SUMMER BREAK.

Chapter 14: Reconnections and Revelations

The much-anticipated day had arrived—the day for us to showcase everything we had learned. Nerves fluttered in my stomach as I prepared for our performance.

The C.G. club, which I led, took the stage with our dance routine. With every move and stunt we performed, the excitement built, and our energy was palpable. Our performance was a hit, and we were thrilled to have others join us on stage. The energy was contagious, and I was finally able to put aside my stage fright.

The music club's turn was next, and I watched with bated breath. To my surprise, Lana, who had been largely absent from our social circle, joined them on stage. Their performance was exceptional, and I felt a surge of confidence as I prepared for my own moment.

Backstage, I was relieved to see Nick by my side. His reassuring presence helped calm my nerves.

"You're nervous?" Nick asked, gently squeezing my hand.

"Yeah," I admitted.

"Don't worry. When you get up there, try not to focus on the audience's eyes. It can make you anxious and cause you to forget your lines. Trust me, I've been there," Nick advised, making me smile with his support.

"Not even your eyes?" I teased.

"Huh? You can look at my eyes," Nick said, his smile widening.

"That's much better," I replied with a grin.

As the music club concluded their performance, I headed backstage and was taken aback to find Bethany there, talking with Nick. The sight of her stirred mixed emotions within me—joy that she had come, and frustration over her earlier absence.

I turned to leave, but Nick called me over.

"It looks like someone wants to see you," he said, nodding toward Bethany.

"Yeah, whatever," I said dryly as I approached Bethany.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my composure.

"You invited me, remember?" Bethany retorted, narrowing her eyes at me.

Oh, right. I had indeed invited her, but seeing her now was a shock.

"I came to apologize for lying and for my stubborn behavior. Summer school was a real drag," Bethany admitted.

I scrutinized her expression, searching for sincerity. She seemed genuine, but I wasn't entirely convinced.

"If you're truly sorry, then go and apologize to Liam for lying about him," I suggested with a smirk. Her reaction, however, wiped the smirk off my face.

"That's actually why I came here, but I'm not sure where he is," Bethany confessed.

DANG IT!

"I'll show you," I said, leading her to where Liam was.

He was engaged in conversation with his band members, his back to us. Bethany approached him with visible apprehension, tapping him on the shoulder. Liam turned around, and his initial shock gave way to a cold demeanor.

"What are you doing here?" Liam's voice was frosty, and I could sense his agitation. I was concerned he might react violently, but Bethany seemed unfazed.

She placed a hand on his arm, and he looked at it as if it were a nuisance. "Look, Liam, I know you might be disgusted that I'm here or even touching your arm, but I don't care. I came to apologize for lying about you to Charlotte. I'm better off without you, so don't think I'm here to beg you back into my life. Here's my apology: I regret everything I did to you, and frankly, you were the worst mistake I've ever made," Bethany said bluntly. Her harsh words were jarring.

I expected Liam to be speechless or angry, but instead, he simply smiled. "For you to give me that speech means you're truly sorry."

WHAT?! I felt baffled—Liam seemed to understand Bethany better than I did, and their dynamic was foreign to me.

"Can we at least be friends?" Liam asked.

"Look who's crawling back. Of course," Bethany replied.

To my surprise, Liam embraced her, and Bethany returned the hug. "I still love you," Liam murmured.

After everything that had happened?

Bethany pulled away, smirking. "I wouldn't say that if I were you," she teased.

Liam turned pink with embarrassment, and Bethany added, "Just kidding, love you too." With that, she walked away, leaving me in a state of confusion.

I approached her as she rejoined me. "So, how did it go?"

"Wonderful," Bethany replied with a grin.

"That's unusual for you; you don't apologize unless the other person apologizes first," I said, raising an eyebrow.

She shot me a glare. "POC—"

"Meaning?" I interjected.

"Point of Correction. We're already broken up, and he didn't do anything wrong, so I had to apologize," Bethany explained.

"It finally clicked," I said.

"Are you going to introduce me to your friends or just keep talking about Liam?" Bethany asked.

"Oh, right," I said, and introduced her to everyone. They were delighted to meet her, though they were curious about why she had left me to come here. Bethany promised she would pick me up, and I hoped my mom would agree to it.

As the day wound down, I felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The dance festival awaited, and with Bethany back in the picture, I hoped for smoother days ahead.