Behind These Eyes Chapter 3- Surprises and Changes


After I left Manny's, I decided to drown myself in a Vanilla Latte. Ever since last summer, coffee was my best friend. Emma and I would usually go to the nearest Starbucks sometimes, but I figured I would deal with Emma later.

"The usual, please." I said.

"JT, surprise surprise." a female voice said from the counter.

I looked up to see the face of Paige Michalchuk, Degrassi's infamous it-girl. We hadn't talked for a long time, about 2 years ago. I never would of expected Paige to be working at Starbucks, but I guess she needed money.

"Paige…long time no see. What's been going on?" I asked.

"Nothing. Just working my pretty butt off grinding coffee beans and blending smoothies. How else am I supposed to get money to pay off Spin's car?" Paige said.

"I'm not gonna even ask about the car…but it's good to see you. It's been nothing but hell for me." I said.

"Oh really? I never would of guessed that you'd be in the same situation as me. Hazel and I aren't speaking, Matt moved to go teach somewhere else…" Paige said.

"Well, I don't want to get you fired or prevent these people behind me from getting their caffeine, so I'll have a Vanilla Latte." I said.

4 minutes later, I got my drink. Looking around, there weren't any chairs available so I left. It was cold outside, a slight wind too, so my hair was all over the place as I walked.

I got home and there was Emma right in my living room.

"Finally you're here. I've been waiting forever." Emma said.

"Um, hi to you too. What are you doing here?" I said.

"Just wanted to talk. How did Manny's go yesterday?" Emma said.

"Worse than I thought. Apparently, she wants another chance at love." I said.

"How did I know that? Well, did you say yes?" Emma said.

"I happily refused. We'll see if Manny can handle friendship." I said.

"I highly doubt it JT." Emma said.


At School the Next Day...

It took so long to see
You walked away from me
When I need you
Wake up I'm pounding on the door
I'm not the man I was before
Where the hell are you
When I need you

Once I got to my locker, Manny was there with a letter.

"JT, I'm sorry about the other day. I wasn't thinking." Manny said.

"Whatever, it's fine. What's that?" I said, pointing to the letter.

"It's a invitation to a party I'm holding. I know we're just friends, but I thought it would be nice if you came, as my special guest?" Manny said.

"Define special guest." I said.

"Someone I really want to come…like you. Trust me, it's nothing like yesterday was. But I realized how much you mean to me…" Manny said.

"Fine, I'll go to your party. But don't even try anything." I said.

"Don't worry; it's going to be fun." Manny said.

Manny's twisted idea of fun really was questionable. I don't know why I ever gave in to going to her party in the first place, because I sort of knew what Manny was up to. Why she wanted me, was really something to wonder about.

I got my locker to open and searched for my math book. What I found, was a picture of me and Liberty. Every time I think of what happened, I feel a sting in my stomach. The only girl who ever loved me. How it went wrong, I don't know. But Liberty breaking up with me was the biggest shock ever.

"It's just not…working out. Hiding, making out all the time…the attention is crazy."

"What are you talking about, Liberty?"

"You and me. I love you, always have, but I don't feel right."

"Liberty, please…you can't."

"Sorry JT, but I have to."

I never really figured out why Liberty broke up with me. She said it didn't feel right, but there wasn't a real reason why. And 9 months later, it's crazy that I'm still hurting over it.

Emma was staring at me down the hallway. It's weird, but I think Emma would go crazy if I ever went out with someone. She's been really protective over me ever since the breakup, ever since we became really close. It's a possibility that she likes me, but I'm sure it's not.


At the Party…

I smelt the fumes of perfume, food, and punch as I entered Manny's house. It was decorated with strobe lights, confetti, and cheap fake fur. I looked around for Emma, but she wasn't to be seen. Liberty was in the corner, wearing only a tank top and mini-skirt. I glared at her as I made my way through the crowd.

"Hard feelings still?" Manny asked, tapping my shoulder.

She was half-naked, wearing a tube top and short-shorts. They were completely covered with glitter, and she was wearing a manload of makeup.

"Um, what's with the clothes?" I asked.

"Thought I'd dress to impress." Manny said.

"Well, you're only making me wish you'd put some clothes on. Anyway, did you invite Emma?" I said.

"You kidding me? She hates my guts. She wouldn't come anyway. Wanna go upstairs?" Manny asked.

"I'm fine right here." I said.

I walked away and headed for the door. No one was here that I liked, and seeing Manny half-naked is not something I like at all.

"JT, don't go." Manny said behind me.

"What could you possibly want? Sorry, but you had your chance." I said.

That's when she grabbed my face and kissed me. I hadn't kissed someone in so long, it was nice. I quickly reminded myself who I was kissing and backed away.

"All I ask is for you to give me a chance! I know everything sucks for you right now, but I've changed. I'm done with playing games, JT, and I know you are too." Manny said.

"I really don't know what to say, Manny." I said.

Thinking about Emma, and how she would hold me back…I couldn't make up my mind. I didn't like Manny, not one bit, but it looked like she truly wanted me. But maybe Emma does too…


Thanks for all the great reviews, guys. I put some Liberty in here for you Liberty fans. So, do you think JT will buy into Manny's offer, or stay out of it for the sake of his friendship with Emma? Only in the next chapter…

P.S- The lyrics in this story are Three Day's Grace's song, "Wake Up"