You Cheated on Me Remember?

Chapter Four

All week Jake has been texting me and calling me so much that I nearly threw my phone at someone in the head. But good thing I had will power. If I give him a second chance, how will I know if he will cheat on me again? I am not going through another heartbroken phase. Even at school he's been trying to get us alone, but it's a thing called friends. Friends back you up and are always by your side.

Jake doesn't have the balls to apologize to me in front of people. I get the privacy part but when you’re trying to get your girlfriend back after cheating on her, you don't worry about getting embarrassed or shy.

"Oomph!" The next thing I see is the wooden floor. Supporting myself using my hands, I lifted myself off what helped me stay balanced while talking to Kane.

"You know it would be a whole lot easier if you just hurry up." Nikki advised while standing in front of my closet.

"Easy for you to say." I pointed out as my face meets something soft other than something hard and has been walked on. "You’re not the one who's going on a date in 10 minutes and has to pick an outfit that will break necks." I muffled into my pillow.

Right now, it was Friday night and I haven't even decided out an outfit. Nikki rushed over and held up shirts.

"Get up." I did what I was told. Nikki walked over to my bed and held an outfit in front of me. "Try it on." She threw it in my face and shuffled quickly over to my vanity mirror getting out every girls' accessories and needs for a date.

My feet automatically picked me up and sauntered into the en suit that was conveniently adjoined with my room. I stripped my clothes off and put on the outfit. I was clad in something other than leggings and a baggy t-shirt.

I walked back into the room, observing myself in the body-length mirror. For once, my legs looked model-like, pleasing me. My brown hair cascaded down my back in waterfalls.

A slap on the butt snapped me out of admiring my look.

Nikki was a fascinating one. She's always been a special Asian with bright grey eyes.

She dragged me and slammed my butt into the seat belonging to the vanity mirror.

Nikki's hands worked so fast, that the next thing I knew a strand of my hair was braided and put to the front side of my head, my eyelashes were thick with mascara and my cheeks were blushed.

"Ow!" I yelped from the pinches Nikki gave me for the natural effect.

"You look just cot!" I stared at her with a quizzical face.

"Cot?" I asked spinning the chair around, obviously not knowing what cot means.

"Oh, it's a combination of cute and hot." Her hands were held up in the air, then connected together to form cot. "Cot. Hot enough to make Kane drool but cute to make you irresistible." Then she mouthed the word cot silently whilst shaking her head. A horrified expression crossed her face after she realized what she said.

I raised my eyebrows at her and stared at her as if she had just grown another head.

"I have got to stop spending time with my cousins," she reprimanded herself and sat down on the bed.

Sometimes I don't know what goes on in her mind but that's what makes her creative.

"Ok, here put these on and I'll take a picture." She handed me strappy sandals that completed the look.

I smiled and a flash appeared. She showed me the picture and after a nod of approval, she sent it to my parents.

It was a way of showing them I was happy back at home even though they weren't here with me.

I looked at the time on my purple digital alarm clock on my bed side table and said, "I got to go." She nodded and gave me a good-luck hug. I ran down the stairs and smiled into the mirror near the front door. It's a good thing I brushed my teeth and chewed gum before leaving.

I had everything with me. Bag, check, phone, check, game on, check. I locked the front door and walked 10 feet over the grass, entering my new neighbor's property.

"Hey." My attention was on Kane know. He was in a t-shirt and jeans. A simple outfit but yet every piece of clothing brought out his

abs....

biceps....

And even....

Yeah, my game is not on.

"You look great." His eyes traveled up and down with a smile. A warm smile.

"Thanks." I couldn't help but blush, again. "Looks like you guys got everything packed in already." He nodded. Three figures stepped into the garage from the inside of the house. One father, one mother, and one sister.

"These are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas. This is my lovely sister." He said sarcastically at the end. We shook hands.

"Hi, my name's Amber Vivern. I'm your neighbor." I gestured toward my house and they smiled at me.

"It's nice to meet you Amber." Mrs. Douglas said.

"Well aren't you a pretty young girl." Mr. Douglas commented.

"Thank you." I put on my game face.

My gaze fell on Kane's sister. She was a pretty average height girl around 5'4 with black hair and green eyes like Kane's. It looked like she would rather be somewhere else than meet her brother's date by the way she was glued to her phone.

