To Love Tristen West ✔

2|3

[ Willow]
2|3: Snakes Everywhere

I heard the soft snores that left his lips, my eyes danced across his face from his closed eyes to his full lips, the ones I didn't miss for what seems for years.

I found myself lying on his bed, under the sheets, just cuddling with him this morning and I swear, I could never get tired of waking up next to him.
I leaned closer towards his lips, not willing to let this opportunity slide.

With just a few inches away, his eyes fluttered open and in swift movements he pinned me below him.

"Morning Rapunzel..." the sun rays shone through his window, I could see that clear shade of rusty copper brown in his eyes as he smiled down at me.

His small action if peppering kisses all over my face made my cheeks heat up, a grin upon my lips.

"You were awake the entire time?" I asked softly.

"I never sleep, I rather see that peaceful smile on your face when you sleep ..." he shrugged, befire continuing to plant kisses.

A giggle left my lips, my fingers playing among the strands of his hair.
"Very cliche for a bad boy.." he gave me a playful smile.

"We have to get ready for school, I don't want us to be late..." I spoke out once more, my eyes looking over at the clock.

" Must we go?" He pursed his bottom lip, with a pleading look in his eyes.

Without thought, I answered. "Of course...is there a problem?"

"Not at all..." I sensed the bitterness in his voice. He abruptly got out of bed for a shower, leaving me in a state of confusion.

Sighing I followed along and got ready, trying my best to ignore what just had happened.

■■■■■■

It surprised me how well he could act like nothing just happened, our bus ride to school was filled with the usual banter and bickering.

" How do you know??" My mouth was ajar.

"I heard from Gabriel, Skylar and Jeremy are a couple now..." I could see the happiness in his eyes.

"I saw it coming to be honest..." I gave him a knowing smile.

Taking my hand in his, we walked down the bus. I was still caught up by the fact that he was publicly displaying his affection.

"I also heard Zach has a girlfriend..."

"Its Sierra, isn't it?" I squealed in response as we entered the gates of school. He nodded with chuckle.

Looking ahead, I frowned.
"Speaking of Zach...why is he approaching us with that angered expression?" I gulped nervously at the sight of my brother storming towards us.

Tristen pulled me behind him, and stepped forward proactively.
"Zach, bro...hear me out pl--" Before Tristen could complete his sentence, Zach swung his fist across Tristen's jaw.

Holding his jaw, Tristen winced at the sight of blood dripping down his lip.
Without letting another moment pass, my brother swung multiple merciless punches that made me feel pain just by looking at the scene. The loud cheers and chatters overpowered my relentless screams.

"STOP ZACH!!! STOP PLEASE!! HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!!?" With the help of Gabriel, I ripped Zach away from Tristen who laid on the ground, a mean bruise forming on his left eye.

Gabriel held Zach away from Tristen, placing his palm on Bach's chest to stop him. I kneed beside Tristen, carassing his cheek with a regretful look in my eyes.

"He didn't even do anything?! What the hell do you think you're doing Zach??" I questioned with a deadly glint flaring in my eyes.

"ARE YOU FUCKIN' SURE?? he's been playing you this entire time Willow! You're just so blinded to see that!" Zach yelled out in frustration, fishing out his phone.

I glanced back at Tristen, hoping his eyes would at a otherwise. However, he turned away in guilt. He slowly stood up, keeping his head low. I wanted him to deny my brother's words, I wanted him to scream out once more that he loves me and they are all wrong, that he could explain himself.

I wish...

"I-is that t--true Tristen?" His name still tasted sweet, I loved him too much to accept the truth.

He didn't reply, keeping his stone cold eyes on a familiar figure behind my brother --- Flynn.

He definitely has something to do with this.

Zach shoved his phone in my hands, the screen displayed chats between Tristen and his dad.

I swallowed hard, this can't be true.

He never was interested me...
He never liked me...
The kiss meant nothing...
His words were empty lies...

We were nothing...fake, an entire illusion.

No, dont believe any of that.

I tried telling myself to not believe any if that evidence. He loves me, I just know it. In slow steps I turned towards Tristen to see him retreating in slow steps, shaking his head in apology.

"Tristen..." his name escaped my lips in barely a whisper.

"I--i'm so so--sorry Rapunzel..." his fingers raked his hair. His retreated faster, turning his back towards me-- he glanced over his shoulder once more.

"Bye Willow..." from the way his lips moved, i could read his words that made my eyes well up with tears.

I could see the amount of sterength he needed to muster to look away from my face. Clenching his fist, he sprinted out of the school.

Far away from everyone...

Far far away from me...

Despite the solid evidence in my hands, I couldn't bring myself to believe that. I wasn't crying cause I felt hurt, but instead I was in tears because I knew the boy I loved was never coming back.

And the thing is, I knew he wanted to be with me but he was afraid I would hurt him so he hurt me instead.

Clutching Zachs phone in my hand, I whipped around. My eyes glaring at one person-- not Zach, not the crowds of students but just him.

Flynn .