my prized possession

CHAPTER 12

Weekends were always fun for Annabella and me. We had our little tradition—going to the fair, riding those terrifying rides that made our hearts race, playing silly games, and stuffing ourselves with too much candy.

This weekend was no exception. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, screamed on rides, and made fun of weirdly matched couples. It was perfect.

And yet, beneath the joy, something tugged at me. I was going to miss this—us—if I left. Starting a new life in a new place, with new people and new routines. Becoming “the new girl” all over again. But maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. I wouldn’t be the only freshman, after all. Maybe I'd blend in. Maybe I’d even find a new crush.

We sat on a bench, catching our breath and talking about the fun we’d had so far. That was when a guy approached us.

He was... fine. Like really fine. Tall, dark, and fit in that confident, effortless way. He greeted us with a smile and asked if we were having fun.

I told him we were, smiling politely. Then I glanced at Annabella. She was uncharacteristically quiet.

He turned to her and asked for her name.

She answered with a soft, flirty tone that caught even me off guard. Ohhh, she liked him.

I wanted her to have this moment, so I stood up and gave her a knowing look. “Enjoy yourself,” I mouthed.

She just smiled, already turning her full attention to him.

Back to being alone.

I wandered the fairgrounds, taking in the view. Happy couples walking hand-in-hand, laughing like nothing else in the world mattered. I watched them, and my thoughts—inevitably—drifted to Jackson.

If he had wanted me the way I wanted him, maybe we’d be one of those couples right now.

But the real question was: Do I still want that?

I wasn’t sure anymore. Not since Noah entered the picture.

He’s been on my mind way too much lately. Too much, if I’m being honest. It’s starting to feel unhealthy. I even remembered asking my mom once if it was possible to love two people at the same time. She told me yes, it was—but the heart always knows what it truly wants.

And if that’s true... my heart wants Noah.

Or does it? Maybe I just think it does. Maybe it’s the mystery around him. The way he looks at me. The way I feel seen when he’s near. Or maybe it’s just because Jackson pulled away, and Noah appeared right when I needed someone.

But the truth is, I still have feelings for Jackson. I don’t know if they’re fading or just buried under all the confusion.

And then there’s Mrs. Cooker—Pamela. She loves both of those boys with everything in her. She knows I’m... well, was with Jackson, though even that was a half-relationship at best. And if she ever found out I was even thinking about Noah?

Ugh.

It’s a mess. A huge, tangled, emotional mess.

How did my love life get this complicated at my age?

I’m just... tired. So tired.

Annabella came running over to me, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. She couldn’t stop miling.

“His name’s Jacob,” she said, barely able to contain her excitement. “He’s so nice, Vanessa. Like, really sweet.”

She was practically glowing just talking about him. I smiled back at her, doing my best to match her joy.

But inside... I was aching.

Why can’t my love life be this simple? Why can’t I just meet a guy, like him, and have him like me back? Why does everything feel so messy—so complicated?

Oh right... I forgot.

I’m not like Annabella. I’m not as effortlessly beautiful or confident. She could get any guy she wanted. And me? I don’t think I’m anyone’s first choice.

I’m just the girl always stuck choosing, never being chosen.

Annabella must’ve noticed the shift in my energy. She tilted her head and asked, “Hey, are you okay?”

I forced a smile and shrugged it off. “I’m fine. Today’s your day, not mine. You found someone you like—that’s what matters.”

She gave me a look, one of those I-know-you’re-not-okay-but-I-won’t-push looks, and let it go.

When I got home, it was already late. I mumbled an apology to my mom before she could even start with the usual lecture. I wasn’t in the mood. I went straight to my room, shut the door behind me, and collapsed onto my bed.

Then I cried.

I cried hard.

Not because of anything specific—but because I was just tired. Tired of being alone. Tired of wanting and not being wanted. Tired of feeling like love was something meant for everyone else but me.

There was a knock on my door.

I ignored it.

“Vanessa, open the door,” my mom called.

“Go away,” I mumbled.

But she didn’t.

She tried again, softer this time. “Please, baby. Open the door.”

Eventually, I gave in.

She came in, sat beside me, and looked at me with concern. “What’s wrong? Did you and Annabella get into a fight?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m just tired.”

But she didn’t buy it. “Tell me the truth.”

And then, I asked her the question that had been haunting me all evening.

“Mom... do you think I’m beautiful?”

She blinked, clearly not expecting that. “Are kids bullying you again?”

“Just answer the question,” I whispered.

She sighed deeply, then reached out and held my face in her hands. “Vanessa, my sweet girl, you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re just saying that because you’re my mom.”

She leaned in closer. “No. I mean it. You have no idea how beautiful you are—inside and out. Your soul is radiant, and your face? That’s just a bonus. Any guy who can’t see that is blind.”

Her voice cracked a little, and I saw her eyes glisten. “When I held you for the first time, I knew I had to protect you with everything I had. You were so tiny, so precious. Like a jewel. I swore I’d never let you feel unloved.”

She paused, tears now running down her cheeks. “You deserve the world, Vanessa. Anyone you want, you deserve them. Don’t you ever think you’re someone’s option. You are their choice. Always remember that.”

She kissed my forehead, gently wiped my tears, and left the room.

I sat there stunned. It was the first time I’d ever seen my mom cry. She had always been so strong. So unshakable.

But for me—she cried.

I stood up, walked to my mirror, and looked at myself. Really looked.

And then, I repeated her words aloud, like a vow:

“I’m no one’s option. I’m their choice. I’m the prize.”

And for the first time in a long time... I smiled at the girl in the reflection.

Finally, I saw the girl Annabella and my mom had always seen.