Chapter 4 Be My Boyfriend

I couldn't believe it. Jackson, the charming and mysterious stranger, was sitting across from me, sipping his coffee and discussing business with my father. I felt a pang of disappointment. Was this really why he wanted to have coffee with me? Just to schmooze with my dad?

"So, Jackson, tell me more about your company," my father said, leaning forward in his chair.

"Of course, Mr. Williams," Jackson replied, launching into a detailed explanation of his business plans.

I zoned out, my mind wandering to the conversation we had in the garden. I thought we had connected, that there was something more between us. But now, it seemed like I was just a means to an end.

As the meeting drew to a close, Jackson turned to me and smiled. "Thanks for joining us, Cecilia. It was great chatting with you."

I forced a smile, feeling a sting of rejection. "Yeah, no problem."

As we stood up to leave, I couldn't help but ask, "So, Jackson, is that all you wanted to talk about? Business?"

He looked taken aback, but then nodded. "Yeah, I'm afraid so. I'm trying to secure an investment from your father."

I felt a surge of disappointment and frustration. "Well, congratulations. You're definitely getting what you wanted."

Jackson's expression changed, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of something more. But then it was gone, replaced by his usual polished smile.

"Cecilia, I -"

But I didn't let him finish. Suddenly, the words burst out of me. "Be my boyfriend!"

The room fell silent. Jackson's eyes widened in shock, and my father's jaw dropped.

"Cecilia, what are you talking about?" my father asked, stunned.

But I just stood there, my heart pounding, waiting for Jackson's response...

Jackson burst out laughing, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. "Oh, Cecilia, you're a riot!" He chuckled, shaking his head. "I think you're the first person to ever ask me that."

My father joined in, his laughter booming. "Cecilia, sweetie, you're so young. What do you know about love?"

I felt my face heat up, my eyes stinging. I wasn't joking. I was dead serious. But they just thought I was a silly little girl, playing at adult things.

As they continued to laugh, I felt a pang of sadness. It wasn't that I liked Jackson so much - although he was charming and handsome. It was just that...I wanted to experience it. Love, romance, having a boyfriend. All the things I might never get to have now.

I thought about all the things I wanted to do before I died. Travel, see the world, fall in love. And now, it seemed like that last one was slipping away from me too.

I stood up, my eyes welling up with tears. "Excuse me," I muttered, and ran out of the room.

I didn't stop until I reached my bedroom, where I collapsed on the bed, sobbing. It wasn't fair. I was only 18. I shouldn't have to worry about dying. I should be worrying about prom and college and boys.

But life wasn't fair. And I knew that better than anyone.

As I cried, I thought about all the things I would never get to do. I would never get to go to college, never get to travel, never get to fall in love.

And that thought was the saddest of all.