Chapter 13: Chapter 13

She made herself pretty in the mirror. She was already breaking rules, she didn’t need to break more. She held her hair stylishly. It was hard following the tutorial, but she had been able to twist and tie it in two places. So her forehead wasn’t hidden.

How would she look Jason in his eye?

She would look him in the eye and lie just like he had been doing. She would lie just the way he had yesterday. Her phone beeped and surprisingly it wasn’t Jason. It was Chad.

‘So what do you say?’ was the question he asked.

He had apologized. He had said it wasn’t his intention. Yes he didn’t intend for things to turn out the way it did. He didn’t expect for her to have feelings for him. So it was a plan that birthed something good. But he was using her. He didn’t answer to her interests just because she was interesting, because he didn’t want Jason to win.

To prove Jason wasn’t better than him.

And because she liked him, he had won the bet.

‘I forgive you. But there are things I have to do. The thing being Jason. I told you what I had planned’.

She slipped her sneakers on.

‘You’re serious about that?’

‘Why would you think I was joking?’ she stood up dragging her sweater dress down since it had ridden up. ‘Oh! I get it. You could play around with someone else, but now that it’s your friend I want to get back at you’re hesitant. Are you going to tell him?’

‘Well since I already won’ he put a sweat drop smile after.

‘You better stop that’.

‘Sure’ he agreed. ‘So what are you going to do? And where do I fit into all this?’

‘I’ll tell you where to be when I’m done, so for now you should stand prettily by the side’.

‘So you’re going to spend all that time with Jason. You’re going to make me jealous’.

She wouldn’t put it past Chad to tell Jason. Though they didn’t like each other, she was educated about the bro code. Bro before hoes. ‘Too bad’ she ended the text. She twirled in front of the mirror and left the room. Either mum was around or she wasn’t.

She didn’t even make a stop at the kitchen for breakfast. She took in a deep heavy breath as she walked. She didn’t text him yesterday night, not even this morning. But she was a hundred percent sure he would be there.

And if he wasn’t well, they would see in class.

Jason sat in the car tapping quickly on the wheel.

His head had been down then he raised it up, then ran both hands down his face. This was still a bet, but Kelly didn’t know that. She wouldn’t need to know that. He would win, win, but Kelly wouldn’t know that and they would get to be together. Chad didn’t like her, but he did.

He liked her for her. The good side, the sad side and the mean side. She didn’t like him now, but he could make her fall for him. With time though. She wasn’t like other girls. She hadn’t texted him yesterday. And he didn’t also. She needed to breathe. And she would clear up any doubts he had.

If she didn’t like him, with time she would.

And Chad?

He was silent. So that was something. There was no way she would lie to him about Chad. She must have found out that Sterling was a very huge asshole.

He heard the crunching footsteps on the tarred road. Looking up it was her as expected, but she was different. She looked different. Her face more open, more highlighted. Well that was because she wasn’t wearing her glasses and her hair was held back.

She opened the door and tossed her bag to the backseat.

“Morning” she said with a small smile.

So like they didn’t kiss yesterday okay. “Morning” he smiled.

Before he could turn the car on, she spoke. “When did you start liking me?” she voiced softly.

“Even I don’t know the answer to that” he replied truthfully. “Well if you think about it it’s not unexpected”.

“How so?” she was curious.

“Well best friends that are of the opposite sex end up falling in love” he began.

“But we’re not best friends!” she reacted quickly.

“No we’re not. But we are friends” he supplied.

“There’s a difference” she said bewildered.

“Well anything involving people of the opposite sex turns romantic. If not romantic, there’s some sort of attraction. That’s how relationships are formed anyway”.

“So you want a relationship?” she blinked rapidly. Her grin was so wide. “The Jason Angle, the lady killer wants a relationship. I always assumed that wasn’t your style with all the girls”.

“Well just like we are going to go through a change, I think I should go through a change too”.

She tried not to laugh. She covered her mouth with her hand while he started the car.

“Is it so funny?” he asked amused.

“No. Not at all” she calmed down.

“Better late than never you always say” he reminded her.

“Y-you know I like Chad” she whispered looking to the window suddenly lacing confidence. That atmosphere wasn’t so fun.

“I know” was all he said. “What is it with you and Chad? How are you two currently?” he needed to know where he stood.

