Janet's POV

The rest of the school day consisted of me hiding from Amy. Even though I had agreed to talk, I wasn't exactly ready to tell her I didn't wantat to be friends. And although it sounded cruel it was the absolute truth. I had set a specific plan this year, keep to myself and that's it.

But ever since Erin and his sister came my plan began to rip into shreds. It became a lot harder to keep to myself, making me an open target. Millie and her crew were doing everything in their power to crush me. To them I wasn't a human being, I was like a bug underneath the bottom of their shoe.

I was used to it. The constant belittling and bullying. I had been dealing with it my entire life and yes it was hard at times. But I've preserved more than once when times got tough.

I glanced at myself in the school bathroom mirrors. I gently wet my face, wiping away the dried bits of foundation. My unruly dark locks looked as if they hadn't been brushed in days. For some reason, I was completely exhausted. I just wanted to sleep for the rest of the day.

I gently patted my face dry before applying a thin layer of foundation.  Feeling satisfied, I redid my ponytail before heading out of the girl's bathroom. I looked both ways before deciding to go left, the bell had just rung to signal the end of school.

I quickly made my way to the front doors but cursed myself when I heard Amy calling me. "Where do you think you're going"?! She raced after me tugging on my arm. " We need to talk remember"!?

I groaned internally as she pulled me outside. She dragged me towards the parking lot, stopping at her car. Crossing her arms she meant business as she narrowed her eyes at me. "Start talking".

I couldn't look her in the eye so I cast my eyes down. "Listen, Amy, I'd much rather be alone". Her jaw ticked angrily as she angrily tapped her foot against the ground.

"Is that all you have to say or can I speak now"? She was pissed, her narrowed eyes never leaving my face. I shrugged carelessly not wanting to say anything else.

"I consider you my friend Janet. There are a lot of people who talk shit about you. The things they say are disgusting. I've done nothing but have your back against those people. All I am saying is give me a chance". I could see the unshed tears waiting to spill. Her bottom lip slightly trembled, holding back her emotions.

I felt like shit, to be honest. And maybe we were never going to be the best of friends. But, we needed to start somewhere right? So I swallowed my pride and chose my next words carefully. "I don't let a lot of people in. I've been alone to face my battles and I don't need your help for that".

"But, I am willing to give you a chance". I breathed a sigh of relief when a huge smile broke out on her face. I was caught off guard when she wrapped me in a tight hug. I awkwardly patted her back not used to the close contact.

" You won't regret this I swear! I think we should start fresh right? Why don't I give you a ride to work"? She begged and begged and I relentlessly gave in. At least I could avoid the long way to work which consisted of me walking.

It took us ten minutes to get there in record time. Thanks to her love of speeding which was very apparent. I made a mental note to never ask for a ride from her ever again. "Thanks for the ride" I muttered grabbing my bag from the floor.

I was one leg out the door before Amy stopped me. "Thanks for giving me a chance. It means a lot to me" she beamed before letting go of my arm. I mustered up a small smile before getting out of the car.

She waved once more before driving off. Making my way inside the cafe, Stanley was already there at the cash register. I wave at him gently before making my way to the back. Grabbing my apron I immediately got to work on making a fresh batch of dough.

I was pouring the ingredients into a mixture when Erin strolled in. He was thirty minutes late which was no surprise. "Your late" I snapped adding baking powder to the dough. He didn't say anything as he grabbed an apron from the hook.

"If you keep this up we can always find someone else". I knew I was being a jackass but I could care less. He simply ignored me, his long arms slouching against the counter. I tried to keep my eyes away from his large form but it was getting harder to do that.

He then stared at me with a tired smile on his face. I felt heat rise to my cheeks because at that moment he looked like the Erin I knew. The childhood friend I had long ago as a kid.

"Go out with me" he whispered slowly making his way to my side. I pretended I didn't hear a thing and focused on the rising dough. I gasped when he wrapped his arms from behind me. Enveloping me in his warm embrace.

"Go out with me Janie"