Chapter 2 The Past – High School Years

Days crawled by after the cafeteria incident, but Jeff was unable to shake the vision of Cassie's pained face from his head. When he saw her in the hallway, he felt guilty. She avoided eye contact with him, engrossed in conversation with Charlotte or in a book, but he saw how she sat at the same table, by herself.

He was attracted to her. He hung back at first and watched from a distance. At lunch, he lingered in the doorway of the cafeteria, working up the nerve to approach her. One day, resolve seized him.

"Hi, Cassie!" His voice cut through the noise as he stepped into her field of vision.

Her head snapped up, surprise igniting on her face.

"What do you want?" She tried to be casual but didn't succeed.

"Mind if I sit?" He inclined his head to the empty chair across from her.

Cassie hesitated but finally shrugged. "Whatever."

As he sat, his heart raced. "I just wanted to apologize for what happened." He looked at her face for any softening of forgiveness.

She snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah? A little late for that."

"I know." He put his elbows on the table, leaning forward. "But I'd like to make it up to you."

"Make it up?" Her eyebrow rose in doubt.

"I mean it," he said, his voice firm. "Let's start over. Friends?"

She looked at him, balancing past betrayal against present honesty. "Friends?"

"Yeah." He gave her a smile that lit up his eyes. "No games. Just hanging out."

Cassie folded her arms and stared down at her plate of uneaten food as though it contained all the answers she sought.

"Why should I trust you?" She whispered.

"Because I want to get to know you," he replied sincerely. "The real you."

His eyes locked with hers-steady and unwavering-until she lowered hers again, discomfited by the tension building between them.

"I don't know," she muttered at last.

C'mon," he coaxed softly. "What's the worst that can happen? We get coffee after school? Talk? You might even have fun."

Following a tortured pause, Cassie sighed and toyed with her salad with pretended interest.

"Okay," she capitulated finally. "No promises.".

A smile crept onto his face as relief swept through him. Things relaxed a little between them as they spoke more easily of classes and teachers-the ordinary stuff of high school life that was somehow transformed now that they were in this uncertain journey together.

They traded laughter and anecdotes like coin until the lunch period was over and reality intruded once more with its pressures and expectations.

Jeff glanced back as they parted ways-his heart pounding not in regret but in anticipation of what was to be between them.

* * *

The following weeks passed with unexpected ease. Cassie found herself looking forward to the hours she spent with Jeff. They'd meet after school at a cozy coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffees and baked treats wrapping around them like a hug. Jeff always arrived ahead of time, scanning the menu with exaggerated solemnity.

"What's the best thing here?" he'd say when she'd walk in, pretending a profound existential crisis between lattes and frappes.

"Depends," said Cassie, a small smile pulling at her lips. "Do you want dessert or caffeine?"

"Why not both?" He smiled, his green eyes crinkling.

Their laughter mixed with the buzz of the café as they sipped and told tales of family and high school life. Cassie was also surprised at how much Jeff shared about his own struggles as well-his parents' fights behind the doors, the stress of perfection as the star player.

You know," he said one day, leaning back in his chair and cocking his head playfully, "the reality is I cannot even draw a stick figure."

Cassie's eyebrow shot up. "You're kidding."

"No way!" He tossed his hands up in the air melodramatically. "You think popularity is a breeze? I am attempting to stay upright without tripping over my own ego.".

She laughed at his absurdity, her head shaking in disbelief. "How do you do it, be funny and yet seem so. profound at the same time?"

"It's a gift," he said with mock gravity.

But amidst the banter, Cassie felt something within her relent-a feeling of ease in their friendship that made her insecurities thaw just slightly. She caught herself gazing at him when he wasn't looking, admiring the manner in which he seemed to bear himself so effortlessly beneath the weight of expectations.

They decided to go for a walk in the park instead of going directly to the coffee shop one day after class. The sun was setting low on the horizon, and everything was cast in golden light.

"Do you ever think about what you wanna do after high school?"

Jeff walked along the curve of the path.

"I-I guess. I wanna be somebody important." She stuttered.

Important? You already are." He jokingly bumped her with his shoulder.

Cassie shrugged but could feel her cheeks flush at his compliment.