Finally, she looked up from her phone and greeted, "Hey." With her left arm above her waist and her right arm slung lazily over it clutching her cell, she looked relaxed. If I was her, I would be nervous because I just moved to a new neighborhood. Who knows, maybe even country.

"Hi." She gave me a heart-warming smile.

"Sorry about Kylie. Her phone is like her life source," he said apologetically.

"Hey!" She swatted his arm like it was a fly. "I could introduce myself." I couldn't help but smile again, but this time genuinely. My heart squeezed at the warm sight of a loving family.

"Ow." He exclaimed while rubbing his arm. "Come on let's go."

Before we left, his mom and dad gave us a hug. I liked a family who are loving.

"Have fun you two." His mom said.

"Don't have too much fun," warned his dad. My eyes widened.

"Yeah, let's go Amber."

With that, he grabbed my hand and led me to his car. Once we got in, he said, "Sorry, my family is...weird." He nodded his head when he was sure of the adjective.

"It's ok. I'm not normal either."

We laughed. He started the car and a few minutes later, we arrived at South Pacific High.

"How'd you know where the school was?"

"I have my ways."

Before I even took off my seatbelt, Kane was already opening the door for me. He took my hand and we made our way into the school carnival.

As we stood in line, he prodded me with questions for which I was glad because I was too nervous to think.

"So, what's your story?"

"My story?" I fiddled with my fingers as I tried to calm my racing heart. Hopefully, tonight would be smooth sailing and goes as planned.

"Your story," he assured with an intense stare.

Get a hold of yourself, Vivern. Just stay calm.

"I don't think you'd want to know," I shook my head and gave him a teasing look.

"Oh, but I do. Every girl has a story, especially the cute ones. The cute ones always keep secrets," he whispered.

If only he knew.

"Next!"

We moved to the front of the line and I took out my wallet, which Kane pushed back into me.

"I can pay, you know."

"I know. But I'm a gentleman, and gentlemen always cares for their ladies."

"What makes you think I'm your lady?"

Because you like me."

I scoffed at his bluntness and met his challenging eyes.

"You just met me. How are you so sure that I even like you? Maybe I'm just using you," I suggested. My expression faltered for saying that last part and I prayed he didn't catch on.

He leaned in forward and whispered, because I like you."

I stared up into his mesmerizing eyes and felt myself succumb to their swirling pool of electricity. It was as if everything else dissolved into the background and it was just me and him, his eyes holding me in place.

Damn it, that was not part of the plan.

He handed the lady a $20 and sneakily laced his arm around my lower back, leading me into the chaotic theme park.

Lights were flashing all around, girls laughing in the arms of their boyfriends, and a few making out on the rides.

"Where to first?" He asked. I bit my lip and thought for a moment.

"I don't know, how about you pick for me?" He laughed. His smile was a cute boy smile that any girl would fall for. It was too bad that this can only be short lived.

"Ok, follow me." He dragged me through the crowd, and we ended up in a line to ride The Flight to Fantasy.

"Sounds fun," I smirked. He squeezed my hand, which made my heart thump madly. I scolded myself for feeling this way but in honest to God, I couldn't help it. Next thing I knew, we sat down at the end of the ride ready to take off. The operator pulled down the metal bar to secure us in place. After all we'll be "flying". With the press of the red button, the ride jolted to life. My insides nervously pounded against my skin.

"Are you scared?" His question caught me off guard.

"No why would you think that?"

"Because you're holding my hand pretty of tight." I realized I was and immediately lessened the pressure.

"Sorry." He smiled it off and gripped my hand tight as the ride started forward. The "plane" rode up and stopped. Are we stuck?! We are up 30 feet in the air and the car stops. That's not good. My breathing quickened and I nearly passed out if it weren't for Kane's hand holding mine. I got to admit; roller coasters aren't my thing.

Suddenly, the car dropped for what seemed like forever and went through giant loops. A few times the car would zoom forward quickly to make it seem like we're really flying. And it does feel like it! My screams filled the night along with others. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and then opened them. The ride was over.

I quickly got out with Kane. My walking was stiffened, and I looked constipated and I was really close to Kane. So close I could hear his heart beating. His arm found its way around me. Being under his hold felt so warm and safe. Like it's just us, him protecting me from Jake.

