Is He Mine Or Hers

Chapter 26

Tina's POV

Summer holidays had come to an end, leaving behind nothing but memories and a lingering frustration that I couldn't shake off. Uni life would start soon, drowning us in assignments, projects, and exams. Second year meant double the workload and pressure, but right now, my anger had little to do with academics.

While I was drowning in these thoughts, my phone buzzed.

Joe: I'll pick you up at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning.

It was supposed to be our last summer trip. A simple, perfect day at the shack on the beach. Just Joe, me and our friends, like we'd planned. I smiled at the thought until reality hit the next morning.

At exactly 8 a.m., Joe's car pulled up. I opened the door, ready to occupy my rightful place in the passenger seat. My heart sank when I saw Tamara sitting there, looking perfectly at ease, as though it was her seat all along. I froze, shocked and furious, but I masked my anger and climbed into the back seat.

"Hey," Joe greeted, adjusting the rearview mirror.

"Hey," I muttered back, biting my tongue to stop myself from lashing out.

He smiled, and I returned a half-hearted one before pulling out my phone to avoid further interaction. A plan had been forming in my head for days: we'd have breakfast somewhere nice, drive to the shack, and listen to our favorite playlist. But the sight of Tamara in the front seat, where I should have been, sent all those plans crashing down.

Why is she here? I thought, fuming silently. Did Joe forget we're dating, or does Tamara just not care?

The drive was painfully quiet. Tamara made a weak attempt at conversation, but Joe brushed her off, claiming he needed to focus on driving. Meanwhile, I plugged in my earbuds, blasting music to drown out my anger. I caught Joe glancing at me through the mirror a few times, but I ignored him.

When we arrived, the beach was packed. Families, couples, and groups of friends soaked up the sun or splashed in the waves. Trisha and Edam waved at me from near their car. Without a word, I stepped out and headed straight for them.

"Here," Trisha said, handing me a burger and coffee. She gave me a knowing look. I'd already texted her about Tamara on the way.

I glanced back at Joe, who was still standing by his car, staring at me.

"I didn't know you were hungry," Joe said when he finally joined us.

"Well, you never asked," I snapped, taking an angry bite of my burger.

Before Joe could respond, Tamara sauntered over and wrapped her hand around his arm, flashing her usual fake smile.

"Hi, Trisha. Edam," she greeted them sweetly.

But not me, I noted, grinding my teeth. What's her problem?

"We should find a spot before the sun gets too strong," Tamara chirped, tugging Joe toward the beach.

Joe gently disentangled himself. "Asher and Noah already found a spot. We're fine," he replied flatly, his eyes darting back to me.

"I need to talk to Tina," he added, walking over. Trisha, sensing the tension, grabbed Tamara's arm and said, "Come on, I'll show you where it is." She practically dragged Tamara away, leaving Joe and me alone.

"You look upset," he said cautiously, stepping closer.

"Upset?" I scoffed. "What does it look like, Joe?"

"May I know what I've done to make you angry?" His voice was soft, almost pleading, but it only fueled my frustration.

"You really don't know?" I snapped, crossing my arms. "It was supposed to be us driving here. Just us. Then you tag Tamara along without even telling me."

Joe sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "She wasn't supposed to come. She told me last night she wasn't interested, but this morning, she just showed up, said she'd changed her mind, and got in the car. I didn't have time to warn you."

"Fine," I said, though it wasn't fine at all. "But why does she always sit in the front? She knows we're dating, Joe. That's my place."

He leaned against the car, his hands buried in his pockets. "She's used to it, I guess. She always sits in front when we're driving together. It's… not intentional."

I laughed bitterly. "Not intentional? You need to set some boundaries, Joe. When I'm with you, she needs to respect our relationship. Otherwise, she can keep pretending she's your girlfriend."

Joe's face fell. I saw the guilt in his eyes, but I wasn't about to let it slide. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know this hurt you so much, but I'll talk to Tamara. I promise."

"You'd better," I muttered, though my anger was already starting to melt.

He hesitated before adding, "I didn't eat breakfast either. I thought we'd grab something together, but… well, the Tamara thing happened."

I sighed, my irritation softening just enough to let guilt creep in. "You should've said something earlier. I didn't even offer to share my food. Ugh, I'm such an idiot."

He smiled faintly. "You're not an idiot. But if it makes you feel better…" He leaned down and kissed me softly. "Now I've had breakfast."

My cheeks burned, and I couldn't help but laugh. "You're impossible," I said, pulling a nut bar from my bag. "Here. This'll hold you over until lunch."

We walked toward the shack together, our argument fading like a distant storm, though I knew the Tamara issue wasn't fully resolved. For now, I'd take the small victories and him. The person who matters most to me.

