Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 2

[Shawn, I've been in a few relationships over the past few years, but none of them lasted. It always felt like something was missing. Only later did I realize that deep down, I've always loved you.]

[I was scared to come back to Havenbrook because I worried you might still resent me, wouldn't want to see me. I don't want to see someone else in your life, and realize that you might not love me anymore.]

[What happened to us was my mistake, Shawn. Can you forgive me?]

Allison read the messages quietly, feeling a heavy weight settle in her chest. She was just about to close the chat window and walk away when Shawn's reply appeared.

Shawn: [Kate, I just need to know one thing: do you still love me?]

He left his computer on to receive her messages and even replied from his phone while in the shower.

Allison's heart gave a small, painful flutter. Shawn was always busy with work and often didn't have time to reply to her messages. She'd gotten used to it and barely messaged him now to avoid disturbing him. But for Kate, Shawn found time, even in the shower.

The difference was glaringly obvious.

Kate replied almost immediately: [Yes, I only love you.]

Shawn: [Okay, I'll come pick you up.]

In that moment, Allison felt like her three-year relationship was a complete joke. She quietly closed the chat window, put the mouse back in its place, and acted like nothing had happened.

and served herself a bowl of the soup she had prepared. Slowly, she spooned it into her mouth. Shawn had a sensitive stomach, so she had learned to make this special soup for him. She'd prepared ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables and other ingredients ahead of time, then simmer them

and tedious, but she had been making it for him for two

dried his

you when I got back,"

responded softly, "Just went for a

for a bit. If you're tired, go ahead and sleep.

looked down

back tonight?"

a moment, and then replied, "There's something urgent at work. If

alright." She didn't

always so

put on his shoes, and

bedroom door, and saw the bowl of soup

her arranged

when are you coming

called her Allie, it felt

[After I wrap things

[Alright, just let me know if you need

Allison: [Thanks, Joshua.]

some

Shawn