ra's

on on planet Earth, I'm sure I would be unopposed for that title. I feel so ridiculously naïve, it's almost laughable. I can't believe I

st in his eyes, at least I would have felt that attention-directed at me, even for a fleeting moment. But the mo

foolish. The thought barely leaves room in my head to c

ay something wrong?" he asks, conce

reply, my voice shaky a

ry. Tell me what's wrong," he sa

efully removing my hands from his grasp, knowing

're feeling bad right now," he suggests, his

used to it anyway," I

nquires, a hint of c

ge, my emotions swirling dang

work, and you'd go out with someone else? Well, who better than Jennifer? She's beautif

. Each cheerful word feels like a dagger, twisti

p me than you, right? Please, Kierra-I really, really like Jennifer. You have to help me out on this one! I'm doing this beca

pe. I felt my own eyes welling up with tears, t

weary and filled with a mixtur

can't do it without you. I need your help, ple

le, and it twisted a knife

for you to kiss me the way you kiss them, and for you to love me like no one else

added, drawing me bac

o tomorrow, you know," I replied

ust need you to help set up dinner and some balloons on the sch

I asked, my voice barely above a whispe

could think of! Isn't it great?" he sa

the restroom before we go?" I aske

wait for you h

d, my voice trembling as I fought bac

eerfully unaware of the stor

h step heavier than the last, my h

ely. I walked to the door, slammed it shut, and crouched down, breaking out in sobs

rying-not even if it was the boys' restroom. I just cried. Because I knew

ced a smile onto my face. I walked out, determined to act

xt

ing for today. He's had everything ready-I just need to help set it up and ch

n't seriously be thinking of helpi

suspicious. This is all my fault, Maya-I made the stupid deal. So, I just have to deal w

ter how you see it, you love him, Kierra! You know him better than he knows himself.

esn't! Stop it! Just let

. Just like yesterday, when you cried your eyes out, right? Of course you cried! That's what y

d not

know why he doesn't see how much you love him. But my advice? Tell him-before it's

her books and left. Her

Seth said, takin

ing me out-even after countless rejections. He never stopped

e. Most girls would kill to be with him. Bu

I replied, fo

ut like I said, Kierra-I won't stop tr

h, I

need you to love me. I just need you to let me love you-

ood and wa

ftop to check the decor. My heart was

met with a beautiful setup: floating balloon

really go

r is it too much?" he a

I whispered, swallowin

leave, but I don't know how

ch a ride. Don't worry

you s

m sure. H

, um, wrote something for her.

asked,

lines. Please,

," I

red his

I've grown happier, and I've beco

things I never th

just yet, but I'd love

ith me,

w was it?

good," I replied,

e, Xander," I sa

didn't

ind the rooftop do

rthday," he greeted her

t. I broke

cake-and then... he said those exact same l

kissed h

s all i

n tears, walking home wi

e. Thank God. I couldn't deal wi

anded on

ust, and let my fingers fi

... so, so numb

. Why can't I stop loving y

hat I lov

, my phon

as S

ight. I won't stop

hinking,

I'D L

aybe, I needed