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.

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 went to my waist as

problem. The problem is that you hurt me. You intentionally hurt me. I love you, and I want to be with you; I just don't trust you right now," I said quietly.

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

gave in. He kissed my head, his lips lingering. I found my eyes closing as he interlocked his fingers with mine. I changed into a change of clothes before I went 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 that

said, stopping him. He rested his forehead against mine, making it nearly impossible

I just want you back... in every way," he said in a whisper. I couldn't help it; my breath caught.

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 gripped my

my eyes as I sighed. "Hayden, I can't," I said hoarsely as my eyes

I shook my head

else not too long ago. I can't deal with that," I cried quietly. Hayden sighed and

just forgive me, Jo," he said softly. I shook my head before I

did; as much as I wanted to. I 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 hotel. I went looking around town and found that a restaurant, close to the apartments and the hotel, was hiring. I needed a job anyway so I went ahead and applied. I went shopping to

his hands in 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

goodie, fresh

to add Sophia," Quinn laughed. I

enough of her to

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

Hayden started

to be better for everyone," Luca said. Quinn and Lana looked at me while Jason and Luca looked at Hayden. I looked down at my hands

couple to perform as an opening to 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 Bradley, as everyone else