"No really," he argued. "You have this spark that makes people notice you."

She couldn't help but smile even though the nagging doubts still lingered within her.

"Thanks," she whispered, letting his words envelop like a warm hug around her heart.

While they walked, she was herself around him in a manner in which she had never been with anyone. During that joking and laughing, for the first time, she did not care what other people thought; she simply embraced the individual she was becoming-bolder and braver-particularly with Jeff by her side.

* * *

Cassie rested against the kitchen counter, her heart beating with anticipation and nervousness. She looked over at her mother, Lucy, who was stirring the spaghetti sauce on the stove, its savory scent filling the air. The homey warmth enveloped Cassie, but today it was different somehow-electric with news she could hardly keep to herself.

"Mom," she started, pausing for less than a moment.

Lucy turned, her eyes brightening at the sound of her daughter's voice. "What is it, sweetie?"

Cassie bit her lip. "I met someone."

"Oh?" Lucy's eyebrow rose as she put down the wooden spoon. "Do tell."

"His name is Jeff. He's part of the basketball team in school." The words spilled out quicker than she'd meant. "We've been talking after school at that coffee shop."

Lucy's face changed to one of cautious interest. "And? What's he like?

He's such a nice guy," Cassie said, blushing as she remembered Jeff's laughter and easy charm. "He's funny and smart. He even listens when I talk."

"Sounds good," Lucy nodded, but then crossed her arms tightly over her apron-covered waist.

"But." Cassie could feel the uncertainty between them.

"But," Lucy said softly, "you need to be careful. High school boys. their libidos are usually out of control."

Cassie scowled at that. "Mom! He's not like that."

"I'm sure he appears nice," Lucy went on, stirring the sauce again as though she was trying to stir her warning into it. "But you know how boys are

Lucy's hands continued their rhythmic stir as she went on stirring the sauce, the soft clinking of the pot resounding in the warm kitchen. She glanced over at Cassie and gentled her voice.

"Cassie, sweetie, I just need you to keep in mind that boys will say what they think you want to hear. You're intelligent and attractive, and sometimes that makes them get a bit. well, too confident."

Cassie rested against the counter, her arms folded across her chest. "You think he's playing me?"

Lucy shook her head slowly. "I don't know him, sweetie. But it couldn't hurt to keep a little guard up. Guard yourself."

"Mom, I can take care of myself," Cassie said, a flash of determination in her eyes. "Jeff's not like those other guys in school."

"Don't go jumping into things," Lucy cautioned, a fine line of concern furrowing her face. "Go slow. There's more to relationships than that chemistry thing."

The silence was between them while Cassie absorbed her mother's advice. She knew Lucy was watching out for her best interests, but a part of her resented the suggestion that she was naive.

"I won't," Cassie finally replied with a nod.

As the night fell, Cassie snuck into her room, the warm glow of fairy lights casting soothing shadows along the walls. She got onto her bed, her heart racing as she fumbled for her phone. The screen lit up with Jeff's contact information on it, and she took a deep breath before dialing.

"Hey!" Jeff answered after two rings, his voice smooth and warm.

Hi! It's Cassie, she said, her stomach turning flips.

Hey! What's up? He actually sounded glad to hear her voice.

I was thinking. perhaps we can go out this weekend?

The words spilled out before she had time to get cold feet.

Absolutely! Where do you want to go?

How about the spring downtown? It'll be nice to sit by the water.

That sounds perfect, Jeff said right off. What time?

"Nine?"

"Deal."

His enthusiasm traveled over the phone.

Cassie's smile widened with his excitement. "Can't wait!"

"Me neither," he said softly.

Completing their banter with laughter and weekend arrangements, Cassie experienced a wonderful sense of hope and exhilaration start to grow inside of her-one she'd not known in some time.

* * *

Cassie stood beside the spring, the cool breeze tangling her hair as she waited. She glanced at her watch and felt her heart leap with anticipation. When Jeff arrived, his tall frame silhouetted against the setting sun, she felt a flutter in her chest.

"Hey!" He waved, the striking green of his eyes lighting up as he approached.

