Kiss and Make Up

by Madeleine Labitan

  A few minutes later and Adam is pulling up into my driveway. Instead of climbing out, I wait for him to kill the engine.

  “So.”

  “So.”

  I stare at my lap. “Lexi told me it’s time to put you out of your misery.”

  “I heard,” he says quietly.

  “You really hurt me, Adam.”

  “I know.”

  “And I still need answers. You never gave me that.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “When you believed those pictures instead of me, you really, really broke my heart.” He hangs his head, but I soldier on. I’m getting those answers. “Why didn’t you trust me? At the very least, why didn’t you let me explain my side? You know I never doubted you whenever some girl flirts with you. I trusted you. So why?”

  “Because…”

  “Because what?” I snap.

  “Because I was jealous, okay?” He peels his gaze from me and stares straight ahead. “I’ve been so goddamn jealous. I see all those boys talking and laughing with you all the time, and I couldn’t help but feel jealous.”

  “Are you saying I was a flirt?” I glare. Unbelievable.

  “What? No. No!” He looks a little panicked. “Jesus, Maddy. I would never call you that.”

  “Didn’t it occur to you that I was just being nice to those boys? That those laughing and talking were nothing but friendly conversations on my part? I mean what did you want me to do? Snub every boy who talks to me except you?”

  “I know that! Of course not!”

  “Then how could you put malice on it?” We’re both shouting now, and I can feel the tears pricking at the back of my eyes.

  “I don’t know. Maybe because I wasn’t thinking straight when I saw those pictures. Maybe because deep down I was afraid I’d lose you to one of those guys. But mostly likely because I was a damn bastard.”

  “I don’t know how you could think that way. I didn’t care about any of those guys. I never once looked at them the way I looked at you. You were the only guy for me.” I shake my head, two droplets of tears falling from my eyes. “Funny thing was I’ve also witnessed a lot of girls flirt with you. And I’ve been jealous. But you know what’s the difference between you and me? I never let it get to me and cloud my judgement. Because I trusted you. And if the situation had been reversed, I would have given you the chance to explain yourself. Because you deserve that. And you know what? I deserve that, too. Too bad you didn’t give me that courtesy.” Wiping my cheeks, I reach for the handle and push the car door open.

  But then Adam grabs my arm to stop me. “No, wait. Don’t go. We’re not done talking yet.”

  I stare at his hand on my arm. Then at his face.

  “Please.” His eyes are wild, desperate.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t.” Pulling my arm from his grip, I quietly climb out of his car.

  I think, this time, I’m the one who broke his heart.

  Twelve

  I’m lying on my bed and staring at the ceiling, listening to Louis Tomlinson croon about missing someone.

  No, the song is not a part of my breakup playlist. The playlist isn’t even the one playing right now. Just some random top hits list I stumbled across when I browsed through Spotify.

  Because I’m not moping. I’m not even feeling miserable. Honestly, I don’t even know what to feel right now. Numb, maybe?

  The crushed look on Adam’s face is the only thing playing in my head like a loop. I was supposed to put him out of his misery. That’s what Lexi said, anyway. But all I did was bury him deeper.

  I didn’t even know that there’s still lingering resentment inside me until we talked. Well, tried to. I ran away before he could fully explain himself.

  But I couldn’t help it. My emotions got the better of me. They always do whenever things get intense between me and him.

  Should I be the one to reach out? Should I apologize for walking out on him earlier? What will I even tell him?

  That I want him back but I don’t know how to get past all the hurt he caused me? That I’m afraid to trust him again and have my heart broken the second time around?

  Because that’s exactly what I’m afraid of. That Adam will hurt me again if I give him another chance. I don’t think I’ll be able to live with myself if that happens.

  Now I can’t help wondering if he’s mad at me. If he’s going to try to talk to me again or give up altogether and decide that I’m not worth the trouble, after all.

  That stings. But what can I do? It’s not like I can force myself to be okay with everything when I’m still not. I feel like I need more from him. Maybe an assurance? To prove that he won’t hurt me again? Gah, I don’t know!

