ERIN
It was a typical Saturday morning, with the sun lazily peeking through the curtains, casting soft golden rays across my bedroom. But unlike every other weekend, this morning felt different. I found myself lying on my bed, unable to shake off the memories of the previous night. It was one of those inexplicable moments that seemed to have left an indelible mark on my soul.
As I stared at the plain white ceiling, my mind began to rewind the events that had unfolded. My heart was pounding, and my mind was racing, replaying the moment over and over again. That kiss, Clark's warm, soft, and gentle lips-I still feel it now. But what did it mean? Did it mean anything at all?
I touched my lips, still tingling from the unexpected contact. It was the kind of kiss that ignited sparks, sent shivers down my spine, and made me question everything I thought I knew. But why? We were just friends, or so I thought. We had never crossed that line before, and now I couldn't help but wonder what prompted him to do it.
Could it be that Jessica and the rest of the guys dared him to kiss me? That would explain the suddenness and the impulsive act that seemed to come out of nowhere. Maybe it was all just a joke, a way to test our boundaries and see how we would react. If that were the case, then the kiss didn't mean anything, right?
But deep down, a part of me couldn't dismiss the possibility that there was more to it. His eyes, the way they lingered on mine before he leaned in, held a certain vulnerability that I had never seen before. It was as if he wanted to say something, to convey something beyond words. Perhaps this was his way of showing me how he truly felt, even if he couldn't find the right words to express it.
I sighed, frustration mingling with longing. The uncertainty gnawed at me, leaving me in a state of limbo. Should I confront him about it? Should I pretend like nothing happened and hope it all fades away?
I took a deep breath and pushed myself to get out of bed. Another mundane day stretched out before me, filled with the predictable routine of work and responsibilities. But as I swung my legs over the edge of the mattress, something caught my attention. There, on top of my chair, was Jacob's varsity jacket.
"That what is he up to?" I asked myself, my voice tinged with both exhaustion and confusion. It was time to seek clarity and give voice to the doubts that plagued my mind.
"Could these guys possibly be playing with my feelings?" I asked, frustration evident in my voice.
Two boys seemed to vie for my attention, each possessing unique qualities that made them stand out. On one hand, there was Clark-charming, with a smile that could melt hearts and a wit that could crack even the toughest shells. On the other hand, there was Jacob, the bully.
But why was I feeling this pressure to choose between them? I chuckled to myself, shaking off the thoughts. Love has never been a priority in my life. I am a free spirit, unencumbered by the weighty expectations of relationships. The idea of loving someone felt suffocating. Yet there was something about that brief moment with Clark that lingered in the back of my mind.
Closing my eyes, I let the memory play out once more. Clark's warm, gentle lips pressed against mine, sending a rush of unfamiliar emotions through my veins. It was unexpected and unasked, and yet there was an undeniable spark between us. It was a moment that had left an indelible mark on my heart, though I still couldn't put a finger on why.
I took a deep breath, reopening my eyes to face the present. The truth was, I wasn't ready for commitment or the complexities of love. I am still young, and I still have so much to discover about myself and embrace my passions and desires.
"No! Cut it out, Erin!" I softly yelled to myself as I shook my head to get rid of the thought. The memories swirled in my mind, tugging at my heartstrings. It was as if I was trapped in an endless loop, reliving moments that were both beautiful and painful.
Suddenly, another scene flashed into my mind; it was the moment when Jacob put his jacket on my shoulder. His warm smile and gentle touch flooded my senses, bringing back a rush of emotions. I could almost feel the weight of his jacket wrapping around me like a protective shield against the world.
"Erin, no more Clark, and no more Jacob, alright?" I said to myself, attempting to regain control. I was determined to free myself from the tangled web of memories and emotions. But try as I might, I couldn't shake off the hold they had on me. What is wrong with me? 
...
After my encounter with Clark, I quickly made my way out of the party. As I walked down the empty street, my mind raced with both confusion and a hint of excitement from the unexpected encounter with Clark. The memory of his lips against mine in the bathroom lingered, leaving me with a mix of curiosity and unease. I couldn't help but question his intentions, wondering if it was merely a moment of drunken spontaneity or something more meaningful.
