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."

stand-in?" a friend remarked, a touch of pity in their voice. "I feel bad for Allison." Another friend asked, "So, when are

"I don't know. Allison is sweet and understanding. It's hard to let her

can't have

not date both?" another friend suggested jokingly. "If you feel bad, get Allison some gifts. Girls are easy

everyone can juggle multiple relationships like you. I'm not that

turning away from the

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

by the river, she glanced left at the bustling city and right at the endlessly flowing water. A

Allison made her decision.

and dialed a number. "Dad, I'll come home. I'll marry the guy you

sky made the streetlights seem even dimmer, insects buzzing around them. Standing under the glow, Allison looked at

have fought with you and left.

return to Oak Lake once I

alone for a long while, returning to

warm smile and a bowl of soup. "Ms. Allison, you're back! This is the soup you made for Mr. Shawn. I reheated it since it cooled

and took the