The Fill - In Boyfriend
Episode 6

I stood up, looked at Jules, and said, "Something I'm sure you'll be very happy." I'm not waiting to see his reaction. I just walked over to where he was trying to lead his sister away.

“Come, let's talk here,” I heard him say as I approached.

When I reached them, she turned on me, her hands on her hips. Something about that view seemed familiar.

“No,” said. “You can't use my brother like this. He's a nice guy and has been hurt by too many selfish girls like you in the past. "

“Do not exaggerate, Bec. It was the only one. "

“I'm sorry,” I said, responding to her sister but looking at her. "I don't mean to turn it into a big deal." I'm confronting. "You're right. I shouldn't have used your sister like this. He's a good guy. ”

He nodded once as if surprised I agreed with him so quickly. “Ya, and she doesn't have to deal with people like you.”

“Do not generalize, Bec. You don't even know Gia. "

Bec laughs at this. “That's what he told you? That he doesn't know me? Classic."

"Do I know you?" I was confused, looking at his face again.

"No. No, "said Bec, but I felt the opposite was true. I try to remember meeting him at school. Am I being rude? I met a lot of people because I was in leadership, but it was a big school, at least two thousand students. Still, I need to try harder to remember names and faces.

I pointed back to the table. "I'm sorry. I messed up a lot tonight, but I'm gonna clean it up now. I'll tell them what really happened. " This is a moment of truth. I faced my friends, who were currently all staring at us from across the room. They will forgive me or not. I took one step forward but was stopped by someone holding my hand.

"No. Don't do this. You're correct. Jules is at least a quarter of a crime. He's gonna crucify you. "

"No problem. Everything will work. My friends will defend me. Thank you so much for your help tonight. You're a good sport. " I stood on my tiptoes and kissed her cheeks and then turned around before I changed my mind.

I checked everything I was going to say when I reached the table. I knew Jules would debate me about every truth I spoke, so I prepared myself for that as well. I've been fending off his punches for months now. I can handle this. I focused on Claire, her attention visible in her expression. I was amused when I reached the table.

"Is everything okay?" Ask Claire.

“No, I have to tell you something. You two, ”my words, look at Laney and then go back to Claire.

My mouth was open in shock.

“I know what this must be like, but please give me a chance to explain.”

If I had known his real name back then, I would have said it out loud, in a scolding manner, but I didn't. This was not the simple farewell I expected. Not only did he turn my girlfriend into a con, but he also dumped me in front of half the school. I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. “No, don't do this. I'll be fine."

"Oh really? You gonna be okay without me? Is that how you feel? You just want me to go like you never existed. What about me, Gia? What am I supposed to do without you? " His voice was getting louder and at the end of his words, he almost just shouted. Many people turned to the commotion. I had to turn away from my friends because I felt an uneasy laughter bubbling down my throat and I was pretty sure it wasn't the right reaction to this. Other people and the speech will seem exaggerated and fake. But he succeeded. He sounds desperate. Probably very similar to the one I heard before with Bradley.

I put my hand on his chest and said in a soft voice, "Don't do this."

His gaze was so sharp that I forgot for a moment that all this was just pretending. “I can see your mind is round. Call me if you want to listen to me. " He bowed his head in defeat and then sulked like I had completely broken his heart. If he wasn't in the drama, he should have been. I saw his sister leave the gym after him, glaring at me. He may not have tried to back up his story, but his actions only reinforced everything he had just claimed. I stood there, gasping for a few heartbeats, trying to turn my hot face back to normal temperature, when a pair of hands hugged me.

The familiar scent of Claire's perfume invaded my senses, taking me out of my shock.

“I'm sorry,” said. "Basic jerk. Was he playing with the other girl? "

"No. He's not a jerk. " And I don't even know his name.

“Don't defend him, Gia. And don't you dare bring it back. You deserve better." I nodded involuntarily, having the most bizarre desire to chase after him. Instead, I smiled wateryly and faced my friends. Why do I react like this? I don't even know him. So why do I feel like I broke up twice tonight?

I shake my head. I have friends and that's what matters now. I hugged Claire and looked at Jules. Surprisingly, he wasn't looking at me. His gaze was focused on the door where Bradley had just exited. There was a familiar calculating expression on his face, and I wondered what was on his mind. I'm sure one thing — it's not good.

CHAPTER 5

My parents were waiting for me, as usual, when Claire and her date dropped me off. They tried to ask me out after prom, but I felt unable. They thought it was because I didn't win prom queen.

Maybe it's part of him. Or the fact that Jules has gone from grumpy to happy with the announcement. It can affect my mood because I don't want to feel like this in a stupid kid. My mother stretched from her place on the sofa to look behind me. It took me a while to realize he was looking for Bradley.

“He's not here,” my mum.

My father stood up and yawned. I have arrived home. He can go to sleep now. “At least he can take you upstairs,” he said as he hugged me and kissed the top of my head.