Aaron
I didn't have any plans today, so I decided to stay home and nap. It felt like it had been a while since I got to stay home and relax. That was when Jake called me and asked me to hang out with him at his apartment.
At first, I was going to say no, but I changed my mind. Ever since Macie and I broke up, I've been kind of lonely, so I figured, why not? Jake can always cheer me up.
My phone dinged all of a sudden, indicating I got a text.
Bring a pizza, Jake texted.
That asshole. He wanted me to come over because he wanted free food!
I was going to reply and say something smartass and refuse, but I decided against it. I guess I was hungry, too.
Pretty soon, I was at his apartment, stuffing my face with pizza.
"Where's Jane?" I asked.
"Out shopping," Jake said.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," I said.
"Fuck you," Jake responded.
"Do you think Bella actually hates me?" I asked. Suddenly remembering her.
"How should I know? Why are you so into her all of a sudden? I thought you said she was annoying and weird. And she is nothing like the girls you usually date," Jake looked at me questioningly.
"I just...I haven't always been nice to her, and I want to make it up to her, I guess," I said.
"Jane said Bella talked to her about you and told her about the things you said to her. You really hurt the girl's feelings. Maybe you should start by being her friend first," Jake suggested.
That wasn't a bad idea. I was going about it all wrong. I should stop pushing her until she likes me again.
"It's almost time for Jane to come home. When she does, you can talk to her about it some more," he said.
As if on cue, the door opened, and Jane walked in. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Bella walk in behind her, along with.....
Who the fuck is that guy?
My brain automatically went into a rival mode when I saw that guy standing close to her. I was jealous. But I decided to control myself and keep quiet. I don't want to piss Bella off.
Bella saw me and immediately averted her eyes. She shifted uncomfortably. My heart hammered against my chest. I had a sudden urge to touch her and kiss those lips. How did things turn out this way? I felt confused.
"Hey, guys! This is Damien. Bella's friend," Jane said.
"How dare you bring another man into our home!" Jake declared.
"Jake!" Jane exclaimed.
"Just kidding. Nice to meet you. I'm Jake, and this is my brother Aaron," Jake smirked.
"Hey," I said gruffly. I looked at Damien suspiciously. He looked nothing like me. Maybe Bella chose him on purpose. I was annoyed at the fact that the guy was actually good-looking.
Saying the atmosphere in the room was awkward was an understatement of the century. Bella was quiet most of the time. I saw her whispering with Damien a few times. What the hell can they possibly talk about that the rest of us can't hear! I thought angrily. It was hard for me not to imagine grabbing that guy's collar and dragging him out of the room.
Old Aaron would've done that by now. But I was older and more mature. At least, that's what I tell myself every day.
"Let's play a game!" Jane suggested in an attempt to break the tension.
"I think I should leave. It's late so..." Bella hesitated.
"Don't go! It's been a while since we hung out properly. If you feel uncomfortable, Aaron can leave, Jane said and pointed at me. "It's time for you to leave, Aaron. Goodbye."
"Oh, thanks a lot, Jane! I love you too," I rolled my eyes. But I honestly don't blame her. I was the main source of Bella's uneasiness, after all.
Bella giggled. The dark shadow on her face finally started to lift.
So pretty...I thought.
"No one has to leave. I'll stay," she said.
I released a sigh of relief. I didn't scare her off entirely. I needed to tread carefully. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable around me.
"Great! How about Monopoly?" Jane asked.
"What are we, fourteen?" Jake barked.
Jane rolled her eyes. "Well, it seems that Jake is out of the game, but how about you guys?"
"I am in," Bella said.
"Me too," Damien added. I shook my head yes.
"I was just kidding, baby. Please don't kick me out of the game!" Jake hugged Jane from behind and buried his face in her hair.
"Get a room! Are we playing or not?" I said, pretending to be annoyed, but even I thought they were cute. I wished I had someone to be cute with.
Jane smirked and started to set up the game.