Chapter 4: Unkept Promises

Gaege's (Juicy's) POVI walked into the small café, looking around at the mostly occupied tables. I rubbed my hands on my ripped, black jeans, taking a deep breath. I sat at one of the empty tables, texting Eddie that I was here. I set my phone down, waiting for his answer. I hadn't spoken to him since the day of the party, so I was hoping he would keep his word and show up.

The smell of coffee filling my nose helped me relax, and I tapped my fingers against the smooth, wooden table. The small bell of someone entering the store rang throughout the café, and I looked up to see Eddie entering the store.

"You're early," I tell him when he finds me. He was wearing a white shirt and black jeans, and he brushed his hair out of his face. I noticed a few girls look at him and giggle, but he didn't see them. I pressed my lips into a line, slight jealousy kicking in before I pushed it away.

Eddie let out a sigh when he sat down in the seat across from me, "I wanted to make sure I didn't miss you. After all, I haven't seen you in a few days." He had a hint of a teasing smile on his face, but I frowned.

"You know why we're here," I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair, "And it's not about us. It's about Narrator." Eddie's shoulders dropped, "I know. I feel so bad I..." He looked back up at me, "Do you really think he meant it when he said 'Have fun without me'? I would like to think it's because he was angry but I don't know anymore." I shook my head, "This has obviously been going on for a while. How come we never noticed?"

"I wish I could answer your question," Eddie sighed, running his hands through his hair, "I should've been more considerate about his feelings. But I was just so caught up with you that I..." His eyes met mine, his cheeks turning a slight shade of pink, "I didn't even realize that he was harboring some feelings too." I looked down, not knowing how to feel. My heart was starting to race, but I took a deep breath to steady myself. I had to remember Narrator. His feelings came before me and Eddie.

"Gaege..." The mention of my name made me look back up at him, "If Narrator wasn't jealous, or if none of this would have happened, would you have dated me?" I raised an eyebrow, noticing a hopeful gleam in his eyes. "And why are you asking me now?" I licked my lips, hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous I was. "I just want to know that this whole thing is worth something," He placed his hand over mine, "And that I'm not crazy for hoping you will love me back someday."

I gaped at him, unable to move my hand away from his. I looked down at our hands, remembering what I had told Josh the day before at his house. I promised myself that I wouldn't develop feelings for Eddie. That I would tell him to stop and sort out his relationship with Narrator first. That I wouldn't contribute to the drama even more. That I...

But as I stared at our hands, I didn't know if I could keep that promise after all.