If Yesterday was Real (Benson Sisters #1)

Prologue

IF YESTERDAY WAS REAL
Prologue

Everyone eyes us with shock and curiosity once we enter the building, side by side. It's definitely an unusual sight to see considering my boyfriend and I have never even talked to despite formally knowing each other since freshman year.

A wave of whispers erupt throughout the halls, full of judgment, anticipation, but also adoration. To be fair, we're not an ugly couple to look at — I wouldn't have been able to date the football team's captain for 3 years if I wasn't so attractive, and the guy right next to me, though he could barely care about what he looks like, is known to be effortlessly good-looking.

"Don't mind them." Colter Parkers whispers, putting his arm around my shoulder. I almost pause at the sudden gesture, dazzled by his touch. The halls of Georgia Academy suddenly seem too small, whispers emerging from each and every angle in the room. Even a few faculty members briefly stop at our direction, surprise written on their faces.

If someone told me two days ago that I would end up being this physically close to a guy I've not spoken to since the first year of Highschool, I would've laughed.

My breath hitches when I see Daniel, whose eyes widen at the sight of me with Colter. I like how he almost drops his books in surprise; though there is also a hint of mild confusion and sadness splashed on his face. Even his group of friends begin to stare longingly at us, muttering something to him.

I hide my satisfaction by removing Colter's arm, insisting on holding his hand. He hesitates for a split second before allowing our fingers to interlock. I squeeze his hand, grateful. He doesn't express any sign of gratitude, though I don't really mind — the only way I can return the favor is by attending each and every one of his family dinners every Sunday night where I continue my role as Colter Parkers' girlfriend.

"Is it true?"

Acting dumb, I turn to look at Zara and Hailey with an innocent look. We're in English Literature, and Mrs. Bee hasn't arrived yet. "What?"

"You and the hot guy from the debate team! The guy who rejected Chloe! The guy who we secretly thought was gay!" Hailey specifies, eyes gleaming with excitement as she gently cups both of my cheeks. I nearly flinch. "Tell me it's true."

Blushing, I allow myself to nod. Zara and Hailey squeal with delight. "Chloe's going to be so pissed!" Chloe's the captain of our cheer squad. She used to have a crush on Colter, but he barely noticed her. He never really noticed any girl, actually. "Since when? You were literally just crying over Daniel last week!"

The mention of Daniel's name makes my heart drop. "I can't keep missing him," I do my best to put on a genuine smile, "Colter and I... we just happened. Sort of."

"We need details!" Zara pushes impatiently, sand brown eyes sparkling in anticipation.

I know I can't just outright tell them the whole thing's for show in a classroom where everyone's eyeing us, so I promise I'll tell them everything at lunch. Right on time, Mrs. Bee hops inside the classroom with her usual enthusiasm, her flip phone almost falling from her pocket.

In the midst of the discussion, my mind wanders back to yesterday.

***

I usually was a fan of Fridays, but today was hell just like the rest of the week.

I told Zara and Hailey I'd skip Cheer and walk to the coffee shop where my sister Jo worked so I could catch a ride with her and her boyfriend back to the apartment, but I couldn't bring myself to do so.