three strikes

Chapter 33
-7 Months Later-
My mother kissed my forehead one last time, brushing my hair away from my face.
"Darling, I'm so proud of you. Your father is, too." she cried.
I wrapped my arms around my mother, giving her a tight hug.
"I love you." I whispered in her ear.
"Oh, Kendall. You know I love you, too."
I exited the front door, carrying my matching set of blue suitcases behind.
Jesse exited his car, as he helped me carry my luggages in the trunk.
He brushed his hands off after we finished, as he started the engine to his car.
"Are you ready, babe?" he smirked.
I slapped his arm playfully, as I nodded. "Don't call me babe. And yes, I am."
"Are you sure? It's going to be a long four hour drive to Pennsylvania." Jesse teased.
"I am absolutely sure. Besides, you can entertain me while I'm bored."
Jesse nodded, as his dark hair fell in his eyes.
He started pulling out of our driveway, as he headed onto the road.
Before I got to react, I noticed that Jesse had passed the highway that we were suppose to go on.
"Jesse? You just passed the highway entrance." I pointed out.
Jesse chuckled, as he pressed on the pedal even harder. "I know."
I frowned in confusion. "Well, go make a U turn and go back."
Jesse shook his head. "I want to go somewhere first, before we leave."
"But-"
"No buts."
I stayed quiet, as I watched Jesse drive towards a beach that Scarlett, Nate, Jesse and I all hung around during the summer.
Jesse stopped, as he got out of the car abruptly, leaving me to follow him.
"J-Jesse, where are you going?" I demanded, as he started pacing in the sand.
As I walked, sand kicked behind me, letting the sand sink between my toes.
"I have to tell you something before we go." Jesse said, squinting in the sunlight.
I frowned. "You aren't pregnant, are you?"
Jesse looked at me, sighing. "This isn't time for jokes, Kendall. I'm serious."
His face was straight, and suddenly, I was scared.
"What is it, Jesse?" I asked, shuffling my feet.
Jesse shook his head. "You won't get mad at me, will you? Because this will ruin everything."
I chuckled nervously. "What are you saying, Jesse? Everything's be fine, perfect! My mother is doing great, we both have scholarships, and we'll be going to the same college!"
Jesse bit his lip. "T-that's where the problem comes in..."
"About what?" I asked.
"I-I'm not going to Penn State with you, Kendall." he sighed.
"W-what?" I hesitated.
"I got a full scholarship for sports during the beginning of this summer... to Berkeley."
"B-Berkeley? As in... California?" I asked, eyes widening.
He nodded. "S-sorry, Kendall. I knew how much you wanted for us to go to Penn, but this was just too good of an offer to turn down."
I shook my head. "Why did you wait until now to tell me?"
"I-I didn't want to hurt you."
I chuckled, wiping away tears that had fallen.
"I'm not mad, you idiot. I'm proud of you. I might be upset that you waited so long to tell me... but I'm so happy for you. A full scholarship? That's amazing." I breathed.
"But-"
"No buts." I cut him off, sealing it with a kiss.

