The Contract

Chapter 9

Do you ever tell yourself that you'll do something but end up doing the exact opposite? This is exactly how I feel. I keep telling myself that I'll stop doing the contract the moment I get hurt, even in the slightest bit. But why am I still getting ready, why am I still trying to look my best and wait for Cole to pick me up. Maybe, it's because of the money. $3000 is a lot of cash and can do me great good in getting my car. I wouldn't even have to work at the diner anymore. Or maybe I'm trying to make up for the things Chloe and her friends did to me. It's time that I show them and Cole that I can stand on my own and fight for myself without the need of a man standing by my side 24/7 to protect me. For the last time, this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to show everyone that I'm not the weak girlfriend, I'm not the "downgrade" or a snake. And just like Chloe, I'm not someone you should mess with. This time I'm serious, If a chance occurs where I fail to defend myself and get hurt in the end, I'm quitting the contract for real. I don't care about the car or the money, if I get hurt so bad, I'm leaving. Who knows, maybe the contract will be over by then. Maybe Cole and Chloe will get back together without me having to get hurt.

The moment I hear Cole's car outside, I run downstairs. Today is the day I step up my game and show everyone that I'm no fool. The car ride with Cole to school was silent. I was hoping he wouldn't bring up the incident that happened last Friday night and thankfully, he didn't. Instead he said "you look nice." Glancing from me to the road. I tried my best to look extra nice than the usual. I'm sure Emily will be proud when she sees me.

"Thanks" I say quietly, looking out the window.

The ride car was mostly silent, but it was more comfortable silence than awkward. We're walking to the school entrance when I grabbed Cole's hand and intertwine it with mine. He seems a bit surprised by this since he's always the one who initiates this. Once we enter the building I try to make myself look even more confident. As always, everyone was starting to stare, but I've almost grown fond of it. Cole and I had different first periods so he brought me to my class first. Usually we just say our goodbyes but I see Chloe walking in the hallway through the corner of my eyes so I decide to step my game up a bit. Just as Chloe was about to pass us I quickly kiss Cole on the cheek. Cole's eyes widen at my sudden approach, I have never done that before. I see Chloe glance at us so I decide o play it cool. "See you after class" I say sweetly, leaving Cole dumbfounded outside the room. My heart was beating so fast it could fly out of my chest. I hope that worked.

Come lunch time, I quickly make my way to our usual table and see Emily already there. Cole decided to buy food first before sitting down so this gives me the perfect opportunity to talk to Emily and tell her everything that happened last Friday in private. I told her everything, leaving no detail out. I told her about how Cole and I danced a bit and how he had almost kissed me, I told her about the humiliation that happened with Chloe, and the time when Cole and I were at the park.

"She's such a bitch." Emily says after I finish my whole story "I swear to God if I was there right beside you I would have kicked her a-"

"It doesn't matter anymore." I cut her off "I'm trying to make more effort with this pretend relationship thing so that I could show her that I'm not someone who gives up easily and so that maybe she'll get so jealous she'd want Cole back. And when that happens, she'll never bother me again."

Emily smirks "That's great, but I think that you should have kissed Cole though."

I felt my cheeks heat up almost immediately "No way! I want my first kiss to be special, not just some act." I can't deny that I've been thinking about that moment where Cole had almost stolen my first kiss. Even if I say that I'm totally against giving him my first kiss, I can't help but admit that a small a part of me actually wants him to kiss me.