Rejected by my Bestfriend, Accepted by the Badboy

I'm standing on the Westminster Bridge and I'm about to jump. I'm going to jump because my social life is over.

Okay maybe I was being a bit dramatic, but I felt that way.

I couldn't believe I did that. I'm dumber than a box of rocks. But even rocks know to stay quiet so I couldn't even compare myself to those.

"Paris get down from the bridge" My friend, Shanae, instructed in a bored tone. She knew I was just bluffing but I couldn't bring myself to even face her.

"No I'm going to jump. You can go, you don't have to witness this" I dramatically screamed for no apparent reason.

I heard a light chuckle from her, but I made no move to face her.

"Get down mate. You didn't embarrass yourself that much" she tried to sound convincing, but the only thing that could convince was someone who wasn't there.

I made a fool of myself. I know it, she knows it. Hell even the moon knows it.

And all because I just had to fall for my best friend.

*Three hours earlier...*

"Hey can you pick me up please? I need a ride" I asked Colton on the phone as I tried to get my dress up.

I couldn't seem to reach the stupid zipper no matter what angle I set my hands, and if my hair wasn't this short, I would've left the zipper half-way done. Unfortunately for me, my brown hair fell to my shoulders since I cut it last week, so unless I wanted the whole school to see my back, I had to get it up somehow.

"What happened to your car? " He groaned, making me chuckle a little.

"My stupid sister took it. Now will you pick me up or do I have to find a new best friend? "

I smirked in victory when I didn't hear him reply, since I knew that was all I had to say. Deep down we both knew I couldn't replace him, but he wouldn't push it.

"Fine. I'll be there by six" He huffed. "Be ready! "

"Brilliant"

I quickly threw the phone on the bed and attempted to reach the zipper again. Curse my inability to be flexible.

Just when I needed them the most, my mum and dad to be gone again. Even my annoying kid sister was out adventuring, so I had no help.

Finally giving up on the zipper, I decided to curl my hair and add a little makeup to enhance my features. I wasn't normally a girl to dress up, but when I had to, I knew how to pull a few strings.

This school dance was just what I needed and I had a plan about how perfect my night will be. I've decided to tell Colton about how I really feel, and I wanted to look my best doing so.

We've been best friends for almost five years, and I didn't regret one second of it. It wasn't too long ago since I've discovered my feelings, but I've never thought about making them known until now.

Why wait right? I'm not getting any younger.

Worse case scenario that he doesn't feel the same, I know we can bounce right back without being awkward. But I just really hoped he does.

If we try to be together and it doesn't work out, I know that we still had to be friends. I can't lose him. All I know is that I love him. I love him as an individual, as a friend and something a little more intimate.

I smiled in delight once I finished everything, and though my dress was only half way up, I still felt beautiful.

It hugged my body wonderfully, and the royal blue colour really brought out my blue eyes. I slipped my feet into my silver stilettoes and grabbed my matching purse just as I heard a honk outside.

I popped a mint in my mouth and grabbed my house keys before heading downstairs. After ensuring that everything was closed, I headed outside to meet my mate.

He was leaning on his car in his black tuxedo and white dress shirt. He looked so incredibly handsome with his dark hair neatly combed and his beautiful gray eyes shining so bright.

He always went all out, even for these little dances. Just another reason for me to love him

"Help" I whimpered as soon as I was in hearing range from him. He cocked a questioning eyebrow at me and I quickly turned around to show him my bare back.

For a while I didn't feel or hear anything, so I peeped over my shoulder, only to see him staring at my back with a blank expression on his face.

Except, I knew he wasn't staring at my back. He was staring at my scar. It wasn't with disgust or pity, I just knew that the memories became alive in his mind again.

Slowly, he latched his finger on the zipper and pulled it up in an almost teasing manner. The tip of his finger brushed my bare skin, causing me to shiver in delight.

Finally he finished, and he placed a kiss on my cheek before bringing his lips to my ear.

"You look beautiful Paris" He whispered, causing my heart to do a back flip.

"You don't look too bad yourself handsome" I replied, slightly shy.

"Ready? " he asked as he pulled away.

I quickly dismissed the disappointment that I felt as I turned around to occupy my shotgun spot, but I stopped dead in my tracks when an unfamiliar face met my eyes. Unfamiliar female face, I might add.

Well surprise.

"Uh hi" I awkwardly waved at the girl who was beaming at me.

"Hi, I'm Asia" She greeted, pushing her hand out the window.

I weirdly eyed Colton who was standing beside me. "Asia huh?" I asked him in particular.

Does he has a thing for girls with names of places or?

"My name is not actually Asia, it's Anastasia. I gave myself that nickname when Colton told me about you. And since it's basically apart of name, why not right? "She explained with a laugh as if that wasn't weird at all.

