"You walked away far too easily for me to believe it was ever really love."

***********

Lilly's POV

"Why are you still in bed?" Aylin's voice had me pulling the covers from over my face as a frustrated sound made it out of my throat.

I glanced at her, standing by my door. I shot her a glare but she didn't seem a bit affected as a wide grin split up her face, "Ahh, I've missed you." She squealed before she marched into my room like its her own.

My gaze was on the floor so I noticed how on her way, she stepped over the ribbon I've left laying there. Not that I care.

I sat down and all I felt were her arms wrap around my body and squeeze me in. I gathered my sleepy tired self and hugged her back.

"Get up, come on, it's almost noon!" Sally said, and that's when I noticed her. She walked closer and sat beside us on the bed.

Is it noon already?

I wouldn't know. I haven't had a minute of decent sleep since last night.

"Okay, I really don't think she missed me," Aylin said, annoyance flared in her tone, as she glanced at Sally.

"Aylin, it was barely a week." I mumbled sleepily before I leaned my back against the headboard.

She huffed out, "Still, you two spent it together, I was the one staying on the other side of the world!" She said, dramatically referring to her Christmas vacation with her mother's family in Australia.

"Today, we should arrange a gathering, us and the guys, you know to celebrate me coming back!"

Us and the guys.

The guys.

Zack, Conner and...Chase.

I pulled my phone from under the pillow and stared at the screen filled with messages and a few missed calls.

He texted me last night. He called me. I didn't open the messages, neither did I answer his call.

There are new messages from him now, and another missed call from today's morning.

I kept the phone on silent and placed it on the counter beside me, screen facing down.

"I'll call Conner and check what everyone else is doing." Aylin said excitedly as she typed something over her phone before she placed it to her ear.

When he answered, she got up to her feet and talked with him. I silenced her voice and pressed my eyes shut. I rubbed at my forehead, the ache surging through my head seemed to only intensify with the second.

My eyelids glided open when I felt Sally's hand rest over mine. Her eyebrows pulled together and she asked, "Are you okay?"

I just shook my head.

I've just spent the whole night thinking, drowning myself in my own misery, and trying to find the non-existing solution to this situation. So, no, no way in hell I am okay.

Worry drew lines over her forehead as she asked, "What's wrong?"

My gaze flickered to Aylin, who seemed way too engrossed in her conversation to notice us before I whispered, "It's Chase, he's leaving in a couple of months and he didn't even tell me a thing about it."

Sally's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and she was about to ask more, but-

"Oh Chase, hey!" Aylin's words had me freezing in my place. I turned around and my eyes fell on him, standing by my room's entrance, his hand curled, ready to knock on the opened door.

I gulped and my fingers tightened over the sheets, twisting them. His eyes drifted from Aylin and they fell on me. My chest tightened and all of last night's feelings came rushing back. I immediately looked away. I want him to leave. I don't want to see him now, I need to...think more.

Sally's hand tightened over mine in reassurance before she got to her feet, "Aylin, come on, let's go," her hand tightened over Aylin's arm, dragging her away.

Before Aylin could protest more, Sally interrupted, "You need to help me pick up a dress for tomorrow's party."

"Okay, okay," Aylin said, pausing for a second to look at us, "I'll see you guys later!"

I got off the bed and closed the door behind them, leaving the two of us alone.

"You said you were gonna call me last night, when you didn't pick up till now, I got worried," He started to say before he inched closer to me, "Are you okay?"

His hand went to my face but the second his fingers brushed my cheek, I pulled away. Confusion drew his brows together and he asked, "What's wrong?"

I edged backward, building some distance between us. I crossed my arms over my chest, "Oh nothing, the usual," I shrugged, my tone sarcastic, "My dear boyfriend is leaving to Washington and didn't even think of informing me about it!"

Shock flashed in his eyes for a second, he pulled a breath of air into his lungs and his eyelids dropped down, "Lilly, I was going to tell you, I just didn-"

"No Chase, you weren't going to tell me," I shook my head, interrupting him, "Because you know me, you know that I would never, never accept a long-distance relationship, we have already talked about this a long time ago," My jaw tightened, "You know me, Chase. You see, this is one of the perks of this relationship, it's that you know me so well."