Kane's brown hair slightly flowed in the wind and his green emerald eyes twinkled in the moonlight. My arms rounded his waist and I returned his hold. I felt him smile as we walked away from the scary roller coaster. Through his shirt I could feel abs. I smiled. Oh gosh, I feel like I'm The Notebook.

"You okay?" He chuckled, looking into my eyes. I nodded.

"I'm fine." I managed. Once we step foot on ground out of the area of the ride, I sighed. I was relieved that it was over and done with.

"Let's go somewhere else besides a roller coaster." His questioning eyes looked through mine. Those green eyes get me every time.

We arrived at one of those muscle strength testers. Kane let go of me and paid for two tickets. Without his hold, his warmth instantly escaped me, and I felt longing for it.

"I'm not doing it." I said backing up a little. "I am not hulk enough."

"Come on." He insisted pulling me closer. His hands tugs on mine and his eyes begged me. "Do it for me." I couldn't help but say yes after his eyes did all the pleading.

"But don't laugh if the meter doesn't go high," I warned taking the hammer.

"I won't," he promised me, crossing his heart. I stepped up to the giant machine and gripped the hammer tightly. As I pull the hammer upward with all my might, it slammed down on the meter. As expected, it didn't go high. The ticket person held back a laugh and I frowned.

"See?"

"Don't think about that." He advised taking the hammer. "I'll win you something," he assured with a wink.

I felt my ears heat up. Kane stepped up and slammed down as hard as he can. My mouth dropped as the meter hit the top. He gave the hammer back to the ticket person. "One giant panda bear." He walked back to me and handed me the giant stuffed animal.

"For you." I held the big thing in my arms and couldn't quite see him with the panda in my way.

"You’re going to make me drag this around all night?" My eyebrows raised for emphasis.

"Yeah," he replied with a straight face. Obviously, he was joking. He was about to take it out of my hands, but a voice was heard.

"Now that's no way to treat a lady."

My body turned rigid at his voice and I turned around to see Jake standing behind us.

"Hey Amber. We need to talk." He said looking straight into my eyes. After last week, his image of him changed in my eyes. All I could see was a backstabber who replaced a person who I once considered a lamp in my dim world.

"What's there to talk about?" I snapped. "You cheated on me. It's pretty clear that your tired of messing around with me."

Hurt lashed in his eyes and I felt adrenaline rushing through me.

"Wait, what's going on? What do you mean he cheated on you?" Kane asked surprised.

"It's a long story, I'll tell you in the car."

For a moment I thought he was going to keep asking me but backed off with the panda so I could deal with Jake. So far, the plan's working. Jake is jealous. I could practically see jealousy seeping through him.

"You’re not getting in the car with him, are you?" He asked trying to hold my hands. I pulled away and felt anger building in me. "Leave him, come with me."

"You can't tell me what to do. I'm better off with Kane than you."

"We are still together. Come on babe." I shook my head. "You’re still my pumpkin." I scoffed at his lame attempt to win me back

"Don't call me that." A tear threatened to fall down my cheek as I remembered the first time, he called me that. "We were over the moment I saw you with her." With that I turned around and was about to step back to Kane, but a hand grabbed my wrist, hard.

I bounced back to Jake, pulling my arm away from his as quick as I can so he won't have a tight grip. But he knew me too well. "Don't walk away from me." He said through clenched teeth. I looked at him with shock. He never acted like this.

His hand gripped harder. "Let go of me!" I screamed. Kane came running over dropping the bear and pulled me away from the angry, confused Jake.

Realizing what he did, he said, "I'm sorry Amber." Kane blocked him with his arm, but this got him mad.

All of a sudden, Jake gave Kane a hard blow to the jaw. Punches lashed out and instantly, security guards came rushing over to stop the fight between the two. Kane gave quick and strong blows to Jake but sometimes missed.

"Jake, stop it! Get off of him!" I yelled as I jumped on his back. He threw me off and I landed on my butt. Pain ricocheted throughout my bottom and I knew it was going to ache tomorrow.

Finally, the security guards pried them off each other. It was hard but they managed.

"Next time, I don't want to see you guys fighting anymore or I will arrest both of you. Got it?!" One of the security guards warned.

The boys split up. Jake had nasty scrapes all over his face. Kane had a bloody nose and a bloody bruise on a side of his face.

