I sat in class, lost in thought, my mind wandering to the events of the day. The sound of chalk scraping against the blackboard, the murmur of students chatting, and the warmth of the sun streaming through the window created a soothing melody that lulled me into a daydream.
Suddenly, a gentle tap on my shoulder jolted me back to reality. I jumped, my heart skipping a beat, and turned to see Audrey, one of my best friends, smiling mischievously.
"Focus, Bella!" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You've been zoning out for minutes."
I chuckled, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Sorry, Aud. Just lost in thought."
As I turned my attention back to the lesson, my mind began to drift again.
*Today was my first day at this school...*
Everyone seemed to know each other, except me. I felt like an outsider, observing the social dynamics like a spectator. That's when I saw him – Lucas, the captivating guy who had stolen the spotlight. His chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and charming smile left me breathless.
But what really stung was that he didn't remember me.
We had grown up together, been childhood friends, shared laughter and secrets. Yet, when our paths crossed earlier today, he looked right through me. I had purposely bumped into him, hoping he'd recognize me, but instead, he slapped me playfully, making everyone laugh.
The sting of his rejection still lingered.
"Why did I think he'd remember me?" I wondered, shaking my head.
Audrey nudged me, breaking my reverie. "You okay, Bella? You seem distracted."
I forced a smile. "Just nerves, Aud. First-day jitters."
But deep down, I knew it was more than that. It was the ache of being forgotten by someone who had once meant so much to me.
Russia, 8 years ago...
I clung to Lucas's arm, tears streaming down my face. "Don't go, Lucas! Please don't leave me!"
Lucas, his eyes welling up with tears, knelt beside me. "I'll come back for you, Bella. I promise!"
We stood in the doorway of our apartment, surrounded by packed boxes and suitcases. His family was moving to the United States, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing my best friend.
Lucas's mother, kind and warm, knelt beside us. "Isabella, sweetie, we'll stay in touch. You'll visit us soon."
But I couldn't comfort myself. I was only 9 years old, and the thought of being separated from Lucas was unbearable.
Lucas hugged me tightly. "I'll write you letters, Bella. And we'll talk on the phone every week."
As they prepared to leave, Lucas took my small hands in his. "Remember, Bella, no matter where I am, you'll always be my best friend."
I nodded, sniffling.
As they drove away, I ran after their car, waving and crying out, "Lucas! Come back!"
Now, 8 years later...
I stood in the school hallway, my cheek still stinging from Lucas's slap. The same Lucas who had promised to come back for me, who had sworn to always remember me.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I recalled the childhood vow he had broken.
"Why did you forget me, Lucas?" I whispered to myself.
Back to present...
•••••
Heaving a sigh of relief.. I continued staring and drawing a lifeless figure on my desk.
"Isabella, can you answer this question?" Ms Charlotte interrupted.
I jerked back to attention.
"Yes,?"
"What is the world's largest desert?"
I cleared my throat.
"The Sahara Desert."
Ms. Charlotte nodded.
"Correct! Well done, Isabella."
As I smiled, feeling a fleeting sense of accomplishment, Ms. Charlotte's expression turned concerned.
"Isabella, stand up for a moment."
I obeyed, wondering what I'd done wrong.
"Is everything okay? You seem distracted," Ms Charlotte asked with a concern look .
I shook my head.
"No, ma'am. Everything's fine."
Ms. Charlotte's eyes lingered on mine, searching.
"Alright, take your seat.
I sat back down, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment.
Audrey whispered, "You okay?"
I nodded, trying to focus on the lesson.
The bell rang, signaling break time. Audrey and I headed to the cafeteria, eager for a snack.
As we walked in, the aroma of freshly baked pizza and sandwiches filled the air. We joined the queue, chatting about our morning classes.
Everyone seemed busy, caught up in their own conversations or staring at their phones. No one noticed us.
Just as we reached the front of the line, a junior student approached me. Her eyes blazed with hostility.
"Next time, don't get close to my Lucas," she sneered, her hand connecting with my cheek in a stinging slap.
I recoiled, shocked.
"How dare you even bump into him today, girl?" she spat. "You should stop trying to fit yourself around him. He'll never notice you."
With that, she stormed off, leaving me reeling.
All eyes were now on me.. some talking about I and Lucas encounter earlier today, some feeling pity for me while others didn't even bother to give me a stare.
Like I don't deserve it.
just then I heard a junior student wispher
"she's just a newbie who wants our Lucas attention"
And with that everyone burst into laughter.
I couldn't shake off the feeling of being slapped.. twice today.
Like what the hell happened today.
If only Luca s didn't slap me today in front of everyone... they wouldn't have the gut to do so too.
I was still standing in the same position when Audrey rushed to my side.
"Bella, are you okay?"
I nodded, still stunned.
"Who was that?"
"I.... i.... don't know," I replied, rubbing my sore cheek.
Audrey's eyes narrowed.
"Sounds like Lucas's girlfriend. We need to stay away from her."
I agreed, feeling a mix of fear and determination.
Because who would have just slapped a stranger and a senior because of a guy.
But why was she so protective of Lucas?
Was he this popular?
Or was she just obsessed with him?
And what did she mean by "my Lucas"?
"Was Lucas already taken?".
I thought as I stared at an empty space.
Lucas's POV:
I watched her from afar, the girl I slapped earlier. She seemed lost, fragile.
Why did she bump into me?
And why did I react so harshly?
Questions swirled in my mind.
But I couldn't blame myself as I was greatly annoyed this morning.
As I observed her, a junior student approached her, slapped her, and spat venomous words.
"Next time, don't get close to my Lucas."
My Lucas?
What did she mean?
I felt a pang, unfamiliar and unsettling.
The girl's eyes met mine, searching.
Did she expect something from me?
Protection? Apology? Recognition?
I offered none.
But my mind raced.
Who was she?
Why did she look so familiar?
As the junior student stormed off, the girl stood frozen, her cheek red.
I turned away, uneasy.
But my gaze returned to her.
She was talking to her friend, Audrey.
Their laughter and whispers filled the air.
I couldn't help but listen.
"Sounds like Lucas's girlfriend," Audrey said.
My girlfriend?
No, I didn't have one.
But the junior student's claim lingered.
Was I taken?
Did I belong to someone?
The thought unsettled me.
As I walked away, I couldn't shake off the feelings.
That girl.
Her eyes.
Her smile.
Made me wonder