"Why did you suddenly get so quiet?" James asked, looking at me through the rearview mirror.I turned to face him. "Nothing. Just wondering why the author ended the story that way. It's not fair that the female lead died, leaving the male lead to mourn her for the rest of his life."I noticed him smile slightly. "Not all stories have a happy ending, you know," He said.I lifted my shoulders in a shrug. "I know. My story is going to have a happy ending though," I uttered."So is mine." He seconded. " You should not let a book get you so worked up. You can always find another book to read," He rambled."It's not that simple," I muttered under my breath. We were nearing my house. The entire drive had been filled with our conversation about a novel with a tragic ending that I was still upset about.The rest of the drive to my house was silent, except for the music that played softly on the radio. James sat humming along to the song, bobbing his head in time with the beat.I couldn't help
"Prom night, prom night, prom night!" That was the phrase that echoed through the halls of our high school. It was all anyone could talk about, even though the date had not been announced yet. On Monday, which was yesterday, we were told that prom was coming up soon. And ever since then, that was the topic of every discussion. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, even though it was only April and prom was likely next month. But that didn't matter to my peers. They were already dreaming of that magical night in May when they would dress up and dance the night away. As I walked to my history class, I had my earbuds in, but I wasn't actually listening to music. I just wanted to give the impression that I was. To be honest, I didn't care what anyone was saying about me. I was used to being the subject of gossip, and I had grown numb to it. But lately, I noticed that people don't whisper and lean in close to each other when they see me coming. It seemed like they had gotten tired of t
I fought the urge to turn around and look into the forest green eyes that I could feel boring into the back of my head. I forced myself to take a seat and face the front of the classroom.Despite my best efforts, I found myself unable to focus on the history lecture. Everytime I tried to tune in, I could not escape the feeling of being watched. It was as if someone's eyes were boring into the back of my head. I knew it was silly to think it was Romeo but I couldn't help but feel that it was him. I felt a tingling sensation all over my body."Ivy Young," Mr Mark called out my name, jolting me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him. "Y..yes, sir?" I stuttered. His eyebrows lifted. "You came in late, and you've been staring off into space instead of focusing on what I'm teaching. I've already spoken to you about your grades dropping. The SAT is coming up, and you need to get your head in the game." He snapped. I swallowed a gulp down my throat, feeling my cheeks flush. "I'm sorry, si
Romeo had been out of my mind for the past week, but he had somehow found his way back in. Maybe that had been his goal all along — to make me think about him. Maybe that was why he had helped me out in history class, and why he was staring at me so intently. He wanted to get my attention, to make me think about him.And it seemed like he had succeeded. He had creeped his way into my thoughts, whether I liked it or not. Damn, I didn't like it. I hated that I was thinking about him. It was a little unsettling to think that he had such an effect on me. Just as I was thinking about the devil, Romeo walked into the English class. It was another class we shared. Everyone in the class fell silent as he came in. I was not surprised. He was the school's baddest boy. But, I found the silence annoying.I almost let out a hiss when I saw Samantha walk in too. Honestly, I was not jealous — I just didn't like her.I watched as Samantha took Romeo's hand, a huge smile on her face. She was head ov
"And, who are you talking to on the phone?" Joey's voice cut through my thoughts, making me flinch. I forced myself to look away from my phone and set the phone down on the table. I realized that I had been staring at my phone for longer than I intended. That was the effect Romeo's last message had on me. The thought of whether or not to see him left me torn. A part of me wondered if he was being sincere, probably he needed my help. But, another part of me could not shake the feeling that he was up to something. What if this was all some kind of game to him? What if he was just trying to prove that I was gullible and easy to manipulate? I could not let myself fall for his tricks again. Joey's eyebrows shot up. "You were talking to Romeo, right?" She asked. I shook my head. "No," I lied."Don't bother lying to me," My best friend said, crossing her arms over her chest. "I can tell it's him. Damn, I can see it written all over your face."I drew in a long breath, knowing I had to co
