A Week Later
It had been a week since Alan joined the school, and somehow, in just seven days, he had managed to become everyone's favorite. He was good at academics, better at extracurriculars, and carried himself with a quiet confidence that made him instantly magnetic. Almost every girl in school had a crush on him—but he remained cold and distant, like a beautiful statue no one could touch.
Except with me.
He often smiled at me across classrooms or during group events, but I always chose to ignore him. His first impression—rude, arrogant, and blunt—still echoed in my mind like a warning bell. I wasn't the type to forgive easily.
The week flew by quickly. Shawn became close with a new guy named Michael, who eventually joined our friend group. Maria and I had also grown closer, surprisingly well, despite her strange aura and the rumors people always whispered about her. She was kind in her own weird way, and she never judged.
Today was different. It was the day of the big interschool football event, and all students were called in to cheer and support our team. I had zero interest in cheerleading, but with attendance being mandatory, I showed up and took my place on the benches.
As I settled into my seat, I noticed something unusual tucked inside my desk.
A letter.
Shawn, Michael, and Aphrodite were sitting right beside me, and they noticed it too. Maria, curious as always, leaned in to see what was happening. Aphrodite didn't seem thrilled about her involvement, but said nothing.
"Is that… a love letter?" Michael asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Serena, are you dating someone?" Shawn added, half-teasing.
"No!" I said quickly.
"Then what's that?" Maria asked, peeking curiously.
"Guys, chill! Let her read it first," Aphrodite said firmly, bringing the mini interrogation to a pause.
I picked up the letter, slightly panicked. It was addressed to Serena Hamsler in elegant cursive, tied with a soft pink ribbon.
Taking a breath, I untied the ribbon and unfolded the letter. My heart pounded as I read the words inside:
---
Dear Serena,
I don't know how to say this…
After receiving this letter, I know a thousand questions must be swirling in your mind, but writing this was more necessary than ever. You'll find your answers when we meet.
Today, 5:30 PM, behind the cheerleading stage—right after the football match.
With lots of hopes.
---
There was no name.
"Wait, the person didn't even sign it?" Shawn asked, leaning in.
"Nope," I replied, staring at the letter in my hands, trying to calm my nerves.
"Well, well… seems like Serena has a few secret admirers," Michael teased, and everyone burst into laughter—everyone except Aphrodite.
She gently took the letter from me and examined it with narrowed eyes. After a few seconds, she stiffened.
"Serena… look at the handwriting. It's upright, sharp, very formal—not casual or rushed. Do you think it could be—"
I grabbed the letter back, my breath catching. My eyes widened as realization crept in.
"Whose handwriting is that?" Michael asked, watching my face closely.
Shawn, now curious too, took the letter and compared it to something on his phone. "Wait… are you saying it looks like Jared's handwriting?"
Aphrodite nodded grimly.
She opened the school app where we had all submitted our essays. Jared's handwriting was there, and she did a side-by-side comparison. Everyone leaned in.
The match was unmistakable.
"Why would that jerk be writing to you again?" Aphrodite asked sharply, her voice laced with anger.
"Again?" Michael asked, confused. Being from a different stream, he had no idea about what had happened in the past.
I was frozen. My fingers trembled slightly as I held the letter. I hadn't expected this. I hadn't wanted this.
"Burn it," Aphrodite said firmly, staring at me.
"NO," Maria interrupted. "Maybe Jared has something important to say."
Aphrodite's glare turned icy. "Shut up, Maria. No one asked for your opinion."
Shawn placed a hand on Aphrodite's shoulder, trying to calm her down.
"You have no idea," Aphrodite said quietly but with fire in her voice, "how much Serena cried because of that jerk Jared."