all the what could've been

CHAPTER VII

The weeks that followed were just fine. My days almost focused on the same routine every day, classes, homework, and hanging out with friends. But Lucas always found ways to make them different, like yesterday when I was buried in homework. My phone suddenly rang, and Lucas's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey, open the door," he said excitedly.

"What? Why?" I asked, confused.

"Just do it," he insisted.

I put down my books and went to the door. There stood Lucas with two boxes of pizza, a Spanish latte, a Matcha latte, and a pack of dog treats for Chewy.

"Surprise!" he said, grinning from ear to ear.

"You're unbelievable," I said, laughing. "Come on in."

We settled on the couch, Chewy eagerly sniffing the dog treats.

"So, what's the occasion?" I asked, taking a slice of pizza.

"No occasion. Just thought you could use a break," Lucas replied, sipping his latte. "And I missed you."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. 

"I missed you too," I admitted, feeling a pang of guilt. I had been a little distant with Lucas lately. 

After the party, his closeness with Jenny became more evident, and it seemed like he was happy spending time with her. There were times when I'd find out they went out together, which was fine. After all, I was just his best friend of eight years.

"Hey, how's everything going with Jenny?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Lucas shrugged.

"She's cool. We hang out sometimes. But don't worry, no one can replace my best friend," he said, giving me a reassuring smile.

"Good to know," I said, forcing a smile.

Deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling of insecurity. I love Lucas, and as long as he was happy, the I am happy too. But I couldn't help but feel like I'm losing him. I don't want to ruin things for him and Jenny, so I'd rather keep my feelings to myself.

"Hey, Cali, Lucas is outside," Sofia nudged me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Usually, I'd be smiling and giggling at the mention of Lucas, but with Jenny in the picture now, I don't know how to react.

"Hey, Jen, Lucas is outside," I whispered to her.

"So?" she asked, laughing.

"Well, maybe he's here for you. I didn't get the memo that he'd visit me today," I answered truthfully.

"Who else would he be visiting here, Calista Martinez?" she laughed even harder.

"You," I answered with a confused look.

"You're a hopeless case, Cali. You both are," she said, shaking her head. She stood up and yelled outside, "Hey Lucas, just come inside. Our prof isn't here." She gave me a wink as she faced me.

I stared at the door, feeling like a dumbass, and watched Lucas as he approached me. He was holding a bouquet of tulips, followed by Xander holding a box of cake, Tanner holding a plushy and balloons, and Dylan holding a lot of paper bags.

"Happy birthday, Cali," Lucas greeted, a smile on his face and a glimmer in his eyes.

I cried and playfully hit his shoulder.