"Well nice to meet you Anastasia. I guess I'll just.. " I trailed off as I awkwardly sat in the backseat of Colton's jeep.

It felt so weird and awkward.

Was she his girlfriend? Of course not right? I would've been the first to know. He didn't even mention her to me once and that worried me in more ways than one. Either he's not telling me everything again, or he was aware of my feelings and didn't want to hurt me.

She didn't go to our school, that was for sure. But I had no idea where to start steadying my thoughts.

"So Col, you didn't tell me you had a date" I said softly, trying hard not to sound edgy.

"Oh he hasn't told you yet? We've been dating for a while now" Anastasia beamed.

I noticed she had an American accent, so that explained why I hadn't seen her before.

"No actually, this is my first time knowing about you " I replied, and if I wasn't looking, I would've missed the flash of hurt that ran through her eyes.

"I wanted to introduce you in person " He clarified, looking tense.

"You told me about her though" She sang, attempting to sound chill.

We all fell into awkward silence from then. But all I could think about was the fact that my best friend was dating someone. And he kept it from me.

I didn't know what hurt worse, the fact that I didn't know, or the fact that I wish I hadn't known. So much for a perfect night.

I got out as soon as we pulled into the school parking lot. I had no intention of being around them tonight. I wasn't being bitter, but a bomb like that needed processing time. A lot of processing time.

I quickly made my way inside in hopes to find Shanae. She knew about my crush, so I had hoped she would've said something to make me feel better.

"Well that sucks " She mumbled after I told her everything.

I hung my mouth wide open as I ogled her in disbelief. "That's all you have to say to me? You're no help " I huffed in annoyance as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"The truth hurts love. Live with it"

"Sometimes I wished you were more of a sappy type of girl" I mumbled with an eye roll.

She simple laughed and followed me to the table filled with food. I grabbed a cup and proceeded to pour myself some punch, but Shanae grabbed the cup from me.

"That's spiked. Don't drink it" She warned, but I was too stupid to listen.

"I'm thirsty " I whined before letting the liquid glide down my throat.

Indeed, I could taste the alcohol, but I didn't care. Where did 17 year olds get alcohol anyways?

"You know that's spiked right? " A very familiar voice said behind me. I guarded my features before facing him.

"Yes I am aware" I replied in a calm tone. Anastasia was glued to his side, but I tried not to focus on her.

I knew that if eventually things got serious between them then we would have to become somewhat friends, and I really wasn't such a bitch on a normal day. But who can blame me for being a little difficult?

"Can we talk? " He asked after sighing, and I simply eyed the doll stuck to him. "Alone " he added, and she eventually let go.

I followed him into the halls, and I noticed that he had a guilty look on his face.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you " he started, though I knew that was exactly what he would've said.

Instead of saying what I knew he hoped I would say, I said the opposite. "Yes you should've"

"I didn't want you to be upset"

"Why would I be upset? " I asked with an eyebrow raised.

He looked as if he didn't know the answer himself, so I just brushed it off.

"Look it's okay. You wanted to introduce us in person I get it. Let's just get back okay? "

"Wait, I need to know if you'll be okay with us being, you know.. " He trailed off, looking shy.

That's when I realized that Asia might just be permanent. At least for a while. It would no longer be just Colton and Paris. It would be Colton, Paris and her.

"As long as you're happy" I said truthfully. As much as I loved him, all I want is for him to be happy.

Besides, how long will Anastasia even last? Nobody's that perfect.

'Let's not be negative now Paris.'

"Thanks Paris" He pulled me to his chest and gently kissed my head. "I need you to know that this won't change a thing between us okay? "

Instead of answering, I simple nodded since I knew damn well that this would change everything. But what can I do right?

We returned to the dance and parted ways. I found Shanae and her boyfriend, Nick, and Colton found his apparently new girlfriend. Well they weren't a 'thing' yet, and I had an instinctive urge to claim him as mine before it should happen, but I knew he'd just think I'm crazy.

I felt like a third wheel in both cases, so I spent most of my time drinking spiked punch. I watched as he laughed and danced with her, and even though I wouldn't admit it out loud, they looked good together.

Before I knew it, my head was spinning and I was dancing with anyone in sight. I was never good with alcohol, but this was a different level.

My eyes found him again, but this time he and Anastasia were heading for the exit. I ran after him, catching him just in time for him to stop.

"Hey where you going? You took me here reme-remember? " I slurred as I blinked rapidly to focus my vision.

"Gosh Paris you're drunk. " He muttered in concern as one hand was immediately wrapped around my waist. "I've got to take you home now. Sit here okay? I'm going to pull the car up"

He placed me on a chair at the door as Anastasia's eyes darted between the two of us.

"But what about showing me the fountain? " She asked as she followed behind him.

