CHAD's POV

My eyes were glued to them as they walked through the cafeteria halls. His arm was wrapped around Courtney's shoulder and she laughed when he leaned in to whisper something in her ear.

I felt my heart sank at the sight, and I quickly turned away. My stomach twisted, and a wave of sadness washed over me.

It doesn't make any sense.

I told myself.

We just discussed this yesterday. We were supposed to tell our friends first about us, and then unexpectedly...

I turned my attention back to them. I was hoping to catch Courtney's attention, to see what her reaction would be if she were to see me, but she didn't spare a glance in my direction. She moved to the table where the rest of the football team were without looking at me.

Was she doing this purposely?

But why?

I noticed that she wasn't with her friends like usual. She was just with Troy, clinging to his arm as if her life depended on it. Even more unsettling was the fact that she was displaying much more affection towards him than she ever had before.

I couldn't help but feel confused, upset, hurt... broken.

I thought we felt the same thing?

I thought she loves...

Or did I just assume it?

I have a lot of questions running through my head right now and the more I pondered these questions, the more I realized how much I cared for her and how much I wanted her to feel the same way I feel about her.

True, she didn't say anything, but I thought we already had that understanding about our relationship.

Maybe I missed something?

I didn't want to think of the worse, that everything was just a facade. That she was doing all those things while her real boyfriend wasn't around.

She wouldn't do that, that's for sure.

She sounded so genuine and everything that happened seems so real. Why was I doubting her and her feelings? She had already made it clear, and it didn't seem like an act.

There is no way she would pour out her emotions like that if everything she did was for the sake of winning. I'm certain that her actions were sincere and true, not motivated by a desire for victory.

Even so, I'm still seeking answers, clarifications, or assurances that our feelings were mutual. I had to get to the bottom of this. I had to be sure.

I pulled out my phone and sent her a message.

Chad: Can you tell me what is going on?

I waited patiently and hoped she'd read my message right away.

What if you're just too stubborn to accept the truth? All the signs are here. She is with her supposedly ex boyfriend, who is now her boyfriend - the relationship is on again. Despite all the evidence, are you still refusing to acknowledge reality?

I shook the negativity off my head. There must be something here I'm not seeing clearly. I reasoned.

My face lit up when I saw Courtney looked at her phone. But then she put it away and started talking to Troy again instead. Suddenly, I was back to feeling confused and discouraged.

Despite this, I still held on to the hope that everything that transpired for the last few days were genuine.

I need to have a serious conversation with her and find out what is really going on. No matter what the truth is, we need to talk and get to the bottom of this. Otherwise, I will never know what is truly happening.

Chad: I'll meet you at our place later. I won't leave unless you come.

This way, I can be sure that I'm getting the full story and not just assuming things.

"Hey! Where are you going?" I heard Jackson shout, but I had already made my way out.

But before I completely left the cafeteria, I turned my head again to try to catch Courtney's eyes or even her attention. Even though I tried to make eye contact, she was completely oblivious to my presence. She was too focused on her group, she didn't even notice that I intentionally passed by their table.

She completely ignored me.

I couldn't help but feel my heart sink as I realized that, for whatever reason, Courtney had no interest in even seeing me.

What's wrong with you?

* * * * * *

I wasn't even sure if Courtney read my message, but I couldn't wait until the class ended to find out. I tried to focus on the lesson, but my mind kept wandering.

Finally, the bell rang, and I quickly made my way to the door, anxious to hear what Courtney had to say about all this.

I cancelled the drama club practice today and headed to the backyard immediately.

I was determined to get to the bottom of this situation as soon as possible. Something is off, and I refuse to give in to the negative thoughts brewing in my head.

As I headed outside, my heart was pounding. I knew I would soon find out what the truth was. I took a deep breath and started walking. I was determined to get the answers I needed, no matter what.

I arrived at the destination and was met with a sight that I hadn't expected.

I was alone.

Sadly, there was no sign of her, and I wondered if I had gotten here too early. I decided to wait and see if she'd show up. I waited patiently, but my heart sank with each passing minute, as I realized she might not come.

I sat down under the oak tree, my thoughts racing as I watched the clouds pass by.

I hate myself right now for doubting Courtney at this point. That there could be a possibility that my suspicions were true and my trust had been misplaced.

I checked my watch - it's been an hour since I got here. I decided to wait a few more minutes, just in case she was running late. I looked out for her, hoping she would show up soon.

Courtney is nothing like her.

I held on to the hope that everything was genuine, even though it seemed too good to be true.

But, deep down, I feared that I had been misled again, and what I had been holding onto was nothing more than a fairy tale.

The sudden ring of the phone interrupted my thoughts, and I was filled with hope. But disappointingly, it wasn't the person I was hoping for.

I sighed with frustration, realizing that I had let my imagination get the best of me once again. "Hey!" I answered.

"You won't believe what is happening right now! Who would throw a party on a school night?" Jackson sounded distressed. He kept complaining about the party's noise bothering their entire neighborhood. And despite his complaints, it seemed like no one was taking the issue seriously, which led him to feel more frustrated. "I'm so annoyed. The fact that these football jerks think so highly of themselves. Not only do they rule the school, but now they rule our entire street! They're so insensitive!"

Jackson kept blabbering, but I stopped listening when he mentioned the football team.

Is it possible that she is there too?

No.

I was still convinced she wasn't at that party. Despite the fact that she was an hour late, I was still confident that she would be able to make it here. Maybe she didn't see my message and only realized it when it was too late?

Yeah, that's a possibility.

My mind thought of the day I saw her at one of the football teams' parties. That was also near Jackson's place and she was with her boyfriend. I still remember the way she looked that night, with her long brown hair and bright blue eyes.

I also asked her to come and meet me here, but she didn't come. Instead, I found her at that party. At that time, I was determined to help her with her studies. I wanted to try to change her mind about cheating and exam papers, and hopefully help her graduate. However, all hopes lost when I saw her there.

I was disappointed. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't get her to change her ways and it seemed like she was more interested in partying than studying. I thought and felt like I had given up hope on her.

But, our encounter and connection didn't stop there. She reached out to me for help and I was more than happy to assist her. We continued our game. And during those moments, I got a better understanding of her. She finally stripped off her mask and revealed her true beautiful self to me.

And I fell for her, for the real her.

However, having a look at this situation, I wasn't so sure what was really going on.

That was in the past already, Chad. You're not even sure she was at that party.

I reasoned out.

"Hey! Are you listening?" Jackson shouted from the other end, interrupting my thoughts.

Even though I know I shouldn't doubt her, my mind is playing tricks on me at the moment. I wanted to ask Jackson if by any chance he saw Courtney at that party, but...

"Oh, did I mention the queen is there too?"

My heart sank as I heard his words. He confirmed my fears.

Courtney is there.

She chose to be there rather than tell me what was going on.

I was scared to accept that I had been fooled and the truth was not what I wanted to hear.

But despite all the doubts, I couldn't help but feel suspicious of the situation. Something wasn't adding up.

Based on our confession the day before, those were not empty words. They meant something. Something big. And those kisses... those kisses were meant to convey an emotion that was much deeper than just a fleeting moment.

It was the beginning of something special.

I refuse to believe the obvious. Especially if it was too obvious.

I couldn't help but feel suspicious about Troy. My fist clenched when I thought of what he might have against her or done to her for her to change overnight.

What did he do to you, Court?

But don't worry. No matter what, I won't give up on you.

I won't let you fight your own battle alone.

With this in mind, I wasted no time and rushed to Jackson's.

- END OF CHAPTER 42 -

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