Tamara's POV

It seemed like my plan was finally working. Justin had agreed to help me, though I knew his reasons were self-serving. I didn't care, as long as the outcome worked in my favor. After Joe confessed his love for Tina and reduced me to just a childhood friend, I couldn't let it end like that. I texted Joe, apologizing for my outburst, playing the part of the regretful friend who had "lost control." To my delight, he accepted my apology. It was almost too easy.

When he saw me standing by his car that morning, his expression was priceless. Shock, confusion, and a hint of annoyance. It was all there. Perfect.

"Morning, Joe! I couldn't bear to miss this weekend with everyone," I said, my voice dripping with false cheer. Without giving him a chance to argue, I hopped into the front seat. He won't dare make a scene, not with Tina waiting to be picked up.

As we pulled up to Tina's place, I couldn't resist smirking when she climbed into the backseat without a word to me. Good. Let her stew in her little bubble of anger. Her silence only fueled my determination. I knew she and Joe must have had plans, but I was here to ruin them, one step at a time.

When we arrived at the beach house, Tina's reaction to me being there was everything I'd hoped for. She stormed out of the car without even glancing at Joe, her anger written all over her face. I could tell she was furious, and it thrilled me.

She's already on edge, I thought smugly, watching Joe chase after her. Now to make sure she stays that way.

I waited a few minutes before casually walking over to where Tina stood with Joe, Trisha, and Edam. Ignoring her completely, I grabbed Joe's arm, entwining it with mine.

"Let's head to the beach," I said sweetly, ignoring the death glare Tina shot my way. Joe hesitated, glancing at Tina, who was practically fuming.

"I'll catch up," he said, untangling himself. Of course, he wants to chase her, I thought bitterly. But I wasn't giving up yet.

As everyone settled at the beach, I kept my eyes on Joe and Tina. From a distance, I could see them arguing. Tina's body language was stiff, her hands flailing dramatically as she spoke, while Joe looked exasperated. Then, out of nowhere, they kissed.

No. No, no, no! My nails dug into my palms as I watched. How does she keep pulling him back?

Trisha's laugh brought me back to reality. She and Edam were chatting about something meaningless, but I couldn't focus. I needed to do something to break Joe's resolve.

Taking out my sunscreen, I turned to Joe, who had just returned from his argument with Tina.

"Hey, Joe, could you help me with this?" I asked, handing him the bottle. I adjusted my bikini top for effect, making sure he noticed the new set I'd bought specifically for this weekend.

"Uh… sure," he said hesitantly, taking the lotion. As his hands touched my back, a shiver ran down my spine. This is how it should be. Him touching me, not her.

"You've always been so helpful," I said, my voice soft. "Remember when we were kids, and you'd help me with everything? It feels like old times."

"Tamara…" His voice trailed off, but I was too focused on the moment to care.

"Hmm?" I leaned back slightly, closing my eyes. This is how it starts, Joe. You'll see that I'm the one for you.

Before he could respond, Tina stormed over.

"Looks like you're busy," she snapped. "I'll be at the shack with the others." Her tone was venomous, and I almost laughed. That's right. Get mad. Get jealous.

Joe left shortly after to follow Tina, and I wasn't going to let the opportunity slip. I grabbed burgers and fries from a nearby stall and made my way to them. They were in the middle of another heated argument when I arrived.

"Here, Joe," I interrupted, handing him the food. "You haven't eaten all day."

Tina's glare could have melted steel.

"I know you get cranky when you're hungry," I added with a chuckle, ignoring Tina entirely. "Eat up. You'll feel better."

Joe hesitated, glancing between me and Tina. "Thanks, Tamara," he said finally, taking the food.

Tina stood abruptly, grabbing Veronica's hand. "Come on," she said coldly, walking off.

Good riddance.

Back at the beach, I caught up with Justin. He was lounging in the sand, watching everything unfold with a knowing smirk.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I asked, sitting beside him.

"Not as much as you are," he teased. "But I have to admit, it's entertaining."

I sighed, glancing at Joe, who was now sitting alone, staring at the water. Why does he keep running after her?

"I need something bigger," I muttered, more to myself than to Justin. "Something that will make him see she's not right for him."

Justin leaned closer. "Careful, Tamara. You're playing a dangerous game."

I turned to him, narrowing my eyes. "I don't care. I've come too far to back down now."

As the sun climbed higher, casting its scorching heat over the beach, everyone huddled beneath the shade of the umbrella. My eyes locked on Joe and Tina, their hands intertwined like they belonged together. The sight sent a surge of anger through me, my chest tightening with frustration. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. I clenched my fists, determination sparking within me. I needed a new plan and I needed it now.

You can't win, Tina. Not this time.

Joe's POV

I chased after Tina, my heart pounding with every step. She had stormed off earlier, her expression torn between anger and heartbreak, and I knew this was my fault. Every bit of it. I spotted her sitting under a beach umbrella, staring at the ocean like it might offer her the answers I had failed to give.

