7. My Grades. My Heart. Both a Wreck.
1073 Words
Alessandro dropped me off at my place. I barged into the house, all alone.
I don’t have any female friend to cry my pains to.
The shower was the only comfort I had, warm water trailing over my aching heart.
Alessandro officially asked Valentine to be his girlfriend.
The fact remains—I have been hiding in the shadows my whole life, blending with the walls.
No one genuinely tried to know me.
They just assumed.
They just hated me for no reason.
I’m sick of getting heartbroken over and over again with no shoulder to cry on.
I’ve never had a friend apart from Alessandro.
They come and go. Giving nothing. Taking nothing.
How can I cry over Alex's shoulder when he’s the reason for my heartbreak?
He loves me… but not in the way I want to be loved.
I want to break out of my walls, but I don’t know how to do it.
Putting on a ripped bum short and a sleeveless turtleneck, I packed my reading materials and walked to the living room.
The couch squeaked softly as I sat, and I let my legs curl up beneath me.
My grades are getting terrible every single day, but my heart won’t stop pounding for a boy who’s got his life all figured out and sees me only as a best friend.
I should probably get my life together… because it sucks.
I groaned.
The math textbook was heavy in my lap, the pages rough against my fingertips.
Turning them was easy—too easy.
Why wouldn’t I keep flipping these damn pages when all I see in my head is Alessandro sucking faces with Valentine?
He might have ditched me again… to be with her.
I hope he’s happy.
Because if he is... then I’m happy too.
The doorbell jingled—sharp, familiar.
It must be Alessandro.
I don’t get visitors. Not really.
He probably forgot my keys again.
He’s so gonna get it if he did.
I stomped to the door and unlocked it.
Jaden Acker stood outside, leaned against the doorframe, hands tucked into his pockets like he was posing for a photoshoot.
“Take a picture, Sunshine. I heard it lasts longer…”
I sucked in a breath. His voice was calm, easy, like nothing could ever rush him.
“How do you know where I live?” I asked, blinking fast. “I never told you. And what are you doing here… no. No. Are you a serial killer?”
“Calm down, Sunshine. I got your info from the admin office. Besides—serial killers don’t knock.”
“Oh wow. So you go around stealing people’s addresses now?”
The words spilled out sharp and fast.
He chuckled. Actually chuckled. Did he think I was joking?
“You agreed to go on a tour with me. I was so elated I forgot to get your contact… my bad if I went too far.”
“Elated?” I folded my arms. “And they just hand out student info like candy?”
He met my stare with quiet confidence. No mocking.
His eyes… the most devilish shade of blue I’ve ever seen. Calm. Too calm.
“The midterm results are out. Your grades… aren’t looking great,” he added, scratching at the back of his neck where his chains clinked faintly.
My face burned.
He was trying to be gentle, but it still stung.
Jaden, Mr. Straight-A, and the girl barely holding it together.
“I don’t understand what those bloodsucking vamps even teach…” I muttered.
He laughed—and the sound wasn’t mocking.
It was light, a little too light for how heavy I felt. The kind that momentarily made everything else in the world pause.
“That’s not an excuse, Sunshine,” he said, stepping forward slightly.
I stood frozen, halfway behind the door.
His face was flawless. Too close. His breath was minty, brushing faintly against my cheek like a breeze.
“Tortoise hates roaming around with his house. But guess what?”
He tilted his head. “He got no choice.”
I chuckled before I could stop myself.
He leaned back again, grinning like he’d just passed some kind of test.
“I told them I’d tutor you, so they gave me your address.”
“No…” I muttered, brushing hair behind my ears.
I didn’t need his pity.
“Really? You don’t need my help?” He leaned against the wall again, one leg crossed over the other. Casual. Unbothered.
“I hope you know some people would do anything for me to tutor them.”
“I don’t need your pity,” I frowned.
“Pity?” His voice held a thread of amusement. “I don’t pity you. There are people with grades worse than yours.”
He tilted his head again. “Truth is, I want to get into your good books… ‘cause I need your help.”
I let out a dry laugh. Me? Help him?
“Look, Jaden. How am I even supposed to help you?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“That’s why you’re going on a tour with me,” he replied smoothly.
I stared.
“Okay… let me change.”
“You’re already dressed.” He raised an eyebrow.
I blinked. “I can’t possibly wear this,” I said, gesturing down at my turtleneck, ripped shorts, and flip-flops.
“Live a little,” he shrugged. “Besides, you won’t come in contact with anyone.”
---
Not long after, we were in his car. The seats were warm, and the music vibrating from the speakers was mellow and soft.
I felt weirdly… calm.
Like I could finally exhale.
The street Jaden turned into screamed money. Clean, classy, quiet.
His car glided up to the gate of a large building.
The black polished gate opened slowly, revealing a grand entrance framed with flowers I couldn’t name.
Sprinklers lined the ground, misting everything with soft water droplets that sparkled like fairy dust.
Jaden turned off the engine and got out.
He came to my side and opened the door, patient, like he knew I needed a second.
“Are you coming?” he asked, voice gentle.
I nodded, stepping out slowly.
The breeze carried a faint scent of jasmine.
I looked up at the door. My stomach turned.
I hope I’m doing the right thing.
- Writer
