Becca

"Becca, it's time for school." My mothers voice drifted into my ears, waking me up. I opened my eyes to the bright sunlight filtering in through my bedroom window, casting my entire room in a pale, yellow glow. The sun reflected off the wall adjacent to it, rainbow prisms dancing on the spots it touched.

I rolled to the side, propping my head up on my hand as I stared at my mother. She was sitting on the edge of my bed, smiling down at me. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun, her blue eyes looking as youthful as ever.

I couldn't help but smile at her, making her face scrunch up in confusion.

"You never smile in the morning. What's going on?" She asked, her voice full of concern. I chewed on my lip thoughtfully and ignored her question.

"Nothing, Mom. Can't I wake up in a good mood?" I replied, sitting up in bed and stretching my arms over my head, yawning loudly.

"You can...but you never do," she said, watching me thoughtful as her eyes scanned my face. "I have to get to work. I'll see for you dinner?"

I nodded. "Have a good day," I said as she leaned in and kissed my cheek. I continued to smile at her, making her shake her head and laugh as she exited my room.

Once she was gone, I flopped back down in bed and stared up at my ceiling, feeling absolutely giddy.

Not just giddy. Happy. Hopeful. Excited. All emotions I haven't properly felt in what felt like forever.

I want to kiss you again, Brett's low voice echoed in my mind, making my grin stretch even wider.

I just wanted to see him. And kiss him. And tell him that maybe I am finally ready to be more with him.

I don't know what changed inside me to make me so eager, but something definitely did. After that nightmare, my heart was racing at the thought of losing Brett and when I woke up, hearing his voice, knowing that he was alright, was enough.

He was enough.

No, he was more than enough.

The past few months I felt like I was teetering on the edge of a cliff, my arms flailing at my side as I struggled to maintain my balance and not take the leap. And I did. Day after day, I managed to remain on the edge, balancing on the invisible line of friendship that Brett and I created between us.

But today I felt different. I didn't need my arms to keep me balanced because I didn't want to stay balanced. I was tired of living on the edge of the cliff, afraid of what may lay below me. For the first time, I wanted to jump - I wanted to take the leap with Brett.

The desperation I felt to see him was eating away inside of me. I was actually excited to go to school for once, because school meant Brett.

I swung my legs over the bed and sighed, butterflies already swarming in my stomach at the thought of seeing him soon.

I got ready as fast as I could, pulling on my uniform, brushing on a hint of mascara and leaving my hair down to flow around my shoulders. Brett liked it when my hair was down, he loved to twirl his fingers around locks absentmindedly.

I smiled again and skipped down the hallway, deciding to skip breakfast and eat at school instead. I was so excited to see Brett that I couldn't sit still.

I put in my headphones and began to walk the familiar route to school, a skip in my step as I eagerly anticipated the day ahead of me.

Today was the day.

* * *

I stood at my locker, pretending to look busy as I waited for Brett to arrive. The hallway was slowly filling up with students, chatter beginning to fill the air around me.

I glanced down the hallway, first to my left and then to my right. But he wasn't there. Sighing, I turned back to my locker and pretended to look busy.

Where is he? I thought.

I began to reorganize my books for the fifth time when a shadow fell over me. I felt his presence vibrating though me before I even saw him.

"Morning," his voice made my head spin as he leaned in and kissed my cheek. "I missed you," he whispered in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I slowly turned my body to the left to see him, preparing myself for the onset of feelings that were about to wash over me. My eyes met his and my breath caught in my throat. Would I ever get used to his utter perfection?

Brett's damp hair was pulled back off his face, making it appear darker than normal, a single lock falling familiarly over his right eye. His face was freshly shaven, the stubble that usually decorated his jaw was missing. I had the sudden urge to run my hand along his skin but I reluctantly stopped myself.

My eyes trailed down his face until I was staring at his full lips, the memory of the moment we shared on the rooftop burning into my mind and making my heart race. His mouth pulled up into a smirk and I unwillingly removed my gaze from his lips, looking up to meet his eyes as they stared down at me, shining with a brilliant happiness that warmed me from head to toe.