three strikes

Chapter 32
-Two Weeks Later-
"Jesse? Why am I blindfolded?" I asked, reaching out my hands for something to grab.
My palms came in touch with a soft hand, as I heard Jesse in front of me, lightly chuckling.
"Be patient. We're almost there." he assured.
I groaned, obviously not liking the fact that I couldn't see.
We finally came to a stop, as a gentle breeze ran through my hair.
I felt Jesse's warm hand lingering on my face, as he lifted up the red blindfold carefully.
I held in my breath, as I studied the view in front of me.
We were on a porch decorated with little lanterns hanging, and there was a clear view of the city ahead of us.
In the center of the porch was a table for two, with a single rose in the middle, and candles decorating around it.
"Y-you did this dor our date?" I asked, breathlessly.
Jesse rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Why is that so hard to believe?"
I shook my head, smiling shyly.
"Well, I expected something different from you." I smirked.
Jesse raised an eyebrow. "Different, how?"
"You know, you do seem like the type to plan a one night stand for a first date." I joked, pushing his shoulder gently.
He didn't budge though.
Instead, he held my hand, and guided me to the table in the center.
He pulled out a chair for me, as I smoothed out the hem of my dress.
I sat down, and smiled at him.
He sat across from me, as the wind gently blew his shaggy hair away from his eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Jesse asked, frowning.
My face grew hot, as I began playing with the red rose in the transparent vase.
"L-like what?" I stuttered, hoping he didn't notice me checking him out.
Jesse shrugged. "I don't know. You don't think this is too cliche for a first date, do you?"
I shook my head. "No way. This is perfect."
Jesse smiled in pleasure, as a waiter dressed in a tie came out with two wine glasses and two menus.
"Mr. Collins, it's a pleasure to see you this evening. May I start you and your date off with a glass of red wine?" the waiter asked with a foreign accent.
Normally, I would've rejected his offer, but I nodded.
I watched as the waiter poured a deep, red liquid substance into a tall wine glass.
"I'll be back to take your orders in a moment." the waiter added, leaving.
Jesse took a sip of his wine.
"Do you want to check out with view before we eat?" Jesse asked.
I nodded, as I took the glass of wine with me.
We stood up, approaching the edge of the porch.
Below us was a wonder of city lights and tall buildings.
"It's amazing." I whispered.
"Just like you are." Jesse muttered under his breath.
I turned red, as I lifted the glass to my mouth.
I let the wine enter my mouth, but as soon as I swallowed it, I began coughing.
Jesse flinched, holding my back with a worried expression.
"Kendall? Are you okay?" he asked.
I nodded, coughing one last time, as I settled the glass down.
"I'm fine, t-thanks." I flustered with embarassment.
Curse you, Kendall!
Why do you have to be so weak when it comes to wine?!
"It's my fault, I should've remembered that you weren't a big drinker." Jesse sighed, patting my back gently.
"No, no. It's okay, really." I smiled in assurance.
His lips moved upward, as he stared at me for a long moment.
I began to get lost in his eccentric blue eyes, as him and I leant forward.
Our noses touched, and just as our lips were about to, the waiter entered the porch.

three strikes

Chapter 31
"So, is this considered our first date?" I asked, sticking a French fry in my mouth.
Jesse rolled his eyes, and took a long sip of his vanilla and chocolate blended milkshake.
"No, Kendall. I told you, I need time to think about it."
I smirked, dipping my French fries in a pool of ketchup.
"It sounds like you're going to break up with me, or something."
Jesse shot me a glare. "Well, what I meant was I need time to think about what to do for our date. I mean, I don't want to do something cliche, or something lame."
I sighed dramatically, swallowing a mouthful of greasy fries.
"Can't we just go to a movie or something?" I asked.
"That's the lame part." Jesse said.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What about something like... a picnic on a rooftop?! That sounds so-!"
"Cliche." Jesse finished.
I glared at the dark haired brunette. "I was going to say romantic."
Jesse grunted, swirling the straw in his milkshake.
"I just want our first date to be perfect. I don't want it to be like how it was with other girls, simple movie and dinner. I want to do something... unique."
I mentally groaned when he said 'other girls'.
I still couldn't believe that I was pretty much going out, for real, with someone like Jesse.
After all, he was known as the notorious playboy of our school.
And I used to hate people like him- arrogant and what not.
But, look at where I was now.
In love, and talking about suggestions for dates with him.
"What's wrong? Why do you have that face?" Jesse asked, concerned.
I frowned, shaking my head. "What face?"
Jesse grinned, tapping my nose.
"That innocent, cute, pouty face." he smirked.
I flustered, slapping his hand away from my nose.
"Ha ha, hilarious." I sarcastically remarked, playfully glaring at him.
After we finished eating, Jesse drove the both of us in his new Lamborghini convertiable.
We stopped at the driveway of his mansion, as we headed towards his large backyard.
He guided us through the fence, as I could see a crystal clear pool and a large basketball court.
"Do you want to play basketball?" Jesse asked, stripping off his black hoodie.
I shuddered, shaking my head. "Are you crazy? It's barely fourty degrees right now."
Jesse shrugged, as his white t-shirt clung on his body, showing off his perfectly sculpted stomach.
"Come, I'll make you warm if you get cold." he winked.
I scrunched my nose in disgust.
"No, I'm fine. Besides, I don't know how to play."
Jesse raised an eyebrow at me.
"Pretty please? I'll teach you. Come on." he pleaded.
I sighed, giving up.
I approached the center of the basketball court, where he stood.
"Okay, what now?" I asked, crossing my arms stubbornly.
"Let me see the way you shoot the ball. Come here." Jesse guided, pulling me gently towards the free throw line.
He handed me the amber, orange ball, as it landed firmly in my palms.
I took in a deep breath.
I jumped up in midair, releasing the ball from my hands.
It hit the back of the board, and sprang into the hoop.
"See? You do know how to play." Jesse pointed out.
I glared at him. "I got lucky."
Jesse grinned, as he wrapped his warm arms around my waist, pulling me in closer.
"Don't worry, I can teach you how to play." he breathed.

