It's Official: My girlCHAPTER THIRTY ONE (31.5) DevonAs soon as her mom left us alone, I scopped her in my arms and without even waiting to know how she felt, I kissed her. Her hands wrapped tightly around my neck, pulling me closer. I felt a rush of excitement as our lips met in a passionate kiss.Her mouth was warm and inviting, and I couldn't help but deepen the kiss. Alexa's hands tangled in my hair, holding me in place as if she never wanted to let go. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer, feeling her body press against mine.Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in the kiss. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in this perfect moment. I felt Alexa's heart racing against my chest, and mine responded in kind.As we broke apart for a breath, Alexa's eyes sparkled up at me, shining with happiness. I smiled back, feeling my heart soar. In that instant, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be – wrapped in Alexa's ar
The glowCHAPTER THIRTY TWOAlexa I couldn't stop smiling. It didn't matter where I was, or what was going on. My constant state of thought was how I was a girlfriend. I had announced the news to Stacey and my mom by showing them the ring Devon had placed on my finger while I was asleep. "Guess who's a girlfriend now? " I said in a singsong way, barely able to contain my joy. "Gee, I wonder who? " Stacey replied sarcastically. "You're practically glowing with 'The Girlfriend Glow'. It's all over you. "I rolled my eyes and turned to my mother. Mom simply smiled, bouncing along with me in excitement. "I'm so happy for you, baby. " After that, the two decided to spoil me with a shopping trip and a congratulatory dinner. Devon, MY BOYFRIEND, was worse, spoiling me to the moon. Every morning before school, I woke up to a something new. Most of it were various bouquets of different colored flowers, red roses on Monday, white tulips on Tuesday, pink lilies on Wednesday and so on, all t
Beach day CHAPTER THIRTY THREEAlexa"Ah, finally. " I inhaled deeply, taking in a lungful of salty sea air as the warm gentle breeze hit our faces. "We're at the beach. I can't wait to hit the waves." "Same here. It's been a really long time since we came here. " Stacey said, looking out at the sea as I was. "I'm sure we were last here in our first year of high school. " "Yeah, it's really been that long, but maybe for you Stacey. Devon and I have been here already. " I turned away from the sea and stared at my boyfriend. I don't know if he even remembered what I was talking about exactly. True to my words, he glanced at me uncertainly, before reverting his eyes back on the road. "Have we? " He asked, "I don't think I remember being here with you. " "Really? " I crossed my arms, mock pouting. "I thought you would remember since it was the first time you and I shared a kiss. More like, I was the one who kissed you. Looks like I'm the only one who remembers. " Stacey's ey
Kai & Stacey: Where it all StartedCHAPTER THIRTY FOURStacey's POVThe first time I saw Kai, he was standing by the row of bikes, the late afternoon sun catching in his thick black hair, making it shine like ink. Even surrounded by other kids that were clamoring to get his attention, he stood out the most, and I couldn't take my eyes off him. He had a lean frame, all wiry muscle, and an effortless confidence that made him stand out among the other campers. His skin was a warm bronze, his cheekbones sharp even for someone so young. His eyes—gray like storm clouds—held a quiet intensity that made me pause.I was used to being one of the only girls at these kinds of camps, so I didn’t expect anyone to acknowledge me right away. But Kai did. He glanced at my bike—a sturdy blue road racer I had practically begged my parents to buy—and then at me."That yours?" he asked, his voice surprisingly deep for a thirteen-year-old.I nodded, gripping the handlebars. "Yeah. It’s not the fastest, b
Kai & Stacey: Where it all StoppedCHAPTER THIRTY-FIVEStacey’s POVThe energy at the competition was electric—cheering crowds, the smell of burning rubber, and the heavy thrum of engines revving up. This wasn’t just any race; it was THE RACE.My heart was pumping, and my ears were ringing with excitement as I anticipated the day's events. This was the one race that could push me up the ranks, solidify my reputation. But the race wasn't the only thing that made today special.Today was the day I had made up my mind. After I won, I was finally going to tell Kai how I felt. And what other perfect day existed better than this! I felt giddy just thinking about it, imagining what it was going to be like finally being with him. I can’t believe I was going to finally confess my feelings to him.Three years had passed since that first summer at camp. We had grown, changed, but somehow, we had stayed the same where it mattered. Kai and I were still inseparable—training together, bickering and
Kai & Stacey: Where it all Stopped CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX Kai's POV Finally, after a long wait, the race was here. This wasn’t just any race; it was THE RACE. This was the junior championships that most of us had waited for, because this was where all the scouting of all young and promising racers began. The big shots were here, and everyone always brought out their best stunts and all, hoping to land a contract. The locker room was buzzing with pre-race excitement, conversations about what was going on, what bigshot had been spotted and how much everyone looked forward to winning echoed all around me, but my mind was somewhere else. With her. Just days before, she had bubbled up and down, her eyes sparkling with excitement and her joyful smile contagious as she talked about her plans for the race. Since the racing day was here, I had only gotten glimpses of her. I had seen Stacey earlier, stretching by the track, completely in her element. She had her game face on, that razo
