Page 44 of My Twin Sister's Ex

12

Jessilyn

The crowd parted for just a moment—enough for me to see what Bennett was doing. I could only see him for just a flash before my view was blocked again by dancing couples, but that one glimpse was all I needed to see. He was kissing Jackilyn.

My hands shook at my sides. Was Jackilyn right about Bennett wanting her after all this time? She did dump him, after all. I balled my hands into fists. I’d trusted him. How could I have let myself be so stupid? I’d done just fine without a man before now, and I could do just fine going forward.

I was such an idiot. I should have realized that Jackilyn would try to get him back. I’d noticed him checking her out in that pink dress earlier in the evening. It had bothered me then, but I figured he was just a normal guy. Now I realized there might have been more going on.

I tried taking slow deep breaths to keep from hyperventilating. How could my first time at prom have turned into such a nightmare? All I wanted to do was go home and curl up in my bed and cry. But I’d ridden to prom with Bennett, and I didn’t want to call my parents. The last thing I needed was my mom saying, “I told you so.” Or, “we warned you about that boy.”

I should have known that this relationship would never work out. My parents tried to tell me, but I was too stubborn to listen. I just had to get through the Drama Competition, and then I wouldn’t ever have to speak to Bennett again.

I knew better than to oppose my parents. I’d done well to listen to them up until recently.

All around, couples danced together happily. I could see Afton and Jay all cuddled up together as they swayed to the music. I needed to get out of here before I suffocated.

I headed through the darkly lit room toward the exit. I needed to find a bathroom.

“Jessilyn!”

I turned to see Bennett following me. I whirled around, crossing my arms over myself like that was supposed to defend me from him somehow.

He caught up with me. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to the bathroom,” I said, my voice flat.

“Oh.” He stood there like he wasn’t sure what to say next. “Are you okay?”

Tears welled up in my eyes. Oh no. I couldn’t be doing this in the middle of prom. Jackilyn appeared behind Bennett, a smug look on her face. I wouldn’t give my sister the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I swallowed back the lump in my throat and blinked back the excess moisture. I didn’t want to have this conversation right now. Especially not in front of Jackilyn. I didn’t need her shoving her triumph in my face.

“I need to go.” Escape was the first thing on my mind. I needed the privacy and comfort of my own bathroom stall.

But Bennett wasn’t going to let me leave. He took my wrist in his hand. “Wait.”

“I saw you kissing her.” My voice was thick.

“And I pushed her away right after that. I didn’t want her to kiss me.”

My eyes switched to Jackilyn, who was standing behind him. “Did you force a kiss on my boyfriend?”

“Of course not. I didn’t even know he was going to kiss me. It’s not my fault he still wants me. I’ve moved on to Kellen.”

“Then where is Kellen, and why aren’t you with him now?” I asked.

Her eyes widened like she hadn’t expected me to challenge what she’d said. “He’s talking to his friends for a minute. He’ll be right back.”

“So he abandoned you, and you went after Bennett instead?”

“No! I told you he came onto me. He saw me alone and took advantage of the situation.”

I tightened my crossed arms against my belly. “I don’t believe you.” She’d wanted Bennett back from the moment she realized he wasn’t heartbroken over their split.

Jackilyn arranged her features into what looked like sympathy. “I can understand that it’s hard to accept that Bennett is still interested in me. I know you really liked him, so what you’re feeling is normal.”

“I hope you don’t believe a word she’s saying,” Bennett said. “She’s trying to manipulate you into turning against me. She’s doing a pretty good job of it too. I almost believe her myself. But I was there, and I saw what really happened.”

I looked back and forth between them. I didn’t know who to believe. I knew Jackilyn was a good liar, but Bennett could have a reason to lie too. What if he really did want Jackilyn back? And if he did, then why was he bothering to date me? Did he want both of us? How could I know the truth? I couldn’t trust either one of them. I’d spent too many years with Jackilyn as a sister to easily trust others. Her agenda was to make sure whatever she wanted came first, even if that meant she had to lie or hurt others. It didn’t matter to her who suffered as a result.

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