  Blowing out a frustrated breath, I sit up and reach for my phone. No texts. No calls.

  And, oh look, I’m already late to babysitting Peaches. I don’t know yet how I’ll face Adam but I’m not going to bail on my responsibility.

  Thump!

  “Guys!”

  “Oh my God, you’re screwing things up already!”

  “Everyone shut it or she’ll hear us before we even get started.”

  What the hell? Is there something going on outside?

  Getting out of my bed, I walk over to the window to inspect. Only to let out a gasp at the sight before me.

  There, on our front yard, are Adam, Sean and Brandt. Sean and Brandt are strapping on guitars while Adam is holding a mic.

  “What are you guys doing?” I call out to them.

  Adam just grins up at me.

  Sean and Brandt give me head nods.

  And it’s not just the three of them. Off to the side are Lexi and Kenzie. Lexi is holding up her phone—is she recording the whole thing? And Kenzie has a light stand next to her, with the light directed on the boys. It’s not even that dark yet.

  Both of them wave cheerfully at me, with Lexi being careful not to move her phone.

  Faintly, I wave back.

  Seriously, what are they up to? My question is answered when Sean and Brandt start to strum on their guitars. I didn’t even know they can play.

  Wait. Is that a phone hooked up to a speaker behind Sean?

  But before I can look further, Adam already starts to belt out the lyrics of Too Good To Say Goodbye by Bruno Mars.

  Oh, God. He’s serenading me!

  And he’s totally butchering the lyrics to one of my favorite songs.

  See, here’s the thing. Adam Hayes is no singer. Frankly, he can’t hit a note to save his life. Bianca is the musically talented in the family, not him. Which is only proven true when he reaches a high note and his voice cracks.

  Any other time I know he’d be embarrassed about it. I know for a fact he won’t be caught dead singing in public. But not right now. There’s not a hint of embarrassment on his face. Only hope and firm determination as he stares up at me and continues to mess up the lyrics.

  He’s doing this for me. My heart starts to beat fast as I remain frozen by the window, not knowing what to do.

  Should I head outside and let him in? Or should I tell him to stop?

  A hand suddenly rests on my shoulder, making me jump. “As much as I find the whole thing romantic, I think you’ll do the neighborhood a favor by telling the boys to keep it down.”

  I whirl around. “Mom, he’s serenading me!”

  “I know, honey.” She smiles, tucking my hair behind my ear.

  I give her a helpless look. “What am I going to do?”

  Surely, she has some wisdom to offer. Because I’m struggling here. Maybe she can help me come up with a decision. She’s done it a million times. Moms know best, right?

  “Well, what is your heart telling you to do?”

  “To take him back,” I say honestly. Then swallow hard. “But what if he hurts me again?”

  “Then ask yourself if he’s worth the risk.”

  He is! He so is! My mind shouts not even a second later, propelling me to move.

  Wi
thout answering my mom, I dash out of the room—barely hearing her “go get him, honey”—and fly down the stairs.

  But instead of throwing myself straight into his arms, I stop a few feet away, letting my eyes take it all in while reining in a goofy smile threatening to spread across my face.

  Seeing me, Adam lowers the mic and finally stops singing.

  Thank God.

  “Seriously? Of all the stunts to pull?” My voice is calm, hiding the fact that my heart is practically racing a mile a minute.

  “I don’t know what else to do. I thought you’d appreciate the grand gesture,” he says sheepishly.

  God, this boy.

  “I did,” I admit. Then glance around us. “But I don’t think the neighbors feels the same.”

  As if to prove my point, Mrs. Perkins, our sixty-something next door neighbor, is glaring daggers at us from her front porch. Then the door from the house across the street slams hard as Mr. Robinson storms back inside.

  “Sorry,” Adam calls out apologetically at Mrs. Perkins.

  The old woman just makes a “hmp” sound before going back inside her house.

