Rise To The Crown- The Story of the Third-In-Line

Sixty-Five (2015.01)

It was lunchtime at Delly's school, and she sat with her friends at their usual table in the bustling cafeteria. Delly's heart raced a little faster than usual as she glanced across the table at Brian, who was animatedly talking about the basketball game he had last Friday.

Delly tried to focus on her sandwich, but her mind kept drifting back to the way Brian's eyes sparkled when he laughed. She couldn't deny the butterflies fluttering in her stomach whenever he smiled at her. Delly doesn't know what this feeling was. She can't put a name to it.

Theo, sitting next to Delly, noticed her distraction. "Hey, Delly, are you okay? You seem a bit quiet today."

Delly looked up, slightly flustered. "Oh, um, yeah, I'm fine, Theo."

Brian, always observant, chimed in. "Delly, do you want to trade snacks? I have some extra grapes. You said you didn't like those baby carrots."

Delly's cheeks turned pink as she accepted the offer. "Sure, thanks, Brian."

As they exchanged snacks, Delly's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between them, something she couldn't quite put into words.

The conversation at the table continued, but Delly found herself lost in her own thoughts. She glanced at Brian again, watching how he playfully teased Theo about a game they played earlier.

Suddenly, their eyes met, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Delly felt her cheeks grow warmer, but before she could say anything, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.

What was this? Delly thought. Brian's my friend, but I don't feel like this around Theo. He's my friend too.

Weird.

Delly gathered her books and stood up to leave with Theo. He seemed quieter than usual, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with a hint of uncertainty.

Theo glanced up, his expression hesitant. "Uh, Delly, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, what's up?" Delly replied, concerned.

Theo hesitated, fidgeting with the strap of his backpack. "Well, it's about Brian... Do you... do you like him?"

Delly blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the question. "Um, why do you ask?"

Theo's cheeks turned a shade of pink. "I don't know... I mean, you always seem to light up when he's around. And today, you were... different."

Delly smiled gently, realizing Theo's concerns. "I don't know, Theo. I think we are just friends."

Theo nodded slowly, but his uncertainty lingered. 

_

The next day, during recess, Delly found herself seeking solace in the quiet corner of the schoolyard. She needed a moment alone to sort through the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

As she sat on a weathered bench beneath the shade of a sprawling oak tree, Delly took in the serenity of the moment. The distant chatter of her classmates faded into the background as she closed her eyes, allowing herself to breathe deeply and clear her mind.

Yet, even in the stillness, her thoughts continued to revolve around Brian and Theo. She replayed moments from yesterday's lunch, dissecting every smile, every word exchanged. It was all so confusing. Did she truly have feelings for Brian beyond friendship? And what about Theo's question? Did she inadvertently give off signals she wasn't aware of?

Lost in contemplation, Delly didn't notice someone approaching until a familiar voice broke through her reverie.

"Hey, mind if I join you?"