CHAPTER 4:

Jade spent a few hours just chilling at home, rethinking her whole life, and watching a movie. When the movie ended, she felt the urge to text Michael, just to make it clear that she wasn't looking for a relationship, and that there were no feelings between them. The thing was… what was the best way to do it?

Jade: Could we talk for a min?

Jade waited for a reply. It took around five minutes to get a response.

Michael: Hey, everything good?

Jade: Mhm. Just need to say something real quick.

Michael: Sure.

Jade: Okay, so while we hung out, I know that it felt like we had this sort of chemistry going together. But I want to let you know that I don't have any feelings for you whatsoever, other than being friends. And just friends.

Michael: Oh.

Jade waited for the next reply but it never came.

Jade: I know you're still there.

Michael: Well – are you sure you don't feel just the slightest?

Jade: I gotta admit I did. But I love my fiance. Listen, you're an awesome guy but nothing could come of us figuring anything out. Besides, you're too young, and – well, nothing would work out between us.

Michael: Yeah, you're probably right.

Jade: And don't beat yourself up about that, it's not your fault. It just wouldn't work. I'm sure there's somebody out there for you. You just have to make the first move, you know? Reach out, talk to people.

Michael: How would you know?

Jade: Because I was the same, okay? And that stays between you and me. The only person who knows about that is my fiance. We go way back. But you get the point. Your choice, your life. That's my motto. But consider it. It actually does you a lot of good.

Michael: I'll think about it.

Just then there was a knock on the door.

Jade: Someone's at the door. I gotta go.

Michael: Yeah, bye.

Jade exited the chat room, paused the TV, and went to answer the door.

As soon as she saw Beck standing outside, she felt a longing for him, as though she hadn't seen him in ages. So she kissed him full on the mouth.

"What was that for?" Beck asked her with a smile when she moved back.

"I missed you," Jade said simply.

"I was actually kinda worried about you. You never showed up at my RV like we had planned," Beck explained.

"Oh darn it! I completely forgot," Jade said honestly. She had forgotten about their prior plans just because she was too up herself to realize. "I just had a crappy day."

"Something to do with the job at the mall?" Beck asked her.

"Yeah, something like that," Jade answered. It wasn't exactly untrue. "You coming in?"

"Sure, why not," Beck said as he walked inside.

THE END!