I paid no attention to what happened, since the lights immediately went dim and a slow song started. For some reason I got excited and disobeyed Colton's rules by getting up.

My feet took me to the stage area, and I had no idea how nobody saw me. I stood in the centre of the stage behind a mic, and that's when heads started to turn.

"Awe you all love so lovely together" I cooed as they watched me in confusion. I noticed Shanae's eyes going wide as she tried to make her way through the crowd.

"So in love and cute" I continued with a giggle. "We all deserve love but not me apparently. The one I love doesn't love me, and the person he loves is prettier than me soooooo"

"Paris get down from there! " Shanae whisper shouted from the side of the stage, but I paid her no mind.

Just then, the door opened and Colton and his date re-entered. My stupid mouth did just the same as the door.

"There he is right now! " I pointed at the door, and all heads turned to face him.

"I love you Colton! Love me too! "

My eyes drooped as I felt my body being pulled from the stage and through the back door. A splash of water to my face snapped me right out of my daze, and I was face to face with Shanae and a whole lot of realization.

I just told Colton that I loved him. I just told the whole school! Gosh I'm such a freak.

I was embarrassed, hurt and felt stupid. So I did the only thing that seemed logical.

I ran.

I ran as fast as I could in no specific direction, with a shouting Shanae behind me. I didn't stop until I was a few meters from the famous bridge.

And so, here I was.

"Are you done yet? " Shanae asked, and I finally jumped from the bridge onto the ground.

I sighed deeply and slid down to sit with my back against the bridge and my head in my hands. I felt as a presence sat beside me, and I waited for her to say something encouraging, or something to make me feel better. But instead, she just had to be herself.

"I told you not to drink that punch" She whispered, as if that helped. I threw her a look which only made her laugh.

"You're not a good friend " I complained as I hit her shoulder.

"Hey I just ran five miles behind you and I'm not a good friend? "

"Okay maybe you're a decent friend " I chuckled and she did too.

Just then, bright headlights stopped in front of us, and I saw that it was a very familiar jeep. My heart raced as he jumped from it and rushed to my side.

"Thank God you're okay" Was the first thing he said before he wrapped me in a hug. I was utterly confused.

"Aren't you mad? " I asked gently, though I was relieved to know that he wasn't.

"Why would I be mad? Worried I was, but I'm not mad"

"I just thought that... " I paused, not wanting to embarrass myself anymore.

"Thought what? " he probed and I knew he would've.

"I caused all that attention on you back there... with my declaration " I mumbled the last part in hopes that he wouldn't hear, but of course he did.

He didn't say anything right away, which slightly unnerved me. He sat beside me in the spot where Shanae previously sat and rested my head on his shoulder.

"It's okay Paris, I love you too. I would've been mad if you said you didn't " He said, shocking me out of my skin.

My heart leaped in hope as I looked up to meet his eyes. I knew his 'date' was in the car so this was slightly immoral, but the alcohol in me was preventing me from caring.

"Really? You love me too?" I asked in anticipation, but he only chuckled softly at me.

"You really are drunk aren't you? Of course I do Paris. Whether you're drunk or not you should know that"

A wave of disappointment quickly flooded me when I noticed that we were both referring to two different types of love, so I just nodded in response.

"Besides, it doesn't matter if everyone else thought you meant it in a different way. We both know what you meant and that's all that matters. You're my best friend and I'll love you forever" He added.

Right. JUST best friends.

.

.

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Hello loves! Thank you do much for reading our very first chapter!

I hoped you liked it, and I really hope you continue! I have so much planned for this book.

As some of you might've guessed, it is set in London, so you can go forth reading in a British accent if you're not from there lol.

Stay safe loves. <3

"I mean, I should've known better right?" I asked Shanae as we hopped from my car.

"Yea....definitely " She drawled uninterested with her eyes glued to her phone, causing me to roll mine.

For the past ten minutes since I picked her up, I've been yapping away about the whole incident last night. I knew she was just answering me for the sake of answering, since everyone who knew me knew that I needed to talk a lot to let something go.

I really felt stupid. Of course Colton only saw me as a friend. I was stupid to think otherwise.

Well now I know where we stand and I won't make that mistake again. I knew it will be hard to let go of my feelings, but oddly I didn't want to. Stupid, stupid Paris.

Maybe, just maybe, because of my drunkenness last night, he didn't take my confession seriously. Maybe there's still a chance for us if I just try again soon. But not until I get a grip on it.

"Are you even listening to me? " I asked once we were inside the Senior Citizens Home.

She still had her eyes stuck to her phone but nodded anyways. "Yea totally"

"I'm getting a dragon next week" I stated calmly.

"Yea definitely " She said, and that's when I grabbed her phone. "Hey give it back" She whined as she finally looked at me.

"You're not even listening to me. " I pointed out a matter-of-factly.