three strikes

Chapter 30
"Kendall."
My head snapped towards Jesse in one swift movement, as my eyes bulged out of my head.
"What did you just say?" I asked, breathlessly.
Jesse sighed, turning into a shade of crimson red.
"Are you really going to make me repeat it?" he asked.
I bit my lip, feeling myself burn up.
"So, you would rather choose some girl over your Ferrari?" Cole asked, stepping in between us.
Jesse glanced at me, with his bright blue eyes glistening.
"Of course." he smiled slyly.
Cole smacked the side of Jesse's shoulder.
"Are you stupid? Have you gone insane?" he asked with disbelief.
I rolled my eyes, pushing Cole back.
"Is it so hard to believe that I got picked over a damned car?" I asked.
Cole narrowed his eyes, and remained silent.
I gasped, and smacked his arm again, with much more force.
He winced in pain, rubbing his arm.
I looked back up at Jesse, who seemed amused by Cole's pain.
"So... you're giving your Ferrari away?" I asked quietly.
Jesse's lips switched up, as he nodded. "For you, yes. Besides, I could get that Lamborghini I've always wanted now."
Cole suddenly spoke up, grinning widely.
"So the Ferrari's mine now?! Are you sure?" Cole asked eagerly.
Jesse reached in his back pocket, taking out a pair of keys, and swiftly tossing it to Cole.
Cole caught it in one hand, and admired the way the silver key shined in the lighting.
"Whatever, dude! Your lost!" Cole squealed.
Cole dashed out of the school, towards the front door.
Not a minute later, we heard a loud engine roaring from outside, speeding away.
I muffled a laugh, staring back up at Jesse, who was already waiting for the look in my eye.
"Why did you do that, really?" I asked.
Jesse rubbed the back of his neck.
"Remember when I told you I though I was... falling in love with you?" Jesse asked.
I nodded, nervously.
I suddenly felt something in my stomach.
It was a strange feeling, something I've never experienced before.
Was it what they said in the movies?
The... the butterflies?
"I-I wasn't lying. I meant it." Jesse sheepishly said, avoiding the look in my eye.
I was acutally glad at the fact that he wasn't looking at me.
That way, he couldn't see how red and girly I was being right now.
"That's... interesting." I whispered.
Jesse looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. "You know, Kendall, most girls would tell me that they love me to, and go into an intense makeout session with me."
I glared at Jesse, all while smiling.
I pushed his shoulder gently, but he didn't even budge.
"I guess I'm not like most girls, then." I smirked.
Jesse suddenly became quiet, as he came closer to me.
He cupped one hand on my cheek, rubbing his lean fingers on my temples.
He leaned in closer, as our noses touched.
"I guess you're right, Kendall. You aren't like most girls." he breathed.
"You're better than them." he finished, enclosing the space between us with our first, real kiss.