She passed hair through her mouth. “Things with Chad are complicated. One moment we were vibing and the next, it’s like I don’t even exist. Looks like I don’t know how to keep a guy interested in me. No matter how spontaneous I thought I could be. I didn’t even get to show him how flexible I was”.

“I guess I’m lucky then” he really counted himself as lucky. “What do you think about me?” he was hesitant to ask.

“Well I like how confident you are. You are handsome….I’ve said all those things before. I’ve never really thought about you in a romantic sense. Well you never portrayed yourself that you could be romantic…until yesterday” she teased.

“You said you want a relationship. You wanted a boyfriend” he curled his lips expectantly. Waiting for her to make the connection herself. She was oblivious, so he hoped she would see where he was going with this.

“But…but I wanted it with Chad” she played with lose strings on her dress.

“And what does Chad want?”

He really shouldn’t have asked that, but he still had that strong urge to tell her I told you so. That was what he had been trying to tell her that day.

“I see what you were trying to say that day. But it still didn’t doesn’t change the fact that I like Chad” she said softly.

They were both silent. Kelly didn’t know what to say. She was waiting for Jason to say something. She was impatient and her toes couldn’t stop curling in her sneakers.

“So what do you want to do?” she had been waiting for him to say something, not to ask her a question. Why was he asking her? She didn’t know what she wanted to do. He was the one meant to say something. He should be the one to take charge.

“To be honest, I don’t really know. I don’t even know what to think. Chad….” She was so close to letting everything out and ruining all her plans. “I’m just disappointed that’s all” she shrugged.

“Things always happen for a reason. And sometimes things don’t happen for a reason”.

“So are you saying that you’re happy I didn’t end up with Chad?” she raised a brow that she had curved.

“We’re friends. I have your best interests at heart”.

‘You lying bastard’ she said in her head.

“I know Chad and I’m happy that you’re not looking his way anymore”.

‘Liar’ she clenched her fists. “I’m sure you are. You like me” she said smug.

“Want to go on a date?”

“That’s not romantic at all” she droned.

“That’s all you get. You want to go on a date or not?”

“Because I’m your friend? You won’t be romantic with me?” she said gruffly. “I bet when you ask other girls you use your sweet, disg…..”

“Okay” he agreed. Unwilling to argue further. “Kelly Blinch, will you go on a date with me?”

“No” she said in a sardonic voice.

“Then tell me again…..why did you make me change the way I asked you if you were going to say no?” he tried not to lose it. They had not even gone on a date, or in a relationship and she was already trying to make him lose his head. Which she did every day. But when they got together it would be every second of every day.

“You know I don’t like you that way yet. You have to work for it, like the way I worked to get Chad” she relaxed in her seat.

“And how will that work out if you don’t go on a date with me?” it was his turn to be smug.

“Well played” she bit her lip. “So when are you taking me out? And where are you taking me?” she was now smiling. He really liked how her mood changed instantly.

“You’ll see. I plan the best dates”.

“I will see”.

After school they went to their normal spot to do homework. Jason suspiciously stayed behind, while she went to the table. She got her books out. She had learnt to put it on silent. Chad had sent her a lot of texts that she wasn’t going to bother to read.

And Jason knew she didn’t have anyone else to talk to so she was going to have to keep it inside throughout their outing. He came back, but along with his bag he had a basket. Just like the one she had carried to the beach.

She would have thought it nice. She would have been touched if he wasn’t a big liar. She had to cage all that rage. She just had to.

“A picnic basket” she stated with a small smile. Well their first official outing had been at a beach and she had brought a basket along. She’d admit. He was romantic. She felt for those girls.

“This is a picnic bench, so it’s only fair that we have a picnic” he opened the basket. “It wasn’t easy making the ice-cream stay frozen” she when she touched it the container was really cold.

“Is there an ice bucket in there?” she tried peering into the basket.

“There’s actually a lot” and he began to bring out many different ingredients. There were crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, chocolate syrup, wafer sticks, and cherries. “Make your own sundae” he shrugged. “And you like strawberry ice-cream so I just figured…..”

“T-this is really thoughtful” she was saying it honestly. Chad didn’t get a chance to cook for her yet, so she knew he could do better than him. But a picnic from their first outing, the fact that she liked strawberry ice-cream.

He was really a lady killer.

“Well then, get started”.

And she did get started. She opened up her ice-cream and scooped a healthy amount into the bowl. She topped it off with chocolate syrup, marshmallows and chocolate. Last was the wafer sticks and one cheery.