"Uh, I totally was Paris. " She tried to convince me, but I knew better. "Okay fine I wasn't but don't be bitter about it"

I decided not to answer her, so I simply signed the log-in book and headed to the lounge room like I always do.

In order for us to graduate, we had to do thirty hours of community service. Shanae and I got stuck with these old fellows since we waited until the last minute to sign up. We were bummed at first, but then I got so attached to these beautiful souls that I feel like coming back even when my time was up.

Yes there was a slight smell that you get used to after a while and it's awfully quiet, but once you get to know them, you never want to leave.

I was immediately met with low mutters of my name in greetings as I entered the lounge room. Shanae didn't usually stick around me. She preferred going to the bedrooms to help or feed her new-old friends individually.

I settled down eventually as I sat in front of Abra. She had early stage dementia, but she was really nice to talk to.

"Hey Abra. How are you today? " I asked gently, gaining her attention from her knitting.

She regarded me in confusion which I expected, so my smile never faltered.

"I'm sorry dear, I'm not sure if I remember you" She said gently as her eyes studied my face.

"I'm Paris. I volunteer here weekly" I told her and her eyes lit up.

"Oh Paris that's such a lovely name. You know, it sort of reminded me of an adventure in Paris I had when I was much younger. Would you like to hear about it? " She asked with sparkling eyes.

I simply beamed at her. "I'd love to hear about it" I nodded, even though I hear it every week when I reintroduce myself.

I didn't mind though. It warmed my heart to see how happy she looked when she told me about how she was rescued from what could've been a detrimental accident by a French man, after which they fell into deep love.

It was absolutely beautiful.

My phone vibrated in my hand, signalling the arrival of a message. I quickly glanced at my phone, not wanting to seem rude by texting while Abra was talking. I saw that it was a message from Colton, but I decided to wait until later to check it.

"Then he proposed after just two weeks of knowing me. I knew it was crazy, but I also knew he was the one" She let out a hearty laugh that made me smile even wider.

"I spent most of my life in France after our engagement and marriage, and I don't regret it one bit. You see Paris, sometimes the decision that seems the stupidest is actually the best decision of your life. I knew mine was" She ended with a happy sigh.

This was why I liked listening to her story. At the end, she always said something different, something inspirational, wise and sweet. I smiled at her as my mind went to only one person. I wished I could make another stupid decision and end up like Abra, but not all situations are the same.

"Can you say something in French? " I asked, suddenly noticing that I've never asked before.

She gave me a small smile before putting on a thinking face. She seemed to have found the perfect thing, since her face immediately lit up.

" Cependant et où que vous trouviez l'amour, c'est juste tant que vous savez que c'est authentique" She said, completely stunning me even though I had no clue what she said. So I asked.

"What does that mean? "

"However or wherever you find love, it's right as long as you know it's genuine " She said making my heart sink.

That one hit home. Like it was directly made for me.

I glanced at my phone again seeing his name sitting there. If only.

"That was a love story Abra. I'll see you next week?"

"Of course sweetheart. You have a great day now" She beamed cheerfully.

"You too. " I threw back before I ventured to the porch attached to the lounge room.

For some odd reason, I felt nervous about opening the message. I didn't even understand why, since we texted literally everyday. I blamed it on the rush of feelings from my talk with Abra.

With a deep breath, I opened the message. It was short, but what he sent made my heart race.

*Hey wanna hang out later?*

I had a huge smile on my face as I texted back a quick 'yea'. It annoyed me slightly just how giddy I felt. We hung out all the time so it wasn't anything new. Before last night, if he had sent me this text, I would've been totally cool even though I had feelings for him. I wasn't sure what changed last night. Maybe it was the fact that I admitted it out loud for the very first time.

But it's not like it made a difference.

I didn't like it though. So I decided to get back to normal as soon as possible. Knowing Colton, he would pick up on the change immediately. And the last thing I needed was a rejection and constant akwardness. I have to get a grip on it.

So, I calmed my nerves, slowed my racing heart then called my best friend. He picked up at the first ring, and his sweet voice boomed through the line making my senses heighten. I quickly toned it down however, since this call was to help me get a grip.

"Hey what's up? Miss me already?" He asked once he answered.

"I did not! I just wanted to ask what we are doing later" I chuckled at his cockiness.

"Two words. Dough-nuts"

"That's one word you dweep! " I laughed. "How do you have a higher GPA than me? "

"I steal your knowledge when you're asleep" He whispered in what sounded like an attempted evil voice. I laughed extra hard at this.

"Alright Einstein see yah later"

"Bye"

I couldn't help but smile. What was I so worried about?

We were always cool, and we always will be. That's why he's my best friend.

