I look at Jace, my heart pounding, unsure of what he's going to say.
"I'm sorry for staring," I say nervously, breaking the silence.
"Yeah, sorry for staring too," the girl next to me interjects. I squint at her. "Oh, do you two know each other?" My eyes widen, and she chuckles nervously. "I'll be on my way. By the way, I'm a big fan," she beams before quickly darting away down the almost empty hallway.
I turn my attention back to Jace, who is still staring at me.
"You look different," he says blandly. "Why's your hair straight?" he asks.
I smile, feeling a bit awkward. "I... I straighten it. I thought it looked better," I explain. "But you look amazing, you look happy," I force a smile.
"I am happy," he nods.
My heart hurts, the familiar ache caused by you, Jace. Have I been foolish to let you go? No, it was never meant to work between us. We are just too different.
"I wanted to thank you, Lucy," the words escape his lips, surprising me. "I'm not that person anymore, I don't do those things anymore. And I actually have Mirae to thank for it," he blushes, a hint of color washing over his pale cheeks.
"Oh," I force another smile. "I'm glad to hear that."
He gives a quick smirk and walks away down the hall. I feel like collapsing on the floor; my legs suddenly feel weak. Why do I feel this way? I'm happy with Andrew, right? Aren't I?
I rush to the bathroom to gather myself, trying to understand why it hurts so damn much. Staring at my reflection, I suddenly feel self-conscious. I let my hair down, its length cascading around me. Maybe I should keep it like this?
I arrive late to art class and apologize to Mr. Shane, who tells me to take a seat. I offer him an apologetic smile and we dive into a lesson on the great masters, the history of art. It has always been my least favorite topic.
The rest of my classes pass in a blur, leaving me feeling defeated. As I'm about to leave, Andrew calls out my name, and I turn to him with a smile. He embraces me and suggests going to a bonfire at Zuma Beach.
"Will there be drinks?" I ask, and he nods.
"Yeah, there will be," he confirms.
"Good, because I could use a drink," I reply.
I go home and change into something cute, desperately needing to feel beautiful right now. Jace is dating an actress, after all. He didn't have to say it, but I can't help but think he upgraded. I hope Andrew never finds out; maybe he'll regret being with me, maybe he'll feel like he could do better.
I push down those feeling and meet up with Andrew who is waiting outside his car, leaning against the door, his persona screams boyish charm as his wearing a black hoodie, light blue jeans and white sneakers.
"Wow, you look absolutely stunning," Andrew smiles when he sees me. His genuine smile melts away all my insecurities. It's a bit chilly outside, and I realize I forgot to bring my jacket.
"I forgot my jacket," I say, gesturing to go back inside.
But Andrew pulls me by the wrist, stopping me. "Wear mine," he says, smiling as he places his hand around my waist. He brushes his palm against my cheek and leans in to kiss me. I indulge in the passionate kiss before he pulls away to retrieve his leather-men athlete jacket. My eyes widen, and my cheeks flush as he puts it around me. "So everyone knows who's girl you are." He whispers intensely.
I gulp as I look at his lips, then I lean in for another passionate kiss between him and me. I break away and smile at him. He helps me into his jeep. We drive all the way to the beach. We are stuck in traffic for a bit, but we end up singing all of our favorite songs.
I watch Andrew sing, and he is very good. I've never noticed just how well he sings. My heart throbs as I listen to his voice, watching him enjoy himself while singing. He turns to me and smiles widely.
"What?" He says.
I lower the volume. "You're a good singer, Drew." I smile at him.
He flushes. "You think so?" He asks.
"Definitely!" I say, very sure of myself and his talent.
"Well, I wanted to become a singer. I wrote all these songs, but... you know what? Never mind," he says, sounding very sullen.
I frown. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. But I won't press on that topic. Just know that I think you're an amazing singer." I rub his shoulder.
He turns and smiles at me. "I'm really lucky to have you," he says sincerely. I blink as I am taken aback.
I smile at him. "I'm lucky to have you too."
When we arrive at the beach, it's already sunset, and there are people drinking and music playing, as well as a fire burning.
"I'll get us a drink," Andrew says, heading over to a camping table with water bottles and every other bottle except alcohol ones. Very diabolical.
I smile at him. I look over to the sea, and it's so beautiful. The salty air has a cool breeze that I actually enjoy. I see some people swimming, but I didn't bother bringing my bathing suit as I don't want to get my freshly straightened hair wet.
My heart drops when I see who is walking alongside the waves. "Mirae," Jace calls from the far left. She turns around and starts waving at Jace. She kisses him, and I turn away as if I have just been slapped in the face.
"Here's your drink, my lady," Andrew offers, and I take the red cup and down it in one go.
"Oh my," Andrew comments.
I then take his drink and down it too.
"Oh wow," Andrew says, taken aback. "Maybe you should— maybe you should cool it Luc?" Andrew suggests.
"What? No, let's get this party started!" I shout and start dancing with the others. Andrew gives me a look but then he soon joins me to dance.
"You're a good dancer," he says in my ear over the music.
I smile. "Of course, I am," I tell him. After a few more drinks, I feel amazing. I don't think about stupid Jace anymore. I just focus on my boyfriend, Andrew, and he is handsome.
"You are handsome," I tell him.
"You are beautiful," he returns the compliment.
I'm having a great time, dancing. I'm finally one of the 'cool kids,' being invited to bonfires on a Wednesday. This is really cool.
"I'll be back." I tell Andrew.
"Okay but I hope you're getting water Luc." He suggest.
"Just one more." I pout.
He rolls his eyes, "One more then water afterwards you have school tomorrow." He says.
"Yes my voice of reason." I say sarcastically but he just laughs.
I then make my way to the table with the drinks and fix myself something. As I'm about to drink, a hand stops me. He's holding my wrist. At first, I think it's Andrew, but it's Jace.
"That's enough, Lucy," he scolds.