"That's not it, ju-"

"No, you don't get to talk now," I snapped, anger took the best of me, "I will be the one doing the talking!"

"You lied, Chase," The tightness wrapping over my chest sucked. This whole situation suck, "You knew that I wouldn't accept it, so you lied."

"You were waiting maybe, waiting for me to get more attached, waiting for me to fall in love maybe, so then I'd have no choice but accept it," My frustration seeped up within my words, "I don't know, all I know is that I'd rather end it now than later."

"What?" His eyebrows drew closer, "Lilly, are you seriously going to end it just like this, for something stupid-"

"Stupid?" I exclaimed, "This is not stupid, this is a deal-breaker for me and you know it!"

"Lilly, I agree, I hid it from you, but the things you're saying, that was never my intention." His voice raised a bit, like me, he is frustrated at the situation, "I was just dreading it, that's all."

"But, but you used to tell me everything," I shook my head, feeling hurt, "We used to be at each others throat, yet you'd tell me everything, but this...this I had to hear about from my dad," I shook my head, "It's one thing that you're leaving and it's another that you didn't tell me about it."

"So what the hell am I supposed to do?" He quirked an eyebrow at me, "Give up on my dream so I can be with you?"

The realization that he'd expect me to ask something like that from him, it hurt my heart.

"I'd never," I shook my head, "I would never ask something like that from you." My jaw tightened, "But this situation, it only means that we don't fit together, Chase. You need to go, of course, but I am not the type of girl who can wait around, I can't do it, I won't do it." Hurt tightened my tone, "You left for a week, one week only and I couldn't handle it."

I swallowed hard, "So, it's better if we end it now, from the very start and move on." I shrugged, "Isn't this what we agreed on? Try to figure this-" I pointed between us, "-out and see if it'll work." I gave him a small smile of defeat, "Well, it didn't. It didn't work."

He stepped closer and shook his head, "Lilly, come on, what's between us is bigger than this," A surge of hurt flared in his searing eyes when I shook my head, "No, it isn't."

He brought his hand to my face and leaned closer. My pulse escalated at his closeness, "I know that you feel it too," He whispered, "So don't give up on us this fast. Don't." He shook his head, "We can figure out a way, we-"

I placed my hand over his and pulled it away from my face. I have made my mind, I should stick to it, "No, we should've never took this risk in the first place, we knew it was wrong, but we did it anyway."

"Maybe if we end it now, we won't lose each other later." I added, "Now, please leave, I don't want you here."

"You're giving up, Lilly, but I am not." He shook his head, "I won't give up on us this easily."

"You should, because I have made my mind and nothing can change it." I pointed to the door and strictly ordered, "Now, get out of my room!"

Giving me one last glance, he turned around and stormed away, slamming the door shut behind him.

He walked out and I fell on the bed, I sat by the edge, my energy fading away.

I placed my head in my hands, my mind playing the dirtiest games as it replayed back last night memories.

Our first date.

Our last.

His words, his kisses, his sweet warm touch. For the very first time, they didn't bring a smile to my face.

Instead, they hurt. They really hurt.

*****************

"So, you just...broke up?" Sally asked, her eyes growing wide after I explained what happened.

I nodded, "Yeah."

"And are you okay?"

I shrugged, "Neutral."

"But, I think maybe you guys can work on it and fix things up, there is-"

"No. It's over, Sally." I firmly stated, "Now, can we stop talking about this?"

My gaze left her and drifted around, taking into everyone. I sighed, Aylin made sure to bring almost everyone from our class down to the park that we usually hang out at.

I felt someone approaching us, I turned my head toward the footfall's sound and my eyes met Zack's. He seated himself on the grass by my side and said, "Hey you!"

I gulped down before I mumbled back, "Hey."

"Haven't seen you since you canceled on me for tomorrow's party." He said playfully, arching an eyebrow.

Why couldn't I just keep crushing on this guy? Why did I have to kiss Chase and ruin everything?

"Yeah, sorry about that." I mumbled, "I decided to go by myself after all."

His eyebrows drew closer, "By yourself?"

I only nodded in return.

"Well, even that is not gonna stop me from having a dance with you tomorrow." He said, trying to charm me in, but it's not working, not even a bit.

Why? God, why?

