Heart Stealer

Chapter 17 Unrequited and Requited Affection

So I learned the meaning of love from my boyfriends—both of them. Matteo proved his feelings were real for me by his selfless choice of willing to let me go even if it hurt him. Pierce proved his love for me by making things right for me and Matteo by telling him everything (I found that out from Matteo later) and asking Matteo to forgive me. I never got a chance to thank him for that.

School was back to normal—that is, as normal as high school can get with its daily drama. The golden table was restored, Jules and Tom were part of it too (can't separate those sweethearts now) and although Pierce was a little distant with me, he was still friendly and polite to me. I hoped that meant he forgave me for dumping him. I also hoped he'd be able to move on—I was happy with Matteo and I wanted him to be happy too, even if it wasn't with me.

"Thea, are you sure about your decision? About us? About me?" Matteo asked me one day near the end of the semester as we walked hand in hand to his car.

"Of course, Matteo, why would you ask that?" I said, going closer to him and clinging to his arm like a monkey clinging to a tree. He smiled wistfully.

"I saw you staring at Pierce today and I wondered—"

"Uh-uh, stop. That is not a valid reason to be jealous," I said with a laugh.

"Okay. Then why were you looking at him like that?"

"Well, I was thinking, it would be nice if he had a girlfriend too. I just want him to be as happy as we are. After all, he sorta made things right for us. He deserves that much."

"He deserves a lot more, actually," Matteo said, nodding. "He's the one who pushed me to finally ask you out." I giggled.

"I'm glad he did. He's been there a lot for us..." I said softly. Matteo held me close.

"Maybe he'll find his other half at college..." he said. I looked up with furrowed brows.

"College? That's like so far away... There's still Senior year," I said in confusion. Matteo shook his head.

"No, Pierce is graduating early."

"Wait, what?" I asked with my mouth falling open.

"You didn't know? He's got enough credits to skip senior year. Plus, he's graduating as an honor student. He got accepted into Harvard."

"Oh, wow." I was stunned.

"Yeah..." I saw Matteo study my face. "You okay?" He asked looking concerned.

"Yeah, yeah, it's just—weird to think he won't be here for senior year..." I mumbled.

"Harvard is just around the corner, you know, he won't be that far away," Matteo said slowly and I could see doubt creep up in his expression.

"Matteo..." I sensed his thoughts going in the wrong direction again and I hugged him tightly.

"It doesn't bother me that he's leaving," I said softly. I felt him physically relax in my arms.

"Phew..." I heard him sigh and we both laughed.

"All the same, we're throwing him a going away party when school gets over. And naturally, you're invited," he said, looking more at ease.

"Yeah, that would be great," I was happy with Matteo, really. But a small part of my heart which I lost to Pierce felt a little sad. What would Senior year be like without Pierce? Sure, I'd have my Matteo; the golden boy who always chose me first. But I'd miss Pierce a lot. The golden boy who often came to my rescue...

~

There was one last thing I wanted to do before Pierce left. I felt bad for keeping the beautiful gifts he had given me and wanted to return them—the heart-shaped earrings and snowflake pendant necklace. I brought them to school on the last day before summer vacation intending to give them to him. I wanted to catch him alone and saw him in the science lab after school one day. I heard him talking to Mr. Byrd, the chemistry teacher.