CHAPTER 12

12

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**Today was my birthday. I was finally 18.**

A milestone, a turning point I had been eagerly waiting for. Time had flown by in the blink of an eye. Aidan and I had been together for six months already, but the past few weeks had brought a bit of distance between us—mostly because of our football team.

The regional finals were just two weeks away, and as the captain, Aidan carried the heavy responsibility of keeping his team motivated. That meant daily practices and a hectic schedule. Still, he always found time for me—even if our moments together had become more rare.

That morning, I'd received tons of gifts—thoughtful little things from friends and family. But the one gift I truly longed for was Aidan's. He'd hinted at something special, though I had no clue what it might be. As I made my way to my locker, I hoped I'd find him there, or at least a sign from him. But when I arrived, the hallway felt empty. He wasn't there.

A flicker of disappointment tugged at my chest, but I quickly brushed it away. I focused on what I had to do, grabbing my books and trying not to think too much.

Then, as I opened my last book, something slipped out—a small, folded card tucked inside. It was neatly crafted, and I unfolded it carefully. At the very back of the locker, I noticed a jersey—with his name and number printed on the back. As I read the card, a smile crept across my lips:

**"You'll wear it for the finals—and I'll be wearing one with your name on it.

Head to the back parking lot by the TER to get your real present.

Your lovebug."**

My heart raced. Aidan always knew how to surprise me, how to make every moment feel special. A jersey with my name on it... it was more than just a gift—it was a symbol of our bond, a promise to stand together through it all.

I took a deep breath, my curiosity blooming. He was asking me to meet him at the back parking lot—the spot we sometimes escaped to just the two of us. But this time, it felt like something more. Without wasting a second, I made my way there, excitement pounding in my chest. Whatever was waiting for me, I knew it would make this day unforgettable.

When I got to the lot, near Aidan's car, I spotted him—talking with Taylor. They looked serious. Too serious.

My instincts kicked in. Quietly, I moved closer, staying out of sight, trying to catch their conversation. But the words I overheard sent a chill down my spine.

**Taylor:** *"Did you tell Kaylee?"*

**Aidan:** *"Get out of here, Taylor."*

**Taylor:** *"If you really love her, you have to tell her."*

The tension in the air was thick, something heavy hanging between them. I knew it was time to step out and face whatever was going on.

**Me:** *"Tell me what?"*

Aidan's face changed instantly—panic, guilt, something I couldn't quite name flickering in his eyes. And I hated the way it made me feel—uneasy, cold.

**Me:** *"What are you two talking about, Aidan?"*

**Aidan:** *"Nothing at all."*

**Taylor:** *"Liar."*

**Me:** *"If it's nothing, then why this secret conversation?"*

The tension was building, and Aidan—usually so confident—looked like he was about to lose control. Then, he looked at me, hard and commanding.

**Aidan:** *"Please, Juliette. Get in the car."*

**Me:** *"No! Don't call me that."*

He had used the nickname—*Juliette*—one he rarely ever used. And something about it unsettled me. He was angrier than usual. Did I mention he scared me a little when he got like this?

But Taylor, unfazed by the storm brewing between us, went ahead and dropped the bomb.

**Taylor:** *"You want to know the truth? Fine. That photo you got of Malcolm with some girl... it wasn't what it looked like. That girl was me. And no—I didn't sleep with him. I drugged him and laid him on the bed to stage the whole thing."*

His words hit like a punch to the gut. My thoughts spiraled.

**Me:** *"Did he know?"*

**Aidan:** *"Yes."*

**Me:** *"And you didn't tell me…"*

**Aidan:** *"That's right."*

I stared at him, heartbroken. The truth crashed over me, leaving me frozen.

**Me:** *"Oh my god… Aidan, why didn't you tell me sooner?"*

**Aidan:** *"What did you expect me to say? That you should run back to Malcolm? Fine. If you want to see him, go. Do whatever you want."*

His words were cold. Brutal. He turned his back on me, climbed into his car, and slammed the door. He drove off without another glance, leaving me standing there, numb and spinning.

Taylor looked at me, calm as ever.

**Taylor:** *"I imagined this moment. Honestly, it's even better than I expected."*

Betrayal, confusion, anger—all surged through me. Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them.