three strikes

Chapter 29
I gasped in surprise, which allowed Cole to slip his groggily tongue in my mouth.
My eyes widened, as I brought my two hands up to his chest, pushing him away forcefully.
Cole stumbled back a few steps, unfortunetly, not falling.
I wiped the spit he left on my mouth with disgust.
I stared at Cole with disbelief, as he opened his mouth to speak.
Before anything got to come out though, I dashed down the hall, running away from him.
I clenched my fists in anger.
How could Cole turn out to be such an... asshole?!
I ran into someone, as I pressed my hands on their chest.
I blushed, as I pulled back, looking up.
I saw Jesse's eccentric blue eyes, staring at me with concern.
"What happened? Why do you look so tense?" he asked.
I debated whether or not I should tell him or not.
"C-Cole kissed me." I admitted.
Jesse's face became dark and firm, as I heard the sound of his knuckles cracking.
"That bastard." he mumbled under his breath.
He pushed me out of the way, as he walked down the hall where I had just come from.
I grabbed Jesse by the shoulder, spinning him around.
"What are you doing?" I asked frantically.
"Killing that idiot." he growled.
I shook my head, holding him back.
"No, Jesse! Don't!" I said, with my voice strangley hoarse.
"Why not?! He pretty much harrassed you!" Jesse spat.
"Just don't, okay?!" I demanded.
Jesse's jaw clenched, as his mouth formed into a tight line.
"Why? Is it because you like him? Is it because you want to protect him?" he asked, dangerously low.
My jaw dropped slightly, as I stared at his hard face.
"What? N-no! What has gotten into you?" I asked.
"Well, it seems like you like him, since you're always protecting his ass. He doesn't even like you!" Jesse glared.
My heart dropped, as I began to nibble on my lips.
"What do you mean?" I gritted through my teeth.
Jesse threw his head back in exhaustion.
"Can you be anymore blind?" he asked. "He used you! Remember the bet between us that I told you about? Well, if Cole made you fall for him, he gets my Ferrari. That's the only reason why he even talks to you!"
My lips trembled. "I don't believe you. You used me, too."
Jesse shut his eyes tightly.
"Well it's the truth. And at least I had the audacity to tell you." Jesse muttered.
All the memories that Cole and I share, meant absoluetely nothing.
He used me for a whole month, and I didn't even see it coming.
Suddenly, I heard panting besides me, as Cole appeared next to an angered Jesse.
"Kendall? Are you okay? You ran off, and I just wanted to say-"
I cut Cole off, narrowing my eyes at Jesse.
"Forget it, Cole. When were you going to tell me about the bet?" I asked.
Cole looked panicked, as he looked over to Jesse.
"You told her?" Cole asked.
"Of course I did. I paid her to be my girlfriend this whole time, anyway." Jesse said, shrugging.
Cole raised an eyebrow. "That's cheating, man. Your Ferrari is mine, now."
Jesse snickered. "You wish."
Cole clicked his tonuge. "Then if you won't give me the Ferrari, then Kendall is mine."
I gasped, as Jesse glanced over me.
"Not happening either, dude." Jesse glared.
"You have to pick one, Jesse. The girl or Ferrari." Cole threatened.
Jesse smirked, and without hesitation, he said...

three strikes

Chapter 28
Jesse and I interwined our fingers together, walking down the school corridor the next morning.
Girl's turned to me, raising their perfectly plucked eyebrows.
"They're back together?" a girl whispered.
"Didn't she, like, cheat on him?" another asked.
"Why would Jesse go back to someone like her?" one asked.
I tightly gripped Jesse's hand, becoming angry with everyone's responses.
"Kendall, quit doing that. It hurts." Jesse muttered in my ear.
I sighed, letting my grip go loose.
"Alright, you ready for plan A?" I asked, as we stopped at my locker.
Jesse nodded, narrowing his eyes towards the other end of the hallway.
"Yeah, Cole's coming this way."
Suddenly, I burst into a fake misfit of giggles, as I leaned agaisnt the locker.
Jesse pressed his body closer to mine, as he brushed my hair back.
I couldn't help but hold my breath.
Why was I? This was all an act anyway.
I heard footsteps approaching us, as someone cleared their throat.
I braced myself to look up, as I saw a confused Cole.
"You guys are back together?" Cole asked.
I smiled, as Jesse wrapped one arm around my waist.
"Yeah, we made up last night." Jesse grinned.
Cole widened his eyes. "You mean... sex?"
I gasped, shaking my head quickly.
"No! No, not that!" I debated. "We talked it through."
Cole didn't look too happy at the fact that Jesse and I were 'back together'.
"Kendall? Can I talk to you, though?" Cole asked.
I frowned in confusion, as I looked up at Jesse.
Jesse seemed skeptical, but he nodded.
He loosened his grip on my waist, as he let me go.
I followed Cole down the hall, as he cleared his throat.
"You're really getting back with Jesse after he cheated on you and hooked up with Jessica at the party a few nights ago?" Cole asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
I couldn't take being lied to anymore.
The one thing I hated the most of all things were liars.
"Jesse never hooked up with Jessica." I coldly muttered.
Cole seemed startled, as he took a step closer to me.
"Yes, he did. Is that what he told you? That he didn't? Because he's lying." Cole lowly said.
I pushed Cole back gently, as he took a small step back, leaving a space in between us.
"I think you're the one whose telling lies here, Cole." I spat. "Because Jesse was with me that night of the party."
Cole licked his chapped lips.
He was probably trying to think up of another pathetic lie.
"Did I say two nights ago? I acutally meant three nights ago." Cole buffered.
I rolled my eyes, getting angry at his behavior.
"Quit lying to me, Cole. You're going to get your eye black if you want to continue to lie." I snapped, blowing up his cover.
Cole opened his mouth to speak, but reluctantly closed it tight.
His jaw was clenched and his lips were formed in a straight line.
"Nothing to say? Do you want to explain why-"
Before I got to finish, Cole glanced over my shoulder.
He smirked, as he pulled me by the collar roughly.
Before I could react, I felt a pair of rough, chapped lips on mine.