I waited in anticipation at the diner like Colton instructed me to. He was already ten minutes late, and the cold breeze was becoming too much for me. With a frown, I decided to wait inside for him, since punishing myself seemed irrelevant.

I greeted Lukas, the owner, with a huge smile as I waltzed in. He had a big fatherly round belly in front of him that made him seem like a human pillow. He was always nice to me, and since he knew I volunteered at the senior citizen's home where his uncle was at, he would sometimes give me free brownies or muffins with whatever I ordered.

"Hello Lukas. How are you this evening?" I greeted once I was close enough.

"Oh I'm quite great mate. About to close up in thirty minutes. Did you need anything?" I frowned slightly at that. It was only around 6:30 in the evening, but I didn't question why he was closing up shop early.

"Actually, I'll just take two doughnuts please." I smiled brightly as he shot me a knowing look. Every diner, pastry shop or restaurant in London knew Colton's and I main order. It was sort of our thing.

I collected my chocolate covered donut, holding it between my teeth as I retrieved Colton's plain doughnut and my change. I shuffled to a booth by the glass window, so that I could see when he arrives.

The sun was setting, lighting the sky with its beaming splashes of red, pink and orange. I loved to ogle it so much, and I found myself taking multiple pictures with my phone, whilst still holding the doughnut between my teeth. Before I knew it, half of my chocolate covered treat disappeared, and I quickly wrapped it in my napkin, not wanting to spoil tradition. But he couldn't be upset. He's the one who's late anyways.

I snapped quite a few lovely pictures, setting one as my screensaver before quickly sharing it with Shanae. I knew how much she liked things of nature. And though a few building heads were peaking, it was still very much natural.

I was so invested in the pictures, that I didn't even realize that the bell at the door went off, indicating that someone had entered.

"Paris!" The voice of my best friend drew me to his gaze, and I smiled widely until I spotted a certain blonde beside him.

"Anastasia"

"Paris" We both said in unison, seeing that we both seemed surprised to see the other. We both then looked to Colton, who was smiling innocently as if he didn't notice the tension.

"Colton I thought we-" I stopped immediately when I noticed that Anastasia and I were speaking the same thing. I threw daggers at him with my eyes, and he just seemed to have noticed the tension.

He looked about for a while before his eyes landed on my half eaten doughnut and his still sitting there.

"Great you got doughnuts" He beamed, but the blonde's frown only grew as she eyed them too.

"And none for me I see" She laughed awkwardly, trying to hide her emotions.

"That's okay babe. I'll go get you one"

"Babe?" I mimicked out loud without realizing, and even her seemed shocked, but it quickly transformed into pride as her eyes glistened in happiness.

"Okay" She mumbled, sitting across me as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

I nibbled on the other half of my snack, since the specialness and sentiment was now stripped from 'our thing'. I avoided eye contact at all cost with her. I wasn't trying to be rude, but I couldn't help the gnawing at my heart as the word repeated over and over in my mind. Babe.

He called her babe!

He only ever called me babe.

Colton was never a guy to rush into things, and even though Anastasia was literally a model, it would take months before he decides to initiate anything, even though he asked me last night if I was okay with it. I still knew he only asked just to be clear if he should let himself fall.

I mean, that's what happened all the other times he pursued a female. Though maybe they all just excused themselves after being uncomfortable with how close we were, as Shanae suggested.

A wicked smile tugged at my lips as I thought about how Anastasia is no different. It was quite selfish of me to want to scare her away, but if I did it all those other times when I wasn't even trying, imagine if I tried?

I bit my lips to contain a smile as he returned with her doughnut. My heart sunk when he quickly pecked her cheek as he handed it to her, but I quickly composed myself.

"Um Col? I ate all my doughnut." I batted my eyelashes with a pout that I knew did wonders on his heart. "Can you get me one for the road please?"

"Sure" He beamed, completely oblivious to my real intentions. "Anything else?"

I shrugged. "And our favourite" I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth again, holding back my smirk at how well I did that. Anastasia seemed uncomfortable, and I almost felt bad for being a bitch. Almost.

"You guys are really close huh?" She asked after a while of silence, and I causally shrugged.

"Yea. We've been mates for years. We're practically inseparable." She tensed at this, and I could already see my plan working.

She twisted the napkin between her fingers as we sat in silence. I couldn't tell what was going through her mind. I knew it was unfair of me to be doing this, but I have known Colton for years. I never intended to fall for him, but what can I do?

Maybe, just maybe, he feels the same way too but he just doesn't know it yet. Maybe there is actually a chance for us, but Anastasia is distracting him from his true feelings. I'm sure of it.

Colton returned with my doughnut and three blueberry smoothies. I didn't feel annoyed that he got one for her too. Who wouldn't? It was solely polite.

"Okay one chocolate covered doughnut and a blueberry smoothie for you" He spoke as he handed me my food."And one for mah-lady" I frowned at that but then I realised that Anastasia's face looked the same as mine.

