The golden sun melted slowly into the horizon, sinking behind an imaginary line while painting the sky pink. A warm hand, rough yet gentle, rested on mine. While the gaze set straight to the beautiful sunset.
I tilted my head. Jack was already looking at me.
His gaze sharpened when our eyes met, like he had been waiting. He leaned closer, and I could feel his breath, soft as a feather, brushing against my cheek.
"I Love You, My Sunshine." He whispered.
I closed my eyes, leaning in. His breath warmed the space between us, tickling my skin as our lips inched close. Our lips almost met-
"Wake up, Tes!"
The voice shattered the scene. I groaned, eyes fluttering open.
"Where's my Jack?" I mumbled, clinging to the dream as if it were a real memory.
"It's 7:30 a.m.! Don't be late on your first day!" Mom shouted, leaving the door swinging open behind her.
I groaned. "Ugh, Mom, one more minute and I would've kissed him."
Jack Smith. My fictional obsession from Love, Theoretically. How lucky is Elsie to have a man like him?
I rolled out of bed and shuffled toward the bathroom to get ready for school.
Already running late, I tossed my books into my bag and headed out.
"Ah! I forgot." I clicked my tongue, darting back to my room. I grabbed Better Than the Movies and slid it into my bag like a secret weapon.
Downstairs, Dad was halfway through his breakfast. "Eat something!" he called, mouth full.
"I'm late!" I replied, snatching the sandwich Mom had left on the table and sprinting out the door.
I drove through the quiet streets, banging Daydream by Taylor Swift, so loud, the sunroof would blast open.
I reached school. I parked my car and walked past the crowded gates.
The chatter of excited students echoed around the walls. I clutched my bagpack straps tightly, walked through the crowded hallway.
"Westvale" I murmured to myself, "I'm ready for this."
Year Thirteen, a new chapter, a blank page full of promises and pressure. We were seniors now.
Laughter echoed from down the hallway. I looked up.
It was the basketball team. Westie Dashers. Both the boys and girls teams were unbeatable. Westvale's pride and the city's champions.
I scanned their faces for someone familiar, but none stood out. I walked past them to class.
Inside the classroom, I spotted him.
Liam Carter. Captain of the boy's team.
Tall with a lean, athletic body. His eyes sparkling like a glass. A blondie, curly as fine. He was Westvale's golden boy. The kind of guy girls daydreamed about.
I flipped open my book when a voice rang out from behind me-
"Hey Mi Amore." That voice. Sweet as syrup.
It was Gabriella. She walked over to Liam with her grace. Her black hair, long and smooth, fell over one eye. Skin pale and flawless, glowing under the classroom lights.
Every guy dreamed of her.
None dared to make a move.
There was a talk of Gabby and Liam. They weren't official, but everyone said they were together. They played, ate, laughed together. And every break, like clockwork, Gabby would find her way into our classroom from 11B.
She transferred here three years ago. Since then she has kept all the guys stunning, not just with her beauty, but with how she ruled the court.
And me?
I liked her too.
Not just liked. Loved.
Not just as a person, but something more.
Something hidden.
Three years I've held this secret, tucked away like a letter never sent.
I don't know what she and Liam are. Maybe something, maybe nothing.
But my feelings?
Caged. Like a bird that sings only when no one's around.