three strikes

Chapter 27
"Cole's a w-what?" Jesse asked, almost sounding like he wanted to burst out in hysterics of laughter.
I shot a long, cold glare at Scarlett, as she bit her lip, wishing she could take back her words.
"She's just joking." I lied, adding a small grin to make my lie even more convincing.
Jesse smirked, and nodded.
I sighed in relief, thanking God that Jesse didn't suspect anything unusual.
I didn't know how to tell him that Cole had lied about him hooking up with Jesscia.
Just as Jesse was about to walk away to sit with his group of jocks and cheerleaders, he turned around and met eyes with me.
"Kendall? Don't book any plans for today." he winked.
Before I got to reply and tell him off, he walked off.
Bastard.
***
"Why are there shorts in your car?" I asked Jesse, holding up a pair of skimpy, denim short shorts.
I was in Jesse's car after school, after he dragged me in his precious Ferrari.
Jesse glanced over at me, as he started the engine.
"They might be Regina's." Jesse said. "Or maybe even Trisha, I forgot."
My jaw dropped, as I flung the shorts over at Jesse.
He caught it with his free hand, and tossed it to the back of his car.
"What? Are you serious?" I asked irritated.
Jesse narrowed his blue eyes towards me, and smirked.
"I'm just kidding, Kendall. Your reactions are just too funny." Jesse teased.
I grunted, slapping his shoulder.
"Then whose is it, smartass?" I snapped.
"Why do you care? Jealous much?" Jesse snorted.
I flustered, crossing my arms stubbornly.
"Of course not. I'm just a curious child." I spat.
He kept silent afterwards.
The only noise was the sound of the windshields wiping off the flakes of snow.
"Well? Aren't you going to tell me?" I asked.
Jesse shook his head of black, dark hair.
"Why not?!" I cried.
"You're so nosy, Kendall. Besides, what you don't know won't hurt you." Jesse smirked.
"What could you possibly do that could hurt me?" I asked.
Just as I said that, many things popped in my mind, from hooking up with another girl to spilling my secret.
"You know what? Just forget it. We're here anyway." Jesse said.
I looked up outside the window, and noticed that we were at the park downtown.
"What are we doing at the park? It's snowing." I snapped.
"We don't have to go outside if you don't want to. I just wanted to give you something." Jesse shrugged.
I opened my mouth to ask him what, but he opened his door, and stepped out.
I followed him, as my sneakers made footprints in the slate snow below me.
I followed him to the trunk of his car.
He lifted it open, and inside was a black, leather suitcase.
"What is it? A gun?" I gasped. "Are you planning on killing me?!"
Jesse rolled his eyes, and lifted open the suitcase.
Inside was stacks and stacks of money. Piles.
I was speechless, until I bit my lip.
"Are you showing me to rub it in my face?" I gritted through my teeth.
Jesse glared at me. "No. You're so negative. It's a hundred thousand dollars, for you."
I gaped, eyes widening. "What?!"
"It's for you."
My stomach dropped, as I began shuffling my feet nervously. "Why are you doing this? I don't need your money."
Jesse chuckled. "I still need you to be my girlfriend for another couple of weeks. So, this is your pay. Besides, I'm trying to help you and your mom out."
"By paying me to date you? Doesn't that make me seem like a whore?"
Jesse shrugged. "Sure. Besides, you've already done it for me before."
I bit my lip. "I'll pay you back."
Jesse smirked. "As if."
I glared at the dark haired boy. "I will, in the future."
"Whatever."
Then, I did something I never expected myself to do.
I hugged Jesse.

