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.

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

been making it for him for two years because he had

downstairs. He had showered, dried his hair, and changed into fresh

I didn't see you when

responded softly, "Just

out for a bit. If you're tired, go ahead and sleep. You don't

down and murmured,

back tonight?"

his shoes, hesitated for a moment, and then replied, "There's something urgent

alright." She didn't

always

didn't think much of it, put on his shoes,

Shawn's bedroom door, and saw the bowl of soup untouched beside

from her arranged fiancé, Joshua,

are you coming back to Oak

Allison, Joshua was like the kind older brother next door. When he called her Allie, it felt more like a brother-sister nickname than one for

I wrap things up

let me know if you

Allison: [Thanks, Joshua.]

some rest.

night, Shawn didn't come