Between Yesterday and Tomorrow

CHAPTER 3: Secrets and Suspicion

SIERRA’S POV

The next morning, guilt crashes over me like a tidal wave. I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, reliving every moment of last night with Axel. My fingers trace the necklace Lorenzo gave me, the one that’s supposed to symbolize our love. What kind of person am I, cheating on someone who has been nothing but kind and patient?

But then I think of Axel—his touch, his voice, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world. A part of me aches for him, for what we had and what we still could have.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, pulling me out of my thoughts. It’s a message from Ivy:

Ivy:

“Hey babe, you okay? You seemed off yesterday. Let’s meet up later?”

I swallow hard. Ivy knows me too well. She’ll see right through me if I’m not careful.

Sierra:

“I’m fine! Just tired. Let’s grab coffee this afternoon?”

Later, at the café, Ivy stares at me over her latte, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“You’ve been weird lately,” she says bluntly. “Is something going on with you and Lorenzo?”

I shake my head quickly. “No! Things are great with Lorenzo. Why would you think that?”

She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Because you’re acting like you have a giant secret, Sierra. I know you. Spill.”

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. “It’s just… school stress. You know how demanding our group project is, especially with Axel and me having to lead most of it.”

At the mention of Axel’s name, Ivy’s eyebrows shoot up. “Axel, huh? How’s that going? Awkward, or... something else?”

My stomach tightens. “Just awkward,” I say, forcing a laugh. “We’re trying to keep things professional.”

Ivy doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t push further.

LORENZO’S POV

I’ve noticed the change in Sierra. She’s been distant lately, her smiles a little forced, her laughter not as genuine. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but it’s hard not to when my instincts are screaming that something’s wrong.

After practice, I meet up with Adrian and Damon at the court. They’ve been my best friends for years, the ones I can count on for advice—even if they’re not the most sensitive guys.

“Lorenzo, man, you’re overthinking it,” Damon says, dribbling the ball lazily. “Sierra’s probably just stressed about school. You know how she is about her grades.”

Adrian, on the other hand, looks more thoughtful. “Or… she’s hiding something,” he says cautiously. “Have you talked to her about it?”

I frown, bouncing the ball on the pavement. “Not directly. I don’t want to come off as paranoid, but I feel like she’s pulling away.”

Damon shrugs. “Girls are complicated, dude. Just be straight with her. Ask her what’s up.”

SIERRA’S POV

That evening, Lorenzo texts me, asking if we can talk. The knot in my stomach tightens, and I know I can’t keep dodging his concern.

When he arrives at my house, his usual warmth is replaced with a quiet seriousness. We sit on the couch, and he turns to me, his eyes searching mine.

“Sierra, are you okay?” he asks gently. “You’ve been distant lately. I just want to make sure everything’s alright.”

I feel the weight of his sincerity, the love and concern in his voice. And it crushes me. How can I look him in the eye and lie? But how can I tell him the truth and risk losing him?

“I’m fine,” I say softly, hating myself for the words. “I’ve just been stressed about the project. You know how demanding school gets.”

He nods slowly, though his expression remains unconvinced. “If there’s ever anything you need to tell me, you know I’ll listen, right? No judgment. Just… honesty.”

I force a smile, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill. “I know. Thank you, Lorenzo.”

AXEL’S POV

I can’t get Sierra out of my head. Last night keeps replaying in my mind, and no matter how hard I try to focus on other things, she’s always there.

Sitting in my room, I stare at the basketball resting in the corner. My girlfriend, Megan, texts me about our plans for the weekend, but I barely read her message. All I can think about is Sierra’s lips on mine, her soft whispers, the way she looked at me like I was the only one who understood her pain.

A knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts. It’s Jake, his usual smirk replaced by a look of curiosity.

“Yo, what’s up with you and Sierra?” he asks, leaning against the doorframe.

I freeze. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’ve been acting weird. And from what I hear, so has she. Spill, man.”

I shake my head, trying to play it cool. “Nothing’s going on. We’re just working on the project together.”

Jake raises an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. Sure.” He doesn’t look convinced, but thankfully, he doesn’t push further.

SIERRA’S POV

The days blur together, filled with tension, guilt, and stolen glances. Axel and I avoid being alone together, but the chemistry between us is impossible to ignore. Lorenzo keeps trying to bridge the growing distance between us, and Ivy’s suspicions are getting harder to dodge.

I don’t know how long I can keep living like this, torn between two men who both hold pieces of my heart.

But secrets have a way of surfacing, and I know it’s only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down.