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."

voice. "I feel

don't know. Allison is sweet and understanding.

back. "Shawn, you can't

both?" another friend suggested jokingly. "If you feel bad, get Allison some

everyone can juggle multiple relationships like

turning away

the three years with Shawn were filled with mutual love. But now, she realized she was only a stand-in for

bustling city and right at the

Allison made her decision.

out her phone and dialed a number. "Dad, I'll come home. I'll marry

looked at the vast expanse above as she voiced softly, "It's nothing. I've just had enough

to understand. I shouldn't have fought with you

return to Oak Lake once I wrap things

while, returning to Stonebridge

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 down. I was just about to take it up. Why don't you take

Allison nodded and took