"Hi!" Cassie said, a beaming smile breaking across her face. They took a seat on a bench overlooking the water, with the moon just starting to reflect softly on it.

"Beautiful," Jeff said, looking around. "I'm glad you suggested this."

"I thought it would be nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle," Cassie said as she started to feel relaxed around them, talking. "It's just us."

"Exactly." He leaned back, gazing up at the stars beginning to twinkle above them. "You know, I've always wanted to travel. See the world beyond this town."

Cassie nodded slowly. "Me too. I dream of living in a city like New York or maybe Paris-somewhere with energy and art everywhere."

Jeff turned to her, intrigued. "Art? You're into that?

"I love it," she said, her face warming. "I've always thought putting things on paper, writing or drawing, helps me make sense out of it all somehow."

"Same here," he revealed. "But I hide it because. well, basketball is what everyone expects from me."

Cassie looked into his eyes with interest. "Why hide it?

"It feels safer that way," he replied quietly. "People don't see the real me; they only see the athlete or the playboy." He paused for a moment, searching for words. "I guess I want someone to really know me."

A heavy silence settled between them as Cassie considered his honesty.

"Do you ever feel trapped?" she asked softly.

"All the time," Jeff said. "But when I'm with you. it's different."

Cassie's heart swelled at his admission. She shifted closer and their knees touched under the soft light of nearby lanterns.

"What about you?" he pressed gently.

"I want to be confident in who I am," she admitted. "Sometimes, I still feel insecure about the way I look or what other people think about me."

"You're beautiful just the way you are," Jeff said reassuringly, his eyes serious.

The tension in the air held them both naturally leaning closer instinctively. In that moment when truths were exchanged and closeness had been gained, Cassie felt a strong attraction toward him, the one stirring hope deep within her very core.

Before she knew it, Jeff cupped her face gently and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss ignited something electric between them-a mix of longing and tenderness that went straight to Cassie, catching her by complete surprise.

Coming from a party with friends, Eric emerged from behind a nearby tree, unseen by them, and froze in his steps as he caught them locked in an embrace under the stars-a scene he had never expected-and that sent a shiver down his spine as he stood in silent contemplation.

* * *

Cassie slipped into the cafeteria, her heart still fluttering from the memory of their kiss. She scanned the busy room at the mixture of laughter and chatter across the space. Spying Chloe at a table on the far side, she made her way over, grateful for a safe haven amidst the chaos.

"Hey," Cassie said softly as she slipped onto the bench opposite Chloe.

"Hey! You okay?" Chloe asked, pushing her glasses up her nose. "You look. different."

"Just tired, I guess," Cassie replied, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment.

Across the room, Jeff sat with his friends at their usual spot. The laughter erupted around him like fireworks. He caught Cassie's eye and couldn't help but wink. Memories of their first kiss flooded back-soft lips and shared secrets beneath the tree.

"Look at him," Eric said, nudging Jeff with an elbow. "You've got it bad."

Jeff shrugged with a grin, but his gaze remained locked on Cassie. He felt something genuine blooming between them, despite everything else swirling in their high school world.

Suddenly, Eric stood up and strolled toward their table with purpose. He flashed a mischievous smile as he approached Jeff.

"Hey man," he called out loud enough for all to hear. "I owe you something."

He fished from his pocket a bill-one hundred bucks, crumpled.

"Holy, Jeff," Eric pursued, his every word dripping sarcasm. "I never thought you had that in you. I knew that we bet some fifty bucks of her but I never thought possible."

Laughter exploded around the table, eyes darting to Cassie as she sat across in the cafeteria.

"You got the class fat clown to fall for you, even kissing her under that tree!" Eric added triumphantly.

Charlotte cackled along with others, her laughter ringing sharp like breaking glass. "Seriously? That's who you picked? Good luck with that!"

Cassie shrunk further in as the heat rose to her cheeks. The laughter echoed in her ears; she wanted nothing more than to vanish from sight. Thank goodness finals were right around the corner-an escape from this circus of judgment and ridicule awaited her soon.

All this sitting in the open to be ridiculed and humiliated by their banter was what made Cassie realize it was time to sever ties. While high school did have its moments, those too would soon dissolve now that they were standing at the threshold of graduation