As I approached, guilt hit me like a wave. Her shoulders were tense, her fingers nervously twisting the bracelet I had given her. How did I let it get this far?

"I'm sorry," I began, my voice shaky. She didn't turn to look at me, but I pressed on. "I know I've hurt you, Tina. I should have been clear about Tamara from the start. I should've set boundaries."

Still nothing. Her silence was louder than any argument we could've had.

I crouched next to her, desperate to make her understand. "I promise I'll talk to Tamara. Just... just give me some time. I know she can be a lot, but I'll fix this."

She finally turned, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The sight nearly shattered me. I wanted to pull her into my arms, to erase the hurt I'd caused. Instead, she spoke, her voice trembling but firm.

"Joe, I don't mind you two being friends. I really don't. But she doesn't respect our space. She... she hates me. I can see it. She's always trying to make me feel like I don't belong, like I'm in the way." She paused, her voice breaking. "And the worst part? I don't know why. She was nice before, but now..."

She sighed and squeezed my hand, her touch both comforting and accusing. "I love you, Joe, but I can't keep fighting over something so... so stupid."

The words cut deep. She loved me, but I was failing her. I wanted to tell her everything. How Tamara had confessed her love for me, how she wasn't over it. But I couldn't. Not now. It felt like throwing gasoline on an already burning fire.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Trisha's voice interrupted the moment. She waved from the water, oblivious to the tension. "Come on, let's swim!"

Tina stood, brushing sand off her legs. She glanced back at me, her eyes softer now but still guarded. "Are you coming?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just give me a second."

As she walked toward the waves, I stayed back for a moment, watching her. How could one person hold so much of my heart?

We swam together, and for a moment, it felt like everything was okay. She laughed as I showed her how to float, her earlier anger melting away with each splash of water. We kissed under the sun, a quiet promise to leave the chaos behind.

But peace never lasted long around Tamara.

Justin's panicked screams jolted us out of the moment. I turned to see her flailing in the water, her head bobbing under the waves. My stomach dropped. Tamara was drowning.

Instinct kicked in. I led Tina toward the shallow water and dove in, swimming hard toward Tamara. My chest burned, both from exertion and the nagging thought: How is this even happening? Tamara had been on the swim team in school. She knew how to handle herself in the water.

I reached her just as she went under again, pulling her limp body to the shore. My heart was racing, my breaths shallow as I laid her on the sand.

"Tamara, wake up!" I tapped her face, my voice rising with panic. Finally, her eyes fluttered open. She gasped, tears streaming down her face as she clung to me.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible before she broke into sobs. I held her for a moment, more out of shock than comfort. Then, she kissed me.

It happened so fast I didn't have time to react. Her lips pressed against mine, and all I could do was freeze. My mind screamed at me to pull away, but the damage was already done.

When I looked up, Tina was standing a few feet away, her face pale with disbelief. Her hand shot to her mouth, tears spilling freely now.

"Tina, wait..."

But she was already gone, running toward the parking lot. My chest ached, and my mind spiraled. What just happened?

Justin helped Tamara up, throwing me a look I couldn't decipher. "I'll take her home," he said, leading her toward his car. I didn't stop him. I couldn't.

I barely noticed Calvin until he clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, man. Let's head to the shack."

I followed numbly, every step heavy with regret. At the shack, Calvin handed me a beer, but I couldn't even taste it. My mind replayed the kiss, Tina's face, and the betrayal in her eyes.

Why would Tamara do this? Why now?

I left Calvin without a word and searched the beach for Tina. When Edam finally told me where she was, I ran to his van like my life depended on it.

Tina was curled up in the backseat, her face buried in her hands. Trisha and Veronica gave me a warning look but left us alone.

I slid in beside her, my voice barely a whisper. "Tina..."

She didn't look at me. Her silence was a dagger to my chest.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice breaking. "I didn't know she would do that. I didn't want any of this to happen."

Still nothing. I took her hand, holding it tightly between mine.

"Tamara has feelings for me," I admitted. Her head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"What?"

"She told me last week," I continued. "But I swear, I told her I didn't feel the same. I told her I love you."

Her lips trembled, and she pulled her hand away. "And you didn't think to tell me? Joe, do you have any idea how humiliating this is for me?"

"I was trying to protect you," I said desperately. "I didn't want to hurt you more."

She stared at me for a long moment before sighing. "I think we need a break."

"No," I said immediately. "Please, Tina. Don't do this."

"It's not forever," she said softly. "I just... I need time, Joe. And so do you. Fix things with Tamara. Then we'll see."

Her words were a lifeline, but they still left me drowning. I kissed her forehead, praying it wasn't the last time, and watched her walk away with Trisha and Veronica.

I clenched my fists. Tamara had gone too far this time. And I was done letting her ruin everything.

___________________________________

"When every effort to mend feels like tearing the seams further, hope becomes the only thread left to hold on to."