**Me:** *"I thought we were friends, Taylor…"*

He shrugged with a cruel smile.

**Taylor:** *"You believe in a lot of things, sweetheart."*

I didn't know what to think anymore. Why had he lied to me all this time? Why had Aidan kept me in the dark? The truth was here—ugly and unforgiving—and I had no choice but to face it.

---

**Two days after the breakup, the news had spread across the school.**

I had braced myself for judgment, expecting people to be happy we were finally over. Maybe even relieved. But surprisingly, most people were shocked—even disappointed. They said we looked good together, that they didn't understand why we broke up.

If only they knew. If only they knew what really happened behind the scenes.

Malcolm, of course, knew. He probably assumed I'd left Aidan because I still had feelings for him. That my heart couldn't let go. At first, I thought the same—that it was only a matter of time before I admitted the truth to myself.

But the real reason I ended things wasn't that at all.

What shattered me, what sent me into a rage, was Aidan's betrayal. The lie. The fact that he made a decision behind my back, without any respect for me. He played me for a fool—and I couldn't forgive that.

Still, part of me—deep down—still loved him. He had that hold on me. With just one look, he could melt all my defenses. But I couldn't let that power win. I couldn't keep being ruled by feelings that had already hurt me so much.

He didn't even try to fix what he broke. No apology. No attempt to make it right. And that... that was the last straw.

Yes, I was heartbroken. But more than that, I was strong. Too strong to sit around and wait for him to come crawling back. He probably thought I should be the one apologizing, the one chasing after him.

But no. I'd never play that game. I didn't deserve this.

And even if I missed him—even if I ached to run into his arms and erase everything with a kiss—I knew I deserved better.

I deserved someone who wouldn't betray me. Someone who respected me. Someone who loved me without conditions.

He could keep pretending I was the problem. He could keep playing his little games.

But me? I was ready to move on. To rebuild myself.

No matter how much it hurt.

---

**A week had passed since the breakup, but the tension in school had only grown.**

The final was right around the corner, and still, I had no partner. The team seemed ready, but me—I was sitting alone on a bench in the courtyard, hoping that dumb "lovebug" of mine would show up.

I sighed and glanced around, and right then—like magic—Brody walked over.

**Brody:** *"Hey, how are you, Kaylee?"*

I shot him a tired look. I was exhausted.

**Me:** *"Like a run-over donkey. You?"*

**Brody:** *"Probably better than you, I guess."*

He had that playful tone, but I knew there was something more behind it. Something heavier.

**Me:** *"Ha-ha. Love your sarcasm. What do you want?"*

He hesitated, then got straight to the point.

**Brody:** *"It's about Aidan."*

I raised an eyebrow.

**Me:** *"He's dead?"*

**Brody:** *"Almost."*

I stared at him, trying to read him. There was something in his eyes—some kind of knowing spark. He leaned in a little and lowered his voice.

**Brody:** *"The final's in a week. And Aidan… he's completely lost. Like, zombie mode. He barely speaks. He's always muttering about how much he misses you. He's falling apart."*

Frustration surged in me. As much as I wanted to blame him, the truth still hit hard.

How had it come to this?

**Me:** *"So what am I supposed to do?"*

Brody leaned closer, like he was sharing a secret.

**Brody:** *"Go see him, Kaylee. He hides out alone after school, in the locker room. He needs you, but he'll never admit it. And if you're really as bold as you say, prove it. Show him you're not the type to wait around. Come on—you used to love teasing him, right? This is your chance, Kaylee. You *know* he's your dream."*

I clutched my books tighter, heart racing. Maybe Brody was right. Maybe I had to make the first move, even if it meant risking my pride.

But it wasn't that simple. I still loved him. And I didn't know if I could just pretend none of it happened.

**Me:** *"I get it. I'll see what I can do. But don't expect a miracle."*

Brody gave me a knowing smile. I could see the flicker of hope in his eyes.

**Brody:** *"Thank you, Kaylee."*

I nodded, feeling something shift inside me. Maybe—just maybe—I could fix this.

But first, I had to face Aidan, the boy who had broken me and made me whole all at once.

This week was going to be long.

But I knew one thing for sure: it was time to decide.

Time was running out.

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