Triggering (Suicide): Perfect In Love, short story

[Gymnophoria]

PERFECT IN LOVE <3 Part One

‘Briana Simmons!’ the sound of Mr Jacobs’ voice brought Briana crashing back to earth with a jolt. Yes sir?’ she asked meekly. Busted.
‘Perhaps you can tell us about Romeo’s superficial attraction to Rosaline and compare it with Juliet?’ He glared at her.
‘Um…’ she tried to remember what she’d written in her notes about this already ‘He called Rosaline the sun, she’s the light of his life. He’s in love with her.’
‘”the sun”?’ Mr Jacobs looked at her questioningly and she felt her face redden as the class turned to stare at her.
‘Yes, um…he says “What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet-“’ realisation dawned on her ‘…is the sun.’ she finished lamely.
‘Uh huh. And where might your mind be that you are confusing Rosaline with Juliet?’ he asked her.
‘I think what Briana means to say’ interrupted a deep voice behind Briana ‘is that, to begin with, we have no proof that the love Romeo has for Juliet is true. He was ‘in love’ with Rosaline but forgot about her completely when he saw Juliet. There’s no proof that he won’t do the same to Juliet when another pretty girl comes along.’ Briana turned and saw the beautiful face of Jude McAllister looking at her as he spoke, the beginnings of a small smile on his lips. Briana felt the blood rush to her face again and turned back to face Mr Jacobs who was looking mutinous.
‘Hm. Pay attention in future. Mr McAllister might not be here to bail you out next time.’ he warned before continuing with his lecture. Soon, the bell rang, its shrilling tones echoing through the classroom as everyone stood up and started cramming books and folders into their already full bags before heading out to their last class of the day.

‘So where was your head this time? came a voice behind Briana. She turned to see Jude, still with the same almost-smile on his face.
‘Oh just...’ You. ‘…other things.’ Briana felt herself blushing again.
‘I’m Jude.’ he held out his hand. Briana took it and smiled;
‘Briana.’ she said.
‘Awesome. Well, I better get going. Physics,’ he rolled his eyes and grinned at her before confidently striding out of the room and turning left towards the science block. It was a full three minutes before Briana realised that she was alone in the room and late for her next class. She quickly grabbed her notebook and hurried out. She didn’t hear a word her computing teacher was saying and walked out of the school and onto the bus in a daze when the bell finally rang.

Jude McAllister wasn’t some big sports star. He wasn’t the new kid, or the cool kid. He was just a normal guy. A normal, imperfect, totally drop-dead gorgeous guy. Unlike Briana, he was hardly noticed around the school. His dark eyes and long, brown, perfectly tousled hair helped him to blend in with everyone else.

Briana was different. Her hair was also brown, long and wavy. It often hung into her deep, crystal blue eyes. She was pretty, and she both knew and accepted it. Briana was a smart girl, she spent a lot of time on her studies. She often held tutoring classes near exam time and was the subject of much appreciation from both pupils and teachers. Nevertheless, she had been thinking a lot about Jude lately. It wasn’t something she normally allowed herself to do, a fear of abandonment prevented her from getting close to, or thinking too much, about anyone. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about Jude, especially after he stood up for her in English with Mr Jacobs. Briana even found herself staring at him as he walked by and feeling her heart beat faster when he smiled was a sure sign that something must be wrong.

