After the first period, we grabbed our trays and headed to our usual spot for lunch. I was in the middle of telling Raya about my morning when my eyes locked onto someone I wasn't ready to see—Jamie. He was sitting at our table, leaning back in his chair like he'd been waiting for me.
My heart dropped.
"Ugh, seriously?" Raya muttered, noticing him too.
Jamie and I had started dating when I was seventeen. He'd asked me out, and after weeks of debating, I finally said yes. It wasn't love, though—far from it. I agreed because I thought maybe, just maybe, it would help me forget about Cole. I figured if I gave it time, my crush on him would fade, and I'd move on. But I didn't.
I stayed loyal through the month Jamie and I dated, trying my hardest to be happy, only to find out it was all a stupid bet with his friends. His ex-girlfriend had stormed into my DMs one day, hurling insults at me, and that's when she told me the truth. I was nothing more than a game to him.
It shattered me.
I spent weeks recovering from the heartbreak. I didn't get over Cole, but I stayed true to Jamie during that time. To me, it wasn't just a fling. It was real. My first heartbreak. And I almost swore off dating altogether. But Cole... he made everything complicated.
"Do you want to eat somewhere else?" Raya asked, her voice soft but cautious as we stopped a few feet from Jamie.
I shook my head, setting my jaw. "No, it's fine. I can't keep running away from him," I said, tightening my grip on the tray. I wasn't going to let him have that power over me anymore. Not today.
Raya hesitated, then gave me a small nod. "I'll give you some space," she said, her eyes flicking between Jamie and me. "Let me know if you need help chasing him off."
I gave her a grateful smile before she walked away, and I steeled myself, heading straight for the table.
As I got to the spot, I sat down, and he looked up. Our eyes met.
"I'm sorry I'm coming to you like this without any notice. I really just wanted to talk," Jamie said, his voice softer than usual.
"You know it's over, right? What do you want?" I asked, without hesitation, not interested in playing games.
"I'm sorry, okay? At first, it was a bet, but I promise you, it got real for me. I still have feelings for you, Kylie. I'm really sorry about everything... and about what Sandra said to you."
Sandra. That crazy bitch. She was his ex—the type of girl who only dated the popular guys, and she had made sure I knew my place when the bet was exposed.
"Look, I can't," I said, shaking my head. "I'm over relationships. I forgive you, though. I guess I had to experience my first heartbreak, and it just happened to be you."
"But..." Jamie started, his eyes desperate.
"No buts, Jamie. I can't get back with you. Forget it." I stood up, ready to leave him and all the baggage behind.
I walked back to Raya without bothering to look back.
"Hey, what's up with him?" she asked the moment I sat down.
"He wants to get back together, but I can't. I'm over that shit."
"Yeah, let him go fuck himself and that stupid Sandra," Raya practically yelled, her face contorted in annoyance.
"Keep it down!" I said, though I couldn't help the small smile that played across my lips. Raya was always so fierce, ready to defend me with her whole chest.
"What about the back-to-school party at Sally's place? Are you coming?"
The party. I hadn't told Hank about it, and knowing him, he might not let me go.
"I don't know, it's just going to be all alcohol and loud music. I think I'll pass," I lied, though I was curious. I'd never been to a real party before. Plus, Sally was hosting it, and while he wasn't a bad guy, I had my reservations.
"You really should go. It'll be our first night party together," Raya pressed, making puppy eyes that had me chuckling at how cute she looked.
"Alright, alright, I'll think about it," I said, even though I was already leaning toward going.
---
After school, Jamie caught up with me outside the gates.
"Can I drop you off? I don't mind, really," he offered, giving me a look that might have worked on someone else.
"I'm good, thanks," I said, not even considering it for a second.
Before Jamie could push the offer again, Raya's mom pulled up in her shiny sedan, waving at us from the driver's seat. "Kylie, get in! We're heading the same way!"
I felt a sense of relief as I waved goodbye to Jamie and slid into the car with Raya.
"Good riddance," Raya muttered under her breath as we sped away. I just smiled, thankful that my best friend always had my back.
---
When I got home, the house was quiet, which was strange. I walked in, dropping my bag by the door, and that's when I heard it—Cole's voice, low but clear, coming from the living room.
"I don't know, Mom, I'm just not interested. They're only pushing this date because of Dad's business deal. I'll go, okay? Just stop nagging me about it."
My feet froze in place as the words sank in. A date? With who? Why did this conversation feel like a punch to the gut?
I wanted to turn around and leave, but my legs wouldn't move. My heart hammered in my chest as I stood there, overhearing a conversation I wasn't supposed to hear.
"You'll love her once you meet her. She's perfect for you," his mom's voice floated from the speaker.
"Yeah, sure," Cole sighed. "I just want to get this over with."
