Was a hundred bucks worth it?

Was it worth seeing me cry? Was it worth breaking my heart?

I watch your figure retreat, not even daring to look back at me. Is it possible it's because you actually have a heart and you feel guilty? I shake my head, no, you can't possibly have a heart.

I'm too numb to cry, to feel anything but shock. I should have known. People like you don't end up with people like me. How could I have been so stupid?

"It was for a bet, a hundred dollars to be exact." That's what you said. How could you?

I don't know how long I've been standing here looking like an idiot; you're probably walking around a hundred dollars richer by now. I finally clench my fists and turn the other way, the picture of you walking away still in my mind.

I feel horrible, three whole months of my life was a lie. God, I was so stupid, I could kick myself. Who was I to think that Marcus "Fang" Ride would actually fall for a loser like me?

And that stupid grin you gave me when you told me none of it was real. You just had to rub it in; I suppose seeing my reaction just made victory sweeter. After all, you're the only one who can actually say I got Maximum Martinez to fall for me! Now you're probably adding my name to that long list of girls you managed to fool.

I never thought I'd be one of them. At least, at least, you didn't go after them for a stupid bet.

I shake my head, disgusted. I wonder, is that what you felt whenever you kissed me? Disgusted? When you touched me? Held my hand? Did you want to sterilize it with alcohol or something? How could string me along like that?

I realize that the piece of paper you gave me before you left is still in my hand, what does it say? More gloating on how you bested me? I throw it on the ground and don't look twice at it.

Shoving my hands in my pockets, I sigh. I feel tears prick my eyes, but I refuse to cry. I refuse to give you the satisfaction of making me cry, even if you can't see it.

I hope you're one hundred bucks were worth it, Fang. I really do.

I can't even steal a glance as I walk away. I'm afraid that if I do you'll be able to see the truth written all over my face.

I quicken my pace. What I didn't tell you, what I couldn't tell you, was that I called off the bet. I'd done it weeks ago because I realized that the bet didn't matter. It was you that mattered.

That's why I can't stay with you. You deserve so much better than me, Max. You deserve someone who will love you and protect you, someone you can trust. That's not me. You can't trust me, you shouldn't. I played with your heart and I need to let you go before I change my mind.

I convince myself I did the right thing. You probably hate me now, Max. I don't blame you. At least now you'll be able to move on to someone else.

I shudder at the thought of you with someone else, but I know that anyone is better than me right now.

A part of me wishes that I told you that the last few months meant everything to me, but I couldn't. I didn't deserve to ask for your forgiveness or explain myself, I deserve your hate.

And that look on your face…what were you thinking? What were you feeling? I'll never forget that look. I wonder if you read my note, but you probably didn't. I know you, Max; you probably won't even open it.

But if you did…if you did read it…I hope that somewhere deep down you know that I meant it, I always will.

Always.

A/N. Okay, so I got bitten by the plot bunny. I know this has been done before and I'm doing three other stories, but I just wanted to get one chapter out there. I probably won't continue it and leave it a one-shot.

-Indy