I forced a smile and gave him a nod before I looked away. As my gaze took into the people around, they fell on him, a few meters away. Conner was talking with him, but as if he could feel my stare, his eyes fell back on me.

I immediately turned around and looked at Zack. Maybe it was childish and immature. But like I felt so hurt by Chase's action. I wanted to hurt him back.

"Yeah sure, I owe you a dance." I said to Zack, pulling on my flirty smile.

The corner of his lips pulled up in a smile, "Great."

"Wanna go for a walk?" He asked, pointing ahead.

I nodded, "Why not."

He got to his feet first and extended his hand for me. I swallowed down and ignored the warnings my heart was trying to whisper as I placed my hand in his.

His fingers wrapped over my hand as he gently pulled me up. When I got to my feet, because of his hold, he pulled me closer. So close. The type that gets me so uncomfortable.

I lifted my head up to see him already looking back at me. Before I could react, or even say a thing, I just felt Zack being pulled away from me. His hand leaving mine.

"Keep your hands off her!" Chase's harsh tone had my eyes widening.

"I think she can speak for herself." Zack taunted as he pulled his arm from Chase's tight grip.

Anger darkened Chase's eyes, and a low sound of frustration made it out of his throat as his fingers tightened over Zack's collar, "Don't make me do something I'd regret later," He gritted his teeth and pushed him away, untangling his fingers from over his shirt, he said, "Stay away from her, for your own good."

All I felt after was a hand wrap around my arm and drag me away. I was too shocked to react, but when I grasped the whole situation, I stopped walking and pulled my hand away from his grip.

He turned around, anger burned across his face. Jaw ticking, he ground his teeth, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

My eyes widened, "Me?" I snapped, my voice raising, "What the hell is the matter with you?"

"Don't think I don't know what you're doing, Lilly."

A surge of defensiveness rose in me, pressing full, "I am not doing anything wrong! I am going back to the life I had before you, that's all." I said, "You better never do something like that ever again, actually, you need to get used to it. We're over, Chase. I told you that today's morning. Accept it and move on like I did."

Disbelief flashed in his eyes, "It was just yesterday, Lilly," He started, "A couple of hours ago, we were together, you were in my arms, just yesterday, you were looking at me like I meant the world to you-"

"Yes, just yesterday." I agreed, "It's weird, isn't it, how one day can change everything."

"Leave me be, Chase." I shook my head, "Don't interfere in my life. Stay away from me...for the time being, at least. Don't come barging in like you just did. Just please, if I mean anything to you, stay away from me." Because it still hurts, and I need to make it stop hurting. I can't keep living like this. I just need to erase the last months from my memory. I need to erase all the moments that followed my birthday, and after it, I will be okay again.

"If I talk with Zack or any other guy, know that you have no right to do what you just did."

Chase blanched, and he edged back a fraction, his eyes darting all over my face and he just shook his head, like he couldn't accept this.

"You too," My jaw tightened, "Every one knows that Samantha would kill to have you," I scoffed, "Why don't you give it a chance, she seems like the type who'd wait for you around, unlike me."

Swallowing down all the hurt burning at my throat, I started to back away, "Stay away from me, Chase." I mumbled, one last time before I walked back to the crowd.

When I reached Zack, I said, "Sorry for that," Determination filled me in even though it felt wrong in every way, "Still up for that walk?"

His eyes drifted behind me for a second. When he looked back, a smile curved up his lips and he nodded, "Of course."

Step by step. And it'll all go back to the way it was.

***************

Next day...

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and made sure everything was on point. I curled my hair and added a bit of wave into it. It looked nice.

My makeup was simple and not exaggerated. A bit of mascara accompanied with my favorite red lipstick. I pulled into a deep breath as my gaze drifted down and I smoothed the black dress I have picked up earlier.

I tried not to dwell long on the memory of when I've picked it and showed it to Chase, taking his opinion, and how we decided we'd wear similar colors and match.

Slipping into my heels and spraying some perfume, I headed downstairs. The excitement I had for this party slowly diminishing with every passing second.

If only I could just not go.

I walked around the house, searching for dad. I finally found him in the kitchen, talking with my mom about something, she laughed as he stuffed a cupcake into her mouth. My parents are so weird.

"Dad," I called for him.

He turned to me and his eyes slipped down my attire and his smile seemed to grow wide, "Can you drop me off at school, for the party?"