When I walked into the house, I tried my best to stay quiet, but as soon as I stepped into the living room, Cole saw me. His phone was still in his hand, the call with his mom just ending. I must've looked like a mess because his brows furrowed immediately.
"Kylie, you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
I froze for a second, still replaying everything I overheard, but I couldn't let him see how much it affected me. I swallowed down the lump in my throat and forced a smile, even though my heart was heavy.
"I'm fine," I said quickly, brushing past him before he could ask anything else.
I could feel his eyes on me as I headed straight to my room, but I didn't look back. Once I was safely inside, I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Get it together, Kylie. I slumped onto my bed, wiping the tears that had already started to form. Cole can never be yours, I reminded myself for what felt like the hundredth time.
It's just a crush. It's time to move on.
Later that night, after dinner, I couldn't shake off the tight knot in my stomach. Cole's words still haunted me. I tried to eat with Hank, but everything tasted bland, like cardboard in my mouth. Hank kept asking me what was wrong, and each time, I just brushed it off. "Nothing," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.
But it wasn't nothing. It was everything.
After dinner, I went up to my room, lying on my bed with my phone in hand. I scrolled mindlessly through messages when suddenly a call from Jamie flashed on my screen. Hesitating for a moment, I answered.
"I'm really sorry, Kylie," Jamie said, his voice softer than I remembered. "I was such a jerk. Can we talk? Maybe we could meet at Sally's party on Friday?"
I swallowed hard, my thoughts immediately flickering back to Cole's conversation with his mom. He'd never look at me that way. Never.
Maybe Jamie was right. Maybe I should give him another chance, just to finally move on. What other option did I have?
"Okay," I whispered, my voice betraying the mix of emotions inside. "We'll meet at the party ."
---
When Friday came, I stood at the door nervously, ready to ask Hank about going to the party. I hadn't told him earlier because I knew he'd be hesitant. But now, with Raya already waiting for me, I had no choice.
"Hey, Hank? There's a party at Sally's place tonight... can I go?"
Hank looked up from his spot on the couch, frowning. "A party? You know how I feel about those."
"I know, but it's just a back-to-school thing," I rushed to explain. "Raya's going too, and her mom's dropping us off and picking us up after. It's not a big deal."
He sighed, rubbing his temples like he always did when he was conflicted. "I won't be home tonight. I'll ask Cole to stay over and keep an eye on things."
My heart did a small flip, and I immediately shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'll stay at Raya's place afterward. You can call her mom if you want, she's cool with it."
Hank hesitated, narrowing his eyes. "I want her number and her mom's number too. If anything happens, you text me. Got it?"
I nodded, grateful. "Got it."
---
The party was in full swing when Raya and I arrived. The music was blasting, and people were crowded everywhere, laughing, dancing, and drinking. My nerves were on edge, but with Raya by my side, I felt a little more grounded.
We found a quieter corner, sitting down with our drinks. I hadn't touched mine yet, too caught up in scanning the room for familiar faces. Raya leaned in closer to me, laughing as she told me about the cute guy she'd just met.
"Seriously, Kylie, you've got to loosen up," she teased, nudging me playfully. "It's just a party. You'll have fun."
I tried to smile, but all I could think about was Jamie. And Cole.
About fifteen minutes later, Raya met up with that guy she had been talking about earlier. She looked so happy, her smile lighting up the room, and I didn't want to be the one to hold her back. She glanced over at me, checking if I was okay on my own.
"You sure you're good, Kylie?" she asked, her eyes full of concern.
"Yeah, go ahead," I waved her off, forcing a smile. "I'll be fine. You go have fun."
She shot me a grateful look before disappearing into the crowd with him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
And then, just as I expected, Jamie showed up.
---
I had been staring down at my phone, pretending to be busy when I felt someone's presence in front of me. I looked up, and there he was—Jamie.
"Kylie, I'm glad you came," he said, his smile too casual for the mess of emotions swirling inside me.
I nodded, not really trusting myself to speak. We sat down together, and he started talking, his voice a low murmur over the music. The conversation was polite at first, but I could feel something deeper stirring beneath the surface.
He handed me a drink. At first, I shook my head, but after a few minutes, I gave in, taking a few gulps just to settle my nerves.
Jamie then started leading me toward the stairs. At first, I didn't question it. I was too lost in my own thoughts, and honestly, the alcohol had already started to cloud my judgment. By the time we reached the upstairs room, though, I realized something felt off.
"Kylie, we never finished what we started," Jamie murmured, leaning in closer.
His hand start tracing my lips,his other hand holding my waist and pulling close.
I could feel his hand moving under my blouse.
The alcohol was too much that I was so drunk and couldn't get my hands to pull back.