three strikes

Chapter 26
Cole slumped down in the empty seat next to me, as we waited for Mr. Jensen to start his lesson.
"Hi Kendall." Cole grumbled, running a hand through his messy hair.
I smirked at the messy and tired apperance of Cole.
"What's up with you? You look like you want to puke." I asked.
"There was a wild party last night. I barely remembered what happened. Although, judging from my hangover, I probably got drunk." Cole mumbled.
I rolled my eyes, and slapped the back of his head.
"That's your own fault." I smirked.
The corner's of Cole's mouth twitched upwards.
"Jesse was at the party, too." Cole added.
I narrowed my eyes towards him, frowning.
How could've Jesse been at a party last night?
Jesse had surprisingly comforted last night after my confession, and even offered to help me clean up the shards of glass before my mother woke up.
Jesse left my house pretty late, so how could've he attended a party?
I bit my lip in curiousity, and began to play along with Cole.
"Really? What did he do?" I asked, if I was confused.
Cole shook his head, and chuckled. "Let's just say that Jesse and Jessica wouldn't let us in the bathroom for the rest of the night." 
I gasped, pretending I was surprised, even if I did know that Cole was lying.
"No way! Really?" I asked, clamping a hand to my mouth.
Cole nodded, resting his hand on mine, as I resisted the urge to pull away.
"Yeah. I figured since we were friends, I should tell you the truth, right?" Cole asked, smiling gently.
I nodded, and sighed.
Why would Cole choose to lie to me?
Jesse had obviously not attended a wild, drunken party last night, because he was with me.
The only person I could possibly get actually good advice from was Scarlett.
We sat together at lunch, as she twirled a piece of lettuce with her fork, which was in fact, drizzled in Italian ranch dressing.
"I still can't belive you told Jesse about your family, though." Scarlett muttered.
I glanced at the blonde. "He kind of figured it out himself, anyway."
Which was partially true.
"It's just why would Cole lie to me about Jesse and Jessica hooking up?" I asked.
"Maybe he's jealous that you're getting so close to Jesse." Scarlett teased.
I slapped her arm. "Funny." I sarcastically remarked.
She held her hands up in surrender. "It's the truth!"
"How?"
"You and Jesse have been getting oh, so close. Besides, he isn't even paying you anymore! Maybe his feelings are real?" Scarlett joked, holding back her giggles.
"Say one more word, and I'll tell your mother you lost your virginity at prom to Drew Hawkins!" I threatened.
Scarlett's mouth dropped. "You wouldn't dare, b*tch." she challenged.
A smirk spread across my lips. "I will tell, I don't care."
"Tell what?" a voice suddenly asked.
Scarlett and I both spun around to see Jesse standing before us, frowning with confusion.
Scarlett seemed startled. "O-of how much I like your shirt today! Is that cashmere?"
I rolled my eyes at Scarlett.
She sucked at lying.
Jesse looked down at his shirt. "Its a t-shirt."
Scarlett's eyes widened, as she blushed, shooting glares at me.
"Kendall thinks Cole's a liar!" Scarlett blurted out.

This chapter is rushed, so sorry if it doesnt make sense. It didnt make sense to me, either. :P

