The High School Sweetheart
Chapter Three
WPOV
When I had finally calmed down enough and stopped crying, I realized the scorching heat. Then I realized someone was sitting next to me. I wasn't surprised it was Melanie.
"Finally, you noticed me." She said. From her tone, I knew she was joking. Trying to cheer me up. It didn't help.
"Don't worry Wanda. Ian's an ass. Forget about him." Mel said. Trying to cheer me up again.
"Please don't say that about him Mel. I don't want you to rag on him."
"You wouldn't." she mumbled. "Come on Wanda. You know what he did was wrong. If it weren't for Jared punching him, he'd probably still be all over the skank." Mel continued more clearly.
"Jared did WHAT?! Is Ian ok?" I worried.
"Please, he's fine. It serves him right Wanda. He should have never done that to you."
"I'm not saying what he did was right, but you know I don't like violence, no matter how justified, especially when Ian is involved with the violence. I don't like to see him hurt."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know you more than I know myself. So are you ready to go back inside? I'm dying out here." She complained.
"You can go back inside. I think I'm gonna stay out here a little while longer. I'm not ready to face anyone yet." I explained.
"I'll be out here as long as you are. I'm not leaving my sister to mope alone."
"Thanks, Mel. But really, I'll be fine. If you think I'm gonna run away, don't because I never could leave you and Jamie. And even though Ian hurt me, I have to stay to make sure you all stay safe and that includes him. Mel, I still love him and when I'm ready, I'll listen to his side of the story."
"Wanda, you are to nice for your own good. You need to yell at him. Put him in his place. Hit him where it hurts, if you know what I mean." She winked.
"Oh my gosh, Mel, you know I could never do that to anyone! Let alone Ian!"
"Then why don't you let me?" She got a wicked gleam in her eye.
"NO MEL!"
"I knew you would say that. Darn it. I'd like to give him a piece of my mind. Or a piece of my foot would be better." Again that wicked gleam flashed.
"MEL!"
"Ok, ok. Fine. Are you ready yet? I'm starving."
"I think so."
So we got up and headed back inside. I have to admit, it felt amazing to be out of the sun. That is until I saw who was waiting at the end of the hall. Ian jumped up and came running toward us. Mel jumped between us so it looked like she was protecting me. Ian looked past her, to me. The second I saw him, the image of him kissing that other girl flashed to the front of my eyes and fresh tears began to pool. As soon as he was close enough, he fell to his knees and started begging me to hear him out.
"Wanda, I am so sorry. Please just let me explain. You have every right to hate me, but please don't leave on my part. They need you here. If you're really so repulsed by me, I'll leave, but please don't go. I at least have to know you're safe. Please?" he begged.
The thought of leaving Ian or him leaving me nearly tore me apart.
"No, Ian don't go! I'm willing to hear you out. And yes, I do have every right to be mad at you, but I'm not." His eyes showed his surprise, but I continued. "I'm not mad at you, but I am hurt, no, that's not the right word. I can't think of any word to describe to you how you broke my heart. But I am willing to hear you out." I looked at Mel. "Mel? Can I talk to Ian alone? Can you make sure to tell everyone I'm ok and calm them down? Especially Jamie, but make sure they don't bother us. Please, Mel?"
She didn't answer me, but she gave me a look that told me she would do what I asked. I turned to look back at Ian. He was still down on his knees. I saw Mel step on his foot purposefully trying to twist his ankle, but he took no notice or at least didn't care. He just kept right on staring at me.
"Ok, Ian. Will you please get up so we can go and find someplace to sit and talk. Maybe your cave?" I saw him wince when I didn't call it "our" cave, but I didn't know if it would be anymore. He got up and followed me down the familiar tunnels. I opened the door and went to sit down on the mattress. He followed me in, shut the door, and sat down next to me.
"Ok Ian, start explaining."