It wasn’t until, at last, her final class of the day on Friday came around, that she got to talk to him again. She trudged into her English class, bored and not looking forward to another hour with Mr Jacobs. As she sat down, she saw that there was writing on the board at the front, a positive indication that Mr Jacobs wasn’t in.
‘Pair up and take notes on the reasons why Romeo and Juliet were in love. Presentations for this due Monday.’ she read ‘What? It’s Friday!’
‘Tell me about it’ came an all too familiar voice ‘but hey, if you’ll be my partner, we can go see the movie tonight and talk about it over dinner?’
‘Is that a bribe?’ Briana tried to sound casual as she turned around to face Jude. He shrugged.
‘Might be, but if you don’t want to-’
‘No’ she interrupted him ‘No, I’d love to’
‘Great’ he smiled ‘after school?’
‘Sure, um…come sit down’ it was only when Jude sat next to her that Briana realised: Jude was taking her to a movie. She had a date with Jude McAllister! A study date but still…
‘So, why do you think Juliet loved Romeo? I mean you’re a girl and all so…’ Jude trailed off awkwardly.
‘I think,’ Briana started, hoping to sound confident ‘that I want to know you more before I tell you everything. I need to know you won’t take all the credit for my wonderful brain-works’ she grinned at him and he smiled back at her.
‘Okay, good point. Well, I’m Jude, I’m 17 and I’ve been addicted to alcohol for 5 years…’ he smiled mischievously at her and she pushed him slightly.
‘Idiot, it’s not AA’ she laughed
‘Sure feels like it, I hate talking about myself, I never know what to say.’
‘Okay, well I have a question for you: What’s your opinion on the ending of the play? Were the tragic deaths of the main characters proof of their true love or unnecessary dramatics?’
‘That depends on your opinion of love’ Jude looked at her seriously and she stared at the desk.
‘Well, I’m not really sure I believe in true love. I believe that love can sometimes happen but being destined for someone and loving them for eternity, I don’t think can happen.’ Briana explained awkwardly.
‘You don’t believe you can love someone?’ Jude’s face fell
‘I don’t really know, I guess I can. Depending on the person.’ Briana wasn’t sure she liked where the conversation was going at this stage. Jude’s warm fingers gently positioned themselves under her chin and pushed her head up, forcing her to look at him.
‘Do you think you could ever love me?’ he asked, staring into her eyes.
‘I…I think I already do’ Briana whispered
‘You do?’ Jude kept his voice down but could not hide his surprise. She nodded, not breaking eye contact with him as he stared at her. ‘I really like you, Briana’ he whispered ‘I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. Your gorgeous hair, your eyes, and your smile…’ he softly ran his fingers over her lips ‘your beautiful smile, I can’t get you out of my mind.’ Briana reached up and took his hand in hers, holding it tightly as she interlocked their fingers.
‘Briana…’ he breathed. She looked slowly back up at him; ‘Yes?’ she whispered.
‘Will you be mine?’ Jude stared deep into her eyes and Briana felt herself melt beneath his gaze.
‘Yes…yes of course.’ she said quietly. Jude gently lifted their hands and softly brushed his lips against the tips of Briana’s fingers. They smiled at each other and were jolted out of the magic when the bell rang, bringing them crashing back to reality. Briana blushed and looked around. No one seemed to have noticed. Everyone was divided into groups, talking and laughing as they left the room. She picked up her bag and looked at Jude who smiled at her.


(Eep I'm not usually that happy with what I write, but I really think this is so CUTE )

[Speechless]

I like.

I found their conversation very interesting. So philosophical

A little off-topic but..

‘Well, I’m not really sure I believe in true love. I believe that love can sometimes happen but being destined for someone and loving them for eternity, I don’t think can happen.’ Briana explained awkwardly.

I agree.

Is there going to be a Part Two?

[Gymnophoria]

At the rate I'm going (still not finished) there'll be a part 20

[.Brittany.]

I like this so far.. and I totally love that you chose the name 'Briana'

[Briana]

I like the name you use.
That was really good though and very cute.

[Kitty.]

That was really amazing

[Gymnophoria]

Originally Posted by .Brittany.

I like this so far.. and I totally love that you chose the name 'Briana'

I later had a character called Bethany and kept typing Brittany because I associate your two names now

[Imagine]

Aw i love this!

[WaitingForTheTearsToDry]

wow, this is really good. you should put the rest up!

[Gymnophoria]

Just want to note, this is the kinda triggering part, I'll white it out so you can skip it if you like but PLEASE take care

Everyone was divided into groups, talking and laughing as they left the room. She picked up her bag and looked at Jude who smiled at her.
‘Ready to go? he asked. Briana nodded as he took her hand and led her out. They stopped just outside the school and Jude put his bag down.
‘What…?’ Briana started but Jude just smiled at her and unbuttoned his shirt, pulling it off to reveal a pale blue t-shirt underneath. He crammed the discarded shirt into his bag and looked critically at Briana.
‘Hm…may I?’ he reached for her tie. Briana blushed but didn’t resist as he took it off and shook her hair out of it’s ponytail. ‘Ha. Now you look like a college student.’ He laughed and took her hand, leading her to the bus stop just as the bus drew up. They sat together at the back and Jude wrapped an arm around Briana’s shoulders as she rested her head on his shoulder.

