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Bailey's pov

I saw the way my words made her feel. I saw the shift in her eyes. The

reaction I should have expected.

But I can't take those words back and I....don't want to. Because I mean

them. Every single word that rolled off my tongue, I meant them with

every inch of my being.

I know I hurt her, I know she feels betrayed. But I can't continue to lie to

myself too. I can't please her with a lie anymore. I want Kaleb.

I love Kaleb.

I blinked rapidly, trying to remove the presence of tears in my eyes so I

can see her properly while I uttered. " Your brother deserves to be

loved to Mirabella. He is worth being loved.”

I shook my head and take a step forward, pinning her down with a

sincere stare. " I love him and I'm sorry, but if I have to choose between

you and him, I will love you both. I will choose you both. But if you

make me choose then I will choose him.”

I played with my fingers, knowing that I was pouring my heart out in

front of my family too. But it needed to be done and I should have done

it sooner.

“1 know I did wrong by not telling you. I know you're pissed off but we

can't help who we love Mira.” I throw my hands up. " We can't choose

who we fall in love with, it just happens. But what we can choose is who

we let go."

I shook my head. " And I won't let go. I'd choose you both but if you

force me to choose I will choose him because I won't let him go. And

that's my choice. That's what I choose."

Mira is silently staring at me and her eyes flicker over to her brother

that I didn't realize stood beside me until my arm touch his chest and

his arm wrap around my mid-section to pull me into his embrace.

His grip felt like he was trying to protect me, as if silently telling me that

he was here and that everything would be okay. I took comfort in his

touch and melted into his warmth.

Mira peered at the two of us, more specifically his hand and then her

eyes lift to mine and my heart stops. “ How many months has this been

going on behind my back?"

I looked down in shame, knowing she will piece things together quickly.

" It started at the party.”

Mira frowned. * Which party?"

" The one Kaleb hosted in your home." I whispered. It hadn't been a

month yet, well I don't think it had been but it sure felt like Kaleb and I

were together longer than this, despite only agreeing to be his girlfriend

today.

I could see the gears in her head shift and realization hit her. " You

didn't sleep on the couch did you?"

I swallowed. Keeping secrets from Mira was one thing but lying to her

was another. Mira detested liars, especially lies coming from people

she cared about.

Seeing my silence, she nods, a sneer bridging on her face. " Take off

that bracelet around your wrist. You no longer deserve it." Spitting

those words in anger, she slammed the door closed and locked it. Her

head is forward as if she can't bear to look at me anymore.

Her words hit me like a dart, flying straight to my heart. I staggered, but

in Kaleb's arms as he hugged me. I can't breathe because I am crying

and Kaleb soothes me, whispering sweet words in my ear.

"I'm sorry." He said softly. * I will fix this. I'm sorry. She'll calm down

and come back to her senses."

But even those words from the boy I love could ease the crippling pain

in my heart. I know how stubborn Mira can be when she is mad. She

once stayed not speaking to Kaleb for a week because he poured

rotten eggs in our hair during a prank.

I lied to her. For weeks.

Best friend's don't lie to each other. The bracelet was a symbol of that.

A symbol of our promises.

"I'll speak to her. I'll try to get through to her." Kaleb whispered,

planting a delicate kiss on my cheek and wiped my tears. " I promise

we will make her see. I promise I'll not let you down for choosing me

Bailey."

As he continued to soothe me, my mom and dad stepped toward us. I

instantly ran to mom and she hugged me tightly as I cried. " I don't

know what to do." I cried.

She runs a hand down my back in a comforting manner. " It's okay

baby. Your heart just wants what it wants. Your heart is never wrong."

She kissed my cheek and dad went over to talk to Kaleb.

"I'm sorry for the scene Mr. Reed." Kaleb apologized.

“ Don't be. It made me realize I gave my daughter to the right boy that

will cherish her." Dad said and clapped Kaleb lightly on his back,

smiling. * You remind me of myself. I found the love of my life at your

age." Dad looked over at mom, his eyes shinning brightly with

fondness.

" Whatever or whoever that tries to come between you two, don't let

that feeling go."

After a few more words the horn blares and we looked at Mira in the car

seat. Her arms are crossed childishly and she's glaring at the front.

Kaleb sighed and looked over at me, smiling sadly. " I will head on

home now flower. See you tomorrow?"

I nod, sniffling as mom wiped my tears with the back of her hand. Kaleb

bit his lip, rocking on his heels.

"Can I come to pick you up tomorrow for school?"

I looked behind him at an annoyed Mira who was still glaring at the

road ahead. I shook my head. " If it won't be an issue, then yes."

Kaleb smiled, saying goodbye and soon leaves. As we watch his car

drive off, dad pushes his hands in his pocket and smiled. " You chose

correctly Bailey.”