I looked around and realized people were staring with horrified faces. I picked up the bear and settled it on the bench we were sitting on.

"I am so sorry, Kane." I apologized as I dabbed a cloth someone gave to me on his bruise. "I didn't think that would happen. I'm so sorry," i murmured. I frowned and had seconds thoughts about using Kane. It was obviously stupid.

I looked up at him and noticed he was staring south of my face.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" I reached up to inspect my chin.

"You're biting your lip," he stared as his eyes turned dark. Once again, I felt flustered by his double-meaning words.

"And it's ok. He was hurting you." He assured as he wiped his nose with a napkin. "You want to tell me what happened?" I stopped dabbing his bruise and the conversation between us got quiet.

Just replaying the scene again is enough to make me cry. I mustered up courage and told him.

"Oh. I'm sorry. So, am I like your rebound guy?" He asked out of nowhere. I panicked.

"Of course not!" I spoke a little too quick. "Jake is old news. If he moved on to another girl, That's his problem. I moved on. Then you came along." I said turning to face him with a smile.

Let's hope he doesn't catch on.

"After a week?" He asked. I nodded and shrugged.

"He wasn't even special anyway." I commented. Now that his face was clean, he wrapped his arms around my waist. Warm tingling feelings replaced my butterflies.

He continued to stare at me, making me squirm in my seat.

"Amber, you still have feelings for him, don't you?"

"What?" My voice pitched higher than normal. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm not even sure anymore," I sighed. "You have to understand, he hurt me. He betrayed me and tried to play it off as if it was nothing. I wasted all those months on him. And he goes to throw it all away for what?" I rambled. "A side chick?"

"Let's go home." I got up feeling defeated and ashamed of myself for letting this happen.

We walked to his car and on the drive home, it was silent. When we stopped at my house, Kane walked me up to the door.

"I had a good time tonight." I said.

"So, did I. Well the time with just us." I laughed, he smiled.

"So, you’re not mad?"

"It's ok."

After that reassuring line, he stared straight into my eyes.

"Hi there Amber. Come in." A voice chirped.

I jumped at the startling voice and turned to see Nikki standing in the open doorway. She must've opened the door while my stupid self got distracted by a certain pair of green eyes.

Her eyes turned to Kane. "Thanks for dropping her off at home safely." Her face took a horrified turn as she stared wide eyed at Kane. "What happened to your face?!" She asked stunned finally realizing it.

"Uh-"

"I'll tell you later, Nikki." I cut Kane off before he could have a hard time explaining how he got his side bruise and bloody nose. "Night." My lips gave him a light kiss on the cheek. After he left, I closed the door.

"I was going to kiss him!" I informed her. "Why'd you stop us?!"

"Never kiss a guy on a first date." She wagged her finger slowly.

"Aren't you supposed to stop us from kissing because you don't want me to make a mistake and drag him into my mess?"

"Mistake?"

"Yeah."

“So, you don't like him?"

"No!"

"No as in mistake or no as you do like like him?"

"You're confusing me!"

"So are you!"

"Not the point!"

"So, what is?!" Nikki huffed.

"Ok I l might like him and I can't help it!" I yelped. The newfound information registered as a shock.

That was not supposed to happen.

She shook her head and gestured for me to follow her upstairs. After getting out

"So, how'd you know if I did it or not?"

"Kane's face." She crossed her arms and I nodded while she continued. "As I was saying, you should go out with Kane since he's a total hottie and girls may ambush him if you leave him out in the jungle." She took a deep breath and her demeanor changed. “But since this isn’t a movie, I’m going to tell you that it’s probably a bad idea at the same time.”

"Really?" I questioned.

"Um, yes. You kind of… just got out of a nine month relationship?” She said it like it was the most obvious thing.

The past year flashed by in my mind, along with it a frenzy of feelings. I couldn’t help but let the ugly truth sink in and guilt finally settled in.

"But pish posh. I'm pretty sure you'll see if he still has interests in you after tonight." Nikki leaned forward on the bed with her chin above her hands. "Now tell me what happened at the carnival." She demanded with a sly smile. Her quick change of mood helped to diffuse my current one and I decided to forget about the guilt in the time-being.

All night I told her the experience and my ear practically lost it's hearing because of her shouts and hoots. Around midnight, I fell asleep wondering what would happen from now on after tonight's little episode.