Matthew and I walked together after sharing a few snacks at the convenience store.
He was so tall beside me I felt like a dwarf trying to match his pace.
I wasn't the one who made Sia cry, I said quietly, still facing forward.
Suddenly, he reached out and gently pulled my hand, stopping me in my tracks.
Are you really into girls? he asked, voice low, gaze fixed intently on my face.
There was no teasing in his tone, only quiet seriousness that made my breath hitch.
She's my girlfriend, what do you think? I replied with a hint of sarcasm, trying to play it off light since his question came off a little too serious.
Well, I'm bi. And why do you even ask? I added, gently pulling my hand from his.
Matthew cleared his throat and straightened up, his cool demeanor sliding back into place as he resumed walking. I followed.
Nothing, he muttered in that low, guarded voice of his like he hadn't just thrown me off with a question like that.
Whatever, i replied.
I'll be going this way now.
Matthew gave a slight nod, and just before I turned completely, I caught a small smile on his face barely there, but I noticed.
Later that night, I studied hard, determined to give it my best with the coming exam tomorrow. The snacks I bought kept me awake, one bite at a time. Before I knew it, morning had crept in, and it was time to get ready for school again.
Good morning, love. Good luck to both of us on today's exam, I texted Sia, smiling to myself as I typed. I knew she'd do great—she always does.
Not even a minute passed before my phone buzzed.
Good morning too, love. And thank you!! I love you so much. Let's have a date after all this.
Reading her message made my chest warm I couldn't wait to see her after everything was over.
When I arrived at our classroom, Guard Julie was already checking student IDs before letting us in for the exam.
As I walked past the door, Matthew suddenly spoke up.
How was the review last night?
Not bad, I guess, I replied casually, chuckling a little as I passed him. It came out more naturally than I expected. Then I made my way to my seat where Tom and Jean were already waiting.
Eduardo suddenly rushed over. What was that? Are you two close already? he asked, clearly shocked.
I know, right? Jean chimed in with a teasing smile.
It was nothing, guys. Why is it such a big deal? I said, trying to sound casual, glancing at them with innocent eyes. He's our classmate, that's all.
We know that, Tom said, raising a brow. But still—he only talked to you, Anna. Not a single other person. That is a big deal.
He's not that bad. Try talking to him, I said with a shrug, just before the exam began.
The day felt endless—we had ten subjects total, five in the morning and five more in the afternoon. The weight of each test piled on, but the thought of tomorrow being exam-free kept me going.
Okay everyone, good job on today's exams. Don't go home late and stay safe, the teacher said, finally dismissing us after a long day.
As soon as he left the room, the whole class burst into cheers and laughter. Smiles spread like wildfire—we were finally done.
Everyone, how about an overnight party at a pool resort?! one of my classmates shouted with excitement.
Not a bad idea, right? Tom grinned as he stood between Jean and me, with Eduardo eavesdropping nearby.
I actually heard this idea first from the upperclassmen yesterday, Eduardo added. It's not just us, the grade nines will be there as well. The seniors are joining too.
That should be fun then, Jean said, her smile growing.
Then, with a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, she nudged me. Anna, can you talk to Matthew Salvatore and make him come too?
Tom chuckled. It's only fair since your girlfriend's coming too, right?
Girlfriend?! Eduardo nearly choked on air, staring at me wide-eyed.
I glared at Tom with a death stare for what he just did.
Without a word, he and Jean pulled Eduardo away, probably to explain everything themselves.
Tom seriously has the worst talent for keeping things quiet.
Not wanting to go home just yet, I wandered around the school alone, letting my feet take me wherever they wanted. It was oddly calming—just walking without a destination. I didn't even realize I'd ended up at the old outdoor stage until a faint smell caught my attention. Cigarette smoke.
And just like that, I was reminded of him.
There he was—Matthew—already staring at me like he'd been waiting.
I go closer to him.
You already know about tomorrow, right? I asked, forcing a smile to keep the mood light. It was just the two of us in that quiet, open space, and the silence felt heavier than it should.
That kind of thing isn't really for me, Anna.
My eyes widened a little—he said my name. For the first time.
You should come, It'll be fun, I promise. I'll be there, everyone will. Your classmates… you know what I mean. Just give it a shot.
Sia's coming too? he asked, his tone steady but curious.
I wasn't even surprised anymore. He always asked about Sia—always seemed concerned, like I was some ticking time bomb around her.
Yeah, I replied shortly, keeping my voice neutral on purpose. Then I turned on my heel. Bye now.
After that, I headed straight home, changed into something nice, and made my way to Sia's house without her knowing. I planned to surprise her with a little date, just the two of us, before tomorrow's overnight resort trip.
When I arrived at their house, I pressed the doorbell.
The door creaked open, and it was the driver who greeted me.
Annabelle? he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Oh… yeah. Thank you for remembering my name, I replied with a small smile. May I ask, is Sia here?
A girl's voice called from inside, John, who's that?
Ah… ma'am, this is Miss Sia's friend, John answered politely before heading upstairs in rush.
Nice to meet you, ma'am, I greeted politely, already assuming from her warm yet graceful demeanor that she was Sia's mom.
So, you're my daughter Sia's friend? she said with a gentle smile, motioning for me to come inside.
Um… yeah, I replied, hesitating for a moment, unsure if I should say more. But it's more than that—I was just about to explain when the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted me.
Sia came rushing down the stairs, clearly having heard everything. Mom! she called out, almost breathless, eyes darting between the two of us.
Sia's POV
The moment I stepped out of the car after school, one thought consumed my mind — When will I get to see Annabelle again? The entire day had passed without a single glimpse of her, and it felt strangely heavy.
I pushed open the front door, still lost in those thoughts, only to find both my parents sitting in the living room together.
Hi, Mom. Dad. I just got home the exams are finally over, I said with a small smile.
How was it, Sia? Dad asked, glancing up from the book in his hand.
I think I did pretty well I replied honestly, already halfway toward the stairs. I'm gonna head up. Kinda tired.
Go ahead, baby, Mom said softly.
Once I stepped into my room, I dropped my bag on the study table and collapsed onto my bed without a second thought.
I stared at the ceiling, thoughts swirling like a quiet storm. I wasn't expecting that. I honestly thought my brother would've already ruined everything—told Mom and Dad about Anna. But he hadn't. Not yet.
A soft sigh escaped my lips.
And I miss her... so much.
The silence in my room felt heavier than usual, echoing that ache.
That stillness was finally broken by the sudden sound of the doorbell, followed moments later by a firm knock on my bedroom door.
I didn't waste a second. I dashed down the stairs, my voice echoing ahead of me. Mom!
I stopped at the bottom, catching my breath as my eyes met hers. This is Annabelle, my friend, I said quickly—deliberately avoiding Anna's gaze as I studied my mom's expression instead.
Anna's POV
And in that moment, when I heard Sia introduce me to her mother merely as a friend—not as her girlfriend—something inside me cracked. It hurt in a way words could never capture, like a thousand invisible knives piercing straight through my heart, leaving me breathless but not broken enough to stop the pain.