Forgotten

Chapter 10

Chapter Title: A Perfect Night, A New Beginning

The night had been perfect. I got to know Jacin a little better—and he got to know me a lot more. He liked asking me questions and wanted to know everything about me. I liked how he kissed me to stake his claim when he noticed Vance watching us. It wasn’t out of jealousy or because he felt threatened; it was pride. He was proud to be my first kiss and the first guy I’d ever gone out with—even if this didn’t technically count as a date.

The party stretched deep into the night. Music hummed low in the background, laughter fading as people drift off, but I can’t bring myself to leave Jacin’s side. I’m drained—my body heavy with exhaustion—and before I realize it, I’ve nodded off against his shoulder.

He shifts gently, signaling Liara over without waking me. As soon as I stir and realize I’ve dozed off, I bolt upright, cheeks burning with embarrassment. But Jacin just smiles, calm and kind, like it’s nothing at all.

He walks me to the car, his pace easy, his presence warm—every bit the gentleman. I savor each second, the quiet between us almost louder than the party behind.

“Thank you for tonight,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “It was a great first date.”

He chuckles, eyes soft with something unspoken. “It wasn’t,” he says, “but I’ll plan a real one for us.”

My heart stumbles, catching on those words like a hook in silk.

And then—he leans in.

His lips meet mine in the gentlest kiss, his hand warm and steady against my cheek. The moment stretches, sweet and silent, until he pulls away just enough to look me in the eyes

“I want to remember every moment I have with you. Don’t let me forget this one—because right now, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I’m lucky that I’m here with you instead of someone else. Even if I had to get coffee spilled all over me for it to happen.”

It was the most romantic thing he could have said—aside from the coffee part, which he probably added to lighten the mood because he was getting so serious. He let me go, and I got into Liara’s car, watching him walk toward his bike.

I felt a little guilty that Liara had to leave the party early because I was tired, but it was really late, and I knew her parents wouldn’t be happy if we were out all night.

“So… you kissed,” she said, trying to get the details.

“Yeah. Three times. We kissed out on the beach—it was my first kiss, and it was amazing. Then he kissed me again when I told him there was nothing going on between me and Vance. And finally, he kissed me goodbye. He’s such a great kisser!” I gushed, then paused. “Well, I guess I don’t really have anything to compare it to, but I’m pretty sure he’s a great kisser.”

Liara gave me a look—half skeptical, half concerned.

“So are you two, like, together now? Or what’s happening there? I’d hate to think he’s using you. He does seem like the bad-boy type. I mean, he rides a bike, he’s clearly older, and you’re… well, innocent. You’ve never been in a relationship before. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. I swear, I’ll break every bone in his body if he breaks your heart.”

I’d never seen Liara so serious—except when it came to Lyssa.

“No, nothing’s official yet. We’re still getting to know each other. He said he’s going to plan a date. Please don’t make me start doubting him. Tonight was so perfect.”

“I don’t want to ruin anything for you. I just need you to think this through. Some older guys like to keep things casual, maybe even have a few girls at once. I’m just saying—Do you know what his intentions are. He might genuinely like you. But he might also like a few other girls.”

“I don’t think he’s like that,” I said firmly. “He wouldn’t have searched for me if there was someone else. I really think he likes me.”

“I hope so too. I do believe he’s a good guy. Just... be sure. If he wants to keep it casual, that doesn’t make him a bad person, but you need to know where you stand.”

She had a point. I’ll ask him eventually—after our first real date. I didn’t want to scare him off by diving into heavy topics so soon.

“I’ll ask him later. I promise. But for now, I just want to enjoy this.”

She nodded. I knew she was only being protective.

We got back to her house just in time—I was minutes from passing out. No way Liara would’ve been able to carry me in. Once inside, we crept upstairs, trying to stay quiet. Her room was a disaster from all the pre-party chaos. We gathered my clothes from the bed and threw them onto her dresser. I quickly changed into my pajamas and crashed. I didn’t even pull up the covers.

Tomorrow would be a rest day. No plans. Just sleep, eat, and lounge around. I was going to stay at Liara’s for as long as I could to avoid Lyssa grilling me about my weekend.

I woke up still feeling drained. Liara wasn’t in bed, so I wandered into the kitchen in my pajamas. She was slumped on the counter, head resting on her arms.

“My parents are still asleep. There’s no coffee and no food,” she whined.

I just shook my head. Her parents really did spoil her.

I walked over to the coffee machine, added the beans and water, and turned it on. The aroma of fresh coffee filled the kitchen. Liara sat up, watching the machine like it owed her something.

