3. Meeting her.
1145 Words
My feet ached as I made my way down the stairs. I still couldn’t believe Jaden—of all people—actually talked to me. Alessandro called again. Usually, I’m the one doing the waiting, but Jaden took up my time without even trying. Maybe this year won’t be so bad after all.
I spotted Alessandro easily as I turned into the hallway.
He was leaning against his locker, eyes closed. His messy brown hair fell across his face, making him look dangerously attractive. I quickened my pace, and his eyes fluttered open at the sound of my footsteps.
"Where have you been?" Alessandro asked, a frown carving lines into his otherwise perfect face.
It took everything in me not to roll my eyes. "I got stuck in the washroom. Long story." I dropped my backpack on the floor and glanced up and down the hallway. It was weird—Alessandro waiting alone without girls around him was like a solar eclipse: rare and strange.
"Okay," he muttered, clearly not buying it, but he didn’t press.
"So why did you want to see me? I’ve got notes to revise." I asked, inhaling the familiar scent of his intoxicating cologne.
"I want to ask Valentine out."
Boom. Just like that.
Tears pricked my eyes. The hallway tiles blurred, and for a moment, it felt like my voice had gone on strike.
"I want you to tell me how I can make it romantic—you know, girl stuff."
I let out a laugh, but it sounded hollow and bitter in my ears. Of all the things he could've asked me…
"You must be joking asking me that. I have no idea—I mean, my romantic record sheet is literally blank." I rolled my eyes and slid to the floor, pulling my knees up to my chest. Alessandro joined me, sitting beside me with his back against the locker.
"Summer, we've been best friends for over six years now. Do you think I’m in love, or is it just the thrill of Val being new?" he asked softly.
I sighed. It didn’t even matter anymore.
"I'm happy for you, Sandy. Any girl would be lucky to have the you that I know in her life. You deserve to be happy. Come here."
He chuckled and pulled me into a bear hug.
My heart pounded against my ribs as I melted into his arms. His breath tickled my neck, sending electric shivers through my body. The door behind us offered me a quick escape from the pain, but I couldn’t leave. I didn’t want to.
"I love you, Summer. Being with you gives me peace," Alessandro murmured.
And that broke me even more.
"I love you too, Sandy." I smiled and hugged him tighter. If only he knew how much. What would it take for him to love me the way I love him?
We pulled apart eventually, and the topic of conversation shifted to how he should ask Valentine out. He was convinced she was the real deal—but honestly, that girl was a whole red flag in lip gloss and designer heels.
"I should head for Chemistry now." Alessandro stood and offered me a hand.
"Okay. See you during break," I replied as we parted ways.
I headed out to the field and sat on the bleachers. Telling your heart to stop loving someone you’ve loved your whole life? Yeah, not so easy. I let the tears fall freely—my first unofficial heartbreak. Cheers to that.
Maybe love just wasn’t in the stars for me. Maybe I should just focus on my future instead.
"Well, well, well. Look who we have here." A familiar voice clapped mockingly.
My shoulders tensed. I knew that voice.
Casey.
And her two Batmans were right beside her.
"If it isn’t little Summer... or is it Spring?" Casey tsked, standing right in front of me. Her minions burst into laughter like it was some comedy show.
"Aww, poor thing's crying," Nora mocked, flipping her long, shiny black hair like she was auditioning for a shampoo commercial.
I quickly wiped my tears with the back of my hand and looked down.
"Oh, maybe it’s her parents’ death anniversary. This witch murdered them," Bea tsked dramatically.
Snorting, I got up and glared hard at them.
I wasn't about to stoop to their level. These three were the real definition of drama. Casey Hudson was the queen of scandal, rumored to be addicted to male attention. Nora Wells, cheer captain, hid behind makeup and secrets—cheated on her boyfriend with his dad. And Bea? Once sweet, now bitter, thanks to a broken heart courtesy of my so-called best friend. Not that I blamed her.
Needing a break from the toxicity, I headed to the library for some peace. Thankfully, it was empty. I pulled out a seat and settled in with my notes and homework.
Halfway through my assignment, my phone buzzed.
Alessandro:
Hey Pea, break’s in 5 mins.
Meet me at our spot in the cafeteria.
I’ve invited Valentine. Hope that’s okay.
The break bell rang.
I typed a quick “All good” before packing up and leaving the library.
The cafeteria was already buzzing with chatter. I spotted Alessandro seated with Valentine at our usual table. They looked... good together. That hurt more than I wanted to admit.
"Hi," I said, dropping into an empty seat.
"Hey, Peaches," Alessandro grinned. "Peaches, meet Valentine. Valentine, meet my best friend—Summer."
Valentine rolled her eyes when Alessandro wasn’t looking and gave me a tight-lipped smile.
"Nice meeting you, Summer. I’ve heard so much about you," she said.
"Likewise." I forced a smile for Alessandro’s sake. "I’m starving. So, what am I eating? Lunch is on you, Sandman."
"Polar bear, when aren’t you hungry?" Alessandro teased as he stood to grab lunch.
I scanned the cafeteria, making sure to avoid Valentine’s smug gaze. My eyes accidentally landed on the Elites’ table. Jaden was there—already looking in my direction.
I quickly looked away. He wasn’t looking at me... was he?
Then I caught a whiff of warm, masculine cologne.
Jaden.
I looked up to see him at our table, smirking that cocky grin.
"Hey, Jaden. Looking for me?" Valentine said in that annoying high-pitched voice, batting her lashes like she was in some bad teen rom-com.
"And why would I be looking for you?" Jaden replied flatly, not even pretending to be interested.
My eyes nearly popped out of my head when he turned to me and winked.
"Doll face, remember I asked you to save me a spot?" he said with a sly smile.
My cheeks heated instantly. He chuckled and took the seat beside me—just as Alessandro returned with food and drinks.
Murmurs rippled through the cafeteria.
Something told me I’d regret this moment.
- Writer
