Five years ago

"YOU'VE BEEN LATE three times this week and it's only Wednesday."

Amora's face turned red as she fiddled with her fingers. "I'm sorry..."

"You're sorry?" The teacher chuckled, stroking his mustache, long and thin. "And I bet you'll be 'sorry' tomorrow when you're late as well."

The girl looked down, paused, then pulled out the homework from her folder. "Here, Mr. Devins. This is the work from yesterday." She held it up, but he only scoffed. "Do you not want it?"

Mr. Devins narrowed his eyes. "Did I ask for that yet?" He strolled back behind his desk, sitting down slowly. "Well, it would seem you're a bit of a celebrity here, Amora. We can always count on you for being late."

Amora straightened, then met his face. "I'll be on time tomorrow." Her voice was high and unsteady. "You'll see."

"I bet I will."

Despite her intentions, Amora lost focus halfway through the lesson on Columbus. She was going on just a few hours of sleep because that note had consumed her mind all night. The one she was going to put into his locker. The same one that was going to get her on a date with the boy she loved. 

The past two years, she had watched him from afar, admiring him, but he never looked back. Finally, that was going to change. 

After a glance over her shoulder, she saw Faya's seat and smiled. It was empty, just like it should be. 

It was a month ago that Faya announced she was moving away to Florida, leaving everyone devastated. In fact, Amora more than anyone. They were best friends, after all. 

But when she moved away last week, Amora remembered that Faya was his girlfriend; the only obstacle between her and Bridger. 

Now she had the chance and she was going to make it count.

-

The bell rang. 

History, the fifth period of the day, was over, which meant it was time for recess.  

Amora gathered her belongings and slowly began for the door. The longer she stalled, the better. Every person to leave for recess was just one less likely to be a witness. 

She never liked recess anyway. 

Hands full of materials, she started for her locker, conveniently just around the corner of History class, along with the fellow juniors. But Bridger's locker was a few hallways down, him being a senior. 

So this year really was her last chance. 

Amora leaned against her closed locker, waiting patiently. All the while, she pretended to be preoccupied with an assignment, but it wasn't just any slip of paper. As she read over the note, her every word carefully penned and drafted, she smiled. 

This was going to work; it had to. 

When the hallways were mostly empty, with the exception of a few stragglers, she started for his locker. There was a new bounce to her step, a new purpose. When she arrived, she glanced around - no one - and opened his locker. 

Meet me at the lake behind the school at five. <3

Amora gave it a tender kiss, then propped it up on the top shelf, over his folders and notebooks. With that, she closed the locker, a shiver running down her spine. 

Was this worth betraying Faya over, her best friend since Elementary school?

Then she sighed, looking to her feet. "I'm sorry, Faya. I just needed the opportunity and saw my chance, but... you'll never know. I'll make sure of it."

Then, nodding to herself, she began for the long-twisted steps to recess. 

I'll make sure of it. 

-

The girl clung to her backpack straps, then looked to her watch again. 5:24. She shivered, but this time not from the guilt, but from the butterflies bubbling inside her. If he didn't show up, this would all be for nothing; all that time she yearned for a chance over the years wasted. 

She shouldn't have been so hopeful, Amora realized. She should have found an easier boy to love. Not the one who never looked back when she laughed at his jokes; who never caught her lingering nearby, waiting for him to notice her presence; the boy who would never smile back. 

The one who was oblivious to just how much she loved him. 

Amora chuckled dryly. 

The lake gently splattered behind her, tall-standing trees providing the area with shade and solitude.  If not for the situation, she would have enjoyed it, as she always did when coming here. 

But not this time. Not anymore. This would be the last time she'd come to these grounds. It would just sting too much. 

Ding. 

She jumped at the noise, then pulled out her phone. It was an emoji from her mother: a winky face. Despite herself, she laughed a little. If only you kne-

That was when she heard a sudden splash behind her. 

Whipping around, she searched the ever-running waters, listening, only to dismiss it. They were clear, not a soul in sight. Maybe it was an animal. 

"You always put a dramatic turn on things, don't you?" Amora mumbled. Turning back, she was ready to head home when she froze. 

"Amora?"

Amora stumbled for words, suddenly self-conscious. "B-Bridger?" 

He shut his hanging mouth, taking it in. "You were them, weren't you?" he asked, his voice dripping low. 

The girl nodded stiffly. 

Bridger's face twisted. "Then I came here for nothing." Turning around, he paused, back to her. "Why?"

"Why what?" she croaked. 

Suddenly, he dug into his pocket, slowly faced her, then held it up: her note. "Did you not know about Faya? Did you somehow not realize that I was dating your best friend?" he snapped. "Or were you expecting me to cheat on her?"

"No, I-"

He crumbled the paper, drowning out her words. "You are some friend." He watched her face, snickering. "I've got her number, you know, and I'm going to tell her about this."

"I thought it was over!"

His gaze studied hers. "We've been dating for a year. She may have moved, but, thankfully, we have this thing called cell phones." Then he broke eye contact, staring off. "It's a long distant relationship, but we'll make it work."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know," Amora said, sniffling. "I-I just thought you could finally notice me. I've loved you for... the past two years, Bridger, and I thought I had this chance! This one last chance before you graduate in two weeks."

"Well-"

"-and I blew it."

His face had softened, but he still turned to leave. "That's right, you did."

As he followed the faint trail up to school, she watched him until he was out of sight. "I'm not going to get another chance," she muttered, kicking at stray pebbles. "He's gone and he's not coming back."

Another splash came from behind her. 

Just as before, Amora spun around, only to yelp when she met the eyes of a stranger. The girl looked around her age, her light brown eyes kind and bright. Her golden locks tied into a bun, a few strands had escaped, loose and curly. 

"Who are you?" Amora huffed. 

"Someone who can help you. I know how you feel."

Amora studied her face, shaking her head. This person just seemed so sincere. "How can a stranger help when they don't even know me? And I don't even know your name."

The girl chuckled, quietly making her way to the end of the lake. "Well, I know yours." Then she emerged and closed the space between them. "You're that girl who's always late."

Amora resisted a chuckle and crossed her arms. "I-"

The stranger held up a hand, quieting her. "But that's not how I know your name. Bridger said it loud and clear." In the next beat, she extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Amora."

Amora paused and stared down, before accepting the offer. "And you are?"

"Willow." And she smiled. "I have a feeling we're going to be great friends."

Hey there! As before, feel free to point out any flaws. The goal is to improve my writing. The more criticism, the better! 

Anyway, it's time for another random question: What are your favorite genres to read?

Well, I hope all is well and God bless <3