Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Paris

“Uh, hi.” I awkwardly waved at the girl, who was already beaming at me. She seemed nice enough, but I couldn’t understand why she was in my spot.

“Hi, I’m Asia,” she said, pushing her hand out the window.

I eyed Colton knowingly. “Asia, huh?”

“My name is not actually Asia. It’s Anastasia. I gave myself that nickname when Colton told me about you. And since it’s a part of the name, why not, right?” she elaborated with a laugh, acting like it wasn’t weird at all.

“Well, nice to meet you, Anastasia. I guess I’ll just…” My words trailed as I sat in the backseat of Colton’s jeep. It felt strange.

Was she his girlfriend? Of course not. I would’ve known. Colton didn’t mention her to me once, which worried me in more ways than one. Either he’s not telling me everything again, or he was aware of my feelings and didn’t want to hurt me. She didn’t attend our school. I have never seen her. Yet, I had no idea how to steady my thoughts, trying to make sense of it.

“So, Col, you didn’t tell me you had a date,” I said, trying hard not to sound edgy.

“Oh, he hasn’t told you yet? We’ve been dating for a while now.” Anastasia beamed. I noticed she had an American accent, which explained why I hadn’t seen her before.

“No, actually, this is my first time learning about you.” If I weren’t looking, I would’ve missed the flash of hurt that ran across her eyes.

A moment of silence passed among us, as if no one knew what to say.

“I wanted to introduce you in person,” Colton finally said, trying to justify the means. I noticed the rigidity in his biceps and shoulders, along with how tight he gripped the steering wheel.

Anastasia kept a smile plastered on her face before replying, trying to sound calm and collected. “You told me about her, though.” Another beat of silence lingered.

Perhaps I was wrong for it, but pride welled in my heart at the selfish thought that he spoke of me to her. Still, even though he told her about me, I still couldn’t shake the fact that my best friend was dating someone, and he kept it from me. From me! I couldn’t tell what hurt worse: that I didn’t know, or that I wish I hadn’t known.

So much for a perfect night.

As soon as we pulled into the school car park, I hopped from the car. I had no intention of being around them tonight, though I wasn’t trying to be bitter. But a bomb like that needed processing time—a lot of processing time.

I made my way inside, hoping to find Shanae. She knew about my crush, so I had hoped she would’ve said something to make me feel better. However, when I told her, she didn’t seem the least bit shaken as I was.

“Well, that sucks,” she mumbled with what she presumed was a reassuring pat on my back.

I hung my mouth open as I ogled her in disbelief. “That’s all you have to say? You’re no help,” I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.

“The truth hurts, love. Live with it.”

“Sometimes, I wished you were more of a sappy girl,” I said with an eye roll.

She laughed and followed me to the table filled with food. I grabbed a cup and poured myself some punch, but Shanae snatched it from me with a disapproving gaze.

“That’s spiked. Don’t drink it.”

“I’m thirsty,” I whined before letting the liquid glide down my throat. Indeed, I could taste the alcohol, but I didn’t care.

“You realise that’s spiked, right?” a familiar voice said from behind me. I froze, guarding my features before facing him.

“Yes, I am aware,” I said in a calm tone. Anastasia glued herself to Colton’s side, but I tried not to focus on her. If things got serious between them, we would have to become somewhat friends. I wasn’t such a brat on a typical day. But I can’t be blamed for being difficult.

“Can we talk?” he asked with a sigh. I had no problem speaking to him, but I also had no intention of doing so with the doll stuck to him. “Alone,” he added, and she eventually let go.

I followed him into the halls in silence. He played with his hands, keeping his gaze downcast with guilt in his eyes.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” he said. I knew that was precisely what he would’ve stated.

Instead of saying what he hoped I would, I said the opposite. “Yes, you should’ve.”

“I didn’t want you to be upset.”

“Why would I be upset?” I raised an eyebrow at him as I shifted my weight to my right leg.

It seemed as if he didn’t know the answer himself, so I dropped the topic for his sake.

“Look, it’s okay. You wanted to introduce us in person. I get it. Let’s just get back, okay?”

“Wait, I need to know if you’ll be okay with us being…” His voice trailed, and he seemed timid as he avoided my gaze.

That’s when I realised Anastasia might just be permanent—at least for a while. It would no longer be just Colton and Paris. Instead, it would be Colton, Paris, and her.

“As long as you’re happy.” I shrugged.

Besides, how long will Anastasia even last? Nobody’s that perfect. I sounded like a bitter, jealous hypocrite. I didn’t want to be any of that, but I couldn’t help it.

“Thanks, Paris.” He pulled me to his chest and kissed my head. “I need you to know that this won’t change a thing between us, okay?”

I only nodded, knowing damn well that this would change everything. But what can I do, right? Except waiting.