My heart stops as soon as he says this. Us? Done? No, it can't be. I reconditioned my heart to believe in love. I thought that what Jules and I had was serious. That it wasn't just a game. I didn't think we'd be a game that God'd play to see us break apart and test us to see if we were compatible. Well, I thought we were real. Looks like Jules' ready to end it now without a doubt because of a stupid rumor. I feel like I could burst into tears just now.

Why do I have to endure all of this? First, losing my mother. Second, getting cheated on, missing the opportunity to be loved. Then, losing Avery. Yes, I had gained her again, and yet anemia had to ruin it. Now that I thought I could've been loved again, Jules wants to break us down. What can I say to convince him that all of this isn't true? That his ex-girlfriend's a hissing viper devouring our tears for breakfast? Worst thing is, he knows that. But he believed the entire thing.

He's looking at me with those eyes-filled with love, concern, and pain. Jules believed in us. He thinks I did not. When we both did. That's exactly what Ann-Marie wanted to cause. For an odd reason, she wants Jules. Did she ever love him? Gave him effective treatment? If she only stared at him from afar and brushed him away when she was busy bullshitting, that's not a great girlfriend. And I thought I was good for him.

I watch his expression judgementally, those blue eyes of him holding that wistful confusion, that unreadable anger and a hint of something else. He's surely deceived in me-for something I haven't done. I didn't think he'd believe in something like this when it's clearly photoshopped. I knew Ann-Marie would go as far as creating a rumor about us both, but as far as calling me a prostitute? That's too much. Of course, Jules was going to judge me like this. And all those haughty gazes staring right into my soul.

"Say something, please, Nora. Tell me that those rumors aren't true." He says as he lifts his chin, his eyes flickering, betraying his pain.

"Are you ready to give up on us, just like this? This isn't real. I am not that girl asking for services!" I reply, shaking my head as my emerald eyes bore into his blue eyes, "You can't ever believe that girl!"

"I want a proof. I don't want to end us, but if I'm not convinced otherwise, you can trust I can end us. You should've told me you were like that from the start."

"But I'm not like that!" I shout in anger, before regaining my composure, taking a deep breath, mumbling "It's true though, I should've told you who Dylan was. But you'll have to believe me. It's your choice whether you want to know or not."

Jules remains silent. He seems caught off guard by that sudden burst of anger. I feel bad for a moment, but I do know that it's the only way for him to believe me-if I just tell him the whole truth. As for the girls, if they know too, they won't leave me. My (ex?) boyfriend frowns, showing his vulnerability, then he nods-he wants to know.

"I was thirteen. I had never fell in love before. He was thirteen as well, and I thought he looked cute. I even told myself he looked hot, but now I realize that it was his smile that I found charming. Dylan had dimples; high cheekbones, the tight curls haircut fitting his black hair as well as grey eyes. He was always hanging around with his stupid friends, playing football and acting like a jerk.

What a cliché. And like the other girls, I confessed my love to him. And I was the lucky one. He never once mentioned that he felt the same way, but I was mesmerized and I never realized. Dylan was never a player at first, but with the number of girls he got, he decided it would've been fun.

We dated for four months. Four months that I was stuck in a trance, eating his lies, and feeling loved. When I wasn't. Little did I know he was going out with five girls at once, and I was part of the game. I was never special. I was foolish to think he could ever like me back. But yeah, now I had my lesson."

Shit, I said too much. I realize as my friends all stare at me when Jules watches me with relief, confusion, and empathy. I hope he believes me. I can't believe I told them all that. Avery knew all of this, yet I did show a vulnerable side of me talking this sadly.

"I believe you for now, Nora." Jules tells me softly, the anger in his eyes replaced by understanding, "But since anyone could invent a story like this, I want you to give me a real proof that you guys weren't together that day."

"How could she? He broke her!" Avery snaps at Jules, her eyes widening, "Can't you see how affected she is?"

"I don't know." Jules retorts, before looking back at me "Anyone could pretend. I do believe you for now. If it ends up being a fake rumor, well I'll be in huge shit for treating you this way. In the meanwhile, I can't trust you for now. You're lucky I love you, we're still together."

"Thank you for giving me a chance." I breathe out, trying to look into his eyes, but I feel sick, sick for always having to prove myself, to give proofs, showing my vulnerable side to everyone.

Why is life so cruel?

***

I feel so fucking good! I passed by Jules and Nora in the corridor, and he asked for a proof. I just know she'll start crying and overreacting, and he'll think she's sad he finally discovered her secret. Well, of course it isn't true. But it had to make an effect on Jules, so he could back to me begging to come back together and telling me how awesome I am. Stephany and Riley are leaning on the locker next to me, both watching me proudly.

I decide to look my best today. I sleeked my hair this morning, and I shortened my skirt, glossed my lips cotton candy pink and applied a huge ton of mascara. He'll search for me and will fall in love with me again and forget Nora, that's certain. I keep laughing and sharing the important stuff to the girls, and they laugh the same time as me.

"I broke Nora, that's sure! She knows it's me, but she can't do anything about it! She's way too weak!" I speak loudly, hoping she's around.

The girls laugh again, and they both agree, as always. It's so useful to have them laughing like idiots alongside me, like lap dogs. I can do anything I want as long as they're by my side. If they keep snickering like that, it's certain!

"Really, that's good!" Stephany replies with a nod, "Jules will come to you, no doubts! You're so pretty bitch!"

Her smile is a bit forced, but I don't mind it. As long as she's in my team, no problem. If they end up going to Nora's side, that's going to be a problem. It's never going to happen, naturally. They know they're safer with me.

"Are you sure it's a good thing that you're making Nora sad? Think about it, she might be hurt by it." Riley attacks as she scowls at me, "You can't just get pleasure from hurting people."

I walk off, furious. I'll have to make Riley understand that she must stick along. I'll go get Jules. If he doesn't rush to me and get on his knees, naturally. I just want to brag my gorgeous fit, of course. Nora's pathetic standing alongside me. I don't care what's good what's bad-the more this bitch's scared, the better it is. She needs to know who's the boss...