Author's Note: Wow…104 reviews. I never thought I'd get this many, nor did I think I'd write this many chapters. (When I was first started planning the story, I thought it would be 4-5 chapters…What the hell was I thinking?)

Thank you everyone, this really means a lot and I love writing new chapters for all of you! Even when it's late and I'm tired, I always try to get as much of the chapter done as I can. I actually think we're about halfway through now…I think; it really is a wild card right now.

Giving Her A Chance

MAY 22nd, 2011

How did I fuck up? I'll tell you: I betrayed Margaret and told her secret AND I put too much weight on Rhonda, when all she was trying to do was confess to me. How could I put all that stress on her like that? I need to apologize when I can.

I keep remembering what I said to her. Yeah, I always thought about me and her getting together, but that's all I would think of it as: a thought. But when she confessed to me, it made the line between thought and reality blur. Knowing that she may have feelings towards me changes things. Maybe this is the opportunity that I'd hope would come along. I just got to rid of that want for Margaret, move on.

I was early in the morning yet. No one was awake except me. I went downstairs into the living room, just for some quiet and alone time. Just then my cell phone vibrated: It was Rhonda.

Okay…

I took a deep breath.

Here we go.

[Rhonda]: I'm going to make you the same offer that you made Margaret: If you decide to move on or give me chance to be "that girl" I'll be here…3

I suddenly felt all warm inside. The fact that she used my own words on me meant two things: She's a good listener and she must really care about to me. It may be the first time a woman has said she liked me. Usually I was always the one to confess.

[Me]: That's very sweet of u to say. It's nice to know that someone cares about you.

[Rhonda]: We should meet up. I live near the shore.

[Me]: Yeah, we can do that. Besides, we've been talking for months and we haven't really seen each other face to face. Hey Ronnie, can I tell you something?

[Rhonda]: Yeah Mordo?,,,

[Me]: I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or put too much on you. It really is touching that…you like me and that you have the courage when I usually don't. I've just been going through some things lately and I need some time. I'll think about it though…

[Rhonda]: Thanks. And please think about it. I really like you. I want it to work.

[Me]: Then you're right, we should meet up. But I need to know: why is it that you like.

[Rhonda]: I just find myself checking on you a lot, and you always make me smile. Plus your never judgmental. You're just all around amazing!

My heart started racing. She really is serious about this…or maybe…maybe it may not even go well. If I go through with this, I may never know if I would have had a chance with Margaret which has always been question of mine, despite me wanting to move on. Dammit, there goes my overactive thoughts again…

I call Shell, she knows Ronnie the most. Maybe she can make things clearer

"Hello?"

"Shell? It's Mordecai. Listen, I need to tell you something.

"Well yesterday, Ronnie texted me about something."

"About what?"

"She likes me, don't tell I told you."

"I already knew."

"She told you?" I asked.

"No, I just sensed it. A girl knows, she's always talking about you, to all her friends and always in a good way." Shell said.

"Really…huh…"

"So what are you going to do know?"

"I think I may just go out with her."

"Wait, how old are you again?"

"23."

"Ok, she's just turning 20…" She whispers to herself. She then speaks up, "Sorry for the questions. Ronnie's like a sister to me, so I just have to make sure."

"I understand no need to explain."

"I'm really happy for you two. Although the others…"

"Others?"

"Some of her friends just like the idea of her dating again. They're afraid she'll get her heart broken again, just like the last guy did."

A surge of confidence goes through my body.

"I'll be different."

"I believe you." Shell said happily. "Good luck Mordecai."

"Thanks!"

"Talk to you later." She hangs up, leaving me to answer Ronnie back.

[Me]: Okay, when are available to see? I really want to try this out.

[Rhonda]: Not sure yet, but…does this mean we're going out for real or are you now my boyfriend?

I didn't want to rush in and say I was her boyfriend yet. Sure we've texted her a lot, but that doesn't mean I know her THAT well.

[Me]: We'll meet up and if we'll get to know each other better. If we both like what we see, then we'll get.

[Rhonda]: And if don't?

[Me]: We continue being friends…but I have a feeling I'll like you.

I knew for sure I was making the right choice now.

[Rhonda]: If you say so… ;)

Nothing can go wrong.

Sorry for the shortness of this chapter.

And for those of you who are curious…

Summer Pain is near.