Story announcement: I changed Cody's name to Andrew. Long story short he is going to be a love interest in the 3rd book and I have a cousin named Cody...I think you get it lol So again Cody Henderson is Andrew Henderson
~Elliot~
I sat outside underneath one of the trees in the quad.
A few weeks have passed since Natalie and I's break-up. Emma found out somehow and has been texting me. I've been ignoring her, and a lot of people actually. I've been eating lunch alone more and more lately. I didn't want to talk to anyone.
How could I be so stupid? I was played again and got my heart broken again.
Natalie acted like it was my fault that she cheated with this Henry guy. He bought her flowers. She was dreaming about him. I mean how could she not expect me to get mad? I couldn't stop thinking about it when I left.
"I know you wanted to eat by yourself, but how about I just sit with you?" A voice said to my right.
I looked over, squinting at the bright sunlight. "Yeah, go ahead."
Drew sat down with a smile. A few minutes went by and then he spoke.
"Trouble in paradise?"
I sighed. "We have a game this Saturday, the first one, I need to get into the mindset."
Drew frowned. "That's not what I asked."
I took a sip of my water bottle and leaned my head against the tree.
"Drew, I really don't want to talk." I said.
"Listen, I don't know what happened, but I do know that you were the happiest I've ever seen you when you were with Natalie." Drew said in a strangely serious tone. "You need to-"
"She cheated on me, Drew." I snapped. "The stupid guy was sending her flowers too. She didn't even bother hiding them."
Drew sighed. "You don't think that maybe you are overreacting? Natalie doesn't seem like the type to lie. She seems like she's the type to be honest."
I ran a hand through my hair. "Doesn't matter. I can't keep doing this."
Drew shrugged. "You do what you want. Now, Richie owes me ten bucks."
Drew sat up and then got up onto his feet with a grin.
"Did you guys bet on me?"
"No, we did bet who would get you talking first, though." Drew said proudly.
I shook my head and watched as my friend walked back into the cafeteria. I gathered my stuff and headed to my next class, glancing at Mary's table, where Natalie usually sits. Mary noticed me, but I quickly turned away.
I don't want to talk to anybody. I have to just focus on the game Saturday.
~Natalie~
I sat at the host stand reading, or well pretending to read. I really tried to focus on anything but my broken heart. After crying I tossed the roses he gave me away. I was done with him. I needed to focus on my future. I needed to focus on college.
I looked up and put on a fake smile for the customers. That was my life now, distractions and faking smiles.
Nate stopped by at the start of his shift, with Haley. I picked her up and kissed her cheek.
"What did you want to do tonight?" I asked. "I have some old paper placemats that need some coloring."
Haley giggled. "Is E coming today?"
"I'm sorry, he's not coming tonight."
Haley pouted. "But I haven't seen him in a long time."
I kissed her head. "I know, Haley. Why don't you go sit in the booth and I'll come over to help in a minute."
Haley didn't look happy, but she walked over to our booth and sat down. I didn't know what to do or say to her.
"Hey!"
I smiled to see Mary and Sarah. "Hey. You two are here to eat?"
Mary shook her head. "I'm taking you out to dinner and a movie."
I looked over at the booth where Haley was sitting. "I have Haley tonight."
Mary shrugged. "Then I'm taking you both. When are you getting out?"
I looked at the clock by the counter. "Half an hour?"
Mary nodded. "Then we'll look up the movie times, while you finish working."
"Mary-"
Sarah spoke up. "Natalie, it's better to just say yes, trust me."
I smiled a genuine smile. "Alright. Thanks."
After the other host arrived I gathered up my things and we headed to Mary's car. We already moved Haley's car seat so we just strapped her in. Haley was excited to go to the movies, it's not something we usually do.
We pulled into a small chain restaurant. Haley was looking around curiously.
"Can you tell we don't go out much?" I asked Sarah, with a slight chuckle.
Sarah smiled as she watched Haley. "It's cute. It's like her seeing for the first time."
I nodded as we followed Mary to the table. The host set down menus and a children's menu for Haley.
"I'm starving." Mary said loudly looking over the menu.
"Oh, want to do the spinach dip? I heard it's really good here." Sarah asked, looking between Mary and I.
I shrugged and nodded. I looked over the menu looking for the cheapest item. I looked over at Haley who was happily coloring on her menu.
"Did you know what you wanted, Haley?" I asked, looking over her shoulder at the kids menu.
She nodded. "Hotdog."
"What did you want with it?"
"Applesauce." She said looking back down at her menu.
I looked back to my menu just as the waiter walked up. He smiled and introduced himself. After ordering everything Mary and Sarah started telling me about stuff I've missed at school. They specifically left out any details about a certain green eyed baseball player, which I'm thankful for.
"So how is graduating early feeling?" Sarah asked as she dipped the bread into the spinach dip.
I shrugged. "It's okay. I miss school, but I'm so glad we have two full paychecks now."
Mary swallowed what she was chewing on. "How's applying for colleges going? Heard anything back yet?"
I bit my lip. "No. Nothing yet. I've applied to a few, mostly around here though."
Sarah looked at Mary. "Oh I forgot Westly wants to go to the game on Saturday. Did you and Nate want to come?"
Mary glanced at me and then raised her eyebrows at Sarah.
"Sorry." She mumbled stuffing more dip in her mouth.
I sighed. "It's okay. I never really told you guys what happened with him." I glanced at Haley. "Maybe I'll tell you both another time?"