  Adam winces. “So much for the perfect grand gesture.”

  I stifle a smile. “You know how cliché this is, right?”

  Brandt groans, then glares at Sean. “You said girls love this.”

  Sean shrugs. “Well, my girl does.”

  “No, I don’t,” Kenzie chirps from the side.

  Sean shoots her a smirk. “Don’t worry, babe. I still love you, cheesiness and all.”

  “Uh, guys,” Adam interjects, “we’re having a moment here.”

  “Right. Sorry.”

  I clear my throat to bite back a laugh.

  Adam gives me an apologetic look. “I know it’s not original. But like I said, I don’t know what else to do. I wanted—no, needed—to show you how sorry I am. But it seems like all I ever did was screw up.”

  “We should probably give them some privacy.”

  “Why? This is fun.”

  Right. Four pairs of eyes are still staring intently at us, listening to every word.

  “Everyone, shush! I’m not getting their words clearly.”

  Wait. Is Lexi still recording?

  “It better not be live on Facebook,” I warn.

  My so-called bestie smiles sweetly at me. “Too late.”

  “You’re dead to me.”

  “Love you, too.” She blows me a kiss then raises her phone even more. “Now, kiss him already.”

  That’s it.

  “Can you guys give us a moment please?” I practically growl.

  They all grumble out their protests, obviously wanting to continue eavesdropping. But thankfully, they listen. Taking all the “props” with them, they move toward the two cars parked across the street.

  “Thanks for the help, guys!” Adam calls out after them.

  Brandt and Sean, who has his arm wrapped around Kenzie’s waist, wave a hand but don’t look back.

  “Don’t screw it up again!” Lexi calls back.

  “I really hope so,” Adam mutters under his breath.

  I clear my throat, suddenly feeling shy that it’s just the two of us. Although our friends didn’t go too far, just out of earshot, but they still can see us. “I didn’t know Sean and Brandt could play guitar.”

  Adam rubs the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “They don’t. I asked Bianca to ask Nick Wilson to come over to our house to play guitar and record it for us”

  That makes me laugh. “I knew it.”

  “We were kind of pressed for time. I had no choice.”

  Something clicks in my brain when he mentions “time.” “Oh my God, Peaches. I totally forgot.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Bianca’s at home.”

  “But she already stayed home the whole day. She probably hates us both now.”

  “I don’t think so,” he chuckles. “She practically shoved me out of the house and demanded that I go get my girl.”

  My girl. Why does he have to say that? Now I’m feeling butterflies in my stomach on top of my racing heart.

  "You silly boy,” I whisper and to my horror, tears prick my eyes and fall down my cheeks.

  “Oh, baby.” He reaches out and pulls me to him, putting his arms around me.

  “I so hate you right now for making me cry in front of them,” I sniffle against his chest, making it rumble with laughter. “Not funny.”

  Gently, Adam tips my chin up and wipes at the tears on my cheek. “Not as much as I hate myself for always making you cry.” Sadness and regret fill his eyes.

  “Adam, I’m scared,” I admit, swallowing hard. “I’m scared that you’ll hurt me again.”

  “Me, too.”

  That makes me frown. “What?”

  “I’m scared that I’ll hurt you again and lose you permanently.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I pull away from him. “Isn’t that a little presumptuous? You haven’t even won me over yet.” Liar.

  “Uh-huh,” he hums, a knowing smirk curving his lips, as if to see through me.

  I swat at his chest. “Since when did you get so cocky?”

  A lopsided grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I think Sean has rubbed off on me.”

  “Then you need to find better friends. Probably someone who genuinely knows how to play guitar.”

  It sends him laughing once again, his head thrown back.

  I stare at him, mesmerized at the happiness shining in his face, realizing that look has been missing since our breakup. And I know that look is currently mirrored in mine.

  I don’t want to lose it again.

  When his laughter tapers down, Adam turns serious. “I promise I won’t cause you pain again.”

