The Fragile Fall Read Online Free PDF Page B

relished the fact that she had looked at me, even if it was brief. I followed them into the kitchen, feeling uneasy. I had become really comfortable around them, and I hated feeling like I had taken a step backward now. I worried that this was when my friendship with Jax would unravel. Jax kept a close eye on both Ryanne and me, though I wasn’t sure exactly why. It made no sense. I was thankful that Courtney was there. She was able to keep it from being completely awkward and awful. Ryanne avoided looking at me and stayed as far away from me as she could.
    No one talked throughout the movie, other than Ry occasionally offering us drinks or snacks. The tension was thick in the air and I made an excuse to leave as soon as the credits started. Jax followed me to the door, blaming the weirdness on him not feeling well. I let him blow it off, though I didn’t believe a word he said.
    I was upset. I felt like I had two really good friends in Jax and Ry and suddenly something changed. I had no idea what happened, if I did something or if there was something no one was telling me. The fact that Ry avoided talking to me and looking at me all night and the fact that Jax seemed upset bothered me. I felt like I was being punished for no reason.

    August came and I almost didn’t recognize my life. After the strange movie night, things went back to normal, though I never did get an explanation. Jax and I continued to hang out a lot and he had introduced me to a few of his friends and his girlfriend Lindsey. I found out that Jax kept her away from his house because she and Ry fought like crazy. Ry hated his girlfriend and made sure she knew it, so Jax thought it was easier to keep them separated the majority of the time. They had some kind of weird on again, off again relationship. Sometimes they broke up for a week or two and then they’d get back together like nothing happened. Apparently, they had been broken up for the majority of the summer and now that school was starting soon, she’d begged him to get back together. It was too much for me to try to keep up with, so I just pretended to understand.
    The more time I spent with Ryanne, the more intrigued I was by her. My eyes always seemed to find her. I couldn’t stop myself, though I tried. I’d watch her as she moved around the house. Her movements were always graceful, like a dancer. I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she was, and the feelings I felt stirring inside of me made me nervous. I knew Jax wouldn’t like me being attracted to his sister, but I was.
    And there was nothing I could do about it.

Ryanne
    J AX AND I COULDN ’ T SEEM TO STOP ARGUING .
    It was strange having this tension between us, but he was worried that I was developing feelings for Will. I tried to tell him I wasn’t, though I knew that was a lie. I gravitated toward him when he was near and I felt… off when he wasn’t there.
    I was trying to deny my feelings for him to keep Jax from fighting with me constantly. When Will was around, Jax watched us like a hawk. I tried my hardest to keep from watching Will, but it was a losing battle, and I felt his eyes on me as I moved. His eyes were like a gentle touch that stayed on my skin even after he looked away. I could feel him when he was in the same room, even if I wasn’t looking at him.
    I couldn’t lose Jax. He was my brother and one of my closest friends. I worried about what would happen to Will as well. What would happen with his friendship with Jax if we started dating? Would it be ruined? Would it become awkward? What would happen if Will and I broke up? Would Jax get upset with Will for breaking my heart? Would Jax and Will be able to stay friends if Will and I broke up?
    August was winding down. School had started and I was spending some time with Will and Jax before my night class.
    Well, that had been the plan.
    Jax ended up leaving early to go hang out with his girlfriend, which left me alone with Will, something I avoided at