COURTNEY's POV

Chad's words were chilling. It was as if it had frozen both my feet and my tongue. I couldn't move or even try to stop him from walking away. I wanted to call him back, to tell him I was sorry, but I just stood there, paralyzed by his words and my own thoughts. So, I watched him go, feeling helpless and angry at the same time.

There were so many things I was dying to tell him. I was tempted to run to the auditorium and stand behind the podium to recite the content of my letter to him. Just to let him know the truth, for him to see why I did all this. For him to know how serious I am.

But I decided against it. What good would that kind of confession do? That only works in movies and books. When things fall apart, a grand confession comes as a plot twist and that fixes everything.

It's as if it was easy.

Oh damn I wish it would be that easy.

But no. This one is a bit more complicated than that.

And this has nothing to do with social suicide or popularity sht that I have long forgotten about. God knows how much I'd like everyone to know about me and Chad, but Troy happened. So everything seems ruined now.

I had to accept it was too late and the damage was done. I had no choice but to live with the consequences of my haste decisions.

But you haven't tried everything yet!

The inner me reminded.

I spotted the letter I wrote for him awhile ago. I still have to give him this, no matter what. This letter is all I have.

But how?

After everything that happened, would he still like to see me? I felt my heart constrict in pain when I saw the exam papers he dropped on the table.

This whole thing started because of this, and how ironically it ended with this.

I reached out and crumpled the papers. I felt the heavy weight in my heart again and it made me slump on the chair nearby.

I finally got what I wanted, right?

The exam papers. Chad finally said those three words.

Courtney Collins gets what she wants.

I really did. I got what I wanted. I had everything in the palm of my hands. Handed everything to me.

I even made Chad fall for me for real.

Nothing was beyond my reach. I had it all.

Some may say I'm born lucky, but what they didn't know, I also had the knack of turning these golds into ashes. I made stupid decisions, leaving me with nothing but regrets. I was an arrogant, entitled brat that thought I knew everything.

I acted on my own.

I wasted my opportunities and paying the price.

* * * * * *

I was tempted to skip classes. I wasn't in the mood to face anyone or pretend that I was happy to be here, because truth be told, I wasn't.

Everything about this school was damn depressing. Everywhere I look, it only reminds me of Chad. I miss him.

Damn it, I miss him.

I also missed the chance of enjoying the remaining of my highschool life with him.

This once kingdom and happy place of mine became a living nightmare. I can feel my heart breaking with every step I take. I wish I could turn back time and undo what has been done.

I can no longer find joy here.

Despite my feelings, I knew skipping classes was not an option, I need it to improve my grades because I can't mess up especially when finals are coming soon.

Also, I didn't want Chad's efforts to go to waste and there's no way I would use those exam papers to pass--even if it could guarantee my spot at graduation.

So I put on my brave face and marched to my classes, determined to make it through the day.

I thought to myself that, even through this, I could get back to Chad and all the efforts he put into me. He would at least feel that I didn't waste his time, that somehow something good came out of our deal.

Even just with that.

Damn it.

I was so close! I told myself, feeling nothing but remorse for the situation I was in.

You were already there, but you took a U-turn!

The inner me scolds. I don't have to be reminded of this from time to time, you know!

So pitiful of me.

I'm just so thankful that I have my girls with me at all times. They sensed my distress and they didn't push me to talk. I bet Terry already told them what had happened. They just kept quiet and waited for me to open up.

They helped me get through the rest of the day.

I headed home right away, feeling a little unsocial. I walked straight to my room, slammed the door shut and slumped on the couch. I grabbed a pillow and screamed into it, letting out all my emotions.

Then there was a knock at my door, and I knew it was John. "Is everything okay, miss?" I immediately asked. I hadn't turned to look at him, but he sure sounded worried from the sound of his voice.

"Yeah, John. Thanks." I mumbled under the pillow.

"You don't sound so convincing," John commented. "You were a terrible liar, miss."

Since my father was away most of the time, I had John with me. I love my dad, yeah, he showers me with gifts and basically gives me everything. But still, nothing beats the comfort of John's company. Throughout my childhood, he was there with me. He didn't leave my side. He even vowed to my mother that he would look after me as long as he can.

"I've burned the papers you asked me to. Do I have to throw this too? It's your special stationary. This—"

My head whipped to him when he mentioned about my stationary, and I saw the envelope in his hands. Suddenly, I was filled with panic. "No, it wasn't meant to be burned," I got up quickly and grabbed it. Then I put it closer to my chest, relieved that he didn't burn it with the exam papers I told him to. "Thank you." I told him sincerely. I wouldn't know what to do if this letter was destroyed.

I was going to ask John something, but was distracted by the thing he was holding on his left hand. My eyes widened at the sight of it.

"Where? How?" I couldn't even complete my sentence. How could I forget something important like this?

