my prized possession

CHAPTER 10

The college fair was over. I stepped outside, my emotions barely held together. I needed Annabella—my anchor.

I spotted her chatting with some students, laughing lightly. But the moment she saw my face, her expression shifted. She excused herself and rushed over.

“What’s wrong?” she asked urgently.

I told her everything. Jackson. His fake apologies. How he still tried to play games. Her jaw clenched.

Without a word, she turned on her heels and stormed off.

“No—wait,” I called after her, but she was already heading back into the hall. I knew that walk. Annabella was rational, but she didn’t tolerate any kind of disrespect, especially towards me.

I followed, heart pounding. I caught up just in time to see her reach Jackson.

And then—a loud slap cracked through the hall.

Gasps echoed around us.

I rushed forward, grabbing her arm. “Please,” I whispered. “Don’t make a scene.”

But Annabella was locked in. Her voice cut through the silence like a blade.

“Don’t you ever talk to her again. Ever. You don’t deserve to breathe the same air as her. She’s not your secret. She’s not your shame. She’s a whole damn treasure, and you’re too blind to see it.”

The entire class stared, waiting for Jackson’s reaction.

He looked at me—eyes oddly soft—and to everyone’s surprise, he said, “I’m sorry. I really am.”

That was it. I couldn’t handle any more.

I pulled Annabella away and out of the building.

Once outside, I turned to her. “Why did you do that?” I asked, still shaken. “Do you want everyone to know everything?”

“Yes!” she shouted. “You’re not a mistake! You were never supposed to be hidden. You’re supposed to be loved out loud. Adored.”

Tears welled in my eyes. Her words touched something raw in me. I pulled her into a hug. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But please... don’t take on my pain. I’ll be okay.”

She smiled. “That’s why I love you. You have a beautiful soul, even after everything. I’m lucky to know you.”

We held each other, quiet and strong.

Trying to lighten the moment, I sniffled. “Now, come on. Tell me. Which college did you pick?”

She wiped her eyes. “I chose the one in Canada.”

My jaw dropped. “Canada? That’s so far from Florida! How could you go that far from me?”

She laughed, touching my arm. “I may be far in distance, but I’m always close. Anytime you need me, call me—I’ll be there.”

After school, I saw Jackson waiting by his car

“Need a ride?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Annabella’s taking me.”

He nodded. “She’s a great friend. Don’t ever lose her.”

“I know,” I said. “And I’m not using her—like you were using me.”

He winced at my words but didn’t argue. “I was wrong. I deserved that slap... but it still hurt.”

I laughed softly. “Next time, don’t mess with her best friend.”

He gave me a small smile and waved before getting into his car.

Annabella came over, eyeing me. “Why were you talking to him?”

“I can’t hate him,” I said honestly. “But he learned his lesson. He won’t mess with me again.”

She nodded. “I hope so.”

We got into her car together, and for the first time in a long while, I felt okay.

The following week was surprisingly bearable. I was slowly finding myself again. With exams around the corner and an interview for my dream college ahead, my mind had something healthier to focus on.

My dynamic with Jackson had shifted too. We greeted each other in public now, smiled politely. No more awkward stares or avoidance. It felt like a breath of fresh air—maybe that was all we were ever meant to be. Just friends. And for the first time, I was truly at peace with that.

Saturday came, and I went grocery shopping with my stepdad. Mom was coming home this weekend, and I wanted the house to be perfect for her arrival.

As we strolled down one of the aisles, I spotted Mrs. Cooker. I smiled politely and greeted her.

“Oh, sweetheart! It’s been ages,” she beamed. “Where have you been? Why haven’t you come around to tutor Jackson?”

I offered a nervous smile. “Jackson’s doing great academically. He doesn’t need tutoring anymore.”

She nodded, still smiling warmly. “I’m still waiting for that drink though,” she added, tapping my arm lightly.

“I won’t disappoint you,” I said with a small laugh. “We’ll have that drink.”

Just then, Bill walked over. I introduced them. They exchanged pleasantries, and Mrs. Cooker went on her way.

After loading the groceries into the car, we headed home. But my mind was somewhere else.

That drink.

Going back to that house.

That house with its memories—both sweet and confusing. And Noah.

God, Noah.

Was he still there? Would he be around if I went? Why did the idea of seeing him again twist something inside me?

I told myself to stop. Vanessa, seriously. You’re a mess. You need to leave this place before it ruins you.

But no matter how hard I tried to silence it, the truth whispered in my heart—I wanted to see him. I wanted to hear his voice. There was something about Noah I couldn’t explain. He was older than Jackson, quieter, but his eyes… they held secrets, and I wanted to be one of them.

I clenched my jaw, frustrated. Why do you want someone so much that it actually hurts?

I didn’t want to see him.

And I didn’t want not to see him.

Because if I did, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to control myself again.