Jason didn’t really eat. He was doing his homework, and then he’d spare her a look then get back to what he was doing. She wanted to tell him to join her, but she thought against it. He should do his work and watch her eat.

But then she remembered that she had to be a caring, sweet, loving girl. “Aren’t you going to at least try? It’s really good” she twirled her bowl.

“I’m sure, but it’s for you” he said unaffected.

“So you won’t eat?” she asked licking her spoon.

He dropped his pen and snatched her spoon. “If you want me to eat so bad….” He scooped a very huge part from her bowl.

“My ice-cream” she reached for her spoon.

“…..I will” he said looking into her eye and putting it in his mouth. It was pretty much so some spilled out. She watched him swallow, then lick her lips and lastly his fingers. She was transfixed by that for a while. Even though he didn’t mean it to come off as something seductive….or was he doing it on purpose?

She wouldn’t put it past him.

He handed her the spoon back and she took it. He continued with his homework, and she continued with her treat. When she was done, she wanted to get started on hers but she was so full. She didn’t want to think of anything. Just lie down. She wouldn’t even think of water right now. Maybe close her eyes and just sleep.

The breeze was refreshing. She could rest her head.

Jason stood up instantly.

She watched him walk all the way to her side.

“Do you want to know something?” he whispered sitting down close to her.

“That you fill your dates with junk food so they won’t be able to move, and then you’ll have power over them” she got out quickly even if she was full.

“I would not like to see or find out how your mind works” he tapped the side of her head three times. “But that’s not it. Kissing is much better when your mouth is cold. Especially after you’ve had ice-cream” he placed an arm round her shoulder.

“I might vomit in your mouth” she stated and that didn’t sound like a joke.

“Is that some sort of kink? I’m not sure that is going to grow on me” and he leaned closer, her chin in his fingers so her head was tilted up. “Next time don’t eat so much ice-cream” and he kissed her.

She had complained about the position. The ice-cream was going to her nose and then to her brain. He had made a spot for her on his lap. She had hit him, but still taken the offered seat. It was hard and uncomfortable. She had voiced that, and he had playfully squeezed her thighs and she had hot his head twice for that.

They did continue to kiss. She would never admit that he was right about the sensation. Kissing after she had ice-cream was really something. His moist tongue sliding against her cold one. She wouldn’t also admit that he was a good kisser. A bid difference from when she had kissed him that time. Well she had done more of the kissing, he just sat there. But for her first kiss, his lips were perfect. He was no Chad Sterling, but she loved his lips.

The kissing did give time for her stomach to rest. She said she would do her homework at home. She was tired, but there was no way she was going to copy his answers. He offered to carry her to the car, and who was she to deny.

She was using him….or was he using her? There was logic in there she couldn’t explain. He must think himself so smart that he had kissed her and done a huge gesture for her. He must have thought she had fallen for him. At the end of the day, he wouldn’t expect it.

He put her in the backseat so that she could lie down.

“So did you enjoy our first date?”

“Not much of a date” she grumbled.

“Says the girl who enjoyed herself and had too much ice-cream. And also had no problem sitting on my laps and kissing me”.

“Shut up” she settled onto her side.

He stepped on the brakes instantly and she rolled down onto the floor of the car. She spat out many curses, something that she hadn’t done ever. He really brought out the worst in her.

“You okay?” he asked faux concern.

“Fuck you” she groaned getting back onto her seat.

He dropped her at the normal spot and she opened the door. “Same time tomorrow?” he called when she was walking away without a word.

She gave him a flippant wave.

She opened the door and groaned in greeting. She had actually enjoyed herself.

She was about to go upstairs when she felt her phone vibrate. Was he already missing her? She couldn’t believe that she just thought that. Taking it out of their bag, it was Chad.

‘I am really curious about your plan. Want to come over and talk about it? Or should I come over?’

Should she go over? She came home pretty early. Mum wasn’t around so she could hang out with him. Was that how little she was going to make him wait? God she had it bad. ‘Yeah I’ll come over’.

‘Should I come pick you up? I’m still out’.

She was really tired. She wanted to sleep. There was also homework to be done. She could rest and do the homework there. Killing two birds with one stone.

‘Sure. You know the place yes’ and just like she came in, she left.

She didn’t say anything when he picked her up. Not even in the car, not when he asked a lot of questions or just talked about his day. When they got to his room, she flopped onto his bed. Her bag was still on her back.

