So, I'm not gonna be able to update 3 chapters every week for a while. Dealing with some things for the moment..đ But I will try regardless to update weekly, even if its once. Thanks for your understanding. đ€
I had a light bulb moment when I thought, 'hey, these two are here because of me right? If I can just find some other common ground, something that can these two occupied so they won't be at the other's throat, won't that be great?'But all thoughts of settling this tension went over my head the moment I stood up. An intense, debilitating pounding headache overtook me, and my hand flew over my mouth as an overwhelmingly nauseating feeling passed through me, making me regret my decision to have dinner at all.Theo stop up, reaching out but not quite touching me. "H-hey, are you good?""She's fine," Jin retorted from his position, still seated. "She's not some damsel you need to rescue you know?" He turned to me, "Right, Cora?"I couldn't even bring myself to reply. My limbs felt flaccid like my body wanted nothing more than to crumple to the floor. Which would be two times too many. And the last thing I want is to look weak. Through a miracle or the sheer force of my will, I made it
The soft glow of morning filtered through frosted windows, casting a serene light across my room as I stirred from my sleep, my mind gradually clearing from the haze of the previous night's migraine.As I blinked awake, the faint scent of pine needles and cinnamon wafted through the air, reminders of the holiday season. My gaze drifted to her bedside clock.It was still early, the sun barely cresting over the horizon. Winter break meant no rush to get ready for school, a rare luxury I cherished. Yet, the events of the previous evening lingered in my thoughts. I eased myself out of bed, careful not to disturb the peace that enveloped my room for some reason. As I took a quick shower, I tried to recall what happened after the 'temporary truce' between Theo and Jin last night but it felt like waking up from a dream. The more you get awake, the less you remember.Padding across the floor, I wrapped herself in a cozy sweater against the chill. Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coff
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across my room as I lay awake, grappling with the whirlwind of emotions stirred up by Jinâs unexpected kiss. My mind replayed the moment over and over, dissecting every sensation, every fleeting thought that had passed through me in those fleeting seconds. It was my first kissâa supposed tender gesture tinged with confusion and surprise. I rolled over, my gaze drifting to the small clock on my nightstand. The day stretched ahead, uncertain and filled with unanswered questions. Should I confront Jin about what happened? How would I face Jin after this unexpected turn of events? And why do I feel so unsettled by Jinâs nonchalant demeanor after that intimate moment? And more importantly, why do I have to deal with such a shitty curve ball in our friendship (relationship?) so soon?! As much as I didn't want to admit it, I liked having Jin around. It was easy being with him. I didn't find myself over thinking a
The morning after encountering Jin and Lyda at the park, I woke up with a knot in my stomach. The events of yesterday replayed in my mind like a broken record, each moment dissected and analyzed under the harsh light of reality. I lay in bed once again, staring at the ceiling, this time, no morning sun casting a soft glow in the room, the weather as cloudy as my mood. Thoughts raced through my mind, each one a jab at my self-esteem. He's with Lyda. Of course, he is. Why did I even think... Maybe it was just a mistake. A drunken mistake. I sighed, pushing myself to sit up. The reality of the situation hit me hard. Jin, with his easy charm and Lyda, with her striking beauty and confidence, seemed to belong in a world far removed from mine. A world where I didn't quite fit. Not that I ever have. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my feet touching the cold floor. The chill seeped into my bones, mirroring the coldness I felt inside. I wrapped her arms around herself, s
The evening air buzzed with excitement as colorful lights illuminated the sprawling grounds of the holiday carnival. I stood at the entrance, hesitating. I had been..pretty much lost in my thoughts all week, and the idea of joining the festive atmosphere felt overwhelming. Beside me, Hailey nudged me playfully. "Come on, Cora," she insisted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You need a break from all that brooding. Letâs have some fun!" I tried to manage a faint smile, but I think it looked like a grimace. Not that I wasn't grateful for Haileyâs attempt to lift my spirits. "I donât know," I murmured, glancing at the carnival's lively scene. "It's just... a lot." Hailey linked arms with me, pulling me gently towards the entrance. "Exactly why you need this," she declared. "A night of distractions and pure fun!" With a sigh, I relented, allowing herself to be drawn into the vibrant chaos of the carnival. Popcorn scents wafted through the air, and laughter mingled with the music.
The winter air was crisp with the promise of Christmas, and inside my household, the atmosphere buzzed with festive energy. Well everywhere but within myself that is. Me and Catty, were in the living room, unpacking boxes of ornaments and stringing lights around the mantelpiece whilst our parents flitted between the kitchen and the living room, their laughter mingling with the jolly tunes playing softly in the background.I carefully untangled a strand of lights, my mind drifting back to the upcoming holiday. It was supposed to be a time of joy and togetherness, yet I felt neither of these emotions. Times like these make me feel Corey's absence even stronger. Because right now I could have as well been invisible to my family.And adding Jin's conversation to the fray well..let's just say things weren't looking so..jolly for me. As I hung a golden bauble on the tree, Cattyâs voice broke through my thoughts. âAre you sure you want to put that there? It looks better on the other side
The house was quiet, almost too quiet, as I sat on the edge of my bed, staring out the window at the blanket of snow covering the yard. I could feel the cold from the glass, but it was nothing compared to the chill inside me. Christmas Dayâalways a mixed bag for meâhad come and gone. âFamily timeâ meant being overshadowed by my siblings, especially by Catty. Iâd tried to ignore the ache in my chest, but Coreyâs arrival had briefly given me hope. Yet I still found myself holed up in my room while faint laughter floated from the living room downstairs, where Catty was undoubtedly entertaining my parents with some exaggerated story. I swallowed the familiar bitterness. At least I had Corey for a little whileâbefore he rushed back to college earlier than planned, just before New Year's Day. Once he left, the house became a void again. I sighed, glancing at the small pile of gifts Iâd received for Christmas. The presents felt more like an obligation than anything thoughtful. I ran a fing
Cattyâs POVThe house was finally quiet. I stood by the window in my room, my phone still in hand, relishing the success of my latest move. It had all gone so perfectly. Coraâs protests, my parents' stony expressionsâit played out like a scene from a script I'd written.A smug smile curled at my lips. It was almost too easy. Cora never saw it coming, never even suspected I had been recording her that night.I dropped onto my bed, scrolling through my phone. Why should I feel bad? Cora had it coming. Ever since sheâd gotten close to those two boys, she'd been acting all high and mighty. Sneaking them into the house like some kind of rebellious teenâas if she was someone important.But she wasnât.Not like me.Deep down, there was always this nagging voice that whispered about how Cora wasnât even trying, yet people still gravitated toward her. I, on the other hand, had spent years perfecting my image, always doing what was expected, always playing the role of the âperfect daughter.â"Y