COURTNEY's POV

After that talk, Chad and I decided to keep our relationship a secret for now. Honestly, I don't see why it should be hidden, much less kept a secret. I was totally against it at first. It's actually my goal to let everyone know about us. Having lunch with Chad, spending most of our free times together, studying together in the library, holding hands in the hallway—these were all things I have imagined doing with him the moment I realized I was in love with him.

And because of our agreement, we couldn't do it for now—as what he had reiterated.

I know I was being a brat and stubborn for not agreeing to it at first. Yes, I get what Chad was saying, that our sudden relationship could raise a stir throughout the school. But I made him aware that I don't care about my image anymore, social status, even popularity—I stopped caring about it a long time ago, if that's what he was so concerned about.

But then I forgot the fact that this sudden relationship might affect him too. They would wonder how and why this happened—this might cause a rumor that could damage Chad's reputation. And I didn't want that to happen. For him to be destroyed because of me.

If only they knew, I was the first one to fall in love with him, but I kept my feelings a secret. They didn't have any idea that I made the first move and tried everything just to win his heart.

Anyway, those two things weren't the main reason why we kept this a secret. For him, it's important that we tell our best friends about us first, and then take it from there. He wasn't wrong on that: They have the right to know—of course, and there's no doubt my best friends would be supportive, even happy!

All of them were rooting for Chad, and I couldn't be happier.

On the other hand, Jackson might think differently about us. This was like a history repeats itself situation for them, but the difference is, if Olivia traded Chad for popularity, for me, I would wholeheartedly leave every bits of it for him.

All I want is for Jackson to realize that my feelings for his best friend are genuine.

I just hope this gets done sooner rather than later. We only have over a month left before the school's over, so I just want to make the most of it—like spend the remaining of my high school life with Chad and do all those things I have imagine.

Oh, what a wonderful feeling in the world!

* * * *

"So, have we come up with a plan yet?" Terry appeared out of nowhere as I shut my locker, which obviously startled me.

"Good morning to you, too." I said, purposely ignoring her question and started walking away, she followed me of course.

"We found her." Lucy chimed in—making me jump in surprise! Then I scanned my surroundings and realized all my friends were here.

"Actually, I was the one who found her." Fiona declared proudly.

As I continue walking, Jenny blocked my way, causing me to stop in my tracks. "She is currently the cheer captain of the Black Tigers."

This information made me furious!

"I guess the karma still hasn't reached her yet." Lucy growled.

It was so hard for me to let this one slide, yes I know I promised Chad I wouldn't do anything, no revenge or whatsoever. But, this situation was so damn unfair. How could this Olivia have everything while Chad was left with nothing?

It was so bad enough that he wasn't even allowed to compete in the sports that he was so good at and loved so much! He has to throw away his talent for that. But this Olivia girl? She even got that cheercaptain spot, and I bet she was this nasty bitch of a cheerleader with a jock of a boyfriend. Oh what a clique set-up.

Life is so fuckn unfair!

"We have to do something, Court." Terry's tone was hinting. My bet is she already knows what to do, just waiting for me to say go.

I wouldn't think twice about making that btch pay if I didn't have some righteous-type conversation with Chad just awhile ago.

My heart was torn, I wasn't sure what to do. I would have let it go if the karma only did its job, but nothing! It was as if she was immune to it!

The vengeful side of me was about to take over, but as if on cue, my conscience in the form of Chad Treyson walked down the hallway. His heartwarming smile that he secretly threw at me was enough to make me forget all the anger I was feeling inside of me.

"We aren't doing anything at the moment." I simply said as I continued to walk away.

It was unfair, it was unjust, but it is not my battle to fight. Yes, I hate this situation to the point of anger, but I didn't have the right to meddle with it as much as I want to. It was between Chad and Olivia. Besides, this was my first promise to him, and I'm nowhere near of breaking it.

At this point, all I can do is make sure Chad doesn't have to go through with all that again. Make him the happiest and most loved. So by the time our paths crossed, Olivia would regret letting go of Chad, for trading the real deal to temporary and artificial form of happiness.

That'd be my revenge. That would be my sweetest and most painful revenge for her.

When I hadn't heard any protest from my friends, I turned around and they just stared at me in disbelief, mouths hanging open. Their reaction made me laugh. Well, in all honesty, I wouldn't expect someone like me to just let this kind of situation go. I would have reacted the same way if I were them.

Everything has changed, huh. I smiled at my self.

Surprisingly, I like this so much better!

