Her New Life

Encountering The Troublemaker

"Jefferson Lee..." Jessica retorted with a trembling voice.

They stood there shocked for a moment before snapping out of it and returning to reality.

"Should we leave before he sees us, Jessica? Do you think he remembers us, though? It's been quite a few years, so he might not, right? Why are you not replying? Do you want to leave?"

Jessica stood there momentarily frozen, looking at him, while her friend was bombarding her with questions.

It was until his gaze fixed on hers, and they made eye contact with each other. His widened eyes and flushed cheeks matched hers, and both their hearts skipped a beat. After a few seconds, they turned their eyes to look away from each other.

Jefferson Lee, Jeff, like his friends called him, was Karter's older brother, as well as the eldest sibling of the Lee family. Him and Jessica didn't have the best relationship with each other, as Jeff was always awkward to deal with, especially whenever he was with her.

For some reason, which Jessica didn't know, Jeff always seemed to be less interested in her, and even sometimes ignored her or caused trouble for her more than anyone else she interacted with, but all this had the result of them getting in fights often. That was until they finally separated from each other, as both of them wanted to continue their studies in different universities.

Even though him and Karter were brothers, Karter was treating Jessica better than him, so they had better relationship, which led them to dating each other. The Lee family had always thought that Jessica would be a better match with Jeff, but as they didn't get along well, they couldn't do anything about that. Also, they didn't want to hurt their youngest son's heart by revealing them the truth, so they approved their relationship.

Flora, who witnessed this scene, was puzzled at first until the releasation hit her, and she smirked playfully, slowly understanding what was going on.

She couldn't help but wonder, 'What is going to happen now between them? Are they planning on being mad at each other for their whole lives, or are they finally going to solve their problems?'

Seeing her friend suddenly looking away from him, she started to think if she should intervene.

"Jessica, don't you think you should talk to each other. It's been years, after all."

Jessica sighed and added, "Flora, he hates me, and I hate him. It has always been like this. There is nothing for us to talk about, so why even try- hey. Are you listening to me?"

Flora, who seemed to be listening to her a few moments ago, now had a mischievous, wide smirk spread across her face. "You will see."

Jessica puzzled at her friend's commend, couldn't help but feel uneasy. After all, a face like that didn't give off good vibes, let alone it was her best friend's expression. The next moment, though, got her startled.

"... Jessica?"

Jessica was caught off guard, especially now that she realized what Flora was talking about. She slowly turned around to face her long-time rival, Jeff.

He scoffed with a grin, "Long time no see. Finally decided to show your face at me again?"

"What do you want, Jeff?" She rolled her eyes irritably.

"Nothing, just... talk."

She raised an eyebrow and continued, "You? Talk with me? This is never for something good."

After hearing her response, he added sarcastically, "Aww, why? Is the little kitten scared that I will bark at her?"

Jessica was left speechless from his words.

Whenever they were young, one of the names he would call her was scared kitten. He always liked to tease her and mock her.

Rolling her eyes, she fiercely answered, "Fine! What do you want to talk about?"

Jeff satisfied, wore on a mischievous grin, and continued, "My parents called me and told me some unexpected news. So, you finally decided to break up with my brother?"

The girls were both stunned for a moment but realized that Karter always told his family everything, so it was not a coincidence that Jeff had heard of the news.

"Yes, what is it to you?."

He flicked her forehead, the grin still on his face, "I once had told you that would happen, didn't I? Now, it turned out that my predictions were accurate. What do you have to say about it?"

Jessica's face darkened upon realizing what he just said was true.

Ever since they were young, they would compete in many things. Once, they had made a bet with each other that they would break up. She, of course, had denied it back then, but today, here he was, reminding her of that again and throwing that memory right at her face.

Jessica couldn't help but admit that he had won this one. "Fine. You were right. Alright, now?"

"Nope! Don't think you're done yet. I don't want anything now, but remember that you owe me a favor!"

He smirked widely at her while she was burning with anger.

Whenever she won a bet in the past, she would tell him that he owes her a favor. And now he had copied that thing of hers, which she hated.

She sighed, and just as she was about to speak, he continued.

"And I can ask you whatever I want, and you can't say no! Got it?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

Jessica groaned, knowing she had no other choice but to agree. He was so annoying but convincing, making her agree every time.

"Fine! You can ask me whatever you want! Alright now?" She rolled her eyes fiercely.

"That's more like it." He said and walked away.

There was a moment of silence. While Jessica was busy glaring at the walking figure of Jeff, Flora spoke.

"Why do I feel like this isn't going to be good?"

"Because it's not going to be good! Gosh! I hate him so much."

While hearing her best friend's complains, Flora thought, 'Oh Jess, only if you knew...'