Shock of Love

Chapter 13...Plan L V

The school bell finally rang, echoing through the halls and signaling the end of the day.

"Yeah, school is finally over now, Bloom," Mia sighed in relief.

"Yeah, you're right," Bloom agreed. Thinking back to the wild story her friend had just shared about her time off, she asked, "Did that really happen, and did you really go there?"

"Yes, that did happen. Why would I lie?" Mia replied.

"Great story. You're so lucky you had a great break, Mia," Bloom said with a smile.

Mia shrugged. "At least school is over now."

"You're totally right, Mia," Bloom agreed. Then, steering the conversation to the topic that had been burning in her mind all day, she carefully asked, "Mia, are you still in love with Tyler, or are you over him now?"

Mia looked taken aback. "What are you talking about? I was never in love with Tyler. I just thought he was good-looking, handsome, and cool." She narrowed her eyes slightly at her friend. "Why are you asking this out of nowhere?"

"No reason," Bloom deflected quickly.

Mia raised an eyebrow, not buying it. "Are you in love with him or something?"

"Of course not!" Bloom answered, defending herself a little too quickly. "I just want to know cause you're always staring at him like the other girls do who are in his fan club."

"That's easy," Mia chuckled. "He's just that handsome, but I have no romantic feelings for him."

"That's great for you, and thanks for telling," Bloom said, feeling a massive wave of relief wash over her.

"No problem, we're friends, right?" Mia smiled gently. "That's what friends are for, isn't it?"

"You're so wise, bestie," Bloom beamed.

"So if you ever needed to talk, I'll be here for you," Mia offered.

"Thanks, Mia, I will. I promise I will," Bloom said, her emotions suddenly bubbling over as she started sobbing softly. Wiping her eyes, she cried, "You're the best, Mia. You're the bestest friend I could ever ask for!"

Mia smiled warmly, though her tone was practical. "Yeah, I know, but pull yourself together. We're still at school. But I got to go, see you tomorrow." Leaning in close, she whispered, "Hope you can fix all your boy trouble with Tyler by tomorrow, girl."

Bloom blushed a deep shade of red. "It's not like that!"

"Yeah, still don't believe you," Mia teased as she turned to leave. "Anyway, stay strong. Bye bestie!"

"Bye, and don't worry about me, I'm already strong!" Bloom called after her.

As Mia disappeared down the hall, Bloom's thoughts immediately returned to her ultimate goal. I can't wait to tell Tyler I LOVE HIM, she thought, her heart racing with anticipation. I hope he likes me too. I just need to find him.

Determined to put her plan into action, Bloom decided she needed to look her absolute best. Slipping away to change her clothes, she swapped her standard attire for something much more special.

Now I'm wearing a cute and hot outfit perfect for asking a friend out, she childishly thought, admiring her reflection. She looked gorgeous, wearing an elegant, sheer floral top with a pink skirt and delicate earrings, her long blonde hair cascading perfectly over her shoulders.

"I look so gorgeous, I bet no guy will resist me or turn me down now," she said to herself, filled with a sudden surge of confidence. Checking the time, she realized her window of opportunity was opening. "I think he'll be leaving from his activities by now."

With a determined stride, she walked off to catch up with him.

TYLER, HERE I COME! she cheered internally, ready to finally confess her feelings.