Shattered Reflections

Chapter 24

June 2, 2024

It was the start of June, and Kai was busy finishing up his exams, which meant Fae hadn't seen him around much. He kept leaving early, and the absence was noticeable. She missed him, but she understood.

One afternoon, Fae was at her locker, rummaging for her history book when she noticed a small box of chocolates tucked inside. Her heart skipped a beat as she pulled it out, and a note slipped from beneath the box. She unfolded it and read, "These are from Kai. – K."

A warm smile spread across her face. "He remembered," she murmured to herself, feeling a rush of happiness.

Maddy, who was standing nearby, noticed the chocolates and the note. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Seriously, Fae? Kai's charm won't work on me. I still hate him," she said, crossing her arms.

Fae looked up, her smile fading slightly. "I know you do, Maddy. But this is sweet. He's trying," she defended him, her voice soft but firm.

Maddy scoffed. "Trying? He's always been good at that. Doesn't change who he is."

Fae sighed, closing her locker. "I get it. I really do. But he's different with me. He's trying to be better."

Maddy rolled her eyes. "I don't trust him, and neither should you."

Kai had a way of getting under her skin, and despite everything, she was willing to give him another chance.   

Lying in her bed that night, Fae's mind was in overdrive. The gesture of the chocolates had triggered a flood of memories and realizations. She stared at the ceiling, piecing together fragments from the past few months.

Back in December, when she and Kai first started talking, he was still in a relationship. He'd mentioned his girlfriend casually, but the breakup had been swift and soon after, Kai was all in with Fae. The timeline was unsettling.

"Did he just move on from her to me?" she thought, her heart sinking. The thought of being a rebound stung, even though she knew Kai had broken up with his girlfriend before things got serious with her. She couldn't shake the feeling of being part of a pattern.

Fae's phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a message from Kai, but tonight, it felt like another piece of the puzzle she wasn't ready to fit.

Kai: Hey, hope you liked the chocolates. Miss you.

She glanced at the message, conflicted. Despite the sweet gesture, the overthinking clouded her judgment.

Fae: I did, thanks. How's the studying going?

Kai: Exhausting, but almost done. Can't wait to see you.

His message was reassuring, but the lingering doubts remained. Fae kept reading over the messages, trying to ignore the rising suspicion.

Fae: Hope it goes well. Talk soon?

Kai: Definitely. Goodnight!

Fae: Goodnight.

She put her phone down, turning off the lights. Despite Kai's attempt to connect and the comforting words, Fae couldn't ignore the gnawing uncertainty.