"I missed you too," I finally replied, staring up at him happily with a grin plastered to my face.

"You did?" He asked, his face softening as he reached forward and twirled a piece of my hair around his finger, just like I hoped he would.

"I did," I replied, titling my face to the side so my cheek pressed into his hand, eager for his touch.

His eyes held mine for a moment and we said nothing and everything at the same time.

The school bell rang and he smiled, letting go of my hair and reaching around me to close my locker. He looped his fingers around my bag strap and slid it off my shoulder, swinging it around his as we walked down the hallway together to English class.

"You know," Brett began, placing his hand on the small of my back as the hallway became crowded with students walking to class, "English has quickly become my favourite class."

"Why is that?" I asked, already knowing what his answer would be - the same reason English was my favourite class.

"Because," he paused, staring down at me for dramatic effect. "You're in it," he finished, making the butterflies reclaim their rightful spot in my belly.

I stared up at him, smiling like a maniac. "Funny, I was just thinking the exact same thing."

Brett grinned from ear to ear, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me tight against his side as we continued through the crowded hallway.

In English class, we sat at our usual seats, side-by-side in the last row. We had finished studying Romeo and Juliet weeks ago, now moving onto The Great Gatsby, which I was excited for having read it years ago for fun. Mrs. Copper stood at the front of the class, going on about the novel in her monotone, put-me-to-sleep voice.

Brett jokingly yawned beside me and I stifled a laugh, smiling behind my hand so the teacher wouldn't notice. He then poked me in the stomach, making a loud giggle escape my mouth and earning me a terrifying glare from Mrs. Copper. I shrank down in my seat as her eyes met mine, looking away awkwardly. I subtly titled my head to the left to frown at Brett, but his head was hunched over in his hands, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter which only made me smile even more.

Minutes later, I was completely engrossed in Mrs. Copper's lecture. For once, I actually found myself eagerly listening to what she had to say, probably because, for once, she seemed to be interested in what she was talking about. Her face was animated, eyes bright as she spoke about Gatsby's love for Daisy, her tone showcasing an air of admiration. I was listening intently to her until Brett slid a small, folded piece of paper onto my notebook that caught my attention.

I stared at it blankly for a second before picking it up and gently unfolding it with my fingers.

Can I drive you home after school? I want to talk to you about something, the note read. I read it over twice before glancing at Brett who was staring straight ahead of him, a smile on his lips.

Depends on what you want to talk about, I scribbled back quickly, placing the note in the middle of his desk. Brett reached down quickly and unfolded the paper, grinning as he glanced at me from the corner of his eye before writing a reply. I smiled to myself, this felt like middle school all over again.

He gently placed the note in my palm, turning his body towards me slightly to watch me open it.

Us, the note read. One word, a million emotions.

I glanced up at Brett, he was watching me intently, his blue eyes shining brightly.

Okay, I mouthed, my eyes never leaving his. He smiled broadly, his entire face lighting up because of my answer. My heart flipped in my chest, so many emotions and thoughts running though my head. I simply smiled in return. Later, we could talk.

Later, I would tell Brett I was ready to cross the line that had divided us for too long.

The bell rang and I jumped in my seat, startled by the sudden noise. Brett laughed beside me, his eyes dancing as he watched me. I blushed and looked away, packing up my things into my bag as Brett stood, waiting for me.

"I'll see you at lunch?" I asked him when we were standing outside Mrs. Copper's class, preparing to go separate ways for next period. I don't know why I even bothered asking, we ate lunch together every single day, but something in me needed that confirmation. Needed to know that he would be there waiting for me when the time came.

"I'll save you a spot," he replied kindly. He reached up and brushed the back of his hand on my cheek slowly, his fingers lingering on my skin. His eyes held mine for a moment longer than necessary. He pulled back and let out a sigh, closing his eyes for a second. I stood there frozen, watching the rise and fall of Brett's chest. He opened his eyes and smiled down at me before turning around and walking away.