It didn’t take long for them to get to the cinema and Briana smiled at Jude as they walked together through the double doors.
‘Okay, let’s see.’ Jude looked at the display of movies and times ‘the next Romeo and Juliet starts in half an hour; that okay for you? We can go get a coffee or something.’ Jude gestured to the Starbucks across the road and Briana nodded.
‘Sounds like a plan.’ she smiled. They walked back to the doors and Jude stepped in front of her, opening the door and standing aside with a mock bow.
‘Madame,’ he said in an exaggerated accent as he gestured for her to go first. She giggled and curtsied as she stepped through the door and he followed her, laughing.
The coffee shop was quiet and they found a cosy corner with some soft chairs to sit in as they sipped their drinks. Briana took off her small hoodie and tied it around her waist, as she did, Jude noticed a long white line along each of her wrists. When she looked up, he gestured to them.
‘Am I allowed to ask?’ she shrugged.
‘I don’t mind, I’m not ashamed of it.’ she said nonchalantly.
‘So what happened?’ Jude asked
‘When I was 14, my family argued all the time, about everything. Including me. I thought if I was out of the way, they’d stop fighting and be happy..’ Briana blinked back tears. Jude took her hand and squeezed it gently, encouraging her to continue. ‘It was after a really big fight that I lost it. They were screaming and shouting at each other and trying to get me to take sides. I locked myself in my room and cut each of my wrists as deeply as I could.’
‘Coping mechanism?’ Jude asked. Briana shook her head.
‘Suicide attempt,’ she corrected ‘But I was right behind my door, the blood started to seep through to the carpet on the other side and they found me. I stayed in a hospital for two weeks, went back to school and saw a counsellor for a couple of years. I live with my sister now in my grandparents’ old house.’
‘That time in our third year, you were off for two weeks with the flu, the only time you ever missed school.’ Jude said quietly and Briana nodded. Jude turned her hand over and traced his fingers along the line there before looking up at her.
‘I’m really glad they found you, please promise me you’ll never try that again?’
‘I promise’ Briana said as she stared into his eyes ‘I wouldn’t want to risk losing you.’
‘I promise you Briana, I won’t leave you. I will always be here for you.’ He gently leaned forward and kissed her cheek as they stood up. ‘Ready to go?’ he asked. Briana just smiled and took his hand.

They got their tickets and hurried into the theatre just as the lights dimmed and went out. Briana sunk back into a seat and Jude settled comfortably beside her as she shivered slightly. Jude casually wrapped his arm around her and she leaned into him gratefully, nestling her head into his shoulder. He smiled at her and gently stroked her hair as the opening titles started.

After what seemed like minutes, Briana felt Jude gently shake her. She opened her eyes and realised she’d fallen asleep and the movie was over. She blushed and muttered an apology.
‘Don’t worry about it, you’re very cute when you sleep’ Jude smiled and took Briana’s hand, leading her out.
It was raining and Briana squealed when a large drop of water found its way down the back of her shirt. Jude laughed and, still holding her hand, ran through the rain to a nearby overhang at the side of the cinema. They sheltered under it and Briana pulled down her hood. Jude looked at her and reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. He held his hand on her cheek and stared deep into her eyes. Briana stared back at him and before she knew it, his lips were on hers. She was shocked for a moment but her lips were responding to his. He was kissing her and she was kissing him back just as gently. They broke apart, his forehead resting on hers. He pressed his lips softly to hers once more before pulling her into his arms and holding her close to him.

