Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 30: Stay Away

towards

them.

After pacing around my hotel room for about an hour, I decided that surfing would get my mind off of things. I got into my swimsuit and wetsuit and started walking to the beach. I rented a board and headed out onto the waves. I was right. It did calm me down. Getting out of the water was a different story. Luca, Quinn, Lana, Jason, and Hayden were on the beach. They looked like they were having a great time. I sighed before I set the board in the sand and pulled down my wetsuit halfway. I picked the board back up and started walking "Hey, Jobear!" Jason smiled. I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"Never call me that again, Jason," I said, shaking my head. Hayden's face went to one of remorse and hope. He stopped what he was doing and stepped towards me. "Jo," he said lightly. I avoided his eyes. Jason looked between the two of us.

"Just kiss and make up already," Jason said in an exaggerated manner. Lana and Luca looked over to us curiously. I looked around before I shook my head hesitantly.

"Let's go talk," Hayden suggested. I sighed and started walking. He jogged up and started walking with me. I turned in the board and pulled off my wet suit. "Jo, I know I was wrong, and I'm going to be here waiting for you," Hayden said. I sighed and looked away from him. "It's hard to stay away from you; you have to know that. But I need time to think without you around. My love for you clouds my judgment. And the fact is: you cheated on me. I don't take that lightly," I said. He begged me quietly with his eyes. Every time we talked, my answer wavered a little more.

"Marry me," he said suddenly. I looked at him shocked.

"What?" I asked. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Marry me," he repeated. I shook my head.

"Hayden! We have so many issues right now and we're not even together. Marrying me won't change anything. And I don't want to get married just because you're desperate," I said. He looked away from me as a heat crept into his cheeks.

just want to be with you, Jo," he said softly. I hesitated before I pushed up on my tip-toes and kissed him. My hand went to his cheek lightly. His hand

hurt me. You intentionally hurt me. I love you, and I want to be with you; I

stand being away from you like this," he whispered. "Come over," he asked. I shook my head before

with him. Back at the apartment, I was a little nostalgic. I missed being here. And even though I'd only been gone for a few days, I was getting homesick. Hayden wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. I couldn't help the stirring

He rested his

in every way," he said in a whisper. I couldn't

anything else. His lips attached to mine fiercely, making my heart swell. He pulled me so close to him that I could feel every inch of his body. He was desperate, and I could feel it. He really did miss me. "I don't know how long I can handle being without you," he whispered as he kissed me. He laid me down on the couch and

my eyes as I sighed. "Hayden,

tear. I shook my head before I stood up and took a

about is that you were with someone else not too long ago. I can't

you. And yes, I messed up. I know that. Please just forgive me, Jo," he said softly. I shook my

avoided rehearsals all that week. I talked to my dad often but I didn't mention everything that was going on with Hayden. Finally when Monday rolled around, I came out of my

front of him and looked to everyone. "We have two new dancers joining out crew; Kendra and Bradley," Luca announced. Just then, two new people walked in. The girl, Kendra, had brown hair and green eyes. She looked tiny and Italian. The guy, Bradley, had jet black hair and blue eyes. He looked like he could hold his own against pretty much anyone. He had a lot

goodie, fresh

goodness, I thought you were going to add Sophia," Quinn laughed. I laughed as well and rolled my

to last me a lifetime," I

me. "We're switching up partners so Kendra and Bradley can get a feel for us. Plus, these pairs need to be perfectly balanced for the tricks we're going to be pulling. Kendra, you'll be with Jason; Lana with me, Jo with Bradley, and Quinn with Hayden," Luca announced.

Hayden started to

looked at Hayden. I looked down at my hands as an awkward silence fell over the space. "Well let's get started then," Jason muttered. We

this art exhibit. Let's work on simple lifts and partner work first. We need to pull out the mats," Luca instructed. I smiled lightly and held my hand out to