I remained still for a minute, watching his retreating form as my cheek tingled from the feel of his fingers. Life went on around me as students walked to class, chatting loudly about something I wasn't paying attention to, nor cared about. I just watched Brett: the way his broad frame moved through the hallways; the way the muscles in his back rippled under his tight button-up shirt as his arms swung at his side.

He reached the staircase and turned back to me, one hand resting on the door handle. Our eyes met and he winked, a familiar action that never failed to make me smile. He retreated through the door, now out of sight. I pulled myself together and walked to my next class, wishing for the period to go by quickly.

* * *

"Do not forget to study for the chapter test this Friday!" Mr. Wright's voice boomed through the classroom but I was already halfway out the door, making my way to the cafeteria.

I moved through the hallways quickly, swerving in and out of students and passing by my locker, deciding to not drop off my books as my impatience to see Brett reached an all-time high. No matter how much time we spent together today, it never felt like enough. If my heart's capacity could be measured, it would be verging on empty right now. Brett was the only one that could make it feel full again.

I was speed walking through the mass of students now, turning into the stairwell and running down the steps quickly, my feet moving with a mind of their own.

I exited the stairs and quickly turned left, slamming face first into a hard body.

"Ow!" I cried out, my books falling out of my hands and scattering around the floor as my head throbbed from where it hit the person's shoulder.

The person turned around quickly, instinctively reaching down to gather my books off the floor.

"Becca?" They said, laughter in their voice.

My vision cleared and I was staring into a pair of familiar and warm chocolate-brown eyes, a single blond curl falling over his forehead.

"Parker!" I exclaimed, completely embarrassed that I had walked into him face first. He laughed, his curls bouncing lively over his head as he took in my bewildered expression.

"Where's the fire?" He joked, still chuckling as he retrieved my books from the floor and held them out to me.

"Thanks," I replied sheepishly, taking my books and shoving them into my bag, something I should have done before my mad dash to the cafeteria. "I'm meeting someone for lunch, so..." I trailed off, not wanting to go into detail.

"Wait. What are you doing here?" I asked. I had been in such a frenzy I didn't even realize the oddness of Parker's appearance at school. A school he graduated from two years ago. He looked out of place in his casual business attire, amidst the swarm of students in matching uniform.

He smiled and held up a series of papers stapled together. "Jen left her essay at home. I came to drop it off," he shrugged.

"I don't know what's more surprising. You being such a nice brother or Jenny actually doing her homework," I joked, making him laugh, a carefree sound escaping his lips.

"Definitely the latter," he winked, reminding me of Brett.

Brett, I thought. He was waiting for me.

I shifted on my feet, awkwardly nodding towards the cafeteria. "I should go, someone's waiting for me." I said, hoping Parker would get the hint.

"Oh, of course," he replied, smiling at me kindly.

I began to walk away when he called my name. I turned around and watched him expectingly.

"Remember at the pizza parlour a couple days ago, I wanted to ask you something before we got interrupted?" Parker asked, still smiling. Did he ever not smile? He always seemed so darn happy.

"Yes..." I trailed off, nervous to hear what was coming next.

"Well," he began, "my families new hotel is having a grand-opening next weekend and they're hosting an event in it. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me."

He fidgeted nervously, his eyebrows drawn downwards as he awaited my response. I had never seen him look disheveled before, cracks beginning to form in his care-free persona.

"Parker, that's nice of you to ask. But I thought we agreed we were just friends?" I asked, confused as to what he was hoping would come out of this night. He had made it crystal clear we were friends and nothing more, an agreement I was perfectly content with and planned on upholding.

He chuckled at my question, a smile returning to his face. "Not as a date, Becca. As friends," he emphasized the last word. "There's going to be investors there and a whole lot of business-talk. The nights going to suck, to be frank. I want you to come as a friend, that's it. This way, it won't be so bad." He finished, shrugging as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, suddenly feeling embarrassed all over again. I jumped to conclusions and thought Parker wanted to ask me out on a date, but that wasn't the case at all. I smiled, feeling more at ease now that he clarified. "Then sure, I'd love to come."