‘Simmons…McAllister.’ Briana’s head shot up and she saw Mr Jacobs staring at them, a shocked expression on his face. He was wearing a scarf decorated in the colours of the local football team and carrying a matching flag in one hand and an empty beer can in the other.
‘Sir,’ said Briana ‘you weren’t in class today.’
‘Yes um…I er…What are you two doing here?’ he snapped, recovering.
‘We were seeing Romeo and Juliet as research for the presentation you set us.’ Jude explained calmly.
‘Oh right…um…don’t bother with the presentation on Monday. Just er…just don’t…’
‘We won’t tell anyone’ Jude promised and Mr Jacobs smiled at him gratefully.
‘Right, okay um…bye then.’ he muttered awkwardly and walked away. Jude and Briana waited until he was a safe distance away before looking at each other and laughing.

‘Where the hell were you?’ Briana’s sister Bethany demanded the moment Briana closed the door behind her.
‘I was…on a date. Kind of.’ Briana admitted. Bethany looked surprised.
‘With?’ she prompted.
‘Jude McAllister.’ we went to the cinema to see Romeo and Juliet for English.’
‘I want to meet him. If he’s like that ass you had last time…’
No, no’ Briana said quickly ‘He’s not. He’s really sweet and caring.’
‘Don’t care. You said the same thing about Luke.’ Briana sighed.
‘Look sis, I love you, you know I do, but I don’t need you to protect me. I can look after myself,’ Bethany laughed loudly.
‘Sure, wanting to kill yourself over the last guy who was nice to you, you’re lucky I didn’t send you back to that counsellor. You can’t say I didn’t warn you.’
‘What, you mean ‘he’s a lying, cheating ass. Don’t trust him. He doesn’t love you’?’ Briana asked her. Bethany grinned.
‘Well I was right’ she defended ‘he cheated on you and I proved so many times that he lied to you.’
‘We’ve been through this, it was-‘
‘Stop defending him Briana! Anyone would think you still loved him!’ Briana stared at her and Bethany gasped. ‘Oh. My. God. You’re still in love with him. Aren’t you?’ she demanded
‘No! I mean, I can’t. Not after everything that happened between us, I don’t love him, I don’t! I..’ Briana panicked and Bethany laid her hands firmly on Briana’s shoulders.
‘Calm down. Go to bed. We’ll talk about this later.’ she told Briana firmly. Briana nodded and went to her room. Without even taking her shoes off, she collapsed on to her bed, face first. She groaned when she heard her phone ring and took it out of her pocket, pressing ‘answer’ as she did so.
‘Hello?’ she mumbled. There was silence. Briana sighed. ‘Hello?’ she asked again.
‘Briana’ a male voice said quietly ‘we need to talk’

[Beetlejuice]

OH.My.GOD. more please im so hooked! your writing style is really good

[Gymnophoria]

Okay so my computer won't let me open up the document that I stored this story on which is...problematic...
If I can't fix it, then it'll be at least Wednesday next week before I can get it from the computer at school

[Speechless]

More! More! More!

Will be waiting

[Gymnophoria]

