Hayley’s POV


    The weekend flew by in a blur of text messages and social media updates. Kayden and I had been texting almost non-stop since our encounter at the mall, and I found myself looking forward to his messages more than I cared to admit. But now, it was Monday morning, and reality came crashing back as I walked into Moonlight College.


    I made my way to my locker, weaving through the usual morning chaos of students rushing to their sses, gossiping in small clusters, and teachers trying to keep some semnce of order. As I opened my locker, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Mina and Mona, grinning like Cheshire cats.


    “So, how was your weekend, Ms. Popr?” Mina teased, wiggling her eyebrows.


    “It was good,” I replied, trying to sound casual.


    “Just ‘good’?” Mona pressed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Come on, spill the tea. Did you and Kayden text all weekend or what?”


    “Maybe a little,” I admitted, feeling my cheeks heat up. “But it’s not a big deal.”


    “Not a big deal?” Mina scoffed. “Girl, you have a hot guy from Riverside High texting you non-stop. That’s more than a big deal.”


    “Speaking of Riverside,” Mona interjected, “did you hear about the party this Friday? Apparently, Aiden’s throwing it.”


    I felt a pang of anxiety at the mention of Aiden’s name. “Aiden’s parties are always wild. I’m not sure if I want to go.”


    “Come on, Hayley,” Mina urged. “It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your new friend. Plus, it could be fun!”


    Before I could respond, the warning bell rang, signaling that we had five minutes to get to our first ss. “We’ll talk more at lunch,” I said, grabbing my books and heading to ss.


    Atst the morning sses ended, and I could only think of Kayden while my teachers called next week’s grades. He made me feel safe and wanted, which I hadn’t felt in years. But at the back of my head, there was that itch when ites to Aiden and Alessa. That image of them on the beach kept ying in my mind and a wave of insecurity washed over me.


    Mina, Mona and I were sitting at our usual lunch table in the cafeteria. As we sat down with our trays, Mina shifted closer to me as though she were about to reveal a deep dark secret. Consequently, can you go to a party or what?


    I shrugged while picking at my sd. I will do it awkwardly.


    “Awkward? Why?” Mona asked, scratching her head.


    I lowered my voice. “For Aiden and Alessa.” I just, I do not want to identally bump into them and it would be awkward.


    Mina rolled her eyes. You can’t let them control you, Hayley. So if you want to go to the party, just go. Besides, you have us. And along with the King, maybe Kayden will be there too.


    I immediately was all aflutter inside thinking about seeing Kayden again. “Okay, fine,” I relented. “I’ll go. But if it goes south, I’m out.


    Mina took the bottle and clinked it with mine.


    The rest of the week flew by between homework, texts from Kayden and party nning. When Friday came, I was nervous and excited. I strode in front of my mirror, musing between outfit choices when my phone vibrated on the windows and I saw that it was Kayden.


    Kayden: Hey r u going to Aidens party tonight


    Me: Yeah, are you?


    Kayden: Definitely. Can’t wait to see you there.


    I felt a thrill at his message but I finally settled on taking the cute but casual approach; skinny jeans, form-fitted top and my favorite sneakers. I had just finished getting ready when Mina and Mona came to get me.


    Mina looked me over and smiled, “nice defection?” Kayden is going to get such a surprise.


    “Thanks,” I said, feeling a little better. “Let’s get this over with.”


    Maybe it should have been a bad idea after all to drive Aiden’s truck when we got to his ce and saw that there was already plenty going on. There was a full house and cars packed the front yard, music pouring out to the street. Nostalgia washed over me as we entered. Aiden Thaler knew how to throw a party, in fact I had been to many of them over the past couple years.


    It was very crowded inside, which made it difficult for us to move around the room. After wandering forever, instead of people watching from the velvet  we found an opening by the kitchen and got a drink out there. Casting my eyes around the room, I searched for a sign of Kayden.


    My eyes were restless, and Mona pointed out something to him: “He’s probably in the backyard. That is where all the guys go.


    “Sure, we can check it out,” Mina said, already making a beeline for the back door.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    When we went outside and the cold hit me, I saw him standing with a bunch of friends near the fire pit. He turned around and spotted me, he waved then broke into a smile. His eyes sparkled in the firelight, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my chest.


    He excused himself from his friends and walked towards me, his smile growing wider with each step. As he approached, I could feel the warmth of the fire pit being reced by the warmth of his presence.


    He stood in front of me, his smile still stered on his face, and said “Hey, I’m so d you’re here.” I smiled back at him, looking shy, feeling a sense of belonging, and replied,”Thanks, I’m d to be here.”


    We stood there for a moment, enjoying each other’spany, before his friends called him back over to the fire pit. He turned to leave, but not before whispering “I’ll be right back” in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.