Second Chances, Stolen Hearts

Thump…. Thump……Thump The sound of her heart beating faster was the only thing Bethany Sinclair could hear as Lucas drew closer to her. She never believed she would find herself alone in a closet with the hottest boy in the university. Was he going to kiss her? She closed her eyes as he gently tucked her hair behind her ear. She could feel his breath as his face got closer, her lips in anticipation. Just a week ago, she wasn't sure if he even knew she existed. The class had just ended, and Bethany couldn’t help but get lost every time she laid her eyes on the 6’2” specimen that was Lucas Grey. “Stop drooling!” Claire, her classmate and roommate, snapped out of her daydream. “You’re supposed to be focusing on preparing for the upcoming tests, not Lucas Grey.” “What? I just….” Bethany mumbled, realizing she’d been caught. “You’ve fallen head over heels for him haven’t you?” Claire joked. It was true. Bethany was completely dazzled by him. Lucas was the hottest guy on the college basketball team. She, on the other hand, was just a fat nerd in glasses who no one paid any attention to. Their two worlds would never coincide. Because she was overweight, she had even earned the name “Fat betty” when she was in high school. “You should really listen to her. He’s way out of your league.” Bianca cut in overhearing their conversation. “A fatso like you shouldn’t even breathe the same air as him.” she and her friends giggled behind them. Bianca Merino was one of the cheerleaders for the basketball team and one of the prettiest girls on the campus. Aside from that, she was also one of the numerous girls who had their eye on Lucas. She had determined that she was going to be his girlfriend at all costs. “You should really learn to mind your own business.” Claire clapped back at the group of venom-spitting snakes as she liked to call them. “Well, It's not as if I should be worried, I don't really think of you as competition.” “Lucas wouldn't look twice at someone shaped like a pillow.” Bianca made a circular shape in the air to make jest of Bethany's size as the girls stood up to leave the lecture room. “Don't pay any attention to them. They're just bitter people.” Claire turned to Betty. “It's fine. Don't worry about it.” Betty flashed a fake smile, but deep down, she couldn't help but think they were right. They were a lot of hot girls for Lucas to choose from. He definitely wouldn't settle for someone like her. “I'll be heading to the library, I need to catch up on some topics.” Betty picked up her bag and made her way out of the hall. She had picked up some books from the shelf when she bumped into someone, causing the books as well as her glasses to fall to the ground. “Oh. Sorry about that” the voice said as he helped her pick up the books. “It's fine.” She picked up her glasses to clearly see who she had bumped into, and her heart nearly jumped into her mouth. It was Lucas Grey! The same Lucas who she had fantasized about for months from a distance was right in front of her! She tried to talk, but for some reason, the words wouldn't come out of her mouth. It was as if it suddenly got sealed shut. “Um...I think I see you around class.” “Betty…right?” “Um yeah…” She finally managed to speak. She adjusted her glasses as she could barely look him in the eye. “Hi. I'm Lucas.” He extended his hand for a handshake. “I know….” She unconsciously said as she shook his hand before an awkward silence. “Are you into parties?” Lucas broke the awkward silence. “Huh?” she wasn’t quite sure what he meant. “I'm having a party next week on Friday. I don't know if you'd be interested in coming.” Bethany was surprised. “The” Lucas Grey was inviting her to his party? Her? Bethany Sinclair?? “You're inviting me?” “Yeah, why not? Perhaps it could give us a chance to get to know each other a little better.” He said, flashing a smile that almost made her go into daydream mode again. “Of course, I'll be there.” she quickly accepted his invitation. “Great. Let me get your number. I'll send you the address.” “See you Friday.” After her conversation with him, she didn't even bother reading anymore and quickly returned the books back to the shelves before dashing out of the library. She was too excited and couldn’t wait to share the news with Claire. “What's got you so excited?” Claire wondered as Bethany jumped onto her bed giggling. “You wouldn't believe what just happened to me...” “Lucas Grey just invited me to his party next week!” Claire’s mouth dropped. “What...Where…how did this happen?” She was almost as excited as Bethany. I was picking out some books in the library when I bumped into someone, and it turned out to be Lucas Grey! He helped me pick up the books just like the romantic scenes we see in the movies! Betty squealed with joy. “Really? Lucas Grey? in the library? He doesn't really strike me as the academic type” “I know, right? Perhaps he'd noticed me before and wanted to say hi…” “Well. I don't know about that. Maybe you shouldn't read too much into it.” “You don't agree with Bianca, do you? Do you also think there's no way he'll be interested in someone like me? Is that it?” Betty felt a little annoyed at Claire’s statement. No…. it’s just…” Claire stopped midway. Betty was so happy, and she didn't want to seem like she was trying to rain on her parade. “Never mind. I’m really happy for you” The week went by in a breeze, and it was time for the party. Betty wasn't used to going to college parties, partly because no one had ever invited her to one. She basically spent all her time with her books, and Claire was more or less her only friend. “I’m going to make you look stunning!” Claire said as she applied makeup on Betty's face. Betty looked into the mirror, and for the first time in a long time, she felt pretty. The fact that Lucas Grey took an interest in her made her see herself a bit differently. She arrived at Lucas’ place and took in a deep breath before knocking on the door. “Betty. I'm glad to see you could make it. Come on in.” Lucas welcomed her in. “Thanks…for inviting me.” The crowd was buzzing with a bunch of the students already half-drunk and loud music blaring in the background. Betty felt a bit nervous and was worried if she'd fit into the party. This wasn’t her usual crowd. There were a lot of familiar faces, including Bianca Merino and her crew. “Let's play spin the bottle.” Amanda, one of Bianca’s friends, suggested. “Want to join in?” she signaled to Betty. “Me? oh no.” Betty quickly shook her head. “C’mon. It’ll be fun.” Amanda insisted as she dragged her to come sit with them on the floor. Betty wondered why she was so eager for her to join in. They weren’t exactly friends. “Hey. Lucas, you should join us.” Bianca suggested excitedly. Of course. There was nothing Bianca would love nothing more than to pucker up with Lucas. The first spin of the bottle saw it land on Amanda and Skylar, one of the jocks. They went off and returned some minutes later, a smile on Amanda's face. It was Lucas’ turn to spin the bottle. Betty's eyes were locked on the green bottle as it spun. “If the bottle landed on her, would she have to kiss him?” Thoughts ran through her head as the bottle continued spinning. Her heart began to pound harder as it began to slow down and move towards her direction. The bottle finally came to a halt and landed on her. Her face immediately went red. She wasn't sure how to react. What if Lucas didn't want that? “C'mon.” Lucas offered his hand, helping her up as they headed into a room. The room was quiet away from the noise of the party. “Uhm…you don't have to do it if you don't want to...” Betty struggled to keep eye contact. “Who says I don't want to? You are beautiful, you know that, don't you?” “Besides, I like you.” “You do?” Betty’s eyes quickly lit up. “I actually bumped into you on purpose at the library so I could talk to you.” “It's okay if you don't like me back.” “Are you kidding? I’ve actually liked you for a long time. I guess I never had the courage to tell you. You’re the guy I've always wanted.” Betty wished she hadn’t blurted those words out, at least not in that way. But being able to tell Lucas about her feelings for him felt good. “So…what do you want?” Lucas took a step towards her. “I want you to…kiss me.” Betty answered. “Close your eyes.” He slowly tucked her hair behind her ears. Her heart kept beating loudly as she anticipated the kiss. He leaned in, and then…