Fool Me Once

Cassandra Jones sat in the back of the crowded cafeteria, her tray untouched as she watched laughter swirl around Jeffery Richards. His bright green eyes sparkled with mischief, his athletic physique commanding notice without effort. She tugged on the hem of her oversized sweater, wishing she could blend into the beige walls behind her.

Look at him," Charlotte whispered, leaning in to scoff at Cassie. "Think he even knows you exist?"

Cassie shrugged, pretending to smile. Inside, her heart raced with every dazzling grin he sent her way. He not only noticed her but was attentive-the way she brushed stray hairs behind her ear when she was nervous, how her smile lit up even the dullest of days.

Jeff was surrounded by his friends, sketchbook open before him. The second Charlotte took it and saw the drawing, Cassie's heart sank.

"Dude! You've got a crush on this?" His friend taunted, tossing it back to Jeff.

"Shut up!" Jeff's face turned red. "I was just. seeing if she'd fall for me."

The table went quiet as shock descended upon their faces.

"Oh yeah? Let's make it interesting." His friend edged closer, a devious grin spreading across his face. "I'll wager you fifty bucks you can't get her into bed by prom."

"No way." Jeff shook his head but couldn't help smiling.

"Come on! What do you have to lose?"

Amidst the laughter that surrounded him, Jeff pretended not to care as a tiny seed of doubt crept into his heart. He did not wish to play games with Cassie-she was unlike other girls. Intelligent and kind-hearted. But pride took hold.

Weeks went by like pages flipping too quickly in a book. Three weeks of flirtation and tentative friendship were gone before Cassie finally relented to hang out with him after class. Her guard dropped as they talked under the faint street lights-his secrets spilled between shy glances and playful banter.

"I can handle myself," Cassie told him when he warned her about his reputation as a ladies' man.

"You think so?" Jeff dared, his voice low but welcoming.

Her laughter sounded like music to his ears-a tune he wished to pursue forever.

Then that day in the cafeteria arrived when Charlotte let it all out-the bet, their game-all eyes were on Cassie like hungry wolves about to devour prey.

She stormed away from that table as shame seared through her veins. Whispers circulated in her wake like ripples when a rock is cast into water as Jeff's face twisted into shock and regret.

Cassie sprinted home-each step heavy with pain-final exams hanging over her head like an unwelcome storm on the horizon as furious tears streamed down her face.

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

Cassie adjusted her blazer, her confidence a mask.

"Your next client is R.R. Conglomerate Holdings," her boss the M.D told her, his voice equal parts excitement and gravity.

Cassie's heart sped up as she looked around at the opulent conference room surrounding her. Power executives milled about, their faces a mix of ambition and tension. She took a deep breath, ready to dive into the case.

"Do we know anything about them?" she asked, looking through the crowd to see if she recognized anyone.

Her boss nodded, passing her a dossier. "They've been having problems with public opinion recently. You'll have to reverse that in a flash".

Leafing through the pages, Cassie paused at the CEO's name: Jeffrey Richards. Memories flooded her like a wave-those high school years, laughter intertwined with pain. How foolish she had been to believe he was different from the others.

She brushed her hair back and squared her shoulders. No time for distractions now.

As the conference began, Cassie pushed aside old ghosts. She focused on strategy, on solutions-the kind of work that had earned her respect in the business world. But whenever anyone mentioned Jeffrey's name, the old bitterness arose. How dared he return to her life like this?

Minutes later, he was in the room-a tall man with an aura of command that drew attention. Dark hair slightly rumpled; piercing green eyes scouring the room before coming to rest on Cassie. For a moment, everything else receded.

"Good morning," Jeffrey said, his voice as smooth as silk but with an edge she remembered much too well.

Cassie's heart rate accelerated as he walked towards her table. The recollection of their previous meeting lingered at the periphery of her thoughts-his laughter resonating in her mind like a ghost she couldn't shake.

"Cassandra Jones," he went on, pretending to be surprised but not quite masking his mirth. "Long time."

She smiled tightly, teeth gritted. "Yes, it has."

The air grew dense with unstated tension when their eyes locked-two worlds crashing in one tense moment filled with history and unresolved issues.

"Let's get down to business," Cassie said sharply, pushing memories aside as she switched into business mode.

