Not So Bad After All (BWWM)(EDITING)

Chapter Sixteen

Not So Bad After All
Book One
Chapter Sixteen
Rose's Pov
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"Can I ask you a question?" Jayden asked, probably just trying to make conversation.

"Sure."

"Why did you come tonight?"

I arched an eyebrow at him as we strolled toward the theater. Our steps were slow, unhurried, even though I was sure our friends were getting sick of waiting for us. "Did you already forget threatening me?"

"No... but why did you really come?" His eyes narrowed slightly, as if I were some puzzle he was trying to solve.

There was no way I was about to bare my soul to Jayden. But the way he was looking at me almost made me feel like I could. Like maybe he would actually listen. And though I knew better, part of me wanted to be a little honest—to say it out loud to someone.

"I could say I just came to see Sky, but that wouldn't be the whole truth..." I inhaled deeply, then let out a slow breath, feeling my shoulders slump. "Part of me just doesn't know how to quit, you know? I was raised to believe you don't give up on the people you love. But I'm just... so tired of being disappointed by Ryan. I don't think I can love him enough for the both of us."

"Nor should you have to," Jayden said, nodding.

I turned to stare at him, caught off guard by the seriousness in his voice. Usually, Jayden would crack a joke, make light of someone's pain, or find a way to tease me. But now? Now he was... what? Understanding?

"Why are you so curious about my relationship with Ryan? You've never cared before," I asked, studying him.

He shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I've always been biased against relationships. I don't understand why people get into them just to hurt each other. Wouldn't it be easier to stay single and mess around instead of getting your feelings hurt every other day?"

"Maybe for some people—like you, for example." I motioned toward him. "It might be easier to just avoid dating. But for people who believe real love exists—people like me—we'll never stop looking for it, no matter how bad it gets sometimes."

Jayden shook his head. "I don't get that. How do you know it even exists?"

"Because I see it every day with my parents," I said simply. "So I know it must exist for me, too."

He didn't respond right away. Instead, he fell quiet, lost in thought. His brows furrowed slightly as he stared down at the ground, like he was working through something in his head.

After a moment, he finally spoke. "So where does that leave you and Ryan now?"

I let out a tired sigh. "As far as I'm concerned? I'm single." I shrugged. "I'm tired."

I meant it. I had been weak for Ryan for far too long. I'd let myself get caught up in his game, but not anymore. I'm done with the back-and-forth nonsense. This time, I'm really done. His complete disregard for me had pushed me over the edge. I deserved better than this. No one deserved that kind of treatment.

"We'll see," Jayden muttered as we approached the tall glass doors of the theater.

His response irritated me—not because of what he said, but because I knew it was a reminder that everyone was watching. They'd all seen how stupid I'd been for Ryan, and it was embarrassing. Well, they were in for a surprise this time.

Jayden opened the door, allowing me to walk in first to my surprise and we made our way over to the ticket booth where everyone was waiting. I spotted Ryan immediately. He was talking to Sara—yes, Sara, the girl who was constantly linked to him in rumors and whispers.