Stacey's Dilemma CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN Stacey The last person I expected to see tonight was Kai. Two years. That’s how long it had been since everything fell apart, since he betrayed me in a way I still couldn’t bring myself to fully think about. Since I had walked away and told myself I would never let him back in. But now, here he was, standing across from me in the dimly lit parking lot outside the racing venue, looking at me like he wasn’t sure if I would run or if I would fight. I wasn’t sure either. He had changed. He was taller now, leaner but stronger, his ink-black hair falling into his eyes the way it always did. His jaw was sharper, his features older, more defined. But his eyes—the same piercing grey ones that used to see right through me—held something I wasn’t ready to face. Regret. “Stacey.” His voice was lower than I remembered, but I hated that it still had the same effect on me. That it still made something inside me waver, just for a second. I crossed my ar
Stacey's DilemmaCHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN- PT. 2StaceyI could hardly keep with today's class, and while I was well aware of the teacher's rumbling, I couldn't keep up with the things he was saying. My mind was too preoccupied to really pay him any attention. Kai's words were still ringing loud in my head from last night. I had barely gotten any sleep, thinking about what my next course of action would be. Was I still mad? Not really, but I was still hurt. And yes, I had most definitely not yet forgiven him. I still was extremely reluctant to talk to him, but I again, I kept on remembering how sincere he sounded last night. And now, I was deeply conflicted. I kept on wondering if I should listen to him, just for closure. Besides, the look he had in his eyes... Even though I had tried to forget and put it aside and treat it as my own hallucinations, I couldn't ignore the sincerity in that stormy gaze of his. His eyes had always been intense and I knew that whenever I looked into them,
Studying for FinalsCHAPTER FORTY-TWOAlexa’s POVMy head was starting to ache.Not the kind of ache you get from too much noise or not enough sleep, but the deep, buzzing kind that settled behind your eyes when you stared at too many notes for too long. My fingers were cramped from writing, my highlighters were bleeding dry, and I’d re-read the same sentence in my history book five times without absorbing a thing.“I need a break,” I groaned, tossing my pen onto the notebook and flopping backward onto the rug. “Like... an actual break. Not just scrolling through notes and pretending it counts.”If I couldn't get one, I actually believe I would go batshit crazy any minute from now. Devon didn’t even look up. “We had a break thirty minutes ago.”I inwardly groaned. Although he was my boyfriend, times like this had me wanting to actually beat the shit out of him. Devon was smart, and he barely had trouble studying. But sometimes, he was just too intense, like right now. “That wasn’t a
DemieCHAPTER FORTY-ONEAlexa’s POVThe party was loud in the way all good high school parties were—music thumping through the floors, lights flashing in sync with bass drops, laughter spilling from every corner. I wasn’t even sure whose house it was anymore. Someone said it was Jayden’s cousin’s friend. Didn't matter. Everyone we knew was here.Since our finals were drawing closer, someone had suggested throwing a party as a way to have fun before anything got serious. After our very successful weekend get away by the way, my boyfriend, my best friend and my boyfriend's best friend as well had each returned and resumed our normal lives. Kai being homeschooled, hang out with us a lot. After all, Stacey and him had resolved their grudge from ages ago and seemed to have a relationship of sorts between them. It was still awkward, but the intensity and tension about them had ceased, which in my case, was a win-win. I’d lost track of Stacey a while ago, probably off grabbing drinks, but
Making AmendsCHAPTER FORTYStacey's POVSilence completely enveloped the house, and somehow, that only increased my awareness of him. I regretted agreeing to Alexa's plan, but at the same time, I knew that I couldn't avoid him forever. I had to use this chance to face himhim, and bring an end to all this. Deciding that hiding in my room was not helping, I marched down stairs, heading for the kitchen. Maybe if I snacked, my nerves would cool down somewhat. I made myself a plate of cookies with a glass of milk. As soon as I was done eating, the sound of descending footsteps echoed in my ears. He was headed this way. A feeling of nausea came over me. I-I couldn't do it. I thought to myself, chickening out. It was however,too late. He already was standing in the entrance of the kitchen. Our gazes met, and we both froze in place. I recovered faster, making a quick dash to leave, but his voice stopped me in my tracks. "Stacey."The way he said my name, so sincere and vulnerable, I c