Yet even as she discussed strategy and brand reputation management, something remained between them-a charge in the air that suggested old bitterness lay deep beneath layers of professionalism.

As they tossed around campaign concepts and press releases, Cassie found herself slipping into that same old combination of determination and frustration. This was her chance to prove to him how far she'd come; she wasn't about to be scared off by a face from her past.

Yet even as she outlined the trajectory for their campaign, something continued to nag at her-what if he was still the same man beneath all those high-end suits?

* * *

Jeffrey settled back against his polished mahogany desk, the contract's weight a solid comfort in his hands. His eyes darted up to the window, where the city pulsed with energy. R.R. Conglomerate Holdings required a face-lift-something to help improve their image. He'd heard wonderful things about Aspire Ltd., but nothing could have readied him for Cassie Jones.

She'd stormed into that conference room, a whirlwind of confidence dressed in designer wear. Those full hips and brilliant smile still set something ablaze deep within him, all these years later. But today, her face had been distant, guarded-a shield he couldn't breach.

He gripped the contract in his hand, the anger welling up in his chest. The memories came rushing back: study sessions late at night with laughter and dreams of the future. Then silence when she'd severed all contact. No calls, no messages-nothing but a gap where she had been.

There was a knock on the door, and Peter Lansley came in with a clipboard. "Jeffrey, we need to talk about moving forward on the Aspire project."

"Yeah." Jeffrey's voice was gruffer than he intended as he glared at Peter.

Peter's eyebrow rose, but he continued on, unaware of the tempest brewing in Jeffrey's mind. "Aspire's manager recommends Cassie lead this project. She's one of their best, apparently."

"I know." The words were sharper than intended.

Peter scowled but forged ahead unfazed. "We also need to have weekly status meetings with her team and very specifically set expectations going forward."

"Yes." Jeffrey resumed gazing at the picture of Cassie on the company website-the self-assured woman she'd become a far cry from the girl he knew.

"And," Peter concluded, tapping the pen against the clipboard, "the branding materials must be approved by Friday."

Jeffrey nodded absently, still thinking about Cassie's coolness during the day.

"Listen," Peter said, a hint of worry creeping into his tone. "I realize this is a big project for you and R.R., but don't let personal problems interfere with your thinking."

The comment jolted Jeffrey out of his reverie; he met Peter's green eyes-similar to his own-and felt a jolt of irritation mixed with gratitude for being brought back to reality.

"I won't," Jeffrey replied brusquely.

Peter paused for a moment and nodded slowly prior to walking out the door.

"Just concentrate on what you're doing," he grumbled before he disappeared from the office.

Alone once more, Jeffrey released a quick sigh and sagged backward into his seat. He had to figure out some way to view this project with Cassie through to the end without allowing past hurts to govern their working partnership. She still hated him; he'd glimpsed that carved on her features when they'd spoken today. But possibly there was some way beyond that-if only she would give him the opportunity.

* * *

Cassie stepped into Jeffrey's office, the subtle scent of leather and fresh coffee wrapping around her like an old embrace. She squared her shoulders, shaking off the specters of the past that clung to the edges of her mind. The angular lines of his high-priced furniture and the bird's-eye view of the city were foreign and yet achingly familiar.

"Thank you for seeing me," she said, her voice as crisp as she perched on the edge of a chair, her back ramrod straight.

Jeffrey looked up from his desk, his green eyes flashing with something that might have been hope. "Of course, Cassie. Thank you for coming in."

Her heart pounded against her ribcage, and the memories came rushing back-him leaning forward, laughing so hard tears poured from their eyes in those easy high school years. But that had been a lifetime ago, marred by heartbreak.

"Let's get down to business," she barked, pushing a folder across the gleaming surface between them.

"Right." He paused, looking at the papers, then at her. "Before we start. I needed to apologize for the way things ended with us."

Cassie inhaled slowly but said nothing. The atmosphere grew tense.

"I shouldn't have been so bad to you," he went on, his voice sincere. "You deserved better than what I did to you."

She gritted her teeth and made herself look at the contract, not his piercing eyes, which were filled with regret that was genuine but remote-a ghost between them.

"Thank you," she said icily, "but let's just keep this professional."

Jeffrey squirmed in his seat, obviously grappling with her refusal. "I just thought perhaps-

"No 'maybes.' We're here to discuss strategy for the rebranding of R.R." Cassie's tone effectively closed off the possibility of additional personal discussion.

