his worry-stricken face.

                “I laughed with you,” I exclaimed, hoping that it would make him feel better. We looked like two teenagers who were making a scene in a small, quiet town since we were talking 10 meters from each other. He was at the other side of the road while I was already at my front door steps. But it was surprising that my mom hadn’t gone out of the house yet to see what was going on.

                He smiled, looking a little bit relieved. “Well, I have to go now. See you on Monday!” he waved, got into his car and drove away. I was really glad he was there with me.

                When I entered the house, I saw my mom talking to someone on the phone. It must be dad since she was wearing a silly smile on her face. I have already decided that I would tell Faith so that I won’t be carrying the burden of guilt. And if ever Steve’s really cheating on her, it would be better if they break up sooner than later. I wouldn’t be able to stand a day knowing that she doesn’t even have a clue that Steve’s doing things behind her back. I dialed her number and after a single ring, she already answered her phone.

                “Hello Steve? Are you okay?” her voice was panicking.

                “Faith, it’s me, Princess,” I replied. Steve obviously didn’t call her. What a jerk.

                “Oh. I’m sorry Princess. It’s just that I was waiting for Steve’s call. He hasn’t returned any of my messages and my calls yet. I’m really worried. He wasn’t in our class today, but someone told me that he actually went to school but he left looking like he was pissed and he was in a hurry. I called his dad but he told me he wasn’t home. I’m really scared, Princess,” she sounded like she was crying.

                “Hey, calm down first. I have to tell you something,” I tried sounding brave, but my voice gave away the apprehension that I was feeling.

                “What is it?” she answered, sounding nervous.

                “I hate it that I have to be the one to tell you this but I guess I really have to. Well, the thing is… Julian and I went to the bar where we planned to go this evening. But as we were about to look for a vacant seat, I saw Steve sitting near the counter. I think he’s had his fair share of alcohol already by that time,” I started, my voice was evidently shaking.

                “Is he okay? Talk faster, please,” she was already panic-stricken.

                “Yes, he’s fine,” I assured her. She sighed in relief. “So back to the story, when we were about to approach him, I saw Vanessa kiss him. I thought he was going to push her immediately since he has you, but I think he even responded before cutting off the kiss. I ran away from that place and decided to tell you. Julian told me after that he saw us, but he didn’t even make an effort to explain to us!” I talked rapidly, not giving her a chance to interrupt.

                “What? Steve would never do that! I knew that you never trusted him, but I think you’re going far this time,” she sounded upset and angry. I gasped when I realized that she didn’t even bat her eyelashes when she chose to believe that I was lying to her. I was about to cry and hung up on her when she suddenly decided to talk.

                “I’m sorry. I was wrong for even doubting you. You are my best friend and I know that you really care. It’s just that I find it hard to believe that Steve would even cheat on me. I know he doesn’t love me, but at the least, he respects me. I’ll try to contact him again and straighten this out. I believe he has a perfect reason why that happened,” she tried to sound like she was convincing me, but it was more like she was convincing herself. I was really hurt, but I totally understood her situation so I decided to just let it go.

                “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it. Oh, and you’re right. You should just talk it out with him,” I told her.

                “I really am sorry Princess. I love you and you know that. I have to go now, I have to call Steve. I’ll update you later. Bye!” she sounded so nervous but she was trying to act as if what I told her didn’t bother her that much. I really hoped I was wrong.

 

Faith’s POV:

                My hand was shaking when I was dialing Steve’s number. My heart was thumping so loud that I couldn’t hear clearly the sound of ringing from my phone. Steve is not cheating on me - I repeated this mantra over and over again in my mind to calm down my nerves. But there is no way Princess would lie to you - a voice inside my head countered. True. I even felt stupid just doubting my best friend for a second. I’d never been that guilty in my entire life. Maybe it’s all a misunderstanding ­­- I concluded. Yeah, I nodded to that. My thoughts were interrupted when Steve finally answered my call.

                “Why are you calling Faith?” his voice was icy cold that I couldn’t help but shiver.

                “I’ve been trying to reach you since this morning. You didn’t come to class so I kind of worried,” I informed him.

                “Yeah right, like you even care,” he scoffed.

                “Of course I do! What’s wrong with you? Are you drunk?” my patience was starting to run out.

                “No!” he snapped.

                “Listen. We can’t talk properly if you’re in that condition, so let’s meet up tomorrow, ‘kay? We really need to talk about something,” I said, as calm as I could ever be.

