The Girl Code

Chapter four

That same day, mom had her friends come over, so I had to keep myself busy by cleaning the store room. Sage offered to help.

While cleaning, Sage told me how she'd want both of us to study in Paris after high school, and that Cade could actually come along if things got better between them. What things? Was the question that had my entire head twisted.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, I know it sounds crazy, but I've had a crush on him for months." She confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, really?" I asked, my voice laced with a mix of surprise and hurt. Her love confession left me off guard, rendering me speechless. I wanted to confess everything I felt for Cade and what we started, yet I chose to keep it locked away, hidden from view.

"There's no doubt he feels the same way about me. What do you think, bestie ?" Sage went on.

"I... I'm no love expert, but it could be possible that he might not feel the same way about you." I said, trying to talk Sage out of it other than telling her the truth. I know she deserved the truth, but I was just so scared, didn't want to lose her or Cade.

"Why are you always so negative, Wanda?" she asked, "Who wouldn't want to go out with me?"

"Of course, you are pretty, outgoing and smart. You deserve better than Cade, he'll only hurt you."

"Yeah, easy said about someone you don't like, right? You are always against him."

"I'm just looking out for you, don't want what happened with Dean repeat itself, do I ?"

"Dean was a big jerk, but Cade is nothing like him, I know we are meant for each other. Come on Wanda, I need you to be okay with this, please."

What was I doing? I had to tell Sage the truth.

"But what if he already has a girlfriend?" I asked , my knees shaking as I tried to keep myself calm. It must have been karma.

"No, I mean, it's not possible, I would have at least known with Ket and the others so close to his friends."

"Sage, what I meant to say is, I'm his girl..."

Just before I could finish my sentence, mom walked in offering us a few snacks and there went my moment of truth. I had to find a way to tell Sage the truth before she approached Cade asking him to be her boyfriend. Since when do girls ask boys out anyway? Why didn't anyone tell me that Cade and I being together would come with a huge cost?

Before I realized it, Sage was already telling mom about Cade and she kept urging her to talk to him about it.

"You are such a pretty girl, darling. You look like a celebrity, learn something from your best friend, Wanda." said mom. And clearly, she wasn't helping. Well,mom is the kind of those mothers that prioritize work over everything else. Growing up, I didn't get much attention from her cause she is always busy with work , and I'm used to it.

I excused myself and went to cry in my room. I felt like a horrible person lying to my own best friend.

The next day, I hurried to see Cade and let him know what was going on. If I didn't know what to do, maybe he would.

"Wait, why didn't you tell her the truth?" he asked.

"It's not that simple Cade,we are talking about my best friend having feelings for my boyfriend."

"Listen, there's nothing wrong with you and trying to look out for Sage, but hiding something like this from her is really a big risk to take." he said, "Besides, I don't think it would be okay for Sage not to be happy for you being with someone you love. I'd tell her myself, but it would be better if she hears it from her best friend."

That helped alot. Cade was right, I couldn't continue lying to my best friend anymore, I had to let her know everything. Even if it meant things between us not being the same anymore.

Cade hugged me and it made me feel even better. I loved how caring he was to me. A great confidence booster.

Just then, the moment I had feared to arrive came true. It was Sage, standing at the door way with tears rolling down her cheeks. I tried to speak, but words left me. I felt a sharp pain in my body,it was like Scott from the X-Men was looking at me without his glasses.

Sage wiped off her tears and left. I quickly ran after her leaving Cade.

"Sage, I can explain." I said.

"Explain what? You knew I had feelings for him, and you still pursued him!" her voice trembled with anger and hurt.

"Sage, I tried to tell you, believe me."

"Just drop the act already! What were you going to tell me exactly? That you are secretly pursuing the love of my life? Why do you always try to compete with me in everything!"

"Competition? Oh, you are one to talk now Sage?"

I admit Sage was hurt, but she shouldn't have crossed the line.

"Let me tell you something, Wanda, without me you are are nothing, I made you everything you are. Cade was supposed to be my boyfriend, but you stole him from me!"

"This isn't just about Cade, it's about you having everything, getting all the attention. Not anymore Sage, you can't have everything you want. You toyed with Cade and made him believe that you are in love with him when all you wanted was to be seen with him, you care less about him. So if seeing him happy with me bothers you alot,then that's your problem, cause I will continue to date him, so live with it already!" And then I walked off. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I walked home, I lost my best friend for good.