"Um, Colton. I-I don't like blueberries" She voiced her concerns, and I quickly pulled my straw between my lips to hide my simper as she looked between the two of us holding the smoothies.

"Oh I'm sorry. I can get you something else if you want?"

"No" She quickly protested, standing up. "I think I'll just go"

Yes.

"No" He held onto her before she could leave, and I could see the tears behind her eyes.

My heart suddenly fell when I realized how childish, selfish and mean I was being. I purposely hurt her just because he chose her and not me. I sighed as my throat suddenly felt dry. I knew I was being unreasonable, but can I hide what my heart truly felt?

I sighed again as I listened to their bickering. " Anastasia, don't go" I said out loud, stopping both of them. "Let's all go have fun. It'll give us a chance to know each other more. You know, since you'll probably be around a while" I offered her a genuine smile as I blinked back my own tears.

My heart protested completely to what my mouth said, but my mind tried to remind it to be rational, fair and realistic.

Once Colton and I are alone and I am very much sober, I'll be a big girl and tell him my true feelings. I'll do it soon too, before he takes things too far with Anastasia, which might leave him in a sticky situation.

If he felt the same way, then great. But if he didn't, I'd just have to accept that and actually not try and scare off any girl that comes into his life. It'll be awkward for a while, but we'll bounce back.

Colton would do literally anything for me, so I had to keep his best interest at heart instead of mine. He deserved that much.

"Really?" She asked. "Are you sure?" Her voice was small, but I could see the a smile pulling on her plump lips.

"I'm sure. If I made you feel uncomfortable, I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention" I half lied. It was my intention to make her uncomfortable, but I really was sorry.

Her smile only grew as her eyes lit up, and I could see that she really liked Colton. I mean who wouldn't?

"I'll order what ever drink I'll like and meet you guys at the car then" She suggested excitingly as we headed outside. I nodded slightly as Colton handed her five pounds.

The sun was completely gone by the time we went outside, and the cool breeze tickled my arms, making me shiver a little.

I felt warm fabric being wrapped around my body, and I quickly looked up to see Colton fixing his jacket around my shoulders. I felt bad, knowing I should've brought my own, but he didn't seem to mind the harsh breeze one bit as he beamed down at me.

My eyes quickly darted inside, seeing Anastasia in deep conversation with Lukas. Knowing Lukas and his conversationalist self, she wouldn't be done for another five minutes. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to tell Colton, but he spoke before me.

"Thank you for what you did back there Paris. Anastasia has alway felt threatened by you, and that really helped" He said, making my heart sink a bit.

"Why would she feel threatened by me? " I laughed awkwardly as if I didn't know. "We're just friends right?"

"I don't know if you've noticed.." He trailed as he leant closer to my ear. "But we're pretty close" He whispered, causing me to laugh at his playful nature.

"Oh I didn't notice at all" I joked along, but my insides felt crushed at the whole conversation. He pulled me to his chest in a hug as our laughter died down, and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out how wonderful it felt to be like this with him.

"I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'm glad you'll be with me. I don't want that to ever change " He mumbled in my hair, and a single tear rolled down my cheek.

I quickly got rid of it as Anastasia emerged from the small diner. She smiled brightly at us as she approached, and Colton openly welcomed her as he swung his arm over her shoulder. And I knew, just knew, that I couldn't tell him.

At least not tonight.

***

Being in the backseat felt so...weird.

It was the second time that I was subjected to being in the backseat on Anataisa's report, and I was not happy about it. From the very moment Colton got his license and first car, I had been riding shotgun with him. Anyone else would simply had to take the back. Hell, I was even there when he got them, so it was kind of actually set in stone.

I knew it was childish being so fussy about something as simple as a car seat, but being in the middle of two of them while they talked, laughed and teased was really making me know what a third wheel felt like.

Of course, they involved me in conversation from time to time, but it was only to ask my opinion on something that they weren't agreeing on. So basically I was the tie-breaker. Great.

From best friend to tie-breaker.

I was trying really hard not to be jealous and remind myself why we were in this situation in the first place. I was giving Anastasia a chance, and giving Colton time to figure out his feelings. Who knows? Maybe this very union with will make him realise what he wanted all along.

'Or you're just being bloody delusional', my subconscious taunted, and I quickly shut her out. These feeling are not one sided. They cant be. I wont believe it until I hear him say it.

"Are we almost there?" I asked over their laughing, feeling very much awkward. I couldn't see much outside, since it started pouring and my window was all foggy.

"Yea almost" Colton answered after a while.

I huffed a little as I leaned back in my seat. I hugged the jacket that he had wrapped around me closer, as I breathed in the wonderful scent of him.

'This isn't healthy', the girl in my mind poked through again.

