Oh, to be held

a strange gift.

Life after All Stars settled into this weirdly quiet rhythm, you know? Like, one minute we're duking it out on reality TV, and the next, we're just... chilling in our apartment. No more Chris McLean breathing down our necks, no more insane challenges trying to break us. Just me, Sierra, and Cody, living our best drama-free lives. They're the one making drama in the apartment at this point. My bullshit parents decided to get rid of my stuff in the house, and I don't think I will be visiting their funerals now.

I still can't quite wrap my head around why Sierra and Cody decided to move in with me, but hey, I'm not complaining. It's nice having some company around, even if they can be a little... much sometimes.

Anyway, one morning, as I dragged myself down the hallway to the mailbox, the sunlight was doing that fucking annoying thing where it blinds you through the blinds. I was half-asleep, barely even functioning, when I spotted this random package stuffed in our mailbox.

Now, I don't remember ordering anything, and I highly doubt Sierra or Cody did either. So, naturally, my curiosity gets the better of me, and I snatch the package up and haul it back inside.

Sierra and Cody are already doing their whole morning routine thing when I strut back into the kitchen, looking like the zombie version of myself. And of course, they're all like, "What's that?" with their eyes practically bulging out of their heads like those nosy kids when you have games on your phone.

I shrug, dropping the package on the table. "No idea. Found it in the mailbox."

Cody practically lunges across the table in his excitement. "Open it!" he says, practically bouncing in his seat with excitement.

So, I oblige, tearing into the package like a kid on Christmas morning. Inside, there's this heart-shaped box of chocolates, and I swear, my stomach does a backflip.

And then there's a note, all fancy handwriting and stuff, with just two words: "Mi amor." My heart practically stops beating.

Alejandro.

The name sends a shiver down my spine. The guy who played me like a fiddle, broke my heart into a million pieces, and then waltzed out of my life like it was no big deal.

Sierra's eyes practically bug out of her head. "Who's it from?" she asks, practically vibrating with curiosity.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my cool. "Just... an old acquaintance," I mumble, not meeting anyone's eyes.

Cody's face falls, and he hesitantly says the name we're all thinking: "Alejandro? That Spanish guy that you kicked his balls down the volcano, leading him to burn and be stuffed by the robot?"

"Oh, Oh! The Alejandro that you have made out in the end of all stars?" Sierra asked as she's looking like she will explode with anticipation.

I nod, feeling like a stupid lovesick teenager all over again. But even as I try to push the memories away, they come rushing back like a tidal wave.

For the rest of the day, I can't shake the feeling of unease. What's Alejandro playing at? And more importantly, do I really want to find out?

As night falls and I finally crawl into bed, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. But one thing's for sure: if Alejandro thinks he can just waltz back into my life like nothing happened, he's got another thing coming.

As I drift off to sleep, my mind is filled with thoughts of him—of us—and I can't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there's still a chance for us. But then reality comes crashing back, reminding me of all the pain he caused, and I push those thoughts aside, determined to keep my guard up.

But deep down, in that tiny, vulnerable part of me that I hate to admit exists, I can't help but wonder... what if?

Heather, please check yourself in a mental hospital.

On second thought...

Heather, please put your hand out and slap it on your forehead.

Creators note:

I lied. I love writing shit..