Page 63 of Falling For Us Again

“Girlfriend, what? It’s not what you think,” he starts, stepping closer, but I raise my hand, stopping him.

I laugh, the sound bitter even to my own ears. “I saw you kissing her, Dylan. In front of everyone.”

He stares at me, his mouth opening and closing like he’s searching for the right words, but none come out.

“It’s not like that,” he says, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “She kissed me. It was a spur of the moment thing. It doesn't mean anything.”

“Doesn’t mean anything?” I take a step toward him, my anger bubbling over. “You’ve been making a fool of me this whole time, haven’t you? Cheating on Maggie too.”

“I’m such an idiot for not seeing through it all. I should have known all you wanted was to get back at me. You want to hurt me as much as I hurt you.”

He lets out a mirthless laugh. “Cheat? You want to talk about cheating? That’s rich coming from you. Just because you cheated on me doesn't mean I’d stoop to your level.”

“Dylan.”

“You cheated on me with Paul Jenna. You screwed my best friend. What kind of a lowlife person does that?”

"Maybe my mother was right about you being a whor-."

The slap cracked in the quiet night before I could stop it.

“That’s not true! I didn’t cheat on you.” The words roll out of my mouth before I could think.

“I never cheated on you, Dylan.” I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my face.

My face turns white. The realization of what I’d just done hammering in my chest.

I am my father’s daughter after all.

His head snaps back, and my words hang in the air for what seems like an eternity.

The imprint of my hand shows bright on his cold cheeks.

“Jesus Christ, Jenna. Are you really trying to lie about it? My mother saw you two together. Everyone knew in town knows that my girlfriend slept with my best friend when I was out of town. Fu-.” He runs a hand through his hair in frustration.

“I didn’t cheat on you!” I’m crying now. “I didn’t. Your mother saw Paul comforting me after my father decided to skip town because he didn’t want to deal with me anymore.” My breath comes in ragged gasps.

“She called me a lying whore, and threatened to tell you that I was sleeping with Paul if I didn’t leave you alone.

She knew you would believe her over me, and she was right,” I say accusingly.

My voice is trembling as I tell him the truth. It feels like the weight of the world is lifted from my shoulders.

Dylan’s brows furrow, a look of hurt and confusion on his face.

“What? What are you talking about, Jenna? I don’t understand.”

“The truth, but you know what, Dylan?” I say, my heart aching. “Just... leave me alone.”

I turn and run off, my body shaking with equal amounts of anger and pain.

Lola doesn't say a word as I enter the car, only turning the ignition.

The car ride back to my place is a blur. I barely register the music on the radio, the streetlights passing in quick flashes as she drives us through the empty streets.

Minutes later, we arrive at my house.

We don’t say much as we enter, but there’s a quiet understanding between us. Once inside, I immediately head to the kitchen, pulling out a bottle of wine and two glasses.

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