CHAPTER 22

JAMES AND CARLY

Carly had run across the football field and to the back entrance of the gym. She was getting ready to open the door and head inside, When James grabbed her by her slim arm, and whirled her around. Her baby blue eyes were red and watery, but no tears seemed to make their way out. Right now, she seemed more stunned than anything. He looked at her, thinking he had the right words to say, but it seemed he didn't. She stared with hope.

"Please tell me it isn't true," She sniffled. James pulled her a little closer. "Please tell me James." He stared. In the end there were only two ways he could answer this. One was to lie, while the other was to tell the truth. He was mean, but he wasn't that mean. After all, he loved Carly. He would never break her heart, at least that's what he told himself.

"Of course not," he lied. His hard eyes were soft and caring. Carly stared into them. "Baby, I love you."

"Then what was that back there? What was Justin talking about? Why did it so