I watch in my mirror as he walks away. He disappeared last night and still lied to my face when I asked him about it. I know something is going on with Gage and his friends. Last night's party made it evident that he is the leader of whatever they are. I can't shake off the feeling that he's involved in something dangerous. But nonetheless, I'm falling for him more and more each day. I'm trying to fight what my head says against what my heart wants. But my heart seems to be winning.

My thoughts are interrupted when Laura walks into my room. She jumps on my bed, and lays back. "So, you and Gage?" She questions me with a knowing smile. I feel my cheeks flush and try to play it cool, but inside I'm a mess. My heart skips a beat at her words, confirming what I already knew deep down - I'm falling for Gage.

I roll my eyes and respond, "Shut up; you don't see me mentioning you and Ace." But the truth is, I can't deny my feelings for Gage any longer. Every time I'm around him, my heart races and my mind goes blank. It's like he has a hold on me that I can't shake off.

"Oh, Ace is just a fun time. Have you seen Keenan? Granted, he isn't as hot as Ace or anywhere near what Gage looks like, but he seems like he would be fun."

"Oh my god, you're a whore." I laugh, my back hitting the wall. "Meh, I'm only young once." She laughs, and sits up; her eyes lock onto me. "So, you and Gage? What's happening there?"

I turn to face her and say, "I don't know. He is different. He's been really sweet; he asked me to be his girlfriend," I say with a shrug. "We're just taking it day by day." She nods, studying me for a moment before speaking again. "Well, just make sure you're happy and that he treats you right. Don't settle for anything less." I smile at her words, grateful for her advice. "Thanks, I will."

Her eyes widen, and a smile crosses her face: "Goodbye, Levi, and Hello, Gage!" She starts to laugh. "In all seriousness, I'm happy for you. You need a new start away from all that toxicity." I smile as she says those words. Gage is like a breath of fresh air, different from when I was with my ex; his arms around me make me feel safe.

I grab the keys to my car and motion for her to follow me. "Shopping?" I grin. The day is just beginning, and we both have time to kill.

"Hell yeah," She jumps up and follows me to my car. We get in, and I start the engine and let the music fill the car. As we drive towards the mall, we discuss our shopping strategy and make a mental list of the things we need to buy. We arrive at the mall and start browsing through different stores, trying on clothes and shoes. After a few hours of shopping, we take a break to grab some food before continuing our shopping spree.

☾

As we get home, Laura sits on the couch and leans back, "I'm exhausted." She wines. I begin to laugh, head to my room, and drop my bags on the floor. The smell of sandalwood and fresh laundry fills my room. Gage's scent lingers in my room and I smile.

Once I settle into my bed, I turn on my laptop. I scan through my emails and find a new one from the school's administrator. The email informs me of my schedule for this year. It is important that I review the schedule thoroughly and make note of any important dates or deadlines to ensure that I am able to stay on track and meet all of my obligations. I mark the important dates on my calendar and then read the next email informing me of the freshman mixer they will be holding the Saturday before school begins.

My phone goes off, and Levi's name pops up on my screen.

I keep forgetting to block his number.

"Hello," I answer.

"What the fuck, Star?" He shouts, "Who the hell was that guy that answered your phone?"

"A friend," I calmly say. I roll my eyes as he speaks. I feel like throwing up when I hear his voice.

"Yeah right. You're probably fucking him, aren't you?" He yells.

I begin to laugh at the audacity with which he has to say that to me. "It's none of your business if I am or not. But I'm not you. I don't go around and sleep with everyone who looks in my direction." I fire back. "Stop calling me. You and I haven't been together for a very long time. And there's nothing you can say or do to make me run back into your arms." I hang up the phone and toss it across my bed. I put my hands on my face and take a deep breath.

I take a moment to collect myself before putting my laptop away. I decide to sort through all the clothes and school supplies I bought today. After emptying the bags on my bed, I go through them all and start to organise. As I fold and put away the clothes, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Seeing everything neatly arranged in my closet and drawers gives me a sense of calm and control over my life.

