Chapter 11:
Before I could even understand what I'd just done, his arms were already around me.
Warm. Strong. Safe.
My face was against his chest, close enough to hear his heartbeat, and the longer we stayed like that, the more I shook from nerves and pure emotional overload. We must've stayed like that for five whole minutes before he finally loosened his hold and cupped my face gently in his hand.
His face was so close. Too close. My heart absolutely malfunctioned.
For a split second, I really thought he was going to kiss me. So what did I do?
I closed my eyes. Hard. Way too hard.
And then—
"Do you want to stay for dinner?"
I opened my eyes so fast that I'm surprised my eyelids didn't fall off. I nodded, still dying inside, and asked where the bathroom was so I could… I don't know… reboot my entire existence.
I stared at myself in the mirror. I was red. Entirely red.
"I really thought he was going to kiss me. Are you stupid? Lea, breathe. Breathe. And get out before he thinks you're doing number two."
I stepped out and found him in the kitchen, cutting vegetables and stirring sauce like some teenage version of a cooking show host. He looked...honestly, cool. Really cool.
"You need help? I didn't know you could cook," I said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
He smiled softly without turning away from the stove.
"I don't usually cook for people, only my sister. So… I hope you'll like it. Just sit. I've got it."
So I sat and watched him with this invisible smile. I was definitely smiling, but also trying very hard not to show.
Then, suddenly, while plating the pasta, he said:
"I didn't think I was the jealous type. Maybe because I haven't seen you much lately… but seeing you at school, with your new hair, your new friend, and that guy talking to you—" he paused, pushing the plate toward me, "—I felt like I was… not part of your life anymore. Like, I didn't know you outside the moments we spent together."
He wiped his hands on a towel, his voice lower now.
"I didn't even realize how distant I was acting until you asked for a hug. I made you feel unsure, and that was my fault. So… can you trust me again? Like before? Let me take care of you the way I should have?"
I stared at the plate, suddenly understanding everything.
So it was jealousy.
And all I wanted was… affection.
I took a bite, and my eyes widened.
"This is delicious! Are you kidding? You're a chef. It's literally melting. Oh my gosh."
He chuckled, patting my hair.
"Slow down, you'll choke. I'm glad you like it. Now I know what to make you the next time you come over."
The next time. My heart somersaulted.
Later, while he walked me home, we held hands. My nerves lit up again. I had to ask. I had to.
"Can I ask you something?"
He nodded. "Of course, ask me anything. Don't ever be scared to ask me."
I swallowed.
"I know it might be out of the blue, but I just though i should ask. So...What… happened between you and Faye?"
He didn't answer right away.
"Ah. That." He exhaled. "It's a long story. And I don't want to ruin today by putting that in your head. I'll tell you another time. But just so you know… Nothing is going on with her and me. I like you. Okay?"
I nodded, but inside… something pinched.
Because Faye's words echoed in my memory:
"Ask him yourself. Let me know if he actually answers you."
Still, I refused to let her ruin my good day.
Lily screamed when she heard the whole story.
"You are LIVING the fairytale," she declared.
The next morning, I walked into school with my new keychain dangling proudly from my bag. I was glowing.
That's when Matt appeared.
"You look happy," he said.
"I'm always happy," I replied automatically.
He leaned in closer, way too close, scanning my face.
"I don't know, but… it's getting cold and I—"
Before he could finish, Jack appeared, slipped an arm around my shoulders, and gently pulled me to his side.
"I think you can talk to my girlfriend without being this close," he said calmly.
GIRLFRIEND.
The hallway froze.
Every single person turned. Even the Beau fan club.
I heard whispers fly instantly:
"Girlfriend? Did he really say girlfriend?"
"Isn't he the new transfer student?"
"No way, our star wouldn't date Lea."
"She's the girl who helps everyone, not… this."
It felt like a bomb went off.
My chest tightened. Embarrassment flooded me.
Maybe they were right.
Maybe I really didn't deserve Jack.
But before my thoughts spiralled too far, Matt raised his voice, louder than I'd ever heard from him.
"Can you guys, for once, mind your business? It was a peaceful morning."
Everyone went silent.
He walked into the classroom without looking back, leaving the hall stunned.
I looked at Jack. Then at Matt.
And deep down, this heavy ache formed.
I was already exhausted.
And the day hadn't even begun.