Chapter Two

Katie's POV:

The pizza outing with Luke and his friends had been surprisingly enjoyable. They joked around and included me in their conversations. For a few hours, I felt like one of the popular kids. 

When Luke drove me home after, it was just the two of us. He blasted fun music and sang along, making me laugh. I felt totally at ease with him.

When we got to my house, Luke stopped the car. "I'm really glad you could come today," he said, smiling at me. My heart fluttered like crazy. 

"Me too, thanks for inviting me." I hoped he couldn't tell how fast my pulse was racing.

"We should hang out again soon, just the two of us," Luke suggested, looking shy and unsure. It was adorable.

"Y-yeah, that would be awesome!" I stammered. We exchanged numbers before I floated inside, already eager for his next text.

Over the following weeks, Luke and I texted constantly. At school he'd whisper funny comments or wink at me in the halls, making me blush. My crush on him deepened daily.

But Luke also ran hot and cold. Some days he'd ignore me at lunch or ditch me to leave with his jock buddies. I didn't know where I stood with him.

The first time Luke invited me to hang out again was the following Saturday night for a bonfire party in the woods behind school. I wasn't the partying type and hesitated. 

But Julia and Chloe pushed me to go. "He obviously likes you, Katie! This is your chance," Chloe insisted.

So I let Luke pick me up in his flashy car. My excitement sank when we got to the party and I saw Alexa there, hanging under Clark's arm. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted me. 

I tried avoiding her all night, sitting with Luke near the huge bonfire. But eventually Alexa sauntered over with a fake smile. 

"Katie! So glad you could make it," her tone dripped poisoned honey. Luke shifted closer to me protectively. 

"Wow, that flannel is like, so cute on you," she said, wrinkling her nose. "I guess I'll let you hang with us cool kids this one time. Have fun!" Then she flounced off.

I felt instantly deflated. Luke grabbed my hand, whispering "Just ignore her, you're perfect." It helped a little.

But that was only the beginning of Alexa's bullying. Over the next couple weeks, her and her friends "accidentally" spilled drinks on me, tripped me in the halls, and made snide remarks about my outfit choices. 

Our little friend group became her main target. Through it all, Luke stayed friendly with me, but he never made a move to take our relationship further. I agonized over what he really thought of me. 

One afternoon after the final bell, I saw Luke waiting at my locker. My pulse quickened. Was he finally going to ask me out?

But his expression was serious. "Hey Katie, we need to talk..." My heart sank. Here came the rejection speech.

Luke sighed. "You're so amazing. But my friends think I should keep things casual after the bad breakup with Alexa. I still want to be friends, but a relationship could complicate things."

I blinked back tears, mumbling "I understand" before rushing off. His message was clear: I wasn't good enough for someone of his social status. Alexa still had some hold on him.

All weekend I moped around in oversized hoodies, replaying my humiliation. But after a long phone call with my best friend Jenna, I realized Luke didn't deserve my tears. 

Starting Monday, I vowed to hold my head high again. I wore cute outfits and smiled warmly at everyone, ignoring Luke. My friends Chloe and Julia applauded my new confidence. It felt good to ditch the hoodies and heartache.

Two weeks went by with my spirits staying high. Luke tried talking to me a few times after class, but I brushed him off politely. Being near him still hurt, but I stayed strong.

Then after photography club one day, I found Luke waiting by my car. My pulse spiked but I kept walking. 

Luke stepped forward pleadingly. "Can we talk for just a minute? Please Katie?" His eyes were desperate.

I paused. What could it hurt to hear him out? "Okay fine, make it quick."

Luke launched into a speech about missing me and wanting to fix things. He asked me to homecoming, saying I was too special to lose. I knew it took guts for him. But I wouldn't be yanked around again.

"Luke, that means a lot," I said gently. "But I can't go with you if it's a secret. I need someone proud to be with me. I hope we can be friends eventually, but right now I need space. Take care." 

I drove off with mixed emotions, but empowered to stand up for myself.

****

The weeks following homecoming were up and down. I was proud of myself for turning Luke down, but it still hurt seeing him in the halls every day. He tried approaching me a few more times, but I did my best to avoid getting sucked back in. 

My friends were hugely supportive, defending me when Alexa made snarky comments about Luke "dumping" me. Their loyalty meant everything. 

I also continued going to photography club after school. It was relaxing being behind the camera, playing with lighting and finding unique angles. Sarah encouraged me to submit some of my best shots to the yearbook.

One day after photography club, I was walking to my car when I heard raised voices around the corner. I recognized Alexa's shrill tone. Pressing myself against the brick wall, I eavesdropped.

"Luke, I can't believe you're still moping over that wannabe Katie! You need to move on."

"We're just friends, Alexa. Let it go," Luke sounded annoyed. My chest tightened hearing them talk about me.

"As if! I see the way you look at her. Did you ask her to homecoming? God, have some self-respect!" 

"I said let it go! You're one to talk, all over Clark weeks after we broke up." Luke's voice rose angrily. 

Alexa scoffed. "At least I don't slum it with random new girls to make you jealous. Come on Luke, you know you still want me. Katie's just a phase."

I crept away, tears stinging my eyes. So Alexa thought I was just Luke's ploy to get under her skin? Did he actually still have feelings for her? It was too painful to ponder. I drove home in a daze.

The next morning, I put extra effort into looking nice, wearing a flattering dress and styling my hair. I needed a confidence boost after overhearing Alexa's cutting words. 

In English class, out of nowhere Luke passed me a note. My hands shook slightly as I unfolded it.

Meet me behind the bleachers after school. Need to explain some things. Please. - Luke

I sucked in a breath. What could he possibly have to explain? My mind raced as I folded the note back up hastily. I'd just have to wait and see.

The rest of the day dragged by. When the final bell rang, my nerves skyrocketed. I walked out to the football field, seeing Luke pacing behind the bleachers. Taking a deep breath, I approached him.

"Hey," I said softly. Luke turned, relief washing over his face.

"Katie, thanks for coming. Look, I need to apologize..." he began.

I held up a hand. "Luke, it's okay. I know you still have feelings for Alexa. I overheard you two talking after photography club yesterday."

Luke looked shocked. "You heard that?" I nodded, not meeting his eyes.

"Katie, listen. Alexa means nothing to me. It's you I care about. Please let me explain." His green eyes implored me desperately. 

I hesitated, not knowing what to believe. But he seemed so sincere. "Okay fine, explain."

Luke took a shaky breath. "I still have some residual feelings for Alexa just because of our history. But since you came along, everything changed. You're the one I want to be with. Alexa was trying to manipulate me into getting back together, but nothing happened, I swear. Please believe me."

He gazed at me anxiously. I thought it over, wanting to trust him but still feeling unsure. 

"How do I know this isn't some game where you're just using me to get back at Alexa?" I asked. "I won't be toyed with, Luke."

"You're not some game to me!" Luke exclaimed. "I know I made mistakes but I'm telling the truth. Isn't there some way I can prove myself to you?"

His eyes bore into mine desperately. My heart ached for him in spite of my doubts. Could this really work if we were willing to be vulnerable with each other? 

I was about to respond when suddenly, Alexa stepped out from behind a nearby truck, smiling viciously. 

"Well isn't this cozy..." she purred. My stomach dropped. How much had she heard?