His eyebrows pulled together, "Yeah sure." He mumbled, confusingly.

I turned around, not having it in me to talk more but I heard him whisper something to my mom.

"I think they're fighting, but-" She tried to whisper back but miserably failed.

I turned around, "No mom, we are not fighting," I turned to dad, "We broke up, I think that's what you always wanted, right? You must be ecstatic now."

His lips parted to say something but I immediately interrupted him, "I will be waiting in the car." I said and walked away.

I sat down and taught myself how to breath again. I've been pretty aggressive lately, but can you blame me? That's my way of dealing, I guess. I act out.

A couple of minutes later, dad hopped into the driver's seat. I felt his eyes on me so I turned my head and met his gaze.

"Well, first, you look so pretty, I couldn't tell you that inside." He said and I just nodded, my gaze drifting down to my lap.

I felt his fingers rest over my hand, they tightened, "And second, Lilly I would never be...ecstatic to see you sad like this."

"I am not sad."

"Yes, you are." He interjected, "You always have that energy around you and now you just look so...turned off." He is right, I just don't feel like doing anything. I don't feel like talking with anyone.

"I really don't want to talk about it."

He nodded, "I understand, but if you want, that's what I am here for, you know that." He added, his soft voice laced with care and worry.

For the first time since I heard that dreadful news, a small smile made it to my lips.

It made me emotional. And when I get emotional, I think about him. And when I think about him I feel like crying. And I really don't want to cry, not over something like this, I won't.

"I know, dad."

"And if you want me to use my gun, I am more than ready."

My smile widened and I stared at him adoringly, "I'll keep that in mind."

He returned my smile and squeezed my hand in his, trying to soothe my troubled inside.

He tried to cheer me up all the way leading to the school, he kept on talking, joking and earning a couple of smiles and low laughs from my side. No matter how overprotective he can get, he is still the best. He did succeed in changing my mood, even by a very small degree.

Almost twenty minutes later, we reached the school. The driveway was crowded with so many cars and students coming in and out.

"Take care, okay?" Dad said, more strictly this time, "And call me if you need anything."

"I will." I said before I lent closer and kissed his cheek, "Love you."

"Love you too, little bug."

He drove away after and I stared at the entrance, debating whether to just run away from here. What's the point of this party anyway, if I can't spend it with who I originally planned to spend it with?

I pulled my phone out and texted Sally and Aylin, checking if they have arrived yet or not. I don't want to go inside all alone.

"Hey beautiful," Zack's voice had me lifting my gaze up from the phone.

He was standing ahead of me, a soft smile curving his lips, he looked...gorgeous. Couldn't deny it, he got the whole damn package. The damn Ryder's genes. Yes, I blame the genes.

His honey colored eyes focused on mine, and his blonde hair neatly pulled back, he looked like he got a new haircut. He wore an ocean blue suit, it fitted his body perfectly. Damn him. No wonder I was so blinded by this guy. He is one hot piece of meat.

But he's not Chase. The inner voice in my head whispered, shattering everything.

"So, we arrived at the same time, both alone," He quirked his eyebrow, "I think the universe is sending us a message."

Pretend Lilly, it's what you're so good at. Pretend that you're okay with this, that you're so happy to be here, pretend that your inside doesn't feel like it's gonna explode any second.

Just pretend.

"I guess you're right." I said, matching his flirty tone.

"Shall we?" He asked, offering me his arm.

I forced on a smile before I tangled my arm with his, "We shall."

*************

Chase's POV

"You're not leaving, you get that?" Conner stressed again, pulling me back from my arm into the seat.

I huffed out, "I didn't want to come here in the first place."

"Well, guess what, I dragged you here and here is where you'll stay till the party ends!" He ordered and seated himself on the chair beside me.

"Are you going to tell me what happened between you and Lilly?"

My jaw tightened and I looked away, "I am not in the mood to talk about it."

"Will you stop acting like a girl with PMS?" Conner said, his voice lacing with annoyance, "I am sure, she is gonna come now and see you all hot and dashing and run back into your arms."

My gaze was focused on the door, so when she walked inside, I was probably the first one to notice her. She wasn't alone, no.

I rubbed at my jaw, "You sure about that?"

