"Pain and suffering are always inevitable things for a large intelligence and a deep heart."

Bree's pov.

"Jared stop!" I squeal unable to control my laughter while he continues tickling me.

"No princess. You pay for not letting me kiss you!" he says laughing.

I pull his face to mine and kiss him. He smiles against my lips before I push him away and laugh running into the beach water.

"I'm not going to leave you, love. Not now, not till the end," he says laughing and running towards me. But I suddenly start drowning.

"Jared!" I call out to him. I couldn't breathe...........

~

My eyes snap open, and I take a deep breath. I burst into tears. Jared.

I look at the time. 6:00 am. It's a fucking Monday. I get off my bed and get to the bathroom to brush and shower. Getting out of the shower, I walk towards my closet and put on my nerd outfit again. Today it's a year since Jared died. A whole fucking year. 

I run my hands through my hair. I put my hair into a ponytail. I take my backpack and phone. I get down for breakfast. My eyes felt sore since I slept at 2:30 am or so cause I just couldn't get myself to sleep.

"Good morning Maria," I say and sit down on the barstool.

At least it's better than sitting on the dining table and reminding me of all the stuff. Maria gives me my coffee and breakfast before she walks around up to me to hug me.

"Oh, Bree you have a fever," she says while placing her hand on my forehead.

"I'm still going to school Maria. I'm in need of some distraction," I say sipping on my coffee but with my mind clouding with thoughts of Jared.

"But sweetheart..." she starts, but I cut her off.

"Please, Maria. I promise I'll come back home if I feel worse," I said with pleading eyes and she just nods before I look at the time. 7:30 am already.

"Okay, then I'm leaving Maria. Bye," I say.

"Bye Bree. Please take care of yourself," she says. Brad was driving today because I was in no mood to drive and I'll probably end up crashing my car into something because of my non-stop thoughts.

~

I get out of the car as we reach the school's parking lot, damn the crowd. Taking a deep breath with my eyes closed, I calm my mind down before turning back to face Brad.

"Thanks, Brad," I say and walk towards the school.

I was ten minutes before time today. I take my books from my locker and walk into Ms.Stump's class. No one was there, so I decided on taking the last row today. I rest my head on the desk since no one was going to show up until ten minutes later.

"Hey Bree," someone says next to me making my head snap.

"Not you again," I say as I look at Aiden. I can't say I'm as annoyed by his presence as before but honestly, I've seen him way too much lately and I really don't need extra trouble from the bad boy of the school. I am really feeling tired, and I yawn before resting my head back on the desk.

"I heard you dropped out of the bridesmaid post," he says, and I don't attempt to answer. Ms. Stump enters, and I continue ignoring his never-ending questions.

"Why don't you ever answer my questions?" Aiden asks annoyed, oh now he's annoyed? If I had any extra energy in me right now, I would've punched that smirk off his face.

"I'm not like the other girls you hang out with Aiden. So just don't expect anything from me," I say trying to concentrate on my class but it is too hard to focus since I was feeling sick. Aiden's hand accidentally brushes against mine, and he looks up to me. I pull my hand away before he forcefully takes my hands and looks up at me with concern.

"You're burning with fever," he whispers and I yank my hand away from his again.

"It doesn't matter," the bell rings indicating the class is over. Getting off my seat, I head out trying not to think of anything.

I could feel Aiden's eyes burning holes into my back. Ignoring him, I head to my next class. As take the last row again I notice Aiden entering the class and staring at me. I never even knew he took the same classes as me, wow. After a few minutes, Aiden looks away, making me sigh in relief. What was with him? My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I take it out to read a message from Jackson.

Call me when you get some time.

I reply saying I will and shove my phone back into my pocket. He probably knows I'm sick and of course, he remembers today, hence the extra concern. I hate how I always fail him when he asks me to take care of myself but I don't really do things on purpose, I'm just a little to impulsive.

"Hey," the girl sitting next to me says.

"Hey," I reply shocked that someone actually spoke to me. She looks pretty with brown hair full of highlights pulled into a simple ponytail and dressed up in a simple t-shirt and jeans.

"I'm Rachel," she introduces herself with a sweet smile.

"I-I'm Bree," I stutter still shocked. She nods with a smile and looks away to listen to the lesson.

~

The rest of the classes go as usual. I'm sitting in the garden right now, and it's recess. I eat a sandwich Maria has packed for me but I couldn't actually eat so I just lay down on the soft grass and close my eyes.

My eyes snap open when I realize I haven't called Jackson. I sit up and dial his number knowing that I fucked up big time.

"Hey Jackson," I say trying to sound reasonable.

"What's wrong with you Bree?" he asks me.

"What are you talking about?" I ask him with my voice cracking, I wish he was here. I need my brother's hug more than ever right now.

"You dropped out of the wedding, and now you're going to school even when you're sick," he asks me, and I could hear the stress in his voice.

"I'm alright," I answer in one word because I couldn't say anything more or I would start crying.

"Keep telling yourself that. You can't fool me, Bree. You're just harming yourself," he says but I could hear him sigh in distress.

"What else do you want me to do Jackson? I can't just get it together. I have no one okay? Mom, dad, or even Jared for that matter. I'm scared of losing you too. Things can't just be good for me Jackson," I whisper shout into the phone while he remains silent, and tears roll down my eyes.

"I'm sorry for not being there for you, Kitty. I think it's better you get home and take some rest. Please don't stress yourself out," he murmurs but his voice clearly breaking hearing my small sobs.

"I don't think I can stay here any longer. I'll get back home and call you. Love you brother. Bye," I say wiping my tears in an attempt to get myself together.

"Please take care, Bree. I love you too. Bye," he says, and I drop the call. I drink some water and stand up. I take my bag and look up to see someone. Aiden.

"Not now Aiden," I say in a low voice and start walking towards the parking lot. Aiden looked concerned and hurt, but it didn't matter. Not right now at least.

I get into the car, and Brad drives me home. I get to my room and sleep. Hopefully, I feel better when I wake up which actually never happens.

~
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-this_is_her......😘