Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

I stepped onto the stage with a pounding heart. My hands trembled as I reached for the microphone hanging on its stand. From the corner of my eye, I could see that Amy looked annoyed. I could also see hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at me under the bright lights.

“Hey, everyone. I’m Fenella Baxter,” I said nervously.

Suddenly, the spotlight moved, this time illuminating Laird. Now I could see him clearly from the stage. His gaze outshone all other gazes, and for me, there was nothing more important than him at that moment.

“Hi, Laird. You must be wondering why I’m here. Surprise!” I laughed nervously, but no one else joined in.

“Uh, okay.” I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I gazed thoughtfully at Laird, who was also looking back at me from the front of the stage.

“I’m so glad to be with you, Laird. Since childhood, we’ve always been together in Boston. We were always together throughout elementary school, and I consider those times to be very memorable.” I chuckled softly as I remembered.

“At first, it never occurred to me to attend this prestigious school, but because I wanted to accompany you, I struggled.” I gulped for a second.

“Even though I wasn’t good academically, I fought. It was all because I wanted to always be by your side, to go through all the difficulties and then forget them with our laughter at bad jokes.” I took a breath.

“I want our teenage years to be filled with laughter like when we were kids. I don’t want to miss any more moments, to lose you, because it’s so difficult to be away from you.”

“Life is not always easy. I realize that now. You taught me that, hey, it’s okay not to be perfect; it’s okay to be hurt. You remain yourself, and people aren’t judged by their appearance.”

Tears slowly streamed down my face as I remembered how difficult it was for Laird to deal with his family problems. I remembered sitting together on the morning bus.Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

My chest felt tight again as I remembered Laird’s gloomy face, his sad gaze, and his slumped shoulders. Memories of our first kiss and all of Laird’s words to keep a distance flooded back.

“I know I can’t do anything to solve your problems, but I will offer the only thing I have: myself. Even though I can’t help you, I will accompany you through it all. When everything around you looks dark and everyone is against you, I will hold your hand so you know that you are not alone.”

Even though I was bullied by Amy and my housemates throughout my high school years, I could get through it all because I knew Laird would always be there for me. He never judged me, not even when I dyed my hair brown because Amy forced me or when my grades dropped. I thought I was the one who had been with him all this time, but in reality, he was always the one by my side.

“That’s why, Laird, I don’t want to be separated from you anymore. After this, we will go to different universities. I’m so afraid that I won’t be able to see you again; I won’t be able to hear your jokes or your scolding when you teach me calculus-God, I’m so bad at that subject.”

I sighed in frustration amidst my tears. The audience then laughed at me. I bowed my head and shook it. I bit my lower lip and then looked back at Laird.

“I don’t want to go through empty days like when we were separated in junior high.”

I wiped my tears away. I swore I could hear some sobbing in the room. But only one has caught my attention right now: the dark-blond boy who was under the spotlight.

“So, let me stay with you longer, Laird. Even though we will go to different universities, I am sure that, with a strong bond, we will still be closely connected. Let fate still intertwine me with you.”

“I like you, Laird Evans. I love you.” My voice echoed loudly in the now-silent room.

“Let me stay with you a little longer.”

Laird and I still locked eyes from a distance. I had poured out all the honesty in my heart. Without a script, without an exaggerated story, without memorization, just the honesty of my feelings. All the fears, anxieties, and hopes I had expressed.

Someone clapped loudly. Then the applause grew louder, and they cheered. I looked at the audience around the stage and smiled slightly. They cheered my name with full support.

“Oh, Fenella! This is so touching! I even cried in the corner of the stage when I saw you cry like that.” The host came and hugged my shoulder.

“Although this is very touching, remember, we are still in a special session. Now it’s time for you to give your votes!”

The host then walked to the side of the stage with a flamboyant demeanor. His red tailcoat waved as he walked from one side of the stage to the other.

“Who told the truth? Who will be chosen by our famous Mr. Evans?” The host whispered to create more tension.

“And most importantly, who will take home the voting prize money from you all?!”

With a loud roar, the host shouted the question. The audience immediately cheered enthusiastically. They clapped their hands loudly, and their voices echoed throughout the auditorium.

“Whoever Laird chooses, the voting money he receives will be given to the participant! Isn’t that great?” The host smiled widely, and the audience cheered even louder.

“For the participant who is not chosen by Laird, the voting money will be donated to the charity chosen by the participant. Aren’t we all angels? Applause for Whitehill Academy!”

“Come on, vote as much as you can! Your time is only ten minutes to buy your voting tickets at the ticket booth.”

The whole room roared, then the lights dimmed again. The host escorted me off the stage. There, Skye, my best friend, immediately hugged me tightly.

“I’m so proud of you, Fenella. I’m sure your honesty will reach his heart,” Skye said with an encouraging smile.

“Well, well, well, look who’s here? Fenella Baxter.” Amy walked up to me with the same sly smile as when we first met.