There lost soul

Parties aren't really my thing

As we stepped out of the nurse's office, the chatter and laughter of students filled the hallway, and I felt a mix of relief and lingering embarrassment. Lorenzo's warm presence beside me made the chaos seem a little more manageable, but I still couldn't shake my annoyance at him for fighting.

"Hey," he said, leaning in slightly, his hand resting on the small of my back. It was a gesture that sent shivers down my spine, but I tried to focus on my irritation instead. "Are you really okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, perhaps too quickly. I glanced down the hallway, hoping to change the subject. Just then, Liz appeared her expression one of feigned concern.

"Amelia! There you are! I was looking for you!" she said, her eyes flicking between us. "Are you okay? I saw what happened back there."

"I'm fine," I repeated, brushing off her concern. "Really."

Liz's gaze sharpened, and she leaned in closer, pretending to be discreet. "So, what did you whisper to that boy?" I asked,

I shot her a look, unsure of what she was going to do. Before I could take her again she quickly fabricated an explanation. "Oh, I was just telling him about a party I want to throw at my place! I was thinking of inviting Lorenzo too." Her smile was wide, but I could sense the ulterior motive behind it.

Lorenzo frowned. "A party? No thanks. I don't really do those," he said, shaking his head. But Liz pressed on, undeterred.

"Come on, Amelia will be there! It'll be fun!" she insisted, her enthusiasm palpable.

I felt my stomach drop. "Parties aren't really my thing, Liz," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Oh, but it's my birthday coming up! You have to come," she pleaded, her expression turning earnest. "It wouldn't be a party without my bff !"

"Yeah, I guess I could