"Oh," James muttered, his tone soft and confused.I avoided his gaze, not wanting to see the look on his face. He must have so many questions, so many thoughts. I didn't know where to begin explaining it all to him. I didn't know if I wanted to tell him everything going on."Should I leave?" He asked quietly. "You have a visitor."He paused, then added, "Your ex, I mean."The tone of his voice told me everything I needed to know. He was hurt, and I could feel the jealousy in his words even though he must be trying to hide it. I didn't know what to say.I swallowed hard and finally met his gaze. He had a blank look on his face, but I knew it was a facade. I knew he had a lot going on in his head. "Actually, I didn't have plans to see him. I have no idea why he's here," I explained. James said nothing, and I hated the silence. "You can stay if you want," I added, feeling the need to fill the void. James ran through his hands through his hair, looking away from me."I don't want to s
I knew the school had a strict no – phones policy in the library. But, that didn't matter to me. All that mattered was talking to James. The library was the only place I could speak to him without being interrupted by other students. It was the only place we could talk without no fear of distraction. We couldn't do it in class, or anywhere else in the school. It was lunch time, and the whole place was flooded with students.I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw that the librarian had left the library. At last, I could relax knowing that I was alone and no one would bother me. Reaching into my hoodie pocket, I pulled out my phone. My heart was racing as I typed out a message to James. "Hey, can I call you?" I asked, then I dropped my phone on the desk.I held my breath, waiting for his response. The seconds felt like hours as I stared at my phone, hoping for a reply. I couldn't help but wonder if he was angry with me. He hadn't called or texted me since the day he dropped me off and R
I looked down at my hands, which were clenched into tight fists on the table. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweating. I couldn't understand why I was so nervous. Maybe it was the thought of having to talk to a guy I liked about my ex. I swallowed a gulp down my throat , trying to calm myself down. I stole a glance at James, who was sitting across from me. He looked completely relaxed and unbothered, while I was struggling to keep my cool. It seemed unfair that he could be so calm, while I was filled with nervous energy. Well, I was the one who was going to have to explain myself, not him. He was the listener. We sat at our table, the chatters of other customers filling the silence between us. We were waiting for one of the waitresses to bring our orders.I hated the uncomfortable silence between us. It was odd. On a normal day, we would have been discussing books, movies or anything. But now, I was wrestling with my thoughts, while James was absorbed in his phone.Things
THREE WEEKS LATER ~ IVY ~I ran my fingers through my tangled hair and sighed as I looked around at my chaotic room. Clothes were scattered across the floor, along with several books that had tumbled from the shelves. The bed was unmade, and various items were scattered across the duvet. In short, my room looked like a hurricane had blown through it. If there was an award for the most disastrous room, I would have won it hands down.My boyfriend would have to take the blame for this mess. Even though I was the one who had left everything scattered around, I couldn't help but feel like it was his fault somehow. What on earth was he thinking, setting up a last – minute date like that, without giving me time to prepare? Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled about the date. I was just feeling a bit stressed out because I didn't have much time to prepare. And, on top of that, I was having the worst time trying to find the perfect outfit. Nothing in my closet seemed right. I was panickin
~ ROMEO ~I pulled into the parking lot and I saw that my dad's car was not there. I heaved a sigh of relief. The monster was not around, and I would not have to see his horrible face and get angry all over again. I turned off the car engine. I reached for my phone and dialed my girlfriend's number. The only person who had been making me smile lately and giving me the will to keep going.Ivy answered on the second ring. "Hey, baby!" She muttered, her voice echoing in my ears. Her voice was soft and soothing, and it calmed my nerves.The corners of my mouth curved, giving a wide smile. "Good girl," I uttered."Bad boy," She said with a chuckle in her voice. "I am at my mom's house now," I told her. I almost said "my parents' house," but that didn't feel right when it was really my mother's house."That is good," She said, her voice reassuring. "Take a deep breath and go inside. Just talk to her. She is your mother, and she deserves to know everything that is going on with you.
