Okay, I know that a couple of you were confused about why I needed sympathy. Well, I don't like talking back at my friends so harshly and I'm a sensitive person who felt sad for what I've done. Sorry if that confused you. Anyway, I hope you like this!

Chapter 2: Mixed Feelings

This is just peachy! Courtney's gonna kill me in front of everyone and I can't even break free! I kept thinking whether or not I've gone too far with my "talk." As I tried to pull away, Courtney just tightened her grip on my arm.

Courtney was very furious at me, "I'm not gonna let you walk away after humiliating me in front of everybody!"

I was scared, but mad as well, "You got what you deserved, bossy-pants! Now let me go!"

Courtney growled at me, "NEVER! I'm gonna teach you a lesson about acting like such a "hero" and saying things you shouldn't even say!" Not good!

Great...I'm gonna be dog chow to a man-eating C.I.T. and I'm not even 30 years old! She took her arm and it looked like she's about to slash me like a cat. But before she could strike, I felt someone pull me to safety and I saw Leshawna and Justin trying to keep Courtney from attacking me. Harold turned me around so I could look at him.

Harold looked a little worried, "Are you alright, Jess?"

I nodded slightly, "Y-Yeah. Thanks Harold." I was shaking in my jeans.

I turned back to see Courtney being held back and giving me such an angry look. Lucky for me, Tyler was there to calm her down.

Tyler sounded serious, "Courtney, take it easy! You don't need to destroy anyone. Why don't you take a walk or something until you cool off?"

Leshawna and Justin let go as she tried to calm herself. Courtney walked away towards the docks, but not before turning towards me.

Courtney was really mad, "I will never forgive you, you dumb wuss! You'll regret the day you ever met me! You're not a nice girl...you're a back-talking witch!"

After that, she kept walking until she was out of site. I kept my head down the whole time as Sierra approached me with an excited look.

Sierra looked and sound excited, "OMG! Jessica telling off Courtney! That is so cool! EEEEE! Wait until your fanbase gets a load of.."

I held out my hand to stop her. Sierra was quiet as I walked to the beach. I didn't feel like being around my friends right now. Cody walked up behind me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

Cody was concerned, "What's wrong Jess? You okay?"

I spoke softly to him, "Not so much Cody...I just need to be alone for a while. If anyone needs me, I'll be at the beach."

I slowly walked off as my friends watched me with sad and concerned eyes. I went to the beach and sat on the sand, watching the waves reaching the shore. I began to think about what I said to Courtney. Did I do the right thing? Even though I told her off, I think I said a few unforgivable things I should never have said. I drew my knees to my chest and rested my head on my arms. I continued to watch the waves as the guilt kept rising in my heart. I don't think most of my friends will ever look at me the same way again. That's...what I'm really worried about. About 30 minutes went by before I heard footsteps. Uh oh! Is it Courtney coming back for revenge? I was about to move when I saw it was just Lewshawna, Bridgette, Gwen, Geoff, and Trent walking up towards me. I looked away as Gwen patted my back.

I was pretty quiet, "What are you guys doing here?"

Gwen spoke softly, "What's wrong Jess? You've been out here for a long time and we're all worried about you."

I sighed to myself, "I'll be fine okay? I don't want to talk about it right now. Please excuse me." I really wanted to be alone.

I stood up to walk away when Leshawna puts a firm hand on my shoulder before I got far.

Leshawna sounded a little serious, "We know you're not fine, Jessie. Now tell us what's bugging you, so we can help."

I felt the tears trying to fall from my eyes. But, I don't want to cry in front of my friends. I never want to do that, because it makes me look weak. I didn't turn my head for a second.

I tried to sound calm, "I can't...I just can't. Don't you guys get it?"

Trent sighed at me, "Come on Jess. We're just trying to help you. Why won't you tell us what's up?"

Geoff nodded at Trent, "He's right. Don't leave us hanging, J-girl! What's the matter with..."

I yanked my arm away from Leshawna and clenched my fists while staring at the ground. I hate to do this, but I had no choice but to raise my voice at my dear friends.

I yelled in a sad tone, "It's because of what I said to Courtney, okay? You satisfied now?"

Everything was silent for about a minute or so. I felt a traitorious tear escaping down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it away with my sleeve. I felt like such a toad..talking to my friends like that. I still didn't look at them. The least I could do was apologize.

I felt a little ashamed, "I'm sorry guys. I guess...I'm just in a bad mood right now. It's okay if you think I'm the worst friend in the world. I understand...I'll go away now."

I wanted to run away, but my legs just wouldn't go fast enough. I only walked a couple steps before someone puts her hand on my shoulder and turned me around, slowly. It was Bridgette, looking concerned. She puts both of her hands on my shoulders.

Bridgette spoke softly at me, "Jessica, you're not a bad friend. You're the greatest person we ever met and the sweetest girl we have ever known! It's just, what happened back there was so...unexpected; but, it was still brave of you to stick up to Courtney like that. Right guys?"

Everyone nodded with smiles on their faces. I was just...surprised; I mean, no one even scolded me for yelling at them just now. Bridgette lets go as Geoff walked up beside us and puts his arm around me.

Geoff smiled at me, "Bridge's right, Jess! You're like the sister we've never had; you're so kind and helpful when the rest of us are down. We'd never hate you over anything."

I felt my heart tug. The tears were trying to pool up and I felt a lump my throat. Trent, Leshawna, and Gwen were standing right in front of me as I continued to feel that unforgiving guilt in my stomach.

I was kinda confused, "Why are guys sticking by me? I'd figured you ignore me or something. After all, you guys saw me blow up at Courtney not too long ago."

Trent grinned as he spoke, "Maybe so, but to be honest, she had it coming for 3 seasons at least! None of us couldn't get at least a sentence out and you must have dished out ten times more than we could ever think of. That took a lot of guts coming from a sweet girl like yourself."

Gwen nodded at her friend, "He's right Jess. And even though I took a lot of flak from that kissing incident, and I still feel guilty about that, you stood up for me when no one else would. That's the greatest thing anyone's ever done for me. I owe you for that." She applauded the way I stood up for her earlier.

Leshawna chuckled slightly, "Baby girl, you deserve a lot of recognition for sticking up to Miss C.I.T. back there. I could've done myself, but it seems that you've beaten me to it. There's no reason for you to feel bad about it. The way I see it, honey, you did all of us a favor by telling that girl off."

I felt a lot of things...honored and ashamed. I'm glad that my buddies support me, but I still felt bad about talking to Courtney like that. I'm sensitive, what do you expect? I kept trying not to cry, but the effort was useless. Suddenly, I was engulfed in a warm hug; Geoff held me like a brother hugging a sister.

Geoff spoke softly to me, "It's okay Jessie. You don't have to be ashamed; you can cry if you want. My shoulder can handle tears; don't worry. You're among friends."

Even though I tried to hold it it, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. They fell like a waterfall; I just cried onto his shoulder and wrapped my arms around him. Geoff rubbed my back, trying to comfort me. Leshawna rubbed my hair and the others just put their gentle hands on my shaking shoulders. I just stood there...crying and being surrounded by my great pals. However, one question still rings in my head: Will Courtney find it in her heart to forgive me?

To Be Continued...

End Chapter 2