* * * * * *

"We're not doing anything about it?"

"Are you sure?"

"Unbelievable, Courtney! She made horrible things to Chad."

"Exactly, we can't just ignore it!"

"Yes! Especially now that she's living her best life."

"Oh, did you see that post too?"

"Of course, I even have the screenshot."

"Livin' the best life! It's good to be me. What the hell? What a cow!"

"At least something good came out of her betrayal." I interrupted their bickering as I finished my yogurt—not a care or taking any for of interest in what they were saying. I just want them to drop it and move on. They'd been gossiping about this non-stop ever since we started our lunch.

"Seriously?" Terry's eyebrow shot up, looking very unimpressed by my lack of interest.

"Look, if this is her version of best life I pity her. After highschool, what will happen to her then? She won't be a cheerleader forever, and there's no guarantee she'll be popular in college. Besides," I took Fiona's phone and looked at the said photo of Olivia—a selfie of her wearing a cheercaptain uniform. I browsed the rest and all were just selfies. "She is clearly faking it."

I gave the phone back to them and started digging in my fruit.

"Faking it?"

"Come on, girls. All of her photos are her selfies, she doesn't even have photos of her friends, if she even has one."

"Did you see the likes on her photos?" Jenny pointed out.

"How in the world the likes became the standard for having the best life?" I retorted back. They all looked at me like I grew an extra head or something. I kept on surprising my friends with this new version of me.

I guess this will be a long conversation.

I put the fruit cup back on the tray and continued. "Look, I've been there. I kept posting pictures of my luxurious life. My trips, branded bags and clothes, kept on going on how my life is so wonderful. But deep down, I was just compensating. It's all empty words. I kept on posting to convince myself that I am living the wonderful life. Same like her. But the only difference is, at least I have real friends, best friends—probably the only real thing in my life. But she has none. Well, she had two wonderful best friends, but she betrayed them. So it's her lost."

There were all silent, and their face softened.

"She is not winning this, trust me. She must be regretting her decisions now. She lost, and she knows it." I finished.

Looking at this side of things, I couldn't help but see similarities with me and Olivia. It's no wonder Jackson was cautious -- too cautious even -- and so protective of Chad. He was right, Chad would just let himself destroy for the sake of his loved one. He'd definitely put them first. It's good that he has someone like Jackson to remind him of these things.

I wonder how Chad would tell Jackson about us? What would he say? Is he gonna approve? Have I proven that I'm nothing like Olivia? That it's going to be different for me?

I know I shouldn't worry about what the other would think, but why do I desperately want Jackson's approval?

Why was I thinking of this? I need to think about how I'd share this important info with my friends. Though I was so sure they'd approve, there's no doubt about it, I wasn't so sure where do I begin.

Is it better to just get right to the point? Start telling them about the kiss?

I was so tempted to drop the bomb right here, right now. But I guess I know my friends enough to know that it wouldn't be a good idea. Their tendency to react excessively might draw a lot of attention. This revelation will blow up the whole school.

I should choose the right place. Right time.

"Can we just forget about Olivia already?"

They're about to protest, especially Terry, who I think has revenge as her middle name. "Please." I pleaded, when they were about to object, I finished off by saying. "There is something way more important I need to you than us obsessing over her."

This was enough to shut them all up. They had that sparkle in their eyes, that curiosity, that anticipation. It's safe to say that Olivia was finally out of the picture.

"Emergency meeting at my house, 6pm. Don't be late." I stood up and left, leaving them to whine to the cliffhanger.

* * * * *

Chad told me that he didn't have the chance to tell Jackson about us as well, as Jackson has been grumpy lately. I assured him that it was okay, that he didn't have to feel too pressured about it. Just choose the right moment and place.

I on the other hand was prepared already. Everything was set for my night with the girls—the revelation. Well, it's not as if it's going to be difficult anyway, unlike with him. This would be more of a fun night.

It was exciting to think of their reactions. I guess Terry would be the most happiest of all.

When the doorbell rang, I immediately ran towards the door. They were early for the said time, but I can't blame them. If it's me, I would have been here even earlier! That cliff hanger would kill me.

As soon as I opened the door, my face paled in shock as I saw the unexpected person standing in front of me, unannounced. I couldn't believe my eyes as I stared in disbelief, my mind racing with questions.

How?

Why?

All I could do was stand there, frozen in place.

"Hello, love. Missed me?"

What did he want from me?

"Troy?"

—END OF CHAPTER 40—

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