She remembered their initial date-a awkward encounter at a little diner where he'd told jokes regarding the menu along with his own bad poetry. Laughter had poured from her mouth as he'd leaned across the table, his dark hair tumbling into his eyes as he winked. Nothing else had mattered for that moment there; she'd felt special and noticed in a manner that stirred something within her.

Now? Now such feelings only blurred her judgment.

"I just want to make things right between us," Jeffrey whispered.

Cassie's eyes locked with his again; something in those green depths flickered-regret mixed with longing-but she ruthlessly brought herself back on track.

"We can't afford distractions," she said firmly. "Let's concentrate on what's important."

* * *

The clocks ticked on into an hour, each clock pulse resonating in the tense silence between them. Jeffrey's irritation seethed just beneath the surface as Cassie laboriously worked through numbers and projections. She spoke in a flat tone, her manner all business. Yet he could sense it-a barrier she had erected, high and impenetrable.

"Is this the way it's going to be?" he asked at last, his patience running thin. "Like we're strangers?

Cassie's eyes grew keener, narrowing a fraction as she sat back in her chair.

"Strangers don't betray one another," she retaliated, every word bitter and stinging.

The truth of her words hit him with the force of a blow, knocking the wind out of his body. Remorse washed over him like a cold wave, mixed with anger-not at Cassie but at himself for letting things spiral out of control all those years back. Their last fight flashed into his mind-ugly words said that had left them both bruised and broken.

I screwed up," he conceded, his voice low but stretched tight with tension. "You have to understand that I never meant to hurt you."

Cassie slowly shook her head, not allowing him to slip beyond the moment they'd both been dodging.

"Not personal," she insisted, interrupting him before he could offer any explanations.

His fists tightened beneath the table, the frustration welling up again. It was not only what they had shared before; it was all those things he had never experienced-a midnight discussion that stretched into morning, the light she radiated when she talked about her dreams. No one else made him feel quite so alive as she did.

He still drew her now and then-soft lines on paper tracing the curve of her smile and the glint in her eyes. It was pointless now; the drawings were nothing more than reminders of what could have been and never would be again.

"You don't know how much I've missed you," he said before he could reconsider.

Her face toughened.

"Missed me? That's rich coming from you."

Her words cut him, stirring up a jumble of desire and anger in himself. How had it gotten so? With barriers so strong that no level of desire could penetrate them?

* * *

As Cassie strode out of the office, the click of her heels echoed against the sterile walls. Jeff watched her go, his heart thudding heavily in his chest. The door closed on her, cutting the last flicker of heat from their encounter. At that moment, a recollection came uninvited from the furthest depths of his mind.

It had poured sheets that morning, and the schoolyard was a slippery field of puddles and grey. Jeff lingered outside the doorway, adjusting the straps on his pack, as students rushed by, laughter and the sound of raindrops in a cacophony. He'd left his umbrella behind once more-a shortcoming he never gave a thought but now regretted intensely.

Then he saw her.

Cassie broke away from the crowd, her smile radiant even in the dismal surroundings. She was holding her umbrella over her head, its vibrant design slicing through the murk like a flag. She splashed through the water to get to him when she saw him, water pooling around her feet.

"Hi!" she said, breathless but upbeat. "You look like you could use this."

She didn't allow him a moment to protest or stammer out thanks as she tilted the umbrella in his direction, shielding them both from the rain that fell like a steady curtain.

"I can't take your umbrella," he protested, half-laughing as rain sprayed onto his clothes.

"Of course you can," she said with a smile that melted all resistance. "It's not like I'll melt."

She kept it there for a while, firm, as he slid under its cover. He was overcome with a rush of warmth-not just from her kindness but from something deeper stirring within him.

That was when he'd known Cassie was different-not just nice but truly kind. When Mrs. Carter had embarrassed him in front of the whole class for not doing a homework assignment-calling him lazy-Cassie had leapt up from her chair and defended him passionately.

"That's not fair!" she'd exclaimed, flames burning in her eyes. "Jeff tries hard; you don't know what he's facing outside of school."

In that instant, sheltered beneath one umbrella amidst the downpours and upheavals, Jeff had known he'd found somebody special-somebody who truly did notice him behind all those facades.

