New Year's eve was here before we knew it. I didn't see Bella as much since I was busy with exams, and she started to date Damien. After the finals, I was finally able to take a breather. I didn't see Meghan all that much other than in our class. I wondered if she remembered our plan.
Two days before the party, I went to visit my parents for dinner. That's when I ran into Bella again. I was about to get in my car when she was outside getting the mail. She stopped and looked at me, and our eyes met.
"Aaron!" she called me and ran towards me. "How is your arm?" she asked. Her eyes were full of worry.
"It's okay. It will take a couple more months to heal entirely," I replied.
Her blue eyes were dark. "I am really sorry," she said. "And I'm sorry for not coming to visit you more and to take care of you. You were acting like a jerk, and I acted on impulse, but I still feel really, really bad."
"Bella...you did it because I was coming on too strong. I'm not mad at you," I said. "It was an accident anyway."
"You are not? Well, that's good, " she went quiet for a moment.
"Although it's healing, my arm still hurts. How about you kiss me and make it better?" I winked and leaned in for a kiss.
"Stop that!" she laughed.
"Just kidding. You are dating Damien, and I am seeing someone too," I lied.
"You are?" her smile faltered. "Who is she?"
"Oh, you know, someone from school," I said casually.
"You never did have a problem finding a girl," she said. It almost sounded like she was complaining. Maybe Meghan was right. She does get jealous whenever she sees someone with me.
"That's not true. I never got you, did I?" I smirked and pinched her nose. She blushed.
"I should go inside. I will see you at Jake's party?" she asked. I nodded. I could hardly wait.
"Here I am! The best date you'll ever have," Meghan entered the apartment and announced.
It was New year's eve, and I was getting ready to go to the party. I put on a pair of dark jeans and a deep wine colored button-up shirt that made my green eyes pop. Or at least, that's what I was told. Meghan wore a dress of the same color as my shirt so we can look like those obnoxious couples who act cutesy and wears matching clothes.
"Let's get this over with," I said seriously and led her to my car.
"Jeez, so business-like. You have it bad for that girl, huh?" Meghan grinned.
"She is all I think about. Day and night. Even when I'm eating and in the shower."
"Ewe, I didn't need to know that detail," Meghan winced.
"And the thought of that twerp Damien being so close to her and potentially touching her makes me want to go into a rage and destroy everything," I added. My mood suddenly turned sour as I imagined his hands on her again.
"Easy there Hulk. No need to go into a rage. You can try to change her mind at the party. But you do realize there is a possibility of her not liking you at all, right?" she asked.
I didn't answer. I knew there was a strong possibility of that. Maybe she didn't feel anything for me. Maybe I will just remain a shadow of Elijah and nothing else. Tonight I am going to find out, one way or another.
We arrived at the party and introduced Meghan to everyone. Bella wasn't there yet, and I was becoming restless. I opened a bottle of beer and took a few swigs while chatting with everyone. Finally, around 8:30, the door opened, and Bella walked in, followed by Damien.
I almost choked on my beer when I laid my eyes on her. She was wearing a deep wine colored dress too. So now I have two ladies matching me. I felt like a pimp.
"Quick! Pretend to be into me," I turned to Meghan and said in a hushed tone.
Meghan was caught off guard for a minute, then saw Bella and realized it was her. "I love that we decided to match tonight. You look so hot. We look so cute together. Don't we Jane?" she cooed semi loudly and turned to Jane.
Jane looked at us with confusion. "I thought you said you guys weren't togethe-...."
I quickly put my arms around Meghan's shoulder. "Not as hot as you," I yelled loud enough for everyone to hear. Bella's head snapped back to my direction and she saw me. I saw her cheeks turn pink.
Jane rolled her eyes. "You are such a child, Aaron. Leave Bella alone," she said.
"Don't you dare say anything to her?" I hissed.
I stopped talking as I saw her walking towards us. Damien was holding her hand.
"Aaron, hi. You must be Meghan," Bella forced a smile.
"It's nice to meet you. Heard a lot about you from Aaron," Meghan said.
"O...okay, I'm gonna go grab a drink," she said and walked away. "I'll join you," Damien awkwardly called behind her and followed her.
"Did you see that?" Meghan said excitedly.
"What?" I gave her a puzzled look.
"Her face. She is still in love with you!" Meghan looked like she just discovered a new island.
"Don't be stupid. She is not in love with me," I said irritably. It was never about love with her. She stalked me because of Elijah. Now I'm having a hard time because she won't even look at me like that anymore.
"If she is not, she will soon. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. She hated seeing us together."
I didn't want her to cry. No way! What the hell am I doing?
"Shh...she is coming back, " Meghan hissed and grabbed my hand.
Damien was saying something in her ears, but her eyes were fixated on me.
She took Damien's hand and dragged him off somewhere. Pretty soon, they were not in the room anymore.
"Alright, I wasn't gonna say anything, but you are a fucking idiot," Jake commented.
I looked at him with fire in my eyes but didn't say anything. He wasn't wrong.