End Game by Tabatha Wenzel

Rayanne
again.”
    “I promise I have no intention of hurting
Rayanne again. I mean, I never meant to hurt her in the first
place. Please tell me you believe me.”
    “I really do believe you, Collin. I actually
have an idea about how to get you together in situations. I kind of
have a checklist of stuff I want to do, and Rayanne will be there
with me for most of them. So, I was thinking how about you and Zane
just happen to be were we are.”
    “Sounds good, but what kind of places are we
talking about here?”
    “I’m glad you asked. On Friday night I am
going to get my first tattoo, and Rayanne will be there holding my
hand. I think I need Zane to hold the other one. So, why don’t you
just happen to be hanging with Zane Friday night.”
    “I can do that. I may have to get some ink
too that night. Do you think Rayanne will add any to her
collection?”
    “I am hoping so, then you can be there to
hold her hand. Because for as much ink as she has, she is still a
big baby.”
    Collin started laughing and smiled. “I
remember that. She got a flu shot once and was the biggest baby in
the world. I think I asked her how she has tattoos if she is that
afraid of needles. I loved her answer. She told me that she may be
scared, but she always shows her strength by doing it. That was how
she wanted to live her life, fearless. I told her I loved her that
day. I was scared to admit it before then, because of everything
going on with my ex. But, that day, I wanted to be fearless like
Rayanne.”
    Collin actually looked like he was going to
cry. I didn’t know what to do because I could feel the tears trying
to escape my eyes. What the hell was Rayanne thinking? She needed
to give this guy another chance. Then it hit me! Rayanne isn’t as
fearless as she thinks. She is terrified of being hurt by him.
    I leaned in and gave Collin a quick hug.
    “She will be fearless again with you Collin.
I know I shouldn’t promise this, because Rayanne can think for
herself. I know her Collin, and that love is very much still there.
I promise. Just teach her to not be afraid anymore.”
    “Thank you Hannah.”
    “No problem.”
    Before I could finish, I could hear my name
being called from down the block. I turned to look, and saw Zane
running towards me in his running clothes. Great! Exactly what I
was trying to avoid. I could not deal with Zane now. First, he
would want to know how I am, and second I have to deal with the
fact that everything he said to me is probably forgotten. I am
convinced he was suffering from head trauma.
    “I am so glad I caught you before you started
running Hannah.”
    Zane leaned into Collin and I could hear him
say, “Thanks man.”
    “No problem Zane. I wanted to talk to her
about stuff anyway.”
    “What the hell are you guys talking
about?”
    “I had to take care of stuff at the house,
and I knew you would be running today, but I didn’t want you going
alone. So, I asked Collin to keep you occupied before I could get
here.”
    I stood there stunned. What the fuck?
    “I didn’t know that I needed babysitting. So,
Collin what was your fee for watching me?”
    I am so angry right now, but at the same time
I can’t believe how bitchy I sound. I am oddly proud of myself. Old
me would have just sat back and said nothing about this.
    Collin looks at me and he seems genuinely
hurt by what I said. I feel not so proud of myself right now.
    “Hannah, I swear I really did need to talk to
you. I just really agreed with Zane that, maybe, you shouldn’t be
out running or walking to class by yourself right now. Jason still
goes to school here, and he knows that you were the one that got
him kicked out of the frat.”
    How had I been so stupid to not think that
Jason wouldn’t be a problem? Everything Collin just said makes
sense. I am such an idiot.
    “Collin I am so sorry. I never should have
said that to you. You and Zane are right. I am sorry for getting so
bitchy to both of you.”
    Zane turned and took my