I went to the pantry and pulled out ingredients for pancakes. I split the batter three ways—chocolate chip, blueberry, and banana—and started cooking. Three at a time. Twenty-one pancakes later, breakfast was ready. I set the table and brought out syrup and dessert cream.

Liara didn’t wait—she piled her plate high.

“I love you so much. Honestly, never change. Just get even better,” she said with a full mouth.

I laughed, grabbed some tea, and joined her. I only took three pancakes and poured syrup over them. There’s something magical about warm pancakes.

After breakfast, we moved to the living room. Liara tossed a blanket at me, then curled up in one of her own. We spent the morning watching random episodes of different shows. When her parents woke up, they joined us after breakfast.

“Can we do a switch?” her mom joked. “You live here, and Liara can go live at your house. Just for a week—we’ll be rolling around from all this food.”

“I’d be fine with it, but I don’t think Liara would enjoy dealing with Lyssa,” I said, laughing at Liara’s scrunched-up face.

“I don’t want to miss out on the food. Let’s just hold her hostage instead,” Liara pouted.

And that was our day—movies, pajamas, and cuddles under blankets.

In the afternoon, we went upstairs to pack my things. I folded everything neatly since I didn’t want to do it at home. We left, and I convinced Liara to stop for milkshakes on the way back. We sipped them slowly as we drove to my house.

When I got inside, the place was eerily quiet. Lyssa wasn’t there, which was unusual. I looked around and realized—I was home alone.

Relief.

I went upstairs, unpacked, and got my school bag ready. Then I made mac and cheese with bacon bits and curled up in the living room, watching music videos.

It was late, and my dad and Lyssa still weren’t home. I grabbed my phone to text my dad and noticed a message from Jacin.

[I had a great time last night. One of the best days I’ve had in a while. I can’t wait to see you again. I’ll let you know about our date.]

[I had an amazing time too. I can’t wait for our date. Doing anything with you sounds perfect.]

Liara’s words echoed in my mind. I wanted to ask him if he was seeing someone else, but that would sound insecure. We’d only hung out once. Still... my thumbs itched.

I got a message from my dad:

[Business trip until Wednesday. Lyssa came with me.]

Best news ever.

I messaged Liara to share the update, then crawled into bed. School was in the morning, and I needed sleep.

[Goodnight, Princess. We’ll talk tomorrow.]

Lunch finally came, I collapsed into my seat with a sandwich and milk, grateful for a break. Just as I was about to take a bite, a group of girls I barely knew swarmed the table.

“Who was that guy you were with at the party? He’s so hot!” one of them asked.

“His name’s Jacin,” I said cautiously.

“Is he your boyfriend?” another pressed.

“We’re dating,” I said. Not a lie. We were going on a date.

“You two were adorable—total couple goals. How did you meet?” They weren’t going to leave until I gave them everything. Which I did I told them how we met accidentally on the dock.

“Go away, vultures!” Liara said, marching over to join me. The girls shot her glares but, having gotten the information they came for, decided there was no reason to stick around. They stood up and left.

Liara sat down with me, rolling her eyes. “Ugh, I can’t believe those girls. So, what are we doing today? Want to go review that cute coffee place with the rude old lady? The coffee she made was amazing.”

She wasn’t wrong. I had been thinking about going back anyway. The things I bought there were really nice, and I wanted to try more. Plus, I could buy a few things for the house. Since I’d be alone, I could snack to my heart's content.

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. I don’t have their number, and I’m pretty sure they don’t have an online presence, but I could just tell her I want to do a review afterward and see if she’s okay with it. I’ve been writing my reviews on my phone since my laptop is broken, I need to get it repaired.”

Thinking about reviews made me think of Jacin. I pulled out my phone and texted him.

[I’ve been thinking about you. Hope you’re having a nice day. I’m going to go review a coffee shop this afternoon.]

[It’s nice to hear from you. I’ve been thinking about you all day. When are you free for a date, Miss Reviewer?]

My heart skipped a beat reading his reply. I quickly typed back.

[I’m free anytime until Wednesday, then my dad and stepmom will be back. After that, I’ll be available on the weekend. I’ll plan my reviews around our plans.]

[I have work tomorrow morning, but I get off at 3 PM. I can pick you up at school if you want. I’m not taking you to a restaurant, though. That’s too typical. I want our date to be something special and not just another review opportunity for you.]

The thought of him picking me up on his motorcycle had me grinning. Sitting close to him again sounded perfect.

[That sounds like a great idea. Actually, it’s the perfect idea. I’ll see you tomorrow then.]

I set my phone down, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest.