As usual, I always get to our spot first, like, 30 minutes sometimes an hour earlier than our call time. I don’t know anything about being a simp, but my eyes itch like hell if I don’t get to see Bella. I want to make sure she doesn’t waste a second waiting just to spend time with me. I’ve come to love her predicted reactions whenever she sees me in our spots, waiting for her to arrive. 

“I don’t remember you being an early bird in school, you know?” She told me last time. It is incorrect information. As a matter of fact, even back in Texas, I arrive at school earlier than she does. She knows it as well. People talk behind my back about me being a thief. Not to clear my name out, but it’s all a lie! They get easily terrified every time I stare at them. Even the seniors. So, they offer me their food as a way of worshipping me. Or I’m just being a little delusional. Yet, continues to spread false news about me. Those ers. Anyhow, I dislike everyone else but Bella.

I am completely clueless about what’s taking Bella so long to arrive. I’m getting a little worried now… and confused. I sorta want to ask her what's going on between us. Or is there something between us? 

Whatever it is, I already know what will come after. We can’t be together. I know that for sure. We may be close these past few days, today or even tomorrow, but it will never, by some chance, change the fact that I mistreated and almost killed her. 

I sigh and lean against the tree while holding the bouquet of daisies I picked for Bella just a while ago. It’s not as if I am expecting… or perhaps I am. But who the cares?

Isn’t it too much for Bella? After All that I did to her, how come I'm still expecting something good?

Why am I even thinking about it at this time? It had kept me awake all night trying to figure it out. Can it not slip into my mind just for a second? Seriously, I want to forget that I am simply and a low-key hopeless romantic.

I remember what Bella told me the last time. We are the main characters of our own stories. And that seems possible to me. What if I’m one of the people who have their own stories.. their own books. What a terrible way for them to find out about my thoughts. It’s so embarrassing. 

, what’s taking Bella so long?

I can’t wait to talk to her about everything. She’s literally the only one who speaks when we’re together. I just listen to her most of the time. That just shows how intelligent of a woman she is. Bella is very imaginative and inquisitive. I love that about her. She’s ing amazing and she makes me feel amazing, too. 

A couple of minutes later, I hear distinct noises and footsteps from afar. It’s Bella and … two more? She didn’t say anything about meeting new friends. Or is it okay to bring more people to our spot?

I hope Bella was more considerate. She knows how much I hate crowds and messes.

I turn around, back facing them. I throw the daisies far from the tree so no one would notice that I've been holding on to them for an hour. I stay still until I hear Bella. “Hey, Kristen. More teens are here to hang out with us.”

Damnit, Bella. Ever since she knew about my name, she never stopped calling me Kristen. It’s ing irritating.

“Yow, I heard a lot about you even before Belle came home. Didn’t expect you guys to be schoolmates.” The taller one says and they chuckle on cue.

Belle? That’s what she calls Bella? I’ve never heard such a lame name. And I never thought Bella would allow somebody to call her that.

“Yeah?” I force a chuckle still back-facing them. With respect for Bella’s friends. I stand up, clean up my pants, and face them nonchalantly with a closed smile. Bella will have to ing prepare a long speech for this.

“Woah, you’re damn tall.” Says the girl who’s taller than Bella and her other friend. I suppose they’re related. Twins or simply siblings. They share the same features. 

I just shake my head in denial. , I feel shy. I just wanna go home.

“Oh, right. Kristen, this is Lauren. And Isabelle, her older sister. They are my friends—” Bella begins but the tall girl— Lauren cuts her off. Damn, she pisses me off. 

“Friends?” She says, looking suspiciously at Bella and raising the latter a brow. For some reason, I feel threatened and envious. Aren’t they? Friends, I mean. That’s what Bella said just now. The latter nudges her to the sid