The Crush

Being Honest

My phone beeped as I walked into my house, indicating a new message. It was from Lathan. "Had a great time on our date. Can't wait to see you again soon." I smiled, feeling warm and fuzzy inside. But then, another message beeped on my phone, this one from Alex. "Thanks for coming over today. Had a great time. Can we do it again soon?"

I put my phone down, feeling even more confused than before. I knew I had to make a decision soon, but I just didn't know how to choose between them. They are both so wonderful, and I don't want to hurt either of them. I know I want to be in a relationship with Lathan. He's Fortmann. I have had a crush on him since forever. But something is going on with Alex.

I decided to take a deep breath and take things one day at a time. For now, I would enjoy the time I spent with both of them and try to figure out my feelings. But eventually, I would have to pick. I just hoped that it wouldn't be too hard.

I sat in the coffee shop with Jordan, nervously fidgeting with my cup of hot chocolate. I knew I needed to talk to someone about my conflicted feelings for both Alex and Lathan, but I felt weird talking to Jordan after our argument about the guys. However, I had to start somewhere, and Jordan was the only one I could trust with my deepest feelings.

"I kissed Lathan and Alex," I blurted out, feeling a sense of relief as soon as the words left my mouth.

Jordan nodded her head in understanding, surprising me with her response. "Follow your heart, Winter. Be honest with yourself and with them. It's okay to have feelings for more than one person. Just be true to your feelings."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. It was as if I had been waiting for someone to give me permission, to be honest with myself. I decided to take Jordan's advice and talk to both Alex and Lathan about my feelings.

Later that week, I met Lathan at the park. He was sitting at the picnic table. I smelled the fresh, crisp air and the trees damp with rain from the recent downpour. I climbed the table and sat next to him. The table was cool under my fingertips as I traced patterns on its surface.

"So, you wanted to hang?" Lathan said, smiling widely at me.

I took a deep breath and looked at him; my heart began to race. "Yes, I like hanging out with you," I tapped Lathan's shoulder.

"I like hanging out with you as well. I have something to tell you first." Lathan said, still smiling.

Crap, is he about to tell me he's Fortmann.

"I have something to tell you as well," I said, my voice trembling.

"Okay, you go first. Mine can wait. "Lathan adjusted himself on the table.

I told him that I liked him, but I had to admit that I also had feelings for someone else. To my surprise, Lathan didn't seem bothered by my confession. In fact, he seemed to relish the idea of healthy competition.

"May the best man win," he smirked.

Friday, I met with Alex in our secret spot in the library. We hadn't spoken much since the kiss, and I could feel the tension between us.

I was nervous, but he didn't say anything, and I didn't say anything. I could hear the clock ticking across the hall. I could hear footsteps on the first floor. I could even hear voices coming from those walking by the library entrance. This was a mistake.

Alex broke the ice, "Are we still friends?" He asked softly. I couldn't answer that question honestly because I knew that there was something more between us.

"I don't know if we can be just friends, Alex," I said honestly.

Alex rubbed the back of his neck, "You kissed me back."

"I have feelings for someone else."

Alex took my hand, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes as he asked, "Is it, Lathan?"

I answered him truthfully, and before he could say anything, the school bell rang. We both knew that we had to go to our classes, but I could feel the weight of our conversation hanging over me.

Alex nodded. "I will not give up so easily, Winter. I'm a wolf, remember." He smirked.

I stood up and brushed my dress down. "That's your name on my phone."

I was still confused about my feelings, but at least I had taken the first step toward being honest with myself and the people I cared about. I know that I have a long way to go, but I was willing to take the journey and see where it would lead me.