"Didn't I tell you to shut up?" I snapped out loud, halting the lovely couple's conversation.

"Uh sorry Paris I didn't know we were annoying you." Colton apologized sweetly.

"No no it wasn't you" I quickly dismissed.

"Who was it then?"

I panicked, surely knowing that I couldn't say I was speaking to myself. "Uh my sister." I quickly grabbed my phone from my pocket and perched it on my ears, happy that he didn't take his eyes off the road. "Okay bye now Cinthia. I'll be home by eleven"

I quickly pushed the phone away as my cheeks burnt red. Maybe I was actually crazy.

Luckily, my heart soared in relief when we pulled up to the roller-skating rink. It took a while for us to actually decide where to go.

Ultimately, they chose here, even though I was completely against the idea since I was terribly bad at this. But I realised that Anastasia seemed great at it from the way she got excited about the idea, so Colton would be spending a lot of his time saving ME from falling.

I grabbed the umbrellas from the back as Colton parked as close to the entrance as possible. There were only two umbrellas, and Colton took one while I held onto the other. I handed the other one to Anastasia, but she simply chuckled before joining Colton under his.

Right.

Without waiting for him to lock the car, I ran to the entrance, holding my head down through the heavy rain.

I waited patiently for them to join me, seeing that they were wetter than me by far, but the way how they laughed as they got rid of the excess water made me want to be want to be like that too. Stupid but true.

"Um can we go in? I'm kinda cold" I snapped. I was cold in more ways than one it seemed.

"Yea sure come on" Colton smiled as he led us in. The warmth immediately hit me and I almost moaned in delight. I never minded the cold, but I would choose to be warm over cold anyday.

Colton paid for our time as we collected our shoes, and I was stuck with a bright neon pink one, since they're were no more in my size.

Great.

Now every time when I fall, everyone will see my pink neon flying upwards like a bloody flag. Nonetheless, I sketched a smile on my face and hoped for the best.

"Hey um... Thank you for letting me tag along. I know how sentimental you and Colton can get. He talks about you a lot" Anastasia said as she sat beside me to lace up her skates up--her beautiful ombre skates might I add.

"It's okay. You seem like great company and Colton likes you" I replied as cool as possible. It wasn't a lie. She did seem like nice company, but just not my company.

"Still. It means a lot. I actually thought you didn't like me"

"Whaaaat? No " I waved her off. "Us girls have to look out for each other, don't we not? "

Hypocrite Paris. Hypocrite.

"Indeed" She replied, trying to sound british but failed miserably. I laughed with her nonetheless, seeing that she was just playing.

We got eager as we rolled to the big round opening with teenagers and kids rolling around with their friends, lovers or families. It was always such a happy place, filled with laughter love and warmth--totally contrasting to the rain that was beating on the roof like an invasive monster trying to get through.

But despite the weather, people were having fun, and though I never learned to skate and my shoes with wheel currently resembled something that an unicorn made for breakfast, I looked forward to having fun too.

I'd be with my best friend and Anastaisa who really seemed like a nice person who wants genuine friendship. This could be a good thing. If I get too distraught whenever I fall, Colton will be there to pick me up, and we'll laugh away together in the sunset--with Anastasia.

However, after thirty minutes rolling around and falling on my bum way too much, I wasn't being showered with booboo kisses, neither was I given the attention I desired.

In fact, it turns out that Anastasia was as terrible at roller skating as I am, and so all of Colton's hushes, booboo kisses and chivalry catches were for her, while I was left with a sore bum, aching feet and a few sad stares from people.

Such a third wheel.

So, I decided to stay to the side by myself, just watching as the happy friends, families and couples enjoyed their time. I was pretty much in the same category with the rain outside- cold, alone and dying to get into the warmth with everyone.

The story of my life.

I let my eyes wonder a bit, and I let my eyes drift to the food court as my tummy rolled. An idea struck my mind, and I decided to ask Colton if we could all eat now--together--as in, including me.

With a little jolt in my spirit, I spun back around to search for them. But as I did, I saw the one thing that made my heart fall. He did the one thing that completely crushed me.

He kissed her.

Well it was more of a peck; quick and over in a second. But I saw it and I felt like I was losing him--like I already did.

So, I did the one thing that came to my mind.

I fell.

And not accidentally, but on purpose with a loud shriek of help, definitely catching his attention.

'You're crazy', my subconscious accused, but I quickly shut her up as I waited for him to reach me. A girl rolled over towards me in concern, but I hissed at her like a kitten, causing her to redirect her route. Seconds later, he arrived with a worried looking blonde on his trail.

"Gosh Paris are you hurt?" He asked as he stooped beside me. I winced a bit when he twisted my ankle, and I felt a little pain jolt from there. It wasn't anything serious, probably be gone in a few minutes. "I'm so stupid. I forgot you were terrible at this" He mumbled to himself as he assessed my perfectly intact ankle.