Before I knew what was happening ,his lips crashed unto mine and he started forcing his tongue in my mouth.
It was horrible, I could taste the alcohol he just gulped.
His hands were now on my boobs , pressing hard.
I finally managed to gather all my stress and pushed him off
I pulled back, alarm bells going off in my head. "What are you talking about?"
"You never let me get close to you," he said, his frustration creeping into his voice. "Even when we were dating, you kept pulling away."
Is this why you wanted to get back together? I felt my skin grow hot with anger. I couldn't believe I was here, in this situation again.
"Is that why you called me?" I snapped, my voice shaking. "So you could get what you didn't the first time?"
Jamie looked taken aback. "Kylie, no—"
But I didn't let him finish. I shoved past him, stumbling toward the door. I could feel the alcohol taking over, my head spinning, but I couldn't stay here. I had to get out.
---
I made it down the hallway, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts. But then I realized I'd left my phone in the room. Damn it.
Reluctantly, I turned back, opening the door just enough to grab my phone. And that's when I saw them—Jamie and Sandra, his ex, wrapped up in each other. His hands were all over her, and I wanted to scream.
My stomach twisted, bile rising in my throat. Tears welled up in my eyes as I grabbed my phone and bolted from the room. Jamie chased after me, calling my name, but I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.
"Leave me the fuck alone!" I screamed, pushing past people and rushing out of the house.
---
Outside, the cool air hit my face, but it did nothing to calm me. I was shaking, my mind reeling from everything that had happened. I needed to leave, needed to get as far away from this place as possible.
I thought about calling Hank, but I didn't want to worry him. He was working, and I couldn't bear to burden him with this mess.
Then I thought of Cole.
My fingers hovered over his name for what felt like an eternity before I finally pressed dial. The phone rang once, twice, and then his voice came through, calm and familiar.
"Cole, can you come get me?" I whispered, my voice breaking as the tears started again. "Please... I'll text you the address."
---
It was after midnight by the time Cole pulled up outside the party. I was sitting on the curb, my knees hugged to my chest. When I saw him step out of the car, a wave of relief washed over me.
"Kylie?" His voice was soft, full of concern.
I couldn't meet his eyes, my body trembling with the weight of everything I felt. He helped me stand, guiding me gently toward his car. I leaned into him more than I wanted to, too exhausted and too drunk to care.
The drive home was a blur, the silence in the car louder than the music at the party had been. I kept my head down, tears still slipping down my cheeks, but I didn't say anything. What was there to say?
By the time we got home, I was barely holding it together. Cole helped me inside, his hand firm but gentle on my arm, like I might break at any second.
He guided me to the couch, his eyes full of worry. "Kylie... what happened?"
I couldn't answer. I didn't want to. Instead, I curled up on the couch, pulling my knees to my chest as the tears spilled over again.
"You'll never understand," I muttered, more to myself than to him. "You'll never see me the way I see you."
Cole knelt beside me, his hand brushing a strand of hair away from my face. The tenderness in his touch made me want to cry even more. But I was too tired, too drunk, to deal with any of it right now.
"Kylie," he said softly. "You need to rest."
I didn't respond, only turning my back to him, trying to hide my tears. He draped a blanket over me before stepping back, but I could feel his eyes on me, watching, waiting.
And as I drifted into sleep, the only thing I could think of was how much I wished things were different.
The next morning, I woke up with the worst hangover of my life. My head was pounding, and my throat was dry. I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, hoping it would make me feel even a little bit human again.
As the water dripped from my face, the memories from last night started creeping back. Bit by bit, they hit me like a wave—Jamie, the party, that disgusting scene with him and Sandra, and... Cole.
I froze.
Oh my God. I was still in the clothes I wore to the party. Shame hit me, making my stomach twist. What did I say to him? Did I embarrass myself? My heart pounded in sync with the headache already thudding in my skull.
I slipped out of the bathroom, creeping quietly through the house, praying Cole wasn't around to witness my mess of a morning. That's when I saw the sticky note stuck to the fridge. His handwriting was familiar, a bit messy but always clear.
I made you breakfast. It's in the microwave. There's a hangover drink in the fridge. I'll be back by noon. Please stay indoors and take care of yourself. We need to talk when I get back.
My eyes lingered on the last line.
We need to talk.
A smile had crossed my lips as I read the note, but those last words wiped it right off. What could he possibly want to talk about? I racked my brain, trying to remember if I'd said anything crazy while drunk last night. But it was all a blur—the only clear memories were of Jamie being the jerk he always was and Cole coming to pick me up.
I took a deep breath, opening the fridge to grab the hangover drink. As I sipped it, I checked my phone.
Missed calls. Messages. All from Raya.
Crap. I must have worried her sick.