Pieces Of Grace

Chapter 12

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual chaos, a cacophony of clattering trays and overlapping conversations. I sat at our usual table, staring blankly at my untouched lunch. Alya's newfound popularity had cast a shadow over our once quiet corner, and the absence of her familiar presence beside me only intensified my feelings of isolation.

I looked up as Alya walked in, flanked by a group of students who seemed to hang on her every word. She caught my eye and waved, but her path diverted to a different table, leaving me alone. My chest tightened with a mix of jealousy and loneliness. It was as if everyone around me was moving forward, while I remained stuck, invisible.

Then I saw them. Kyle and Lily were standing near the vending machines, deep in conversation. Lily laughed, leaning in closer to him. My heart sank. It was happening again. Just as I feared, Kyle had forgotten about me. I pushed my tray away, no longer able to stomach the sight.

"Hey, Alice! You okay?" Alya's voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, just not hungry."

Alya's gaze followed mine to Kyle and Lily. Her eyes narrowed, and she clenched her fists. "Wait here."

She stormed over to them, and though I couldn't hear what was said, the tension in their body language spoke volumes. Kyle stepped back, shaking his head as Lily persisted. Alya's words seemed to cut through the noise, and for a brief moment, Kyle's gaze flicked to me. My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly looked away.

When Alya returned, her face was flushed with anger. "She's relentless. Keeps flirting even after Kyle told her he's not interested."

I wanted to feel relief, but the weight of everything was too much. "It doesn't matter," I muttered. "He's probably just being polite."

Alya grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to meet her eyes. "Alice, he means it. He likes you."

I shook my head, tears brimming. "It doesn't change anything. He's popular, and I'm... me."

Before Alya could respond, Kyle approached, looking determined. "Alice, can we talk?"

"No," I said quickly, standing up. "I need to go."

Kyle's face fell, and I hurried away, not looking back. I could hear Alya calling after me, but I didn't stop. The hallways blurred as I walked aimlessly, trying to escape the whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

I ended up in the courtyard, a quiet corner hidden by trees. I sank onto a bench, finally allowing the tears to fall. Losing my dog had been the final straw. Everyone thought my dog died, but the truth was my fish had died. It was a small lie, one that spiraled out of control, and now I felt trapped in a web of my own making.

Footsteps approached, and I looked up to see Kyle. He looked hesitant, but determined. "Alice, please. Just hear me out."

I wiped my eyes, trying to muster the strength to tell him to go away, but the sincerity in his gaze stopped me. "Fine. What is it?"

He took a deep breath. "I've been trying to find the right moment to tell you this, but I can't wait any longer. I like you, Alice. I've liked you for a long time."

My heart raced, but the fear of rejection was too strong. "You don't have to say that."

"I'm not just saying it. I rejected Lily because I have feelings for you." He took a step closer, his eyes pleading. "Please, believe me."

The raw emotion in his voice broke through my defenses. "If you love me, then why were you talking to Lily? Why were you with her?"

Kyle sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She cornered me. I tried to tell her I wasn't interested, but she wouldn't listen."

I crossed my arms, not fully convinced. "It didn't look like you were trying very hard."

"I swear, Alice. I was only trying to be polite. I didn't want to cause a scene." His voice softened, his eyes searching mine. "I only care about you."

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and saw a text from Tom. He had never even met me until a few days ago, and he CERTAINLY never went out with me. Unless you count yesterday. One of the best days I've had all year.

Tom: Hey, Alice. Are you free this weekend? Maybe we could hang out?

Kyle leaned over, his eyes narrowing as he read the message. "Tom? Why is he texting you?"

I could hear the jealousy in his voice, and for a moment, it felt good to know he cared. But the confusion and hurt quickly returned. "He's just a friend."

"Just a friend?" Kyle's voice was tight. "Alice, he's one of the most popular guys at school. Why would he want to hang out with you?"

I flinched at his words, the sting of his implication cutting deep. "Maybe because I'm not as invisible as you think."

Kyle's face fell, and he reached for my hand. "That's not what I meant. I'm sorry. I just... I don't want to lose you."

I pulled my hand away, standing up. "You never had me, Kyle. You can't lose something you never had."

Before he could say anything else, I walked away, my heart heavy with confusion and pain. As I left the courtyard, I saw Alya approaching. She looked from me to Kyle, her eyes filled with concern.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"I don't know," I whispered, feeling more lost than ever. "I just don't know."

Alya hugged me tightly, and for a moment, I let myself lean into her warmth, seeking comfort in her embrace. But even as she held me, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were spiraling out of control, and I had no idea how to stop it.