Fixed it

Without even taking her shoes off, she collapsed on to her bed, face first. She groaned when she heard her phone ring and took it out of her pocket, pressing ‘answer’ as she did so.
‘Hello?’ she mumbled. There was silence. Briana sighed. ‘Hello?’ she asked again.
‘Briana’ a male voice said quietly ‘we need to talk’
‘Luke?’ she asked ‘Why in the hell are you calling me?’
‘I need to talk to you. Please.’ he pleaded. Briana said nothing so he went on ‘I know I hurt you and I’m so sorry. It was a huge mistake.’
‘You were sleeping with two other girls, Luke.’ Briana snapped.
‘It wasn’t like that-’ he started
‘And after we talked about it, I took some time and I forgave you. I let it go, it hurt me so much but I let it go because I love you!’ she cried and then froze ‘Loved you. I let it go because I loved you.’ she corrected quickly.
‘I still love you Briana, I really want us to try again. I miss you…’
‘You were the one who practically forced me to suggest breaking up with you! I felt like the bad guy for forgiving you and then breaking up with you but you left me no choice!’
‘I know, and I’m sorry but-’ Luke was interrupted again
‘And after agreeing to be friends you still push me away and lock me out of your life only for me to find out you were still sleeping with those girls! And you didn’t care about me, you never cared! The day we met in the street I wanted to die!’ Briana cried as tears started escaping from her overflowing eyes ‘I was carrying rope, thick rope. I told you that you wouldn’t be bothered by me again! You knew that and you let me go!’
‘I know, but-’
‘And now you want us to try again? Why now? Why wait until I finally start to feel happy again? It’s been three months!’
‘Briana!’ Luke cried ‘Will you just listen to me? Can we at least just…talk?’
‘Alright.’ Briana said icily ‘Talk.’
‘Okay’ Luke sighed ‘I miss you Briana. I miss what we had and I miss having my arms around you. I miss all the fun that we had, the way you smiled when you looked at me. I loved you, you were my world. I still love you and I just wish we could be that way again. I know we can’t just bounce right back to that but can we at least try?’
‘You done?’ Briana asked
‘Yes’ Luke sighed again
‘No. No Luke we can’t be that again because I had a date today. I’m happy. I really like this guy and I’m not giving that up for something that hurt me so much before.’
‘Briana…’ Luke sounded broken and Briana felt her heart melt and her resolve shattered.
‘Luke, we can’t be what we were before. But if you really are different and you’re not the ass you were before, I’m willing to try being friends.’
‘Really?’ Luke’s tone brightened
‘But I can’t promise I’m going to trust you right away. That’s going to take a long time. IF you even get that.’
‘I understand. It’s late. I’ll um…I’ll text you tomorrow…goodnight Briana..’
‘Night Luke.’ Briana yawned and was asleep almost before she hung up.

‘BRIANA!’ came a loud yell as something soft, cold and soaking wet landed over Briana’s face. She screamed and sat up, rubbing her hands over her face.
‘What the hell Beth?!’ she shouted as the sopping wet pillow that Bethany had thrown at her slid off of the bed and landed on the floor at Bethany’s feet.
‘Well I had to wake you up somehow. Lover-boy is downstairs.’ Bethany grinned mischievously at her and Briana gasped.
‘Jude?’ she asked ‘What’s he doing here?’
‘He said he has your tie. What I want to know is how he managed to get your tie if he didn’t take it off himself leading me to question whether you were actually at the cinema like you said you were or if you were at his house last night.’ Bethany seemed to be talking more to herself than Briana.
‘Whatever, just…go. I’ll be down in a minute.’ Briana put a hand on her forehead and sighed as Bethany shrugged and walked out. She stared at the floor for a few seconds after Bethany had left before yawning widely. Briana turned to the door and screamed. She could hear Bethany’s laughter from downstairs as Jude took two large steps towards her and held her in his arms as she gasped.
‘Shh it’s okay, it’s only me, you’re alright.’ he whispered as he stroked her hair and gently kissed her forehead.
‘I’m sorry..’ Briana put a hand over her racing heart. ‘You scared me!’ she cried
‘Are you okay?’ Jude stood back with his hands on her shoulders and looked at her, concerned.
‘I’m alright…just…just give me a bit of warning next time, yeah?’ Jude nodded, smiling sheepishly.
‘I’m loving the nightclothes’ he smiled, gesturing to Briana’s small top and shorts. She blushed.
‘I didn’t know you were coming so…’
‘Ah, no worries’ Jude smiled ‘I was just checking you were okay because I heard your sister yell about where you’d been when I walked you home last night.’ he explained.
‘Oh that, yeah it’s fine, I’m okay.’ Briana smiled.
‘You sure?’ Jude kept staring into her eyes, a concerned look etched on his face.
‘I’m sure, though I wouldn’t mind some breakfast…’ Briana grinned as her stomach rumbled.
‘I can help with that.’ Jude smiled and took her hand, leading her downstairs.