Seeking solace and clarity, I decided to find solace in the quiet of the night sky. As I looked up, the moon shone brightly, casting a soft glow over the buildings and the surrounding darkness. At that moment, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, as though the stars held the answers to the questions plaguing my mind.
The cold winter breeze tugged at me, causing me to shiver. I wrapped my arms around myself, seeking warmth and comfort. Even though my body was cold, my heart felt warm with a newfound bravery. I was determined to confront the truth and find a resolution to this whirlwind of emotions.
I reached into my pocket, intending to send a message to my friends. However, as I pulled out my phone, a sudden realization washed over me like a gentle wave. I remembered that both of my friends' phones had run out of battery earlier in the evening. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Maybe, just maybe, it would be better to let them truly immerse themselves in the festivities rather than perpetually checking their screens.
Suddenly I felt a tingling sensation on my shoulder, like the gentle brush of a feather against my skin. Startled, I turned to see what could be causing such a peculiar feeling. To my astonishment, I found myself frozen in place, rooted to the spot in shock.
It was Jacob; without a word, he gracefully slipped off his varsity jacket and gently draped it over my shoulders. The material, warm and well-worn, enveloped me like a comforting embrace. The weight of it felt both foreign and strangely comforting as if I were immersed in his world, if only for a moment. The scent of his cologne lingered on the fabric, intoxicating my senses and stirring feelings I never thought possible.
"It's cold outside; wear it until I get you home," he calmly said, his voice barely audible above the whistling wind. I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his unexpected gesture. I was about to protest and take his jacket off my shoulders, but he stopped me with a gentle hand on my arm.
"Just for a little while longer," he pleaded, his eyes filled with concern.
"Why are you giving me your jacket?" I ask him directly, my curiosity is getting the best of me. He just smiles at me, his expression filled with a mixture of sadness and tenderness.
"I saw you hugging yourself, so you must be cold," he answers softly, never breaking eye contact. I can't help but roll my eyes at his answer, his attempt to be considerate feeling more like a feeble excuse. I lower my gaze, realizing that he's become such a different person.
"It's not like I'm cold; here, take it back," I insisted, handing the oversized sweater back to him. But he refused to accept it, giving me a very serious look.
"You're cold, and stop insisting that you're not," he insisted, his voice gentle yet firm. "So wear it until I get you home."
"What did you just say?" I asked him, confused.
"I said I was walking you home," he repeated, his voice calm but his words still causing a whirlwind of confusion within me.
"But why?" I finally managed to ask, my voice laced with both intrigue and skepticism.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't know. I just thought it would be nice," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Did you bump your head on something?" I teased, grinning mischievously. "You seem to not be your usual self."
"No," he simply replied.
I stared at him, trying to decipher what he meant. We had barely spoken to each other before, and now he was offering to walk me home. It just didn't make any sense. I looked around, searching for any hint of clarity, but found none. This is so unlikely of him.
"What are you up to, Jacob? Is this part of your scheme? Because I don't plan to participate in any of it!" I blurted out, unable to mask my exasperation.
Jacob chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "If I tell you now, then you'll push me away even more, so just wait until you find out soon enough," he replied, his voice teasing. And then, without warning, he winked at me.
"Eww, did you just wink at me?" I exclaimed, repulsion washing over me. "You just gave me goosebumps."
Jacob's laughter converted my disgust into genuine amusement. Surprised by my reaction, I found myself smiling along with him. There was something about his audacious nature that was undeniably infectious.
"Why are you walking me home?" I asked him, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. His expression softened, and he turned to me, his eyes twinkling with gentle amusement.
"You ask a lot of questions, do you?" he responded a playful lilt in his voice. He let out a hearty laugh, a sound that reverberated through the otherwise silent streets. It was infectious, and soon enough, I found myself laughing along with him.
His laughter gave me a sense of ease, making me reconsider my initial suspicions about him. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't a bad guy after all. Or at least, that's what I wanted to believe.
"Well, of course, I'll ask that; wanna know why?" I asked him sarcastically, rolling my eyes. I couldn't help but feel annoyed at his insistence on accompanying me home.
"I know what you're going to say, and I don't want to hear it. Perhaps I'm walking you home because it's not safe for a young woman to walk home alone at this hour." His comment caught me off guard, and I looked at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion. Did he just call me a young woman? Until that moment, I had always thought of myself as just "one of the guys" in our group.