“I didn’t know you were that tired” he kicked his shoes off and sat beside her, jostling her a little.

“Well I am” she did nothing as he removed her bag and shoes.

“Did you come here to sleep? You said you forgave me so….I wanted to see where we went from here” he approached that conversation with trepidation.

“I told you that I have a plan. You’re meant to stay on the sidelines. This isn’t staying on the sidelines” she turned to her side.

“You’re the one who came here, so I’m guessing that you wanted to see me too” he lay on his side and ran his fingers through her hair. “I know I’m irresistible. So tell me what you have planned for Jason”.

“You’ll see what I have in store for Jason”.

“It sounds devious. Is it going to be good?”

“You’ll be there” she smirked.

“Is this some sort of revenge? Is that why you aren’t telling me?” he was really desperate. He wanted to know.

“When I’m going to act, you’ll be there” she smiled patting him on his chest.

He leaned closer and when she didn’t protest or push him away he took it as permission to move in for a kiss.

She kissed him back and she felt happy. Happy now, and happy for what was to come.

Jason was none the wiser. And she was happy. He was playing his part well. Playing right into her trap. She had responded to all his advances, but she hadn’t given the answer he wanted. The answer that would seal everything. But they still had to take their time. Tests to take, expecting letters from college. Now she could do what she needed to do.

He would be the one to make the move. Of taking her out on dates. He had been the one asking her out on dates. She had been the one that day to say she would introduce him to her mum, and he had been hinting about her house but she had been playing the oblivious girl. He would get it sooner or later. Not like his parents knew about her anyway. So she wasn’t obligated to do anything.

“So you want to come over today?”

That was it. Today was the day that she was going to win the bet. Well hopefully. He claimed he liked her, and according to Chad the bet was still on. So that meant that Jason wasn’t constantly giving him information. That was weird.

“Sure” she said. “After school?”

“Yes”.

After school he took her to his house, but not inside. He actually had a treehouse. She hadn’t been expecting that. She climbed up the ladder, Jason underneath her the entire time. And she was in a skirt.

“Why do you even have a treehouse? Are you a child?” she complained all the way up. He was silent. She didn’t complain anymore when she got into the little playhouse.

What was wrong with Chad and Jason? They just had a lot of things. What sort of treehouse had electronics? There was a TV and a mini fridge. And beautiful lighting. Like a mini crib for a teen boy.

“You said you’ve never played games, but today you will get to play” and he gestured to a controller on one of the beanbag.

“You know I can’t play” but she still sat on it. He pushed her forward a little but she didn’t fall off. He sat behind her, his arm wrapping round her front. His own controller in his hand.

“You’ll learn” he whispered. “We’re going to play a simple game. A battle me and you” and he was setting it up. “And here’s your move set”.

“Jason…” she groaned.

“Memorize it. That’s how you’re going to win….or play before you lose” and he pressed begin. “Choose your character”.

“Which one is the strongest?” she was in a whole world of…..she never thought he’d be so nerdy.

“I won’t tell you” he laughed.

“And I’m the one mean” she muttered but chose randomly.

They played and she lost. She didn’t have a chance. He didn’t even give her a chance. She tapped and tapped furiously because she didn’t want to keep losing to him, but he wouldn’t let her win. They both knew that would get her angry if he did that.

She got tired of playing and dropped her controller before moving away. There was an inflatable bed at the side of the room. She went to lay there. She discreetly tapped at her phone before dropping it beside her. The sun was already setting. Her mum would be furious if she was late.

Jason paused the game and walked up to her. He sat down beside her and just looked at her. She really didn’t care for his staring, but she had to act. “What is it?” she asked.

He got over her.

She laughed and then wrapped both arms round his neck and then they were kissing. The bed was bouncy, so anytime they moved it was sort of a bounce into each other. It was strangely exciting. It was making her heady as they ground against each other. She hadn’t really felt that way before. It was exciting.

Oh God. She was in a skirt. Her legs were already wrapped round him. How did that happen?

“You know I like you right?” he asked pulling away from her lips. “Like a lot” and he kissed her again.

“I know” she said smooching her lips again. He really should get away from the space between her legs. That would be best for two of them. She didn’t like how she was feeling currently down there.

“Do you like me too?” he asked stalling all his movement.

She was kind of frustrated that they weren’t moving against each other. With Jason asshole of all people, GROSS!

