Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 1

Allison hesitated at the entrance of the restaurant, her ears catching snippets of the conversation inside.

"Shawn, Kate's back in town. What about Allison?"

Shawn's voice was calm, almost indifferent. "What do you mean, 'what about her?""

"You've been with Allison for three years now. Now that Kate's back, who will you choose?"

Peering through the slightly ajar door, Allison watched Shawn light a cigarette. Amidst the swirling smoke, he paused before speaking softly, "I'm not sure. I don't want to hurt Allison, but I can't let go of Kate either."

One of his friends sighed, "Kate was your first love. You two were intense, so it's no surprise she's hard to forget."

Another friend chimed in, "But Allison's been by your side for three years, and she's stunning. You're still hung up on Kate?"

Shawn rubbed his temples, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue. "Allison is beautiful, yes. I was drawn to her because she reminded me of Kate at first. All these years, I've been looking for traces of Kate in her."

pity in their voice. "I feel bad for Allison." Another friend asked, "So, when are you breaking up with

know. Allison is sweet and understanding. It's hard to

back. "Shawn, you can't have it both ways. You need to

jokingly. "If you feel bad, get Allison

"Not everyone can juggle multiple relationships like you. I'm

turning away

along the riverbank, memories of her time with Shawn flooding her mind. She believed the three years with Shawn were filled

the bustling city and right at the endlessly flowing water. A tear slipped down her cheek as the

Allison made her decision.

out her phone and dialed a number. "Dad,

seem even dimmer, insects buzzing around them. Standing under the glow, Allison looked at the vast expanse above as she voiced

I shouldn't have fought with you and left.

return to Oak Lake once

walked alone for a long while,

a warm smile and a bowl of soup. "Ms. Allison, you're back! This is the soup you made for Mr.

Allison nodded and took