The first Official Date: Falling Fast CHAPTER THIRTY NINE Devon’s POV "Man, you look like a rack of nerves. Are you sure you don't want my help? " I glanced back at Kai, who was lying on his bed, scrolling through his phone. Earlier before I had even started to get ready, he had already asked if I wanted help. Of course I had turned him down, but now I was regretting doing so. I don’t think I’ve ever spent this much time planning anything in my life. Tonight was going to be my first official date with Alexa as my girlfriend this time, and I wanted everything to be perfect. I wasn't really even sure why I was being so nervous—Alexa and I had been hanging out for months. We talked every day, stayed till late texting, sharing secrets, laughing until neither of us could keep our eyes open. I had seen her in just sweatpants and messy buns, and she had seen me in full panic mode the day before a physics or math test. We knew each other. Really understood one other. Tonight thoug
Our First Official date; Yours for the Evening CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE Alexa’s POV "I can't believe this is what you thought was the best solution. Plan a road trip and then ditch me here within enemy territory as you and the love of your life go do God knows what, and be lovey dovey with each other. " Stacey grumbled for probably the fifth time since I broke the news to her that Devon and I were going on a date. I leaned back as she continuously waved around that pencil, being wary of my eye since she was working on it. "Stacey, if you feel you can't deal with it, Devon and I can always reschedule. I don't want to be the only one that's happy on this road trip. That's why I suggested it so you and Kai could get some time alone and you know...fix things. " She took a deep sigh, and then looked at me with renewed determination. "I can't do that to you. I know how much you and Devon have been looking forward to this. So, enough worrying about me. Let me finish your makeup. "
The Night TripCHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHTAlexa"Please work. Don't say no. Don't say no. "With fingers crossed, I whispered the words as I hoped that the odds would work in my favor. I tiptoed around the house, then took a peek inside of the room where I had a feeling my suspect would be. And of course I was right. There she was, inside the laundry room. "Hi mom. " I greeted, putting on my best smile. I slipped right next to her, and began folding the laundry as well. The fresh, flowery scent of the clean clothes filled my nose as we continued to fold. She looked up, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "What is it, sweetie?""Nothing, " I shrugged, putting on a show of nonchalance. "Just thought I should probably help. You know, use this as mother and daughter bonding time. "I shrugged once again, playing it cool. "Awww, that's so sweet of you. " She softly pinched my cheek, before letting go. However, she narrowed my eyes at me. "What do you want sweetie? You hate doing any type of lau
Stacey's DilemmaCHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN- PT. 2StaceyI could hardly keep with today's class, and while I was well aware of the teacher's rumbling, I couldn't keep up with the things he was saying. My mind was too preoccupied to really pay him any attention. Kai's words were still ringing loud in my head from last night. I had barely gotten any sleep, thinking about what my next course of action would be. Was I still mad? Not really, but I was still hurt. And yes, I had most definitely not yet forgiven him. I still was extremely reluctant to talk to him, but I again, I kept on remembering how sincere he sounded last night. And now, I was deeply conflicted. I kept on wondering if I should listen to him, just for closure. Besides, the look he had in his eyes... Even though I had tried to forget and put it aside and treat it as my own hallucinations, I couldn't ignore the sincerity in that stormy gaze of his. His eyes had always been intense and I knew that whenever I looked into them,
Stacey's Dilemma CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN Stacey The last person I expected to see tonight was Kai. Two years. That’s how long it had been since everything fell apart, since he betrayed me in a way I still couldn’t bring myself to fully think about. Since I had walked away and told myself I would never let him back in. But now, here he was, standing across from me in the dimly lit parking lot outside the racing venue, looking at me like he wasn’t sure if I would run or if I would fight. I wasn’t sure either. He had changed. He was taller now, leaner but stronger, his ink-black hair falling into his eyes the way it always did. His jaw was sharper, his features older, more defined. But his eyes—the same piercing grey ones that used to see right through me—held something I wasn’t ready to face. Regret. “Stacey.” His voice was lower than I remembered, but I hated that it still had the same effect on me. That it still made something inside me waver, just for a second. I crossed my ar
Kai & Stacey: Where it all Stopped CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX Kai's POV Finally, after a long wait, the race was here. This wasn’t just any race; it was THE RACE. This was the junior championships that most of us had waited for, because this was where all the scouting of all young and promising racers began. The big shots were here, and everyone always brought out their best stunts and all, hoping to land a contract. The locker room was buzzing with pre-race excitement, conversations about what was going on, what bigshot had been spotted and how much everyone looked forward to winning echoed all around me, but my mind was somewhere else. With her. Just days before, she had bubbled up and down, her eyes sparkling with excitement and her joyful smile contagious as she talked about her plans for the race. Since the racing day was here, I had only gotten glimpses of her. I had seen Stacey earlier, stretching by the track, completely in her element. She had her game face on, that razo