Conner followed my gaze and saw it too. Before I could get the chance to stand up and go put Zack's face into the nearest wall, Conner's hand took a tight grip of my arm and he pulled me down, "Hey, hey!"

"Let go," I stressed out, freeing my arm.

"Look you told me to stop you if you'd try and do that," Conner explained, "He's your cousin, don't forget that, and I am pretty sure you don't want to make a scene in the middle of the party now, do you?"

"I really don't give a shit right now," Anger boiled deep in my chest. There was no stopping the storm building up inside of me. A flicker of rage. A flash of fear.

I quaked with the thought of not having her, of losing her, "He is using her, that son of-" My jaw tightened, "He's using her to get back at me and I can't let him do that."

Conner kept his hand over my arm, guarding me in my place, "Look, it's still Zack, no matter what, he won't hurt her, you know that. And don't forget that he is your cousin, the one that you love and practically grew up with."

I still hated this. Everything about it.

She asked me to stay away, and fuck, I can't.

I don't want to.

I can't see Zack use this chance to get his hands all over her.

Lilly is hurt and to get rid of that pain, she'd let him. It's driving me insane.

"Stop looking at them," Conner ordered and I looked away, "We came here to have fun, and fun is what we'll have."

I really should've never came here in the first place.

The night passed on ever so slowly. Time couldn't move any faster now that I am suffering with the sight of them together.

I tried to keep my attention focused somewhere, anywhere else, but couldn't.

It is hard now, much harder than before. The days where she was still crazy about him, it was much easier to witness because back then, I knew she felt nothing for me.

But now, she does. She does yet she still chose to be with Zack, on the night we have planned to spend together. She talked with him, she laughed with him, like it's all so normal.

Why am I the only one who is unable to see the normality in this situation?

She gave up on us, so fast. She walked away, far too easily for me to believe that what we had was ever real to her.

Something burned at my chest when I saw them walking down the dance floor, when I saw him wrap his arms around her, when I saw her let him.

My fingers tightened over the table, trapping the anger inside. I pressed my eyes shut and tried to breathe again. Breathe. Just fucking breathe.

When they glided open, the scene that played ahead of me was enough to knock all the oxygen from my lungs.

I immediately stood up, not having it in me to witness more of this. If I stayed, Zack won't make it out of my hands alive. I walked away ready to leave when Conner stood in my way.

"I am leaving, don't try and stop me." My tone alone showed him there is no place for negotiation.

"Okay but what about-" Before he could finish his sentence, his eyes fell on something behind me. The sudden change in his features proved that he saw what I just witnessed.

"Uh-" he stuttered as his eyes went back to me, "I am...I am sorry, dude. Do you want me to come with you?"

I shook my head and immediately stormed off.

She was right. I should just accept it and move on, just like she did.

*************

Lilly's POV

I knew exactly what was about to happen next.

It was obvious.

The way Zack looked down at me, the music, the closeness. It was the perfect setting for what's to come.

I knew deep down, I didn't want this.

I didn't want it because of a certain someone. I kept sneaking a few looks at him from the start of the party. When he wasn't paying attention, I looked.

It made my heart jump out of the confines of my chest with every glance. He looked so good, I wanted to cry. I wanted to run back at him, hug him, feel him and tell him that I am okay with him leaving, I am okay with waiting, I am okay with it all.

But the stubborn part of me insisted that I shouldn't. I should forget all about him. So, maybe, by this I can.

At least, I know Zack. Gosh, I dreamt about having such a moment with him for way too long. Kissing him? That always felt near impossible.

But, what if it could change everything? Just like what happened with Chase. Having that kiss on my birthday is what messed everything up and changed all of my feelings.

What if the same could happen now?

I lifted my gaze up and pulled a deep breath into my suffocating lungs. Zack leaned closer and I didn't stop him.

Heck, I shouldn't.

I felt his breath brush against my skin. The red light flared in my head, warning me. I ignored all the alarms and felt his lips brush against mine.

The moment they did, I knew that...I screwed up.

Screwed up big time.

The kiss is...awful. I've heard the girls talk and whisper, they said how good he was. I don't think he is. His lips are too aggressive. I don't like it. They are too dominant. With Chase, our lips would move in sync with each other, it was perfect.