"Are you and Samantha in a relationship?" I blurted, unable to stop the question from tumbling out of my mouth.I had not meant to ask it so bluntly, but the question had always been on my mind. I could not get it out of my head. We were in my bedroom now, sitting across from each other. Romeo was leaning against the headboard of my bed, while I was on a chair by the bedside table. His brows drew together, his gaze averting from mine. "I told you I am not dating her. If I was, I would not be here with you, and I would not have told you that I wanted you back," He replied.I chewed on my bottom lip, remembering the way I had felt when I saw them kissing in the cafeteria. I could still picture the way his eyes had met mine. "Why did she kiss you in the cafeteria?"I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "And, you also kissed back.""I'm sorry," He uttered. "It was wrong, I know. I could not just push her away when she kissed me, not with all those people watching. I know that is n
~ IVY ~I drummed my fingers against the surface of my dresser, glancing over my shoulder at my phone. I had tossed it onto the bed after sending a text to Romeo. I was relieved that it had not landed on the floor.The message itself was not risky, but it was an emotional risk for me to send it. I was anxious for his response, and my heart was beating rapidly. I could not stop my mind from racing. What if everything he had written in the letter had been a prank? Why did I always feel so anxious when it came to Romeo? I hated that he had such control over my emotions. At the same time, part of me liked how he could make me feel things I had never felt before. He made me do things I never would have otherwise, like inviting him over at night. I was grateful my mother was out of town in an emergency, and would not be back until the next day. I didn't want to have to explain Romeo's presence to her.I was shaking my leg, still filled with nervous energy. Why hadn't he responded? Was he
My lips moved to my teeth as I bit my bottom lip. My eyes darted down to the letter, taking in the neat, bold handwriting. The letter was not that long. What was I even saying? Romeo had never been the type to write letters. He was never one for expressing his feelings through writing, or telling stories. It was strange that he had chosen to write a letter now, instead of asking to meet in person. I guess he must have thought I would not have agreed to see him. I cleared my throat, preparing to read the letter aloud. I had no idea why my heart was racing. It was just a letter, nothing more. Or was it?I began to read:° My Good Girl ° I miss you, and I can't stop thinking about you. I know it is crazy to say this, but I think I'm falling more in love with you now that we are apart. The more I try to escape these feelings, the deeper I fall. Now, I regret breaking us up. We were almost perfect. We had something special, but I ruined it. I know I didn't do it on purpose, but t
I heard the question, but I pretended not to. The silence that followed was deafening. It felt like the world had stopped turning, and the only sound was my own heartbeat, pounding in my ears. I felt like I was in a different world. I was facing the question I had been avoiding asking myself. The question James had asked had my brain working overtime, even as I tried to avoid it. I could feel my brain trying to work out an answer."Ivy," James said, breaking the silence and pulling me out of my thoughts.I turned to look at him, avoiding his gaze. "What did you say?" I asked. I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, my hand shaking slightly."I asked you if you are still in love with your ex," James repeated, his tone serious.My throat felt dry, and I swallowed hard. I knew that he was not going to let this go until I answered him. But I was not sure if I knew the answer, or if I even wanted to know the answer. Perhaps, a part of me knew the answer to his question, but I didn't want t
My tongue was tied, and I could not think of anything to say. I could not even defend myself, and I just kept my gaze down. I felt like such an idiot, and I hated myself for it.Samantha continued. "I think you should focus on your own boyfriend, Ivy. You know what? I might just tell your boyfriend how much of a slut you are," She snapped at me. I was too stunned to speak, and time seemed to stand still as I listened to the shuffling of chairs around me. The gasps of the students echoed in the cafeteria, and I glanced up. Joey had dumped the contents of her juice bottle all over Samantha's head."Don't you ever call my best friend a slut," Joey growled at Samantha, giving her a deadly glare. Samantha's mouth hung open in shock. "What the heck! What are you doing? What is wrong with you?" She rambled. "Shut up!" Joey barked. "Don't even try me. If you interrupt my lunch with my best friend again, I'll mess up that stupid face of yours and your cheap makeup."Samantha's lips trembled
~ IVY ~Monday mornings were always a source of stress, especially when my timetable had a back-to-back block of math classes - calculus followed by chemistry. This Monday was even worse, though, since our chemistry teacher was running late. A part of me was relieved, since it meant I could catch my breath after the marathon of mental math that calculus had been. Another part of me was frustrated - I had a lot to cover in chemistry, and I knew the teacher would make up for lost time by moving at a lightning pace. I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the noise filling the classroom. I wished the class would quiet down. It was not like everyone's favorite subject, so why were so many people so early? I guess some of them were here to kiss up to the teacher, since she was known for her strict grading. I put my hand to my forehead, a pounding headache shooting behind my eyes. I thought the aspirin I had taken that morning would do the trick, but it didn't seem to be enough. The headac
~ ROMEO ~I kept stealing glances at Ivy through the rearview mirror as I drove. Her eyes were closed, and her head was resting against the headrest. My knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. I hoped I would not cause an accident with my mind so distracted. If I caused an accident, I would never forgive myself - especially given everything I've already put her through.The sound of her phone buzzing broke the silence and she reached for it, opening her eyes as she did so. Her smile confused me, and I wondered what she had seen on her phone to provoke such a reaction. She had not smiled once since I had started driving her home, but there was no denying the look of happiness on her face. I tried not to think about whether it was her boyfriend on the other end.I bit my lip, trying not to ask who she had been texting. I had already made a mess of things. I didn't want to further mess up by revealing my jealousy.I was trying so hard to keep my feelings in check.