She smiled at him. He had lied just like that, she would do the same. “Yes” she blinked up at him. “I like you a lot. All the time that I spent with you, I realized that the right guy has been before me all the while” he should have noticed that was the most common, cliché line that she used. But he must not have cared. He didn’t care that she fell for him so quickly, didn’t care that Chad she liked since sophomore year was just a distant memory.

He must have been used to things being quick.

He smiled at her for a while, before he leaned in to kiss her. And things were different this time. He moved with more energy. His hands were everywhere. From her ribs, down to her waist which really tickled but also made her excited. She was shivering.

She didn’t realize that she was rubbing herself with any part of his body she could reach. She hadn’t done anything like that before. It felt good and also…..weird.

Her skirt was riding up, His lips were moving everywhere round her neck. All the way to her collarbone. He must have pulled her shirt down. She was lost to the sensations for a while. This was dangerous. If her plan didn’t work, she would be in huge trouble.

She didn’t want it to be like this. With a guy that had lied to her nonetheless.

It was meant to be Chad.

He stopped moving and she opened her eyes weakly. This was really pleasure of the flesh. Her skirt was already at her waist, her black underwear exposed before him. Pleasure was still making her entire body wrack with tiny shivers. She was so cold. She wanted him back.

“I’m sorry” he apologized getting on his knees. “I can’t” he shook his head. “Not like this”.

She sat up slowly. Her hands her support. She leaned back on her hands, her leg still spread. He had actually stopped. She was really happy. “Why?” she said with her eyes down.

“I like you too much to do it like this”. He said he wanted to change, that meant everything.

“The lady killer doesn’t want to do it with the girl he said he likes?” there was no playfulness in her tone. There was just venom.

He sighed pushing his hair back. “Kelly….”

“You won’t do it” she stated finally looking up at him.

“No” he didn’t like how she was looking at him. Accusingly.

“Not even for five thousand dollars?” she pushed her skirt down and arranged her shirt.

That was pretty specific. “W-what do you mean?”

She glared viscously. “Don’t lie to me right now” she said with a bitter smile.

“W….how did you-who….”

There was a groan from outside. Jason snapped his neck to the opening of his treehouse to see Chad’s head. “I’m here” he sighed getting onto his feet. “What happened?” he looked to Kelly.

“What’s going on?” because he didn’t know where to start.

She stood up and made herself presentable. “I found out about your little bet and I upped the stakes”.

Jason stood up, not even bothering with Chad. “You knew?” he asked dumbly.

Kelly was sure she was going to blow up. “That’s all you have to say? That’s all you have to say?!” she exclaimed hysterical. “What happened to your intentions of being my friend? You liar!” she screeched. She really hoped tears wouldn’t come out.

“What did Chad….?”

“He told me everything. And I upped the stakes. Ten thousand dollars that I would spread my legs and you would do nothing. It doesn’t mean anything to you I know, but it does to me”.

He reached out to hold her and she flinched back. She held a hand up. “Don’t” she warned.

“Hear me out please” he implored. “Why doesn’t Chad leave and then we can talk about it?”

“Yes” she nodded. “Chad will leave with me” and she moved towards the door, but he stopped her. She flinched back. “Don’t fucking touch me you bastard!”

“You should know that Chad lies…..”

“I don’t care what you two have with each other, but I know I will never be a part of it” and she pushed him aside. He made a move to hold her, but Chad stepped forward holding his hand. She took that as her opportunity to leave.

Jason’s body was rigid. He looked ready to fight.

“It looks like there’s actually a girl that you can’t make fall for you” Chad was all smiles.

“You snake” he hissed.

Chad let go of him. “All is fair in love and war” and he made his way to the exit. “You know you still have to pay me” he called before climbing down.

Jason covered his face with both palms and released a scream.

Kelly had been fuming when he came back to the car. She said she didn’t want to go home, so he had been driving around until she finally calmed down.

“Well I wasn’t….”

“Shut up” she said tersely.

He snapped his mouth shut with a very audible sound. He stayed quiet for what he was sure were minutes before he timidly asked, “So what now?”

She quirked her brow in question.

“About us?” he moved his shoulder in a playful gesture.

“Depends on what you want” she said coldly.

He stretched his hand and put it behind her headrest. He beamed. “I want to be with the girl that likes me for me, and just gave Jason asshole a taste of his own medicine”.

“Then what’s stopping you?” she blinked impishly.

“Literally nothing” he replied before claiming her lips.