Lenore almost had everything she wanted.
In just a few short months, she'd graduate early from high school, start an internship at her father's new startup in San Francisco, and then head off to college in the fall on a full scholarship. Everything...
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By the beginning of next week, the project was done. Though Lenore had known the deadline for weeks, it still felt like an unwelcome surprise, like it had come too soon. She didn't want the project to be over. She had come to rely on it for a reason to be around Victor. And now, with the project done, it felt like there was no longer anything tying them together.
The bell rang, and Lenore lingered at her spot in the back while her classmates rushed for the door. She quietly put her things away while they fought the crowd to be the first out.
When everyone else was gone, and Mr. Platz waited for her by the door, ready to lock up, she finally made her way out.
As she passed, Mr. Platz smiled at her.
"Good work today, Lenore," he said with an approving nod. "Your presentation was excellent."
Lenore's spirits lifted a little. She had always liked doing well in school and soaked up the teacher's praise, even though she knew it was dorky. "Thank you."
"Don't worry about Brad," he added with an exasperated exhale as he followed her into the hall. "I'll... handle him."
"Thanks," Lenore said with a chuckle. Of course, Brad hadn't even shown up for the presentation. Not that she expected him to.
"And pass along my compliments to Victor," Mr. Platz said as he locked the door behind them. "You two make a good team. Maybe I'll pair you two up again."
Lenore was glad Mr. Platz quickly walked soon after because her face felt like it was on fire.
A good team.
He'd said they made a good team.
There was a flutter of hope in her chest, but it quickly faltered as the cold grip of reality took hold. Her shoulders slumped, suddenly heavy.
A 'good team' was all well and good, but that was all she and Victor would ever be. She wondered where Victor had gone—he had rushed out with the rest of their classmates. Could she even consider him a friend? After all, he hadn't even waited for her—
"Lenore!"
She spun around.
There was Victor on the other side of the hall, standing by a block of lockers. He waved her down.
He had waited for her.
The flutter in her chest started up again. She tried to press it down, but that did little good. She hurried over.
"Nice job, partner," Victor cheered as she got close. He reached out and offered Lenore a high five. "I think we nailed it."
Lenore nodded and lightly tapped his hand. It was the briefest of touches, but a smile spread across her face before she could stop it.
"I think so, too," she said. "Mr. Platz basically said as much."
Victor grinned and opened his mouth to say something else—