three strikes

Chapter 25
I pulled up my hood, as it started snowning.
I kicked every block of snow that I came across, as Jesse started smirking.
I stared at the dark haired man in front of me, whose cheeks were rosy from the cold air.
"What?" I grumbled, kicking a block of snow that shattered.
"You're such a child." he teased.
I glared at him. "Thanks." I sarcastically remarked.
Jesse shrugged, as he shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Well, are you going to start explaining, or do I have to force you?" he asked.
I scoffed. "Force me? You can't force me."
Jesse raised an eyebrow. "You know, Kendall, you seem like a smart girl. Don't you want to go the easier way?"
I narrowed my eyes towards him icily.
"I doubt your IQ is high enough to force me to tell you something." I spat.
Jesse smirked. "I'll give you one last chance. You start explaining now, or I'm going to make you explain."
I rolled my eyes. "Try me."
Before I knew what was happening, my body suddenly made contact with something cold.
I opened my eyes to realize that I was pinned down on the snow by Jesse.
"Get off." I demanded.
"Not unless you start telling me why your mom was passed out on the couch, and the fact that there were shards of glass everywhere." Jesse threatened, with his grip tightening on my wrists.
"I will spit on you." I angrily snapped.
Jesse laughed. "Spit on me then."
I gathered up the saliva in my mouth, as I pursed my lips, ready to spit on that bastard.
Suddenly, I felt tingles shooting up my spine.
I suddenly choked on my saliva, as I bursts into a misfit of laughter.
Tears burned in my eyes, as I coughed.
"J-Jesse!" I cried.
He didn't stop tickling me, though.
"Tell me, or I won't stop. Seems as if I found your weakness." Jesse snarled.
"Ahaha-! N-no!" I laughed, squirming.
"Then here comes the tickle monster!" Jesse chuckled, tickling me harder.
I rolled in the flurry white snow, finally giving up.
"F-Fine, stop! I'll speak!" I gave up.
Jesse stopped tickling me, as I clutched my stomach, glaring at him.
"Tickle monster? Who says that anymore?" I asked, breathing heavily.
Jesse shrugged. "Now, spill."
I grunted, twirling the charm bracelet that was interwined on my wrists.
"Well, let's state the obvious, first." I said. "My mother's an alcoholic."
"She seemed fine when I first met her." Jesse said.
I frowned, remembering when my mother smiled for the first time in two years because of Jesse.
"Yeah, I-I don't know what you did." I admitted.
Jesse chuckled. "I think it's my good looks."
I smacked his ribs, as I winced in pain.
"Okay, okay. Sorry. Continue." he gestured.
I avoided the icy blue look in his eyes, as I began playing with the cold snow.
The coldness of the frozen ice was numbing my pain.
"She wasn't always like that. She started drinking a lot when my dad died two years ago." I wanted to sound confident, and powerful, but I came out so weak and frail.
"She quit her job, and I started working when I was 15 to pay for food and the bills." I gulped. "That was one of the reasons why I agreed to pretend to date you for money."
Jesse remained silent.
Had I scared him off?

three strikes

Chapter 24
I got home later that day, finding my mom passed out on the couch, once again.
Beer bottles and half eaten boxes of Chinese food were scattered on the floor.
I stared at my mother's sleeping body with disapproval, as I began cleaning up her mess.
As I held a few glass beer bottles in my hands, the doorbell rang.
It startled me, causing me to drop the bottles on the floor.
A loud crashing sound echoed in my house, as the glass shattered.
I bit my lip, glancing over my mom.
I let out a breath, knowning I didn't wake her up.
Thank God she was a heavy sleeper.
I tip toed to the front door, trying to avoid getting my foot cut.
When I opened the door, Jesse stood there.
"Why are you here?" I panicked.
Jesse frowned, dusting the snow off of his black hoodie.
"Hello to you, too." he sarcastically said.
I bit my lower lip, looking behind me.
My house was a mess! I couldn't let Jesse in, especially not now.
I rolled my eyes at Jesse.
"Hi, Jesse." I greeted. "Now what do you want?"
Jesse seemed hurt for a second, but he replaced it with a smirk.
"What? Is it so hard to believe that I came to visit you?" he asked.
I hesitated. "Yes."
Jesse placed his hand over his heart, pretending to be hurt. "Kendall, how could you?" he cried.
I sighed. "It's a bad time now. Can you come over tomorrow?"
Jesse seemed curious now.
He peeked over my shoulder, but I blocked him.
"What are you hiding from me? You're so mysterious, Kendall." he groaned.
"Nothing, it's just... I'm studying." I snapped.
Jesse raised an eyebrow. "Studying? Oh, I could study with you."
I shook my head quickly. "No, no! I'm good. But thanks."
Jesse grunted, with his expression turning angry now.
"I'm tired of you making up excuses, Kendall. Why aren't you letting me in?" Jesse crossed his arms.
I avoided the sharp look in his eyes.
"Is it because Cole is in there?" Jesse coldly asked.
My eyes widened.
"He is? Isn't he?" Jesse angrily asked.
Before I could stop the six foot figure, he pushed me over gently, entering my house.
I shut my eyes tightly, as soon as I heard the footsteps stopping.
Jesse thinks I'm psychotic now.
I peeked out of my eyes, seeing Jesse standing, staring around my living room.
It was now that I realized how messy and bad it looked.
Broken shards of glass were everywhere, and it didn't help that my mother was passed out on the floor.
Jesse slowly turned to me.
"Kendall? What's going on?" he asked softly.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, and sucked in the insides of my cheeks.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
What was I going to say to Jesse?
"Well, Cole's not here." I lamely said.
I mentally slapped my self for even thinking of that.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Jesse asked lowly, trying not to wake up my mom.
I shook my head.
"Nope, not really."
Jesse grunted at my stuborness.
"That wasn't a question."
I sighed, and sagged my shoulders.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" I asked.