Tate walked through the gates of Salvador International High School, a familiar sense of dread settling in her chest. It reminded her of the first day of 10th grade, except this time, the unease came from one person.
It was pathetic, really, how her emotions seemed to revolve around a single person—someone who didn't care about her, someone who probably didn't give a damn about her feelings.
As she walked down the hallway, her eyes caught sight of Allen talking with some friends. A wave of guilt hit her. She'd ghosted him over the holidays, ignoring his texts and calls, even though he'd been reaching out to check on her.
Taking a deep breath, she walked toward him. "Hi, Allen."
He looked surprised to see her and pulled her into a hug, catching her off guard.
Tate gasped, trying to pull away. "I can't breathe, and people are watching, Allen."
Allen quickly let go, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry, I just missed you."
His words made something warm stir in Tate's chest. She felt a pang of regret for how she'd pulled away from him. "I'm sorry for ghosting you during the holidays. I wasn't really okay, and I… I didn't know how to deal with it."
Allen shook his head, his expression kind. "It's okay, Tate. You don't need to explain. I'm just glad you're alright."
Her heart softened at his understanding. "Thank you for being patient with me, Allen. I have to get to class now."
"Alright," he said with a smile. "See you later."
"Later," she replied, returning the smile. She turned to walk toward her classroom, the smile lingering on her lips. But that smile quickly faded as she rounded the corner and saw Martha and Damien locked in an embrace.
Tate froze for a moment, her heart sinking. She couldn't suppress the bitter thought that crept in. Well, this is a nice view to start the day, she thought, her mind tinged with sarcasm.
Tate wanted to approach Martha, to apologize for cutting her off during the holidays, but she hesitated. She knew she wasn't ready to face Damien—not yet. The idea of being in the same space with him made her stomach churn. Being in the same class was hard enough.
So, she decided to wait. She'd approach Martha once she and Damien were done with their little reunion
After what felt like forever, Damien finally walked into the classroom, leaving Martha alone in the hallway. Tate took a deep breath and approached her.
"Martha," she called out.
Martha turned, her eyes lighting up. "Oh my God, Tate, you're here! I was so worried about you—you barely replied during the holidays. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Martha," Tate replied quietly.
Martha tilted her head, concern still etched on her face. "Are you sure? You left early on the night of the Winter Ball. What happened?"
"Nothing happened," Tate said quickly. "I just started feeling sick. I didn't want to ruin your night, so I called my mom to pick me up."
She couldn't bring herself to tell Martha the truth—not about Damien, not about how that night had shattered her heart . Martha and Damien had their own thing going on, and she didn't how she would react if she told her
"I'm just glad you're okay," Martha said, wrapping her arms around Tate in a quick hug. "I was seriously worried. I even thought about asking for your address so I could show up at your house, but I got caught up with family stuff."
Tate felt a warm ache in her chest. Martha had cared enough to worry, to want to check in on her. And yet, she'd shut her out completely.
"I'm okay now," Tate said softly. "No need to worry. Let's go to class."
As they entered the classroom, Tate made sure not to glance toward the left side—she already knew that's where Damien was sitting. She couldn't handle making eye contact with him right now.
She and Martha took their seats just as Mr. Matthew walked in.
"Welcome back, students," he greeted. "I hope you all had a good holiday. Since this is the first day back, I won't overwhelm you with too much work. However, we'll be starting a group project that will account for 40% of your total grade this term."
The class groaned, and a few students murmured complaints under their breath.
Martha leaned over and whispered, "I hope he lets us pick our partners."
"Me too," Tate replied.
Mr. Matthew continued, "Landon or Tate will help me collect a list of names, and I'll assign the groups randomly."
Another wave of groans swept through the class.
Tate silently prayed that she and Martha would end up in the same group.
By lunchtime, Tate had successfully avoided Damien, and she hoped to keep that streak going till the end of the day. While she and Martha ate together, Tate asked, "So… how was your holiday?"
Martha sighed dramatically. "Chaotic. So many extended family members came over. I was low-key losing my mind. Damien kept me sane, though."
Tate blinked. "Damien?"
"Yeah," Martha said, smiling. "We talked almost every day. He kept calling to check up on me."
Tate studied her closely. The way Martha spoke about Damien, the way she smiled—it made something ache in her chest.
"That's nice," Tate said, trying to sound casual.
Then, against her better judgment, she asked the question she already knew the answer to but needed to hear aloud.
"Do you like him?"
Martha went quiet. That was all the confirmation Tate needed.
"I don't know," Martha said finally. "I don't think so. I'm… not sure."
Tate forced a smile. "It's cool. You guys would make a cute couple."
"Really?" Martha asked, surprised.
"Yeah." The word tasted bitter in her mouth.
"I don't think I'm ready for something like that," Martha admitted. "I'm not down for that yet."
Tate nodded. "Okay."
A ping from Martha's phone interrupted the moment.
"I have to go," she said. "See you in class?"
"Yeah, see you."
Once Martha left, Tate slipped her earpiece in and played some music, closing her eyes. Ten minutes till the end of lunch break.
And then she smelled it.
That familiar scent - wood and fruit. Her heart skipped. She opened her eyes.
Damien was sitting in Martha's seat, looking straight at her.
He looked… different. More handsome. His curls were longer. Tate cursed herself for noticing.
What does he even want from me? she thought bitterly. I'm nothing but an ugly bitch to him, right?
She decided to speak first, her voice flat. "Martha just left a few minutes ago."
"I'm not here for Martha," Damien said.
Tate narrowed her eyes. "Then what are you here for?"
He didn't answer her question. Instead, he said, "Martha said she couldn't reach you during the holidays."
"So?" Tate snapped.
He looked slightly taken aback by her tone. "I just wanted to ask if you were okay. I tried texting you, but it didn't deliver."
Because I blocked you, asshole, she thought.
"I'm fine," she said curtly, rising from her seat. She walked away, heading for the classroom. She didn't want to be around him. Not anymore.
She had to get over him. She had to move on.
The end of the day came quicker than she expected. She didn't have the energy to walk home, so she took the bus. As she stared out the window, her mind spun with thoughts about Damien and Martha.
She needed to get herself out of this situation—without ruining her friendship with Martha. Because despite everything, Martha liked him.
And an idea hit her: what if she helped them get together?
It would hurt, it would break her but maybe that heartbreak would help her move on. Martha would be happy, Damien would have who he liked, and she could finally stop caring.
Everyone would win.
Except her.
But maybe, in the end, she'd win too when she stops having feelings for him and move on
Now… the only question was: how would she pull it off?