Chapter 21

Ari's POV :o

When Caden said that he wanted to talk to me , I stiffened. The way he broke up with me last semester just broke my heart. I'm not the type of girl to be sad about everything, I'm actually really bubbly and happy most of the time. But this time was different

I always thought Caden and I were meant for each other and that we would date until we finish high school at least, guess I was wrong.

After a lot of help from Adam I moved on and went back to my happy self. Everything was going perfectly , I met Claire and we became friends. Things got a little weird when she became friends with Alec and the gang, but after a while it didn't bother me anymore. But at the party Caden approached me , I tried to walk away but he wouldn't let me.

Then he told me why he broke up with me. To tell you the truth his intentions were good , I can't deny that. But the fact that he didn't tell me and just broke up with me. That made me angry . I was pissed at him. I was ready to never forgive him.

But then the things Claire said to me , the way she explained things. It made me think. Just the hate and anger I had towards Caden made me tired . It wore me out .

Just the way Claire explained her point of view , it made me see things in a different way. And I decided on what to do.

I looked at Caden then sighed and nodded . I got up and packed my stuff. I looked at Claire hoping she notices, luckily she did and took my stuff and put them next to hers.

I started walking out of the cafeteria . Caden walked right behind me silently , but as I left I felt all of the cafeteria staring at us but I ignored them.

....

Once I reached the back of the school, I leaned against the wall. Caden stood in front of me. We just stood there silently fro a minute.

I grew tired of just waiting and I looked at him. "So, what do you want?" I asked him. I felt myself shaking a bit , I tried to stay still but it just wasn't happening.

Caden looked at me sadly, he tried to say something but he couldn't get the words out. I heard him take in a deep breath then he started talking.

"Listen, I know I messed up. I messed up real bad. What I did had no excuses." Caden said. " I wasn't thinking properly , I shouldn't have caved in into my parents blackmail. " He continued.

"I know that you have no reason to forgive or give another chance. But please give another chance , please." Caden said, practically begging.

I looked at him and thought through his words. All that he said is true, I have no reason to give another chance , he didn't give me a reason to.

I know that if he asked me to give him another chance I would have told him to leave me alone. But thinking back to what Claire said , my thoughts are conflicted .

I stared at him for what felt like a year. Then I started talking.

"I have no reason to forgive you. "I claimed while looking at him. Caden looked like he is going to break down. "What you did hurt me , a lot. " I continued. Caden was about to say something but I cut him off, "Please don't say anything , until I finish." I said, he closed his mouth and stared at me.

"But I am . I am going to forgive you, but not for you Caden. For me . Everything that happened to me made tired . I am tired of everything that happened. " I said, finally getting it off my chest.

Caden looked relieved , but I continued. "About the other chance. I don't know if I can do that again. I don't know if I can date you again." I said. He looked sad.

"But I can try to be friends again. We are friends with the same people. And Claire and Alec finally started a relationship. I don't want to ruin that." I said.

I looked at him then said , "I hope we can move on and build a friendship again." I finished .

I gave him one last look then left, apparently at the right moment since I heard the bell ringing.

.......

I went to the next class that I shared with Claire. Once I entered the class everyone stared at me but I ignored them and headed straight to my seat which is beside Claire.

I sat down and looked at Claire. She smiled at me and I smiled and whispered 'later'. She nodded .

We waited for the teacher but he didn't come. After a bit another teacher came in and said, " the teacher can't teach today, everyone is free to leave." then she left.

I looked at Claire and she nodded, I took my stuff from Claire and we headed out.

....

We went to the library since nobody ever goes there. W entered the library and headed to the back. We sat down at one of the tables and I started telling her everything.

Minutes later

Claire looked at me , and she gave me a small smile. "Do you feel better?" she asked me. " You know what? I do , I'm a bit relieved. I'm now nervous for what's to come . But I'm happy." I said .

"I'm glad . I'm happy for you, I'm happy that you are ready to move into the next step." she said .

"Thank you , you helped me a lot ." I said gratefully. Claire looked at me then engulfed me in a hug that I happily returned.

We broke apart then I said, "Well enough about me, you are going to a date with Alec? Finally?"

Claire blushed and scratched her neck, "Yep." she said, I raised my eyebrows and said, "That's it?" . Claire nodded.

"Oh come on, tell me something." I whined. Claire looked at me then sighed and said, " Well , we're going out this week . I still don't know where we are going or what we are doing . But I'm excited."

I smirked at her then said, "Well don't worry I'll be there to help you , don't worry."

Claire whispered a small thank you, then we just talked about random stuff.