Parker opened his mouth to respond when Jenny walked up to his side, wrapping her arm around his shoulder as if to stake her territory, her eyes glaring at me.

"Brett wasn't enough for you, Becca? You need to go after my brother as well?" She spat, making Parker roll his eyes as he handed the essay to her.

"You're welcome," he said flatly as she plucked it out of his fingers quickly, turning her head to smile at him, all traces of anger leaving her face momentarily as she looked at her brother.

Seeing the two of them standing side by side was startling, I never realized how much they actually looked alike. Their hair was identical, tight, platinum blonde curls that stood out over their caramel skin. They both had thin, narrow eyes, except that Jenny's were an icy blue and Parker's were a warm brown. Their faces were slender, all bone and sharp angles. They were even built the same, tall and lean, with long, thin legs.

"I was just asking Becca to come to the gala with me next weekend," Parker said casually, making my eyes widen in horror. I expected Jenny to lash out, to scream and throw a fit of rage over the thought of her brother and I attending their families event together. But, to my surprise, she didn't. Instead, she did what I least expected.

She turned her attention back to me and smiled. A real, genuine smile that stretched across her face and made her eyes crinkle at the corners. "That's wonderful!" She gushed, her rosy red lips forming a perfect O on her face. "You should definitely come, Becca. My parents always throw the best parties. It'll be so much fun. And, we get to dress up!" She said, her voice sounding completely sincere.

"Uhm, okay..." I trailed off, my mind struggling to understand what the hell was happening right now. Jenny was being nice to me. Did hell freeze over and I wasn't aware?

Parker took in my confused expression and laughed, stepping in to my rescue. "She already agreed to come as my friend, Jen. No need to convince her," He said, nudging her with his arm.

"Perfect!" Jenny exclaimed, clapping once and making her curls bounce around her head. "Thanks for the essay, big brother," she said, kissing Parker quickly on the cheek and leaving a red stain on his skin. She laughed and smudged it off as he rolled his eyes.

I watched them in awe, it was mesmerizing. Jenny regarded her brother with a look of intense admiration, I could tell that she not only loved him, but she looked up to him. I had never seen her act this way around anyone before, only him. I wondered if this was the real Jenny, if this is what she was like when she didn't hide behind the fake persona she displayed at school.

Jenny whispered something to Parker before turning and walking away, making her way down the hallway and through the cafeteria doors, leaving the two of us alone again.

"See," Parker said, nodding at the spot Jenny just occupied. "She's not so bad."

For the briefest of seconds, I actually thought he may be right.

"I'll text you the details about the gala. Thanks for agreeing to come with me, " He said, the friendly smile returning to his face.

"Like Jenny said, I'm sure it'll be fun." I replied, still dazed by this entire interaction.

"Oh, it will be. My parent's are extremely extravagant, they know how to throw a party," he said, chuckling to himself.

Before I could respond, the door to the cafeteria burst open and slammed against the wall, catching the attention of every student still lingering in the hallway.

"What the-" Parker turned around towards the door at the same time I did, trying to see what all the commotion was.

My eyes widened in horror when I saw it was Brett. He was barreling down the hallway towards Parker and I, a look of pure murder on his face. His hands were balled into tight fists at his side, his knuckles a stark white as he quickly walked down the hallway, heading right towards us.

"Brett!" I yelled, watching in a panic as he got closer, he eyes narrowed into angry slits. He was staring at Parker like he was about to rip his throat out.

Before I could react and try to stop him, Brett walked right up to Parker and lunged at him, punching him squarely in the face with so much force that Parker flew backwards, his body knocking into the lockers behind him before he slid to the ground, a trail of blood immediately spilling down his face.

I was frozen. Unable to move, watching helplessly as the scene in front of me unfolded into a complete nightmare. It didn't feel real, like I was