Because Of The Bucket List

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I roll out of bed and go take a shower. I told my mom I wasn't going to school today, but I feel gross from all the crying. I would be going to school, but after running into Jace yesterday, I can't bring myself to face him. It's too weird. I'm not even sure why he would be there. What we Jace be doing at a therapists office? Does he need help like me?

I try to stop thinking and enjoy my shower.

I get out and slip into some sweatpants. I check my phone to see: four messages from Layla, three from Camryn, six from Ryan, and twenty-two from Seth, all asking where I am. I lie and tell them I'm sick. I wonder why everyone is so worried. Did Jace tell them he saw me crying yesterday? No. He wouldn't. Would he?

I go to the kitchen and fix some grilled cheese for lunch. I watch some TV and eat my sandwiches. A Gilmore Girl marathon is on. I love this show. I wish me and my mother had the relationship Lorelai and Rory do. I also wish I had a boyfriend as protective as Dean, sweet as Jess, and caring as Logan. But, no one gets that.

Knock- knock- knock.

I get off the couch and answer the door, to see all my friends. And Jace.

"You look horrible but not sick." Seth makes a nasty face, while staring me down. They all give me questionable looks.

"I...uhm... I'm feeling much better." I lie. They all come in and find various places to sit.

"Well, we brought you some stuff." Layla says handing me a bag full of candy, movies, and a box of tampons.

"Seriously?" I question, holding the box up.

"That was me." Seth smiles. "I figured you need them."

"No, but thanks." I laugh.

"So, lets party!" Ryan says.

"I'll make popcorn." I tell them. Camryn picks a movie and I go to the kitchen. I stick the popcorn in the microwave and put all the candy in a bowl.

"Need help?" Jace asks, walking into the kitchen.

"Uh, sure. Can you get the cokes?" I ask, shyly. I'm a little confused as to why he's being nice to me. It can't be because of him seeing me crying. Could it?

"Yeah." He gets the drinks and we sit in awkward silence for a moment.

"Jace, I..." I start.

"You don't have to explain. It's okay. I'm not going to say anything to anyone." He comforts and gives me a small smile.

"Thank you." I smile back and we go back into the living room. Camryn picked some scary movie I don't even know the name of. It's very weird.

We watch movies all night and eventually we all fall asleep.

It's dark again. He's constantly cursing my name. He comes into the room and strikes me over and over against the face. I've cried so much I have no tears left. I try to fight him away from me, but he jerks my arm. I hear a snap and feel the worst pain in my shoulder. Suddenly, my tears pour down my face. He releases my arm and throws me across the room.

I jump out of my sleep with tears flowing down my face. I find myself in between Layla and Jace, my head very close to his. I get up and go to the kitchen. I fix some water and head to the back patio to get some air.

My nightmares are killing me. It's so painful to remember what happened. I can go through my life and feel guilty and still be okay, but the nightmares kill me. They make me feel like I should be dead, too.

"Hey." I hear a familiar voice behind me. I quickly dry my tears.

"Hey." I mutter, trying to hide my whiny voice.

"I brought you a blanket. Y-you know in case you're cold." Jace tells me, gently wrapping a small throw blanket around me.

"You have no reason to be nice to me, Jace. Just because you saw me cry-"

"Jesus, Arielle! You really don't use your brain. That's not why I'm being nice to you. I could care less of why you were crying." He yells, getting up and running his hands through his hair.

I stare horrified.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." He stutters.

"I have problems. I know that. I just, I don't have anyone. I really don't." I say shyly, while keeping my focus on the small stain on the patio.

"Arielle, you can...you can talk to me if you need." I look up to see him half-smile at me.

"Why?" I blurt.

"Because I know how it's feels like to be alone and not have anyone."

"I don't want to burden you." I lie. He's sweet. I do want to talk. Get everything off my chest, but with Jace? Jace? He's the guy who doesn't talk to me. He's rude, arrogant. He hates me.

"It's not a burden." He replies.

"Jace, I-I..."

"No, it's okay. You don't have to tell me." He comforts me, placing a hand on my shoulder when a tear slides down my cheek. He gently wipes it away, lingering his finger on my cheek for a moment.

We sit in silence for a while, after we realize his hand was on my cheek. I'm not sure how to feel right now. Jace is never nice to and all of a sudden? He said he could care less why I was crying and I wasn't using my head when I asked why he was being nice. I don't understand anything this boy does. He makes my head spin.

"Goodnight, Arielle." He smiles, getting up and walking back in the house.

"Goodnight, Jace." I whisper, smiling to myself.