Soon Briana was daintily nibbling a slice of toast, despite Jude’s insistence she have more.
‘Ignore her. She never has a big breakfast, she makes up for it later. You’ll get used to it.’ Bethany said from behind her magazine.
‘Hey, didn’t you have a meeting with Taryn today?’ Briana asked her sister who froze. She looked at the clock before darting out of the room and rushing upstairs.
‘She never remembers things like that’ Briana rolled her eyes and finished her toast. ‘now I’m going to go find some clothes. I’ll be back soon.’ Jude smiled at Briana as she walked out of the room and headed upstairs. He cleaned up the remains of her breakfast and sank into an armchair in the living room.
It wasn’t long before Briana came back downstairs, she smiled at Jude as he held his arms out to her. She crossed the room in 4 quick strides and took his hands. Jude smiled mischievously at her and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. She rested her head on his shoulder and he softly kissed her hair as she sighed happily.
‘You’re so beautiful Briana’ he whispered against her hair ‘so, so beautiful.’ She looked up at him and he kissed her nose. She giggled and as he went to repeat the action, she moved her head up so that his lips gently touched hers. He smiled at her and Briana felt herself melt as she settled comfortably into the warm embrace of his arms.
‘I love you Briana’ he said quietly. Briana smiled.
‘I love you too Jude’ the words felt as natural and as beautiful as if an angel had spoken them.
‘What do you want to do today?’
‘I don’t mind’ Briana yawned
‘Tired, hun?’ Jude smiled at her and she nodded. He stood up, still with Briana in his arms and carried her up the stairs to her bedroom and softly laid her on her bed, throwing a blanket over her. She shook her head and sat up.
‘I slept through the movie last night, I can’t fall asleep on you again today’ she murmured, stifling another yawn. Jude sat beside her and gently pushed her back down. Briana smiled as he lay down with her and wrapped his arms close around her.
‘Sleep, love. I’ll still be here when you wake up.’ Jude whispered into her hair ‘We’ll go out and get some food later.’ Briana lost all will to resist Jude’s soothing voice and merely nodded as she drifted to sleep in his arms.


That's all I've written so could be a while before I get around to continuing.
I know where I want the story to go, I'm just not sure how to get there, bear with me

[Kitty.]

Wow this is so incredibly amazing!

[AmyIsLegit]

Love love love!

[Gymnophoria]

