It's Monday. Another week is starting I still have so much work to do. But I'm taking these few minutes to cool my brain down. The girls and I are, having lunch under the willow tree. The air is warm, and the shade provides a pleasant escape from the midday sun. Sadie is lying on the grass, using her backpack as a pillow, while Tamrin leans against the tree trunk, picking at her salad. I sit cross-legged, a sandwich in my lap, trying to focus on anything but Presley’s voice.I'm trying not to picture her naked with Liam and I am failing. And the fact that she's talking about him is making it even worse. "So, Liam and I are planning to go to the beach this weekend," Presley says, her voice full of excitement. "He said he knows a perfect spot where we can watch the sunset." I stare at my lunchbox trying not to make eye contact with her. She stops talking and I can feel her staring at me. When I look up she's looking at me for a reaction. I force a smile and nod, pretending to be in
I push my cart down the aisle, trying to remember what else I need to pick up. My mother did say I should take the list she wrote for me but I said no because I'm smart right? My mind is occupied by the fact that I have to take Presley to the beach over the weekend. I couldn't tell you how this happened but shes been texting me about it the whole day. I grab a carton of milk and a box of cereal, hoping I haven’t forgotten anything important.As I turn the corner, I smile when I see the one person I've been fiending to see. all day. My heart skips a beat when I see Celeste standing there, staring at a shelf of pasta. She’s wearing the baggiest pants I've ever seen, Iwould love to take off all those layers to see what she's hiding. Better yet I would love to take her to the beach. Her hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looks lost in thought, and for a moment, I hesitate to approach her.I don't know how she'll react.“Celeste?” I ca
The weekend arrives, and I find myself on the beach with Presley. The sun is high, and the waves crash rhythmically against the shore. Presley chatters away about her latest shopping spree, but my mind drifts back to Celeste.I can't stop thinking about her and this is my opportunity find out everything about her that I can.“So, you and Celeste are friends?” I ask casually, trying to steer the conversation where I want it to go.Presley raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the question. “No. Why are you asking about Celeste?” She says and I can already heaar the jealousy in her voice. She rolls her eyes at me as she asks her question.I shrug, keeping my tone light. “Just curious. She seems different.” I say and she pouts.Presley smirks. “She’s fine, I guess. She's a little stuck up. I don't see anything interesting about her. So don't waste your breath on her." She
I'm back in my favorite place! The library.It’s quiet hum returns makes me want to scream because I need help!I push my physics assignment aside for a moment, rubbing my temples to fend off the growing headache. I look up at the ceiling hoping it will fix the pain but it doesn't.When I look ahead I see Ethan looking at me. He smiles at me and I nod wondering how he's always in here. I know he's smart and has the best grades in the school but how does he not lose his mind?I pull my assignment back and try it again. After a few more attempts at focusing, I concede defeat. I’m going to need help with this physics assignment, whether I like it or not. Swallowing my pride, I gather my notebook and textbook and make my way over to him. He looks up as I approach, a surprised but warm smile spreading across his face.“Hey, Ethan. Can I ask you for a favor?” I say getting the words out before I change my mind, trying to keep my tone casual I let the words flow.“Of course. What’s up?”
The next day, the walls of my room feel like they’re closing in on me. I decide I need a change of scenery and grab my books, heading to the nearby park. The fresh air and open space might help clear my mind and give me a fresh perspective on my studies.The park is a welcome escape from the confines of my room. I find a quiet spot under a large tree, its branches providing just enough shade. The sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze create a soothing backdrop. I spread out my books and notebooks, ready to tackle my history reading.I take my headphones out and plaster them on my ears to drown out the sund of the world. I take a deep breath in and start on my work.I’m halfway through a particularly dense chapter when I see footsteps approaching. I looking up, and frown at the face looking at back at me. I’ts Liam walking toward me. He’s wearing his usual confident smile, but there&r
I stare at Liam after he dropped that bomb. He has the nerve to close his eyes and settle into a comfortable position on the blanket, I’m left with the weight of his words. The sun filters through the leaves of the tree above us, casting patterns on the ground. I try to refocus on my history textbook, but the words blur together as I replay Liam’s confession in my mind.Did he really just say that he likes me and wants to be with me? The mere thought of it sends my heart racing again.
"This is not the way home," I say, looking at Liam, who is driving away from our neighborhood."I know," he says simply and keeps on driving."You said we were going home," I state, and he nods. "Then why are we pulling into a coffee shop parking lot?" I ask when the car comes to a stop."Because we're going to get some food first," he says, opening the door. He gets out, walks to my side of the car, and then opens the door."I don't want to have coffee with you," I say, taking my book bag and getting out of the car. He swiftly takes the bag from me and then starts walking away.I stand there for a moment, watching him stride towards the entrance of the coffee shop with my bag slung over his shoulder. There's a stubborn set to his jaw, a look I’ve come to recognize over the years. Sighing, I follow him, my feet dragging as I go.Inside, the air is cool, and the rich aroma of coffee beans fills the space. It's cozy, with warm lighting and plush chairs that invite you to stay a while. L
"What?" he says, bringing the question back to me. I raise my brows at him in question, and he smiles this devastatingly beautiful smile at me. I place my coffee down because my heart skips so hard I can feel my hand start to shake."Why are you staring at me like that?" I ask, and his face gets serious."I'm taking in your beauty," he says, and I immediately roll my eyes at him."Don't roll your eyes at me" He says looking me in my eyes"Seriously, Liam?" I scoff, trying to mask the fluttering sensation in my chest. "You're ridiculous.""I'm serious," he insists, leaning forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "You're breathtaking." hE says his voice low. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, unsure of how to respond. His words, as sweet as they are, make me feel exposed like he's seeing straight through the walls I've built around myself. Why is he saying these things? I'm not ugly but I'm not breathtaking. "Stop it," I mutter, taking a sip of my drink to avoid his gaze."Stop what?" he