Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

“Laird!”

I exclaimed, playfully squeezing his thigh. This time, he burst into laughter. Oh, how relieved I felt to see him laugh again. I joined in the laughter. My fingers then tickled him, and we both giggled on the quite crowded bus.

Shortly after, the bus arrived at my school’s bus stop. I squeezed his hand and gathered the courage to kiss Laird’s cheek. He immediately blushed.

“I’ll go first.” I waved my hand at him, and he waved back at me with a shy smile.

I got off at the still-deserted school bus stop. I couldn’t believe that I managed to wake up earlier just to catch the same bus as Laird. He attended a higher-ranked private school that was farther away from mine. As I reconsidered everything, I realized that I was walking to my school alone.

I wondered how I could get through the days that felt empty without Laird. Our situation was vastly different from our elementary school days. Everything seemed lighthearted at first, but now I feel a heavy cloud above my head.

***

“Mom was caught cheating.”

Lloyd and I were talking on the school field’s sidelines. We spent our lunchtime today trying to make sense of things. I sat next to Lloyd, sipping on cold yogurt, while he chewed on a sandwich.

“Mrs. Evans?” I asked again, holding my breath.

I couldn’t believe it, but Lloyd nodded. In my eyes, Mrs. Evans was a cold, hardworking woman. She was a corporate lawyer just like Mr. Evans, and according to my father, they founded a large firm together. I often saw her car pulling into her garage after 9 p. m., almost every night.

She often wore expensive designer blazers with various stylish outfits, accompanied by jewelry and bags that matched her clothes’ luxury. In my view, she always appeared impressive with her seemingly modern and independent career.

In stark contrast, my mother spent more time at charitable foundations. She always chose simple clothes without overly flashy accessories.

“What happened last night?” I asked, stuttering.

“From what I know, Dad and Mom were yelling at each other. Dad was shouting about Mom cheating. Mom was furious and left in the car, as you saw. Laird tried to stop Mom, but she left anyway.”

Lloyd gazed at the boys playing soccer. He still casually chewed on his sandwich.

“I think Laird is the most hurt. It seems he knows more about Mom and Dad’s relationship than I do. Still, he won’t depend on me.” Lloyd then turned to me.

“He has always been like that. He always cares for me, supports me, and sees me as a younger brother who needs to be protected by him. He won’t rely on me, let alone talk about his feelings to me.”

“But I think you can.” Lloyd straightened up and looked at me intently this time.

“Will you accompany him? No matter how difficult it is, even though he’s very stubborn, will you still be there for him?”

I pondered his questions. I replayed all the moments with Laird since we were little. This time, I didn’t want to run away during tough times with him. I didn’t want to regret leaving Laird like we did in elementary school. I didn’t want to abandon him when he needs me.

“Yes. I’ll be there for him. I won’t leave him, so he doesn’t feel alone. I promise.”

I knew I was a proud girl. I didn’t even know how tough it would be, but I dared to promise Lloyd such a thing.

“In that case, please stay by his side. You’ve made a promise. If you break your promise, I’ll come back to you and ask you out again.”

I was shocked and panicked immediately. I was worried that Lloyd would find out about my first kiss with Laird. My face turned red, and I stuttered, searching for the right words.

“Don’t worry. Without knowing the details, I already know about you two.” Lloyd smiled mischievously, much like Laird.

“From his expression when he came home that afternoon, I knew something had happened. I hope he has been honest with you.”

“He didn’t say anything.”

Technically, he didn’t say anything. Laird didn’t utter any words of love or affection. I felt like I had to interpret his actions myself.

“I’m sorry, Lloyd.” I apologized to him.

I was in a mess. I went on a date with the younger brother during the day, and in the evening, I was kissing his older brother. Although it should have been clear that I am not a cheap girl, there I went back and forth with the Evans brothers.

“Well, here you go.” He then handed me a small, folded brochure from his pants pocket.

“What’s this?” I asked as I took the blue brochure from him.

“The high school he chose. It was actually our father’s target, but Laird agreed because they have a baseball team that supposedly has good connections with college coaches.”

I read the brochure and opened it more clearly. My mouth dropped open, and I immediately stuttered.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

“I know. Dad hopes he will enter through the academic submission from this school, but for Laird, coming in through the athletic way is just as good as long as he can get into Harvard.”

“But this is the number one private boarding high school in Massachusetts.” I still gaped wide while reading the brochure.

“Yes, but you promised to accompany him, right?”