Now alone in his office with only the shadows remaining around him, reality came crashing back to him in waves. He gritted his jaw against the pain in his chest. All those moments-those slipped quickly through his fingers like rain on pavement-and it hurt worse than any battle ever could.

* * *

Cassie plopped down on Andrew's worn apartment sofa; her neighbor whom she often overnight at his apartment for late night Friday movies, letting her purse plop with a sigh onto the coffee table. The fading light of day seeped through the sheer curtains to leave gentle shadows throughout the room. Andrew glanced sideway from the mirror, eyebrows lifted in question.

"What's wrong?" he asked, setting aside his eye-pencil as he does his make-up for his next drag queen show tonight.

"Just saw Jeff," she burst out, folding her arms across her chest as though to shield herself from the rush of memories which tried to engulf her.

Andrew moved forward, curious. "Was he changed?"

Cassie paused, nibbling on her lower lip. "No. he was the same. That's the trouble."

Andrew looked at her for a moment, a perceptive grin spreading over his face. "You still have feelings for him, don't you?"

"I don't," she bit off, too quickly. She tossed her head in a movement similar to a person attempting to dislodge an annoying fly. "I mean, we were teenagers then. I've moved on."

"Oh sure you have." He settled into the cushions, folding his arms behind him in a stubborn grin. "But did you stop caring? It's been years since high school."

Cassie fiddled with a loose thread on her arm, declining to glance at him. Memories threatened to overwhelm her-Jeff's laughter echoing in her ears like the echo of a broken promise. But she shook them off. "I've got my career now. That's all that matters."

Andrew let out a sigh and rolled his eyes theatrically. "Girl, your career ain't gonna keep you warm at night."

Cassie laughed briefly but couldn't stop the blush that rose to her cheeks nonetheless. She detested how Andrew could read her like an open book.

"Seriously," he chided softly. "Do you think you're really over him?"

"No! I mean. not exactly." She softened as she struggled with herself. She happened to catch a glimpse of herself in a mirror that was hanging nearby-a woman strong on the outside but still grappling with insecurities on the inside.

There was a dense silence between them, thick with unspoken realities.

Later that night, while by herself in her apartment, Cassie leaned against the kitchen counter looking at nothing in particular. The heaviness of their discussion lingered around her like a thick blanket.

A part of her never ceased to care for Jeff-a spark that wouldn't die no matter how much she attempted to smother it. She bit her lip as the awareness seeped into her mind like unwanted guests: perhaps some emotions never really went away.

* * *

Sunlight streamed through Cassie's window and lit up the tiny kitchen where she drank coffee. She aimlessly scrolled through her phone until a gentle bump against the door broke her concentration. She was curious, so she put down her cup and opened the door.

There was a simple manila envelope, simple yet strangely enticing. She picked it up and experienced a strange tightening in her belly as she carried it indoors.

She opened it with trembling hands. The contents slipped out-a sketch, folded neatly. Cassie unfolded it slowly, her heart racing with each crease that revealed more of the image. There she was: sixteen years old, her eyes open wide with laughter and promise, her long hair cascading over one shoulder. Jeff had drawn her to perfection.

Her breath caught in her throat as she ran her fingers over the lines of the sketch. It was all alive, from the way her head was tilted to the sparkle of light in her eyes. It was strange to see herself again through his eyes.

At the bottom of the sketch was a simple message, written in Jeff's well-known handwriting: "I never forgot you.".

The words boomed like a thunderclap against an otherwise silent sky. Walls she had built around her heart trembled, ready to come crashing down under the weight of memories she thought she had put behind her. A tidal wave of feelings broke loose-confusion, rage, longing-all knotted into one dissonant ball.

Cassie clutched the paper until it crumpled in her hand. How could he? All these years?

She walked back and forth across the room, every step getting louder as thoughts spun out of control. Why now? Did he honestly believe a simple drawing would close all that space? All those days apart-did they count for nothing?

With a sudden flash of anger, she slapped the drawing down on the table as if it scorched her fingers. The crumpled paper fell softly on top of a stack of bills and receipts, its delicate beauty standing out from them in stark contrast.

She loomed over it for what seemed like an eternity, caught between rage and longing. Rip it to shreds? Smash it into oblivion?

But as Cassie gazed into that well-known face looking back at her across space and time, something restrained her-a glimmer of hope with bitterness that revealed no way forward that was clear.