"I saw it on the floor behind your door. It must have fallen. Would you like me to wash it for you?"

I shook my head no, and quickly snatched it from his hand and held it close to my chest. John was taken aback by my sudden reaction, but quickly recovered. I could tell he was trying to figure out why I was so protective of a piece of clothing.

Then he simply nodded in understanding. As if he sensed that the item meant a lot to me more than he thought. He didn't ask any questions. Instead, he just offered a comforting smile before turning away.

I still remember the day Chad used this to cover me. How he was so concerned about my well-being, and lectured me about the ranging hormones of guys. It was still fresh in my mind. That was probably the time I started liking him.

I smiled at the memory. I was willing to do anything to get back there.

I looked at it, and an idea came to mind.

Yes!

I can use this as an excuse to see him!

A smile spread across my face, and I could feel my heart swell with joy.

Plus, I have to do everything I can to ensure this letter reaches him. I will put both the jacket and the letter in a bag and deliver them personally.

Yeah. I'd done it before. I remembered I caught him off guard that time by showing up unannounced. I hate to sound so selfish. He might not want to see me after what happened, but this is my last chance. No matter what the cost is, this must be done.

Then, after this, it is entirely up to Chad to decide what to do after he has read my letter. I would respect it and face the consequences I created for myself no matter what.

At least I tried.

Oh Courtney, get it together! The universe is helping us already.

She's right. I have to stay positive. This will turn out great!

With that positive outlook on this situation, I skipped my way to my walk-in closet and got ready immediately.

* * * * * *

I didn't waste time. I rushed straight to Chad's house and let the universe decide my fate.

Honestly, I was feeling a bit nervous about this, but I'd come this far. This would probably be my last chance. I really hope this would turn out great.

Besides, I met his mom. She is so cool, and so is his sister Cindy. I smiled at the memory of us in the dining room, and when Chad told me his mom liked me, I was all over the moon! I just hope that he didn't tell her what I did. I wouldn't know what to do if the person I was hoping to help me turned her back on me.

I summoned all the courage I had left and gripped the handle of the paper bag that I was holding, where his jacket and letter were.

As much as I hate letting go of his jacket, this is the only way to get an excuse to come here. I have to let go of something in hopes of getting something better in return.

And that's Chad's forgiveness and understanding.

I rang the bell. The sound sent my body into turmoil. I could feel my heart beating faster and my stomach somersaulting.

Oh gosh, I didn't remember feeling this nervous the first time I came here!

This is the only way.

I kept reminding myself. I've got to be brave. As selfish as this sounds, I know Chad wouldn't have a choice but to hear me out. If that fails, hopefully his mom would do the same thing last time, forcing him to talk to me.

After what felt like an eternity, the door swang open and I was immediately greeted by Mrs. Treyson's lovely smile.

"Oh hey, Courtney! It's been a while!" We exchanged pleasantries and she welcomed me into her home with a hug. I immediately felt comforted.

"I'm so sorry for coming unannounced." My voice had a hint of guilt as I apologized and I could tell she sensed it.

She quickly assured me that it was no problem and smiled. "Oh, don't worry. You're always welcome here." She gestured for me to come inside and relief washed over me. The way she welcomed me was lovely and welcoming, just like before. I guess Chad hasn't said anything to her yet.

I saw Cindy in the living room watching cartoons, and she was sitting with someone.

"Chad is not yet here I'm afraid." Mrs. Treyson said as she ushered me closer to Cindy and the other person sitting on the couch. My eyes were glued to them. Curiosity killing me. I noticed they were so focused on watching the telly that they didn't notice my presence.

"Girls," Mrs. Treyson called out and caught their attention. Both of them turned in our direction, and I finally got a good look at the person, the girl, sitting beside Cindy.

"Hi, Courtney." Cindy waved her hand. I raised my hand to give her a slow wave, to acknowledge her gesture. But my eyes were still fixed on the girl, trying my best to hide the surprise and confusion I was feeling.

Is she...

I didn't even finish my thoughts. She's already standing up and extending her hand.

"Courtney, this is Olivia. Chad's childhood friend. She will compete in national cheerleading competitions here. Isn't it exciting?" Mrs. Treyson introduced Olivia to me, and I could sense the admiration and adoration in her tone of voice as she spoke about her.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you." Olivia grinned at me.

I didn't want to, but for the sake of being polite, I shook her hand and smiled back.

But all the blood drained off my face when Mrs. Treyson added, "Olivia is staying with us until the competition."

And at that moment, I felt my luck had run out and the universe close on me, totally forgotten that I existed.

-END OF CHAPTER 49-

A/N: They finally met! Two queen bees? But we know there is only one queen to rule, right? Who would it be?

What do you think so far? Wanna read more? Check out my Patreon account for advance chapters! notjustarandomgirl check it out! Also, check out my other stories. Thank you!