                “Right. Here it comes. I just can’t wait,” he sounded sarcastic. I breathed deeply to stop myself from losing control. I was too tired to even argue with him.

                “I don’t have the energy to deal with you right now. So please, let’s just talk tomorrow. I’ll leave a message later to remind you when you wake up. I hope you won’t be too grogged tomorrow. Good night Steve and sleep tight.” I ended the call before he could even respond. I convinced myself that night to not cry since nothing was still confirmed. I then texted him the place and time of our meeting. I also sent a message to Princess giving her updates. I could already see myself waking up early tomorrow considering how anxious I was. I tossed and turned on my bed until my brain gave up, and I drifted to sleep.

                As expected, I woke up very early the next morning so I decided to do my homework as soon as I was done getting ready. When it was quarter to ten, I grabbed my phone and my bag and got out of the house. I walked towards the park where we were supposed to meet. As I was nearing the big old oak tree at the center of the park, I saw his figure sitting at the root of the tree. I slowly made my way to him. My heart felt like it was on my mouth.

                “Hi,” I murmured when I was a foot behind him. I wasn’t sure whether he heard me since he didn’t turn around nor reply. I was getting more and more anxious. It would really hurt if he would be giving me the silent treatment since he’s the one who has some explaining to do. This might mean the end for us. I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat. I sat beside him to get his attention but he still didn’t budge.

                “What did you want to talk about?” he asked me coldly without even looking at me. That made me lose it so I snapped at him.

                “You know what? I really don’t get you. You’re the one who has some explaining to do, so why are you being such a pain in the a*s?” my voice was low but it depicted the anger that was building up inside me.

                “Wow. I can’t believe that you even think you can fool me. I know you have something that you’re hiding from me so just spill it and let’s get this over and done with,” he sounded really mad. I even saw him clench his fists.

                “What do you mean? What did I do to you that was so wrong? Enlighten me, please,” I pleaded looking really confused.

                “Drop the act, Faith. I saw you with David yesterday. You really looked like a sweet couple, as if you were taken directly from a soap. So, tell me, do you want to break up with me now? Or do you want to play with the both of us?” he barked a laugh which was full of sarcasm.

                It hurt knowing that that’s what he thought of me. I slapped him while my tears trickled down my face. “Jerk. You don’t know what happened yesterday so don’t go around making conclusions just based on what you saw. It’s not what you think it is-" I told him but he interrupted me.

                “You don’t have to pretend Faith. David and I can both play with you. Just say the word and we’ll come running to you,” he scoffed.

                “You’re the biggest jerk there is,” I yelled at him. I wiped the tears that were clouding my eyes. “You’re the one who should be explaining right now. Princess saw you and Vanessa kissing and suggested that maybe you were cheating on me, but I dismissed the thought because I trusted you! At least I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I wanted to talk to you first before I believe anything,” I paused for a while. “So is it true?” my voice was quivering. It scared me to hear his answer.

                My tears kept on flowing while I waited for his answer. But when a full minute passed and I didn’t hear a reply, I stood up and walked away from the person whom I’ve come to love - leaving half of my heart with him. 

Author's Note

I seriously loved Julian and Princess in this chapter.And as for Steve, I know he acted like a jerk, but I just can't hate him. =)) Anyway, what are your thoughts on this chapter? Speak now or forever hold your peace. HAHA.

Reviews

[Tai Ryens]

I kind of feel sympathy for Steve, as he was the one who caught her and misunderstood it first. Thinking how i usually think, his mind was probably too angry to even contemplate when he kissed Vanessa. Great job, I can't believe I'm actually going in depth with these characters.

[Arielle Ann]

I conclude my reading up to here today...great going sis...wonderfully portrayed characters and a sweet plot :)

[Ness of Love]

This is so sad! The mix ups between them really seemed to make things worse. Poor Steve and Faith.

[No name]

For some reason even if Steve is acting like a jerk I still like him and feel that tad pit of sympathy. Still you go into great depth explaining the situation and the conversations. Another great chapter :D

[Lonnie Paul Johnson]

I liked Princess in this chapter and the verbal spat between Steve and Faith very tense great dialog.

[Bridget Murphy]

The start of a romance love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

[Gene Hiccup]

more please!!! your story is really cute! it made me remember of the ridiculous things i did in my high school days for the name of love,haha, anyway keep it up girl!!!!! i'm dying of excitement to read the the next chapter!!!! :)