Under the Stars

Chapter 23

~CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE~

MONDAY, JANUARY 13,2025

   The cafeteria buzzed with excitement as the principal's voice crackled through the speakers, officially announcing the prom once again for the final date and time. Students erupted into cheers and chatter, and posters advertising the event started appearing on every wall and bulletin board. It seemed like prom fever had gripped the entire school, and I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

  I glanced over at Lyla, who was sitting across from me, her eyes flicking towards the posters with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. She was slowly lowering her walls, bit by bit, and I wanted to make this moment as special as possible. I knew she deserved the best, and I was determined to give her that.

Over the next few days, I quietly started planning how to ask Lyla to prom. I wanted it to be memorable and heartfelt, something that would show her how much she meant to me. I enlisted the help of a few friends and even my mom, Sophie, who was thrilled to be part of the surprise.

...

Over the next few days, I noticed Carl acting a bit secretive. He whispered with his friend Billy, and exchanged knowing looks with his mom, Sophie, whenever I wasn't around. My curiosity was piqued, but I decided to let it slide. Carl had his ways, and I trusted him.

...

"Lyla deserves something special," I told them, feeling the weight of the task ahead. "I need to make sure she knows how much I care about her."

  On the day of the surprise, I could barely contain my excitement. With the help of my friends, I set up a series of clues around the school, leading to different locations that held special memories for us. Each clue was a piece of our story, a reminder of the moments that had brought us closer together.

...

  On the day of the surprise, I opened my locker to find a small note. My heart skipped a beat as I read the riddle, which led me to the art room where Carl and I first talk. Library.

  As I followed the clues, moving from one location to the next, I couldn’t help but smile. Each step brought back memories of our journey together, and I felt my usual defenses slowly melting away.

...

  I left the first clue in Lyla’s locker, a small note with a riddle that would lead her to the library where we first met. From there, she would follow a trail of memories, each clue bringing her one step closer to the final surprise.

The answers to my clues are;

First: The Library (her favorite spot)
Second: The backyard (our spot)
Third: The campus ground (where we last shot our movie project)
Lastly: The School rooftop

  I watched from a distance as Lyla found the first clue. Her eyes widened with curiosity, and a small smile tugged at her lips. She followed the riddle, moving from one location to the next, gathering the clues and reliving our shared moments. Each step of the way, I saw her expression soften, her walls coming down as she allowed herself to feel the joy of the journey.

  The final clue led her to the school’s rooftop, a place we wish we could hang out some times.You could clearly the stars up here.

  As she reached the top, I stood there, holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. The sunset cast a warm glow around us, making the moment feel almost magical.