I felt Zack's hand go down my back and immediately right to my ass. Seriously dude? I used to like it when Chase would gently tug at my hair, how his hand would caress the back of my neck, how the mere touch of his hand over my back would ignite fire in my chest.

Is there usually this much thinking during a kiss? I don't think so.

With Chase, I lose myself. I lose my mind and sink into the heavens of his sweet lips.

I tried to get into the mood. I did what I usually do, my hand went to the back of his neck, I'd usually grab Chase's soft strands but...Zack's hair from the back was too short, there is nothing to hold on. I don't like it. God, it sucks. All of it.

Oh god, Chase has ruined me for everyone else.

Unable to bear it anymore, I placed my hand over Zack's chest and pulled myself away, putting an end to this dreadful kiss.

Tears rushed to my eyes but I stopped them at the threshold. I wasn't going to cry yet. Emotions clogged my throat as I mumbled, "Excuse me."

I stepped off the dance floor and ran away. My eyes roamed around, searching for him. I need him, I need to find him.

I went to Sally and asked her, "Did you see Chase?"

She looked around and shook her head, "Last I saw him, he was with Conner."

"Okay," I said in a hurry as I searched for Conner. My eyes fell on his back a few meters away, I immediately scurried toward him. My hand rested over his shoulder, grabbing his attention to me, "Where is Chase?" I shot my question right away.

"He left." Conner said, his voice neutral.

My heart took off a sprint, "He left?" I asked, "Why?"

His eyebrow raised in accusation, "You're really asking why?" He shook his head in disappointment, "Lilly, you're my least favorite person right now, so-"

"Just please tell me where he went." I asked, my eyes begging him.

Conner sighed, "He didn't say, but I think he went home."

Before he could say more, I rushed out to the driveway. My eyes kept searching around, maybe I could catch his car, maybe he is still here but I miserably failed.

I was late.

I immediately let the security call me a Taxi, and once it arrived, I gave him Chase's address and told him to be fast.

My heartbeats accelerated at the thought that he saw what happened. God, he must be so hurt right now. I hoped with all the hope in me that I'd find him and explain, that it won't be too late.

When the taxi stopped, I paid him and went down. I rang the bell and waited. The door opened and auntie Katherine opened the door. At my sight, her eyebrows pulled together, but before she could say anything, I asked, "Is Chase here?"

She shook her head, "He's at the party." He still didn't get here, where could he be? Worry cut lines into her forehead, "Isn't he? What's wrong? Is everything okay?"

"Uh yeah yeah, he is, he probably just went with the guys to the after-party." I lied, not to get her worried for no reason, "We just, we fought and I thought maybe I could wait for him till he gets back and talk, if that's okay with you."

She nodded, "Yeah, yeah, of course, come in."

She started interrogating me but I couldn't answer any of her questions with total honesty. I told her to go to sleep and asked if I can wait for him in his room and for sure, she accepted.

Worry crept its way into my chest as I waited and waited. I tried calling him, once, twice, but he didn't pick up. I texted him but no answer came back.

Hours passed and whenever a car's sound would echo in the streets, I'd rush to the window and check.

I felt miserable. Waiting here, trying to reach him but failing.

Guilt fluttered along the fringes of my consciousness and pressed in, torturing me even more.

We'll fix this. I kept saying. We'll find a way to overcome it. I will make it work, I have to make it work.

Chase...he means a lot to me. I can't just, I can't simply move on from that. I want him, even if it meant waiting. I will wait. It will be worth it.

I sat on his bed and grabbed the sweater he had left there, I pulled it closer to my chest and buried my nose in it. It smelled so much like him. My favorite scent.

I so badly wanted to break down into tears, but I didn't allow myself yet. Crying would mean I'd lost hope and I haven't yet.

I believe in him. I believe in us. I believe we could make it work.

Sickness flipped my stomach inside out when it got so late. I called him again and again before I gave up. I laid down, placing my head over his pillow, I hugged his sweater and waited. I waited for him to open his door, for him to come inside the room, for his arms to wrap around me, to sleep by his side today. I waited, for too long.

All I remember is that the door never opened, he never came back, and I fell asleep, all alone in his cold bed.

When I woke up very early the next day, I felt so disoriented and in a haze. I swallowed hard when I looked around and noticed that everything is still the same.

Where is he?