The low rumble of Gage's truck catches my attention. My heart beats faster, knowing he is only two doors down. I pause for a moment to admire the view outside my window. I watch as he walks to his front door, the sun beating on him. He pulls his shirt over his head, and my eyes are glued to him, never letting go until he slowly lifts his head. His eyes on me, and he lets out a little smile before walking inside. I feel nervous around him, like a schoolgirl. I take a deep breath and remind myself that I am a confident adult now, not a shy teenager.

I take my favourite book off the shelf and take a seat on my bed. Getting comfortable as I work my way through the pages. The silence that fills my room is broken by a voice that consumes me.

"Be with me always—take any form—drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!" I look at the doorway and see Gage standing there. "Wuthering Heights."

"You've read it?" I question him. He nods and takes a seat next to me. "I had to for English class." He smiles.

"Cute and smart. You're the perfect package," I say. I get lost in his gaze; his eyes a deep shade of brown that seem to hold all the answers to life's mysteries.

"Again, so I've been told," he laughs. I can't help but notice how his eyelashes flutter every time he laughs, making his eyes seem even more enchanting. I find myself drawn to them, and I realise that looking into his eyes is like getting lost in a beautiful dream.

"Well, I can see why they say that," I reply with a smile. "You have a great sense of humour and seem to be very knowledgeable about a lot of things."

"I don't care what others think of me. I only care about what you think."

"Well," I straddle his lap as I put the book down. "I like how sweet you are." I kiss his cheek, "I also think you're extremely good looking." I kiss his other cheek and say, "I like how I feel safe when your arms are wrapped around me." He tightens his grip around my waist, and his breathing becomes heavy. "I also like the way you taste." I say, as my tongue crazes his neck,

"Star!" he moans. My eyes lock on his. He pulls me closer, and our bodies become one. The passion between us amplifies as we lose ourselves in the present. The room fills with the sound of our heavy breathing and the warmth of our bodies. We stay like that for a while, lost in each other's embrace, until we finally pull away, both smiling and breathless.

His smile brightens my day. It's like the sun breaking through the clouds on a rainy day. His smile is infectious and never fails to lift my spirits. "You're coming to the bonfire at our place tonight, right?" He asks me.

"I don't know." I tell him. "I'm not sure if I fit in with your group." I confess.

He looks at me with a puzzled expression, then his face softens. "Of course you fit in," he reassures me. "We're all just a bunch of misfits and weirdos. That's what makes it fun." His words make me smile and I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. Maybe he's right. Maybe it's time to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. "Plus, Laura will be there," he adds.

I roll my eyes and say, "Of course she will. I'll think about it." He smiles and kisses my cheek.

"Alright. I have to head out to grab some things for tonight. I'll see you later." I smile and watch as he leaves. "See you tonight, hot stuff," I hear Laura say as he walks by her.

"Yeah, see ya." He responds. She enters my room and smiles. "That boy is head over heels for you."

"He must be if he doesn't even give you a second look." I laugh. Laura is gorgeous, and she knows it. But the one thing I can easily say about her is that she is the most loyal friend anyone can ask for. We both lay back in my bed, and I ask, "Are you going to the mixer this weekend?"

"Duh, of course I am. Free drinks, and I want to see all the new hotties who will be attending the school. I already know the older ones are cute." We both begin to laugh, and the sound echoes through my room.

☾

After laying there for what seems like forever, she tells me she is going to go get ready for tonight. As she leaves my room, she looks at me with worry and says, "I heard Levi yelling at you on the phone. Block his number. And remember the good guy you have right in front of you." She walks away and shouts, "I hope to see you there tonight." I roll my eyes and watch as she walks away.

I know she means well, but I can't help but feel frustrated with her constant reminders about Levi. I'm my own person, and I know it's time to start focusing on the good guy in front of me.