"Am I hearing it right, or am I just imagining things?" I asked him, almost laughing, and he just chuckled. After a while, silence enveloped the two of us, when suddenly he spoke again.
"I'm sorry," he told me, and we both stopped walking and turned to face each other.
"I'm sorry for mistreating you so badly; I'm sorry for judging you for being who you are. I know I've been such a total dickhead, and I'm sorry for being such a transphobic person. But right now I want you to know that I no longer see you any different from all the women I know and that I promise you that I'll change for the better. Again, I'm sorry; I hope you forgive me, Erin; I hope it's not too late," He said to me seriously and calmly.
What's with his sudden change of heart? Why is he doing this? Could it be that he's trying to deceive me and later humiliate me? Something deep inside me was telling me not to trust him. The countless pranks he pulled on me and my friends over the years left me with a sense of caution.
However, as I looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception or insincerity, all I found was a vulnerability that I had never seen before. It was as if his walls had come crashing down, exposing the raw emotions he had kept hidden for so long.
Tentatively, I let his words sink in. Memories of the hurtful remarks, the mocking laughter, and the constant belittlement swirled in my mind. I had built my armor, protecting myself from the cruelty of his words. But now he stood before me, admitting his mistakes and acknowledging the pain he had caused me.
"I don't know what to say, Jacob," was all I could say to him, and he just smiled at me. His deep brown eyes sparkled with sincerity, and a warmth radiated from him that I had never seen before. "You don't have to answer me right away, Erin; besides, I still have time to show you I've changed."
"Let's go; it's getting late now, and the wind is getting colder; you might catch a cold," he said, gesturing for me to walk with him. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating his intentions. Was he hitting on me? I couldn't quite believe it, yet the thought made my heart skip a beat.
As we walked through the dimly lit streets, our footsteps echoing against the sidewalk, I couldn't help but steal glances at Jacob. His stride was confident, and his gaze was fixed on the path ahead. I had never really paid attention to the little details, but now his every move intrigued me.
Jacob walked me home, the cold night air wrapped around us, creating a sense of intimacy. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement at the thought of spending more time with him. As we reached my front porch, I turned to him and said, "Thanks for walking me home, Jacob. I appreciate it."
Jacob smiled, his hands finding their way into his pockets. His eyes locked with mine as he spoke, his voice filled with sincerity. "It was my pleasure. I just wanted to make sure you were safe," he said, his voice soft and comforting. I nodded appreciatively, taking off the jacket he lent me and returning it to him.
But before I could hand it back, he gently pushed it back to me. "Keep it; I want you to keep it," he insisted, a subtle determination in his eyes. Stunned by his unexpected generosity, I hesitated. His jacket was of remarkable quality, clearly something he held dear.
"Are you sure? You might be needing this soon enough," I told him, but he just smiled and shook his head.
"I have a spare one at home, so there's no need to worry about it. You get inside now, and I'll be on my way home too," he said, so I smiled and nodded. I turned my back on him and was about to walk toward the door when I suddenly remembered something.
"I'll see you at school on Monday," I told him, and he just nodded his head.
"Good night, Jacob," I said, waving my hand.
"Good night, Erin," he replied with a smile.
"Be careful on your way home."
"I will" he replied chuckling.
CLARK
My heart ached, heavy and burdened, as I sat alone in my small bedroom. The silence was suffocating, amplifying the ache within me. I glanced at my phone resting on the nightstand, desperately hoping for a message or a sign of connection. But the screen remained dark and silent, betraying my expectations yet again.
Maybe that's why she keeps ignoring my messages, I thought to myself, my mind clouded with doubt and self-deprecation. Perhaps she wanted someone else, someone more deserving, someone who could make her heart dance with joy instead of stumbling like mine.
Then all of a sudden, a memory flashed into my mind. Last night, as I tossed and turned in my bed, sleep eluded me with each passing second, my mind was consumed by the events of the evening. I couldn't shake off the image of what I had witnessed, replaying it over and over again in my mind. The image of Erin walking intimately with Jacob, her laughter floating in the air like sweet melodies, made my heart sink and shatter into a thousand pieces. How could this be? I had been so sure and hopeful for a budding connection between us. And now, clutching Jacob's jacket, Erin seemed to belong to another world.