Finally finished

Briana awoke to the sound of her phone ringing on her desk. She detangled herself from Jude’s sleeping figure. He stirred slightly but did not wake. Picking up the phone, Briana smiled at Jude sleeping peacefully on her bed as she answered.
“Hello?”
“Briana!” came a relieved voice
“Luke?!” She hissed “What the hell are you-“
“I said I would call you.” He interrupted sounding hurt. Briana sighed.
“What do you want, Luke?” She asked
“Vicky Taylor told me that you were dating Jude McAllister.” The statement sounded more like an accusation.
“So what if I am?” Briana shot back, defensively.
“So I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Oh so you’re going to sabotage my relationship with him. Real mature. That won’t hurt me at all. Get a life, Luke.”
“Briana, he’s gay.” She froze.
“What?”
“Jude McAllister is gay. Everyone knows.”
“No he isn’t.” Briana defended him.
“He is. He was seeing Callum Vincent last year. He likes to play with girls; let them fall for him and then leaves them. You’re going to get hurt.” Luke said gently.
“He wouldn’t... He...” Briana was lost for words.
“He wouldn’t do that to you.” Luke finished for her.
“How much do you know about him? Really?” He challenged.
“He... Well he was a...” Briana faltered. Luke was right. She knew practically nothing about Jude. She stirred as she looked at him before opening his eyes and gazing at her sleepily.
“Who’re you talking to?” He asked. Briana looked at her phone.
“No one.” She answered and hung up.
Jude spread his arms, inviting Briana back into them. She crossed the room like a robot, climbed onto the bed and curled up as Jude’s strong arms embraced her once more.
She bit down on her lip and stared at the wall.
“Are you alright, Briana?” Jude asked her “Who was on the phone?”
Briana thought for a moment before answering. “Luke. My ex.”
“What happened?” Jude asked. Briana looked at him, confused. “For you to break up.” He clarified.
“Oh. He’s the one I told you about yesterday.” Briana said.
“What’s he doing calling you?” Jude demanded. Briana studied him.
“You ask a lot of questions.” She concluded.
“Answer?” he asked her, gently.
“He...” Briana hesitated under Jude’s gaze “he was calling about us,” she paused “Well, you.”
“Me?” Jude raised his eyebrows in surprise “Do I know him?”
“Not as well as he knows you, apparently” Briana muttered.
“What do you mean?” Jude stared at her in confusion.
“He... He told me that you were gay...”
“What?!” Jude jumped up “He said what?”
“Are you?” She challenged.
“No! No of course I’m not!” He answered, almost hysterically “I don’t believe...”
“What about Callum Vincent?” Briana braced herself for another yell. But Jude froze.
“Excuse me?” He whispered “What did you just say?”
“That you dated Callum Vincent. Is it true?”
“Well I... No! I mean I...” Jude seemed lost for words “I was confused... I didn’t know-”
“So you did. Right.” Briana looked away, afraid that the tears burning behind her eyes would show.
“Briana, I don’t love you any less. Please understand that. I’m not gay. Callum was a mistake.”
“Maybe I’m the mistake” she muttered, and at Jude’s shocked silence “Is it true that you play with girls? Let them fall for you and then just drop them like they’re nothing? It’d explain why suddenly Alyson wanted nothing to do with you after being practically glued to you for 2 months.”
“You actually believe him” Jude whispered “You believe that scumbag who cheated on you, hurt you SO much-!”
“I believe him because we were friends before we dated and I know that despite his mistakes, he does care about me.“
“I’m not doing this.” Jude muttered. He turned to leave but Briana grabbed his arm. He spun round. “What?”
“Just tell me if it’s true.” Briana pleaded
“You know what? This WAS a mistake. If you are going to sit there and accuse me of things I’ve never so much as dreamt of just because your ex boyfriend told you, then maybe you should go running back to him.” He wrenched his arm out of Briana’s astonished grip and marched out. A few seconds later she heard the door slam as Jude’s words rang in her ears. She was barely aware of the phone ringing and she answered it just before whoever was calling hung up.
“Hello?” She said numbly, praying it might be Jude.
“Briana! Thank goodness! Listen, Luke is trying to break you up with Jude. He’s telling everyone that Jude’s gay and messes with girl’s minds but it’s really not true. We broke up because it just didn’t work out. Don’t listen to anything Luke tries to tell you.” Briana said nothing “Briana? Are you there?” Briana managed to take a breath.
“Sorry Alyson, I have to deal with something, can I call you back?”
“Sure...” Alyson trailed off, sounding confused. Briana hung up and dialled Jude’s number.
“What?” He answered?
“Jude, I’m so sorry. I made a huge mistake. Luke... He was trying to push us apart. He meant for that to happen. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear it, Briana. You did this, not Luke. He might have said those things, but you believed him. And that’s what hurts the most. Just leave me alone for a while.” The line went dead.
“Jude! Jude please!” Briana shouted at the silent phone. She threw it onto her bed and ran into the hallway, doing her best to hold back furious tears. She pulled the string for the door of the attic and a ladder slid down. Hands fumbling on the rungs, she climbed to the top and ran to a slanted window that was on the roof itself. She opened the window and stood on the edge as the furious tears leaked out and started running rivers down her face. The wind blew against her as if pushing her back through the window, but she resisted. Spots of rain fell from the sky as she looked down at the concrete road before her, watching. Waiting. It wasn’t long before a car came driving along the road. She smiled a manic smile and gritted her teeth.
“You broke your promise, Jude McAllister. You said you’d never leave. Now I’m breaking mine.”

Jude did his best not to call Briana back, knowing that he’d say something he would later regret. He knew that he was being stupid. But at the same time, how could Briana believe that Luke was only looking out for her. Did she not realise how much he, himself cared for her?
You’re not doing a good job of caring now, are you? Said a voice in his head. He sighed, knowing his conscience was right. He quickly did a U turn as it started to rain and drove back the way he came, around the back of Briana’s house. He sped up, his desperation to get back to her, apologise and hold her in his arms increasing with every passing second. He saw something large falling from the sky and, despite slamming on the brakes, the front of his car hit it just as it almost reached the ground. The large thing rolled over the roof of the car and landed behind him on the road. As he stared at the bonnet, he saw a small broken chain with an intricate letter B shining silver in the rain.