  I shake my head. “Don’t make any promises. You can’t guarantee the future.” He’s about to respond, but I put a finger against his lips. “Maybe you’ll break my heart again. Or maybe I will break yours. We can’t know for sure. We’ll just have to make the most out of the present.”

  He kisses my finger before I take it away. “I’m cool with that.”

  “And if we want this to work, we need to put our faith in each other. We can’t jump into conclusions without knowing the facts. If there’s an issue, we’ll talk it out.” I give him a pointed look. “I mean it.”

  He nods somberly. “No more jumping into the wrong conclusions. If I’m feeling any doubts, I’ll seek you out first and not listen to the rumors. I don’t think I can survive another month without you. It’s been a complete torture,” he says in a soft voice, resting his forehead against mine.

  “Good.”

  “No. Not good,” he pouts.

  I pinch his nose. “You big baby.”

  “But you love me, anyway.”

  A wide smile spreads across my face, my cheeks almost hurting. “Yeah, I do. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  A chorus of “awwws” hit our ears, and that’s when we notice that our friends have moved closely, listening in to the conversation. Thankfully, Lexi is no longer recording.

  When I look up to my room, I see Mom watching us from my window, a happy smile on her face.

  I smile at her and mouth, Thank you.

  You’re welcome, she mouths back before moving away from the window.

  Biting my lip, I turn back to Adam, who’s just lovingly staring at me the whole time. “I think this is the part where you should kiss me since, you know, the making-up part is—”

  He doesn’t even let me finish. His head dips, silencing me with a kiss, just as our friends cheer on us.

  Totally cliché, right?

  But, really, who cares?

  Pushing up on my tiptoes, I wrap my arms around my boyfriend’s neck and kiss him back.

  The End

  Thank you for reading! Did you like this book? Please don’t forget to leave a review. It’s never demanded, but always appreciated. If you want to get the latest updates on the Bayfield High ga
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  Turn the page for a sneak peak of Perfectly Clueless, the third book in the Bayfield High series.

  Sneak Peak: Perfectly Clueless

  “McCafferty, where are you?” I growl, kicking at the stray rocks on the ground, shivering as the cold seeps through my jacket.

  Fifteen minutes. That’s how long I’ve been sitting on my porch steps, braving the chilly night air while impatiently waiting for Dylan to arrive. He’s supposed to be here already. Hell, we should be on our way to the party by now. It’s an open field party and our friends, Nick Wilson and Sloan Collins, are already there waiting for us.

  If I knew he was going to keep me waiting, I would have hitched a ride with Nick or asked my twin brother to drive me there.

  Only Adam isn’t home. He’s at his girlfriend Madison Cooper’s house right now. Ever since the two of them got back together they haven’t spent a single time apart. Like they’re attached to the hip or something.

  Blowing out an annoyed breath, I stare ahead. Still no sign of Dylan’s red pickup truck.

  Seriously, where is that boy?

  The front door suddenly opens, making me look over my shoulder to see who stepped outside.

  It’s Dad. He’s wearing a robe over his pajamas, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. “Going somewhere, princess?”

  Princess is Dad’s term of endearment for me, sport for Adam, and pumpkin for my little sister Peach. Whenever I complain about him calling me princess—because it seriously makes me feel like I’m five—he only smiles and tells me I’ll always be his princess no matter the age.

  Corny, ugh. But also kinda sweet.

  “Yes, Dad. I’m waiting for Dylan to pick me up. We’re going to meet a friend.”

  He narrows his eyes. “Is that a code for party?”

  Damn. The man knows me so well.

  I flash him a sheepish smile. “I won’t stay up late. I promise.”

  He shakes his head, fighting back a smile, then frowns when he stares out into the empty street. “You really need to have your own car.”

  I bite back a groan. My dad has been itching to buy me a car ever since I got my license, but I say no every time. Because I find it completely unnecessary. All three of them—Mom, Dad and Adam—have cars that I can borrow whenever I need one, anyway. And that need rarely arises.