My heart raced with a mix of concern and jealousy. Jacob, the bully, had quickly captivated her attention, and it bothered me to see them together so intimately. I tried to shake off the jealousy, reminding myself that my concern for her safety was genuine.
I let out a frustrated sigh as I watched Jacob walk Erin home, chatting and making her laugh along the way. It should have been me, I thought bitterly. I should have been the one to walk Erin home and make her smile like that. But, of course, fate had other plans.
I couldn't hear their conversation or the words they exchanged, but I didn't need to. I could read their body language, gestures, and expressions. Their laughter and smiles were like a sharp pang in my chest, highlighting my inadequacy. Despite not being able to hear them, I was acutely aware of the connection they shared.
Am I jealous? I scoffed at the thought. Me? Jealous? No way! I tried to convince myself that I was better than Jacob, more handsome, and certainly more deserving of Erin's attention. But deep down, I couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling that had settled within me.
I trailed behind them, a silent observer of their encounter. Jacob stopped in front of Erin's house, and they continued to talk, their voices now lost to me. Erin looked like she was about to return the jacket she borrowed, but Jacob insisted she keep it. My heart sank a little as I watched the exchange and the subtle intimacy of the moment.
They lingered in front of her house, conversing for a few more minutes. My mind raced with questions. What were they talking about? Were they making plans to see each other again? The unknown ate away at me, fueling the jealousy I denied.
Erin finally waved goodbye and stepped into her house, leaving Jacob on the sidewalk. He stood there for a moment, watching her disappear behind the door. As he turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of a faint smile playing on his lips. That smile was meant for Erin, and it stung me unexpectedly.
It was at that moment, standing alone on the deserted sidewalk, that I had to confront my feelings honestly. Was it jealousy I was feeling? Or was it something entirely different? Maybe it was the realization that I had let an opportunity slip away, that I had held back instead of expressing my true feelings for Erin. Regret washed over me, mingling with the remnants of jealousy.
"I hope you're happy, Erin," I whispered to myself as I got up from sitting on the edge of my bed. As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, a sudden knock at the door broke the silence. I shuffled towards the entrance and swung it open, revealing Klaus standing in the hallway.
"What do you want?" I asked him seriously as I put on a shirt.
"What's with your grumpy attitude today?" he asked me, laughing while leaning his shoulder on my door frame and crossing his arms.
"Nothing," I simply replied, and I heard him mimicking me. His playful tone was irritating, emphasizing my current state of annoyance.
"By the looks of it, you seem mad at something, so tell me, what happened?" He asked, concern lacing in his voice. I stared at him in disbelief, my frustration threatening to spill over. Seriously? Look, I thought, surely he could see the storm raging within me. But instead of backing off, he raised an eyebrow, his patient gaze unwavering. He was waiting for me to say something, to share the burden that weighed heavy on my heart. I took a deep breath, knowing that I couldn't lie. And deep down, I knew he wouldn't stop until I told him the truth.
"I kissed her." The words echoed in my mind like a thrilling melody, each syllable carrying a mix of excitement and trepidation. As I confided in him, his reaction confused me. He didn't flinch or express any surprise, as if he already knew what had transpired.
"I know that already; even if I tell you not to, you'll still do it anyway, so what's new? Now spill the tea. What is it that you are mad about?" He jokingly told me as if he was trying to make me feel better. I forced a smile as I spoke again.
"She left after that kiss and told me that that was not supposed to happen. I followed her, but then I saw her with Jacob," and suddenly the expression on his face changed as if he was confused.
"Jacob? Do you mean that bully? Right?" he asked, his tone filled with surprise and concern. I nodded, understanding exactly who he was referring to.
"Woah! Woah! Hold on! Jacob? And what was she doing with Jacob?" He asked me again in disbelief and came closer to me.
"Jacob walked her home; I saw it because I followed them," I said, and he was very surprised to hear that. His eyes widened with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"But they didn't do anything else except just walk together, right?" Klaus asked, his voice filled with curiosity. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered the two people he was referring to.
"They just talked and smiled a lot. Anyway, I'll stop bothering her anymore; I guess she just doesn't like me back," I said, trying to smile and patting him on the shoulder.
"Let's just go have breakfast together, brother," I told him, and he just nodded.