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Beautiful Mess(119)

By:Jennifer Preston


“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. Now, the reason you’re here is because I feel there’s something I need to talk to you about Cole.”

“Oh, really?” Bri crossed her arms and raised a brow skeptically.

“Yes. I don’t know if you know this or not, but Cole has a certain... reputation around here. You see, before you got here, Cole dated a lot of girls. And by a lot, I mean a lot. And these relationships... well, let’s just say they were very physical.” She smirked as she waited for Bri’s response.

Bri, of course, already knew about Cole’s history, but she was beginning to see where Serena was going with this. Not wanting to give Serena any satisfaction, she shrugged, “So?”

Serena’s eyes flared slightly. She turned her smirk into a feigned look of concern.

“Well, you have to understand that a man as experienced as Cole, has certain expectations in that department. Expectations that you couldn’t possibly satisfy.”

“Oh?” Bri’s face flushed and anger surged through her. “And why is that, exactly?”

Serena laughed, taking a step closer. She put her hand on Bri’s arm, a look of pity crossing her face.

“Because, Bri, it’s completely obvious that you have no experience, at all. You have a distinctly prudish vibe coming off you. And let’s face it, guys like Cole are only interested in one thing. If they aren’t getting it, they’ll go somewhere they can. So you see, you can’t possibly hold Cole’s attention for long.” Serena dropped her hand, a victorious look in her eyes.

“And let me guess, you think you could hold Cole’s attention.”

“Well, I have before,” Serena smiled smugly. “In fact, I can’t believe he’s hung around as long as he has. He has to know that you’re a lost cause. I mean, look at you. You’re short, frumpy, and hopelessly plain. You’re a total nobody. I honestly don’t know what he even sees in you.” She looked Bri up and down with disgust.

Bri’s anger bubbled over into fury. She’d had enough of Serena and her stupid, petty games. It was time someone stood up to her, and Bri had been aching to do it. Letting her anger fuel her, she stepped right into Serena’s face. Or as close as she could get, seeing as how Serena had almost a foot on her. But Bri didn’t let that deter her.

“I know what you’re trying to do Serena, and I don’t like it,” Bri said softly but dangerously. “First you try to scare Cole away from me, and since that didn’t work, you’re trying to scare me away from him. You are so obvious and unimaginative, it’s really quite pathetic.”

Serena’s mask finally cracked, and her anger radiated off her.

“You’re the one who’s pathetic. Chasing after Cole like some lost, love sick puppy. Forcibly attaching yourself to him. That is what’s really pathetic.” she hissed.

“Oh, you and I both know that’s not what happened,” she smiled sweetly at Serena. “I didn’t pursue Cole, he pursued me. And we both know that you are the one who’s been chasing after Cole like a desperate little lap dog. Man, it must really kill you to know that you are practically throwing yourself at him, and Cole doesn’t even care.”

Pure hate and fury flashed in Serena’s eyes. “I will destroy you,” she seethed.

Not backing down at all, Bri returned Serena’s anger.

“I’d like to see you try. The only thing you have to fight with is words, Serena. Unfortunately for you, I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks or says about me. I, at least, could kick your ass in a real fight.”

“You? Yeah, right,” Serena scoffed.

“Why don’t you ask Trey about that,” Bri raised her eyebrows. “I figure if I can knock him on his ass, you should be easy.”

There was a flash of fear in Serena’s eyes. As if sensing their beloved leader was distressed, the two other cheerleaders stepped forward and flanked Serena in solidarity.

Not intimidated in the least, Bri smiled dangerously. “Do yourself a favor, and get over yourself Serena. Cole doesn’t want you, now or ever. Move on with your life. And stay the hell out of mine!” She turned and stormed to the bathroom door Natalie was guarding. “Move!” she yelled, and her anger was so palpable that Natalie actually backed down for once.

Bri fumed all the way to her locker. Cole was there waiting for her, looking anxious. Seeing him looking up and down the hall for her, made her heart melt. No matter what Serena said or did, Bri knew Cole cared for her, that she was more than just a conquest.

Cole’s eyes finally found her in the crowd, and a relieved smile crossed his face. She practically ran to him, throwing herself into his arms. She had taken him a bit by surprise, but before he could say anything, she grabbed his face and pulled it down to hers. She needed to kiss away all of the awful things Serena had said. She needed to silence the insecurities and doubts that were creeping up inside her. But most of all, she just needed Cole. To feel the comfort and peace in his arms. Finally sated, if not satisfied, they were in a public hallway after all, she pulled back.