"It's okay" I lied, knowing damn well why I faked the accident in the first place.

"Oh my gosh Paris are you okay?" Anastasia cooed as she finally reached us.

"I'm fine" Fine now.

"I can go get an ice-pack" She offered, and I nodded in agreement.

"No I'll go. You stay with her" Colton immediately dismissed. "You're just as bad at roller skating as Paris. I don't want you to get hurt too"

"Um wont you be careful Anastasia?" I rushed out, not wanting him to leave. "I need to tell you something important" I decided to say, because I had no real way to justify my suggestion.

However, this caught his attention as he simply nodded at Anastasia after telling her to be slow and careful.

My throat grew tight as I thought about what I'd say to him. I knew I decided to tell him about my feelings for him, but I wasn't suppose to do that when Anastasia was here.

But then I thought, would I even get another change to tell him? He kissed her for pete's sake! That's enough to tell me that he was actually planning on being serious with her. Even if it was just a peck, Colton had a fear of lips. He didn't even kiss me on the lips.

'Why would he you psycho?'

"What is it Paris? You know you can tell me anything right?" He assured, and I quickly pulled up my big girl panties.

"Colton I love you" I mumbled, looking him right in the eyes. He smiled sheepishly, so I knew he didn't get what I meant.

"I know Paris. I love you too"

"No not like that. I love-love you" I dropped my gaze a bit, scared and in anticipation as I waited for him to answer, but he just chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean Colton"

His eyebrows scrunched in confusion as he eyed me with his lips slightly ajar-something that happened when he didn't know what to say.

"Paris you cant be serious" He insisted, but little did he know. His reaction was getting me emotional, as this wasn't what I expected.

'Were you expecting a love declaration too?'

'Yes I was!' I snapped back in my head, feeling utterly flustered and hurt.

"Oh but I am Colton. Yesterday at the dance wasn't just my drunkenness-"

"Stop Paris" he snapped, taking me completely by surprise. "Where is this coming from? Is it because I'm with Anastasia?"

I shook my head rapidly as behind my eyes burnt with tears. "No it was before her. I just- I just didn't want to mess up things and I-"

"So why mess it up now?" He sounded angry, and I didn't understand why. This wasn't suppose to happen. He wasn't suppose to be angry.

"I-I just felt like I was running out of time" I managed to say as my voice cracked. I was always a cry baby, and Colton knew this.

"Running out of time to do what Paris? So this IS about Anastasia isn't it? If you think that we're going to spend less time together, you don't have to. I already made it clear to her that you'll always be in my life"

I held my head down, quickly swiping away a tear that fell from my eye as my heart broke to a million pieces. I should've listened to the smarter and rational side of my brain and believe that he had no feelings for me.

I'm his friend, and that's all he'll see me as.

"Yea I'm silly. I'm just a bit territorial you know?" I managed a fake laugh. "I know now that Anastasia wont change anything between us" I avoided eye contact at all costs as I wobbled back to my feet.

He rose with me too, catching me when I almost fell, but I quickly pulled away. His calm demeanour was back now that he believed that my declaration was solely confusion.

Gosh was I that unlikable?

"See what a little Col-to-Par talk can do? Next time if you're feeling doubtful about something, talk to me" He probed, and my heart fell even more.

I needed to get away. I felt like running to the rain and never returning, becoming one with every droplet that will wash away the tears that fell from my eyes.

And that's what I did.

Despite the amount of time I tumbled, I ran away on wheels through the bunch of happy people, through the food court and towards the exit, skates still to my feet and all.

My eyes blurred with tears as I neared the exit, but I refused to let them fall before I felt the water beating on my face. I didn't want to wipe my tears. It'd just remind me how pathetic I was.

But instead, since the universe obviously hates me, I slipped on all the water tracked inside by people from the rain, and I was falling back in what felt like slow motion. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for impact, but it never came.

Instead, I was caught by strong warm arms, saving me from the grand headache that I would've gotten if I indeed had hit the ground. My heart swirled a little at the thought that Colton had followed me and rescued me. But the scent of the person was completely different from that of Colton's, so I knew it wasn't him.

"Woah easy there Skates" The person said, amusement evident in his voice. I stiffened, realising that a stranger caught me. I was also aware of how stupid I might've looked with my eyes still squeezed shut and my body as stiff as a board.

"You can open your eyes" He offered, which was followed by a light chuckle.

I slowly squinted my eyes open, my chest heaving up and down as his blurry image became clearer by the second.

I suckled in a breath when I could get a good visual of his face, and to say I was awestruck was an understatement. He was gorgeous, and not just any gorgeous--nope. He was drop-dead gorgeous.

Well hello there.