All That's Left

Chapter 15 | Vania

Two years ago

The bustling noise of students filling the hallways of Dorian and I's high school almost drowns out the sound of my footsteps as I make my way to my locker. I feel a knot tighten in my stomach when I see Lucas leaning against it, an anxious look on his face.

"Vania, we need to talk,'' he says, pushing himself off the locker and stepping into my path. I sigh, trying to keep my voice steady. ''We already did, Lucas. There's nothing left to talk about. We're not getting back together.

The anxious look on his face fades away, replaced by a look of frustration. ''Come on, Vania. You don't mean that. I can change, okay? Whatever it is you need, I'll do it.

I shake my head, feeling the weight of his words. Why couldn't he understand? "No, Lucas. We've been through this. It's not going to work, Please, just stop with what you're doing."

Before Lucas can respond, Dorian appears by my side, his presence a comforting shield, yet guilt crawls up my throat. I had never felt the same amount of comfort of happiness around Lucas. Could he be right? Could I really be in love with Dorian?

"Everything okay?'' Dorian asks, eyes focusing on Lucas.

Lucas glares at Dorian, his jaw clenching. ''Stay out of this, Dorian. This is between me and Vania.''

Dorian takes a step closer towards Lucas, his voice calm but unyielding. ''You've heard her more than once, Lucas. It's over. Move on."

Lucas scoffs, turning his gaze back to me. ''You think you can just walk away from this? From us?"

I feel a shiver make its way down my spine, but stand my ground. ''Yes, Lucas, I can. And I am. Please just let this go."

The bell rings, signaling the start of the next period. Lucas looks at me one last time, a mixture of anger and desperation in his eyes, before storming off down the hall. As the rest of the students disperse to their classes, Dorian turns to me, concern etched on his face. ''Vania, you really should tell someone about this. Lucas isn't going to stop, you know that."

I shake my head, trying to brush off the encounter. "It's okay, Dorian. He's just acting out because of the issues with his dad. You know he hates being alone in any way. He'll calm down in a few days. I spoke with his mom a few days ago, and she told me that she'll make sure he's taking his medication."

Dorian frowns, not convinced. I wasn't convinced by what I was telling him either. "Still, I don't like seeing him harass you like this. Promise me you'll tell someone if it gets worse, because otherwise I will."

I nod, appreciating his concern. ''I will. Thanks, Dorian."

He gives me a small, reassuring smile, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. ''Of course, Van."

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Lunchtime arrives, and the cafeteria is a hive of activity. I sit with Dorian and a few other classmates, but I can't shake the feeling of unease that Lucas's confrontations has left me with.

My eyes keep darting around, half-expecting him to show up again. "You okay?'' Dorian asks softly, nudging me with his elbow. "You seem a bit out of it."

I force a smile, trying to push the anxiety down, even though I know Dorian will see right through me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just...thinking."

Dorian looks at me with concern, but before he's able to say anything, Lucas walks into the cafeteria.

My heart skips a beat, and I feel Dorian tense up beside me. Lucas spots us and makes a beeline for our table. Dorian stands up, blocking his path. ''Lucas, enough. Leave her alone."