I forced myself to think positively. That he is okay. That maybe he came back but saw me asleep here, so he left.

I picked up the phone and called him for the umpteenth time. He still didn't answer.

I opened the room's door ever so carefully, trying not to make any sound. On silent steps, I walked down the hall. As I reached the stairs, my eyes fell on Conner making his way up.

His hair was all messed up and he looked like just woke up too. His eyes narrowed at me and he looked behind me at where I came from.

He scoffed, "Didn't know you guys were gonna make up this fast."

Wait what? So, he also doesn't know where Chase is.

I looked around then at Conner, I whispered, "Chase never came back last night, he is not answering my calls and I am...I am so worried," I ran my fingers in my hair, frustrated at the whole situation, "Can you try and call him, maybe he'll answer you."

Worry tightened his brow and he immediately pulled his phone and dialed Chase. A few rings later and Chase answered. I let out a sigh of relief as I tried to listen to their conversations.

"Where are you?" Conner asked, Chase answered something but I couldn't hear it. When I saw the relief wash over Conner's face, I calmed down my racing heart.

"Oh okay," he added, "Yeah, yeah, okay, see you."

When he ended the call, he said, "He is okay, don't worry." Then where was he? Why didn't he come back home?

"Is he coming back here?" I asked and he nodded, "But I think it's better if you leave, Lilly."

"But Conner, I just want to explain and-"

He nodded, "I know, but I could say from his voice only that he is not okay." He sighed, "Just give him some time. Tomorrow at school, try and talk to him, but now, just let him be for one day."

I swallowed hard and nodded. He is right nevertheless.

"I screwed this up, didn't I?"

Conner sighed, "If it was me in his shoes, then I'd say yes, but it's Chase," He said, "The boy is crazy about you, so maybe there is still a chance to fix this."

My gaze drifted to the ground in shame and guilt. My shoulders lifted up as I tried to suck the air back into my lungs.

Conner sensed my total discomfort and I felt his arms wrap around me, "Don't worry, it'll be okay," He whispered and I nodded in his embrace.

I just hope that by tomorrow, it won't be too late.

**************

One day later...

I played with the toast's edges, removing small pieces at a time and throwing them away, reflecting my own anxiety on the innocent piece of bread.

"Are you planning on eating that?" Sally asked, her eyes narrowing at my state.

I released the bread from my torture and backed into my seat. It's lunch already and I haven't seen Chase yet. It's driving me insane.

"You guys, I couldn't catch you in the morning, but I've got great news!" Aylin squealed before she placed her tray over the table and seated herself across from us.

"What's up Aylin?" Sally asked.

"Well, well," She started, her eyes drifting between the both of us, "Guess who got laid last night?"

"Me." Sally answered.

Aylin rolled her eyes, "You get laid everyday." She said, "And no, drumrolls, it's me, your girl over here is no longer a virgin."

"Who's the unlucky guy?" I asked. I wanted to be more enthusiastic about this, but my mind state is not in a very good place at the moment.

"Hold on, is it Conner?" Sally asked, scrunching her eyebrows, "No, it can't be, we stayed together till the end of the party last night."

"No, of course it's not Conner." Aylin said in disgust. I never get this girl.

"It's someone we know," Aylin wiggled her eyebrows at us.

"Can you just spit it out?" I said, my patience wearing thin.

"You guys are no fun, I wanted you to guess."

"Aylin-" Sally started.

"Okay, okay," She said before she leaned back into her seat and crossed her arms over her chest.

A big smile curved her lips, her eyes twinkled a bit, I would say the girl is in love till she uttered the next words, "It was Chase."

********************************

Ahem, ahem.
SO, this chapter was longer than usual. Whatcha ya think? ;)

Is it true? Did Chase do it? What about what Lilly did, kissing Zack and all?

Btw, back to that kiss, I totally understood what Lilly felt, I once had such an awful kiss, the guy was an expert and everyone said he was a good kisser, but my lips and his, they definitely didn't match xD
I almost shuddered at the memory...

NOW, Let's take a minute and appreciate this beautiful pieces of art by Fatima_sheikh :

THEY ARE SO PRETTY, I might just cry!
Thank you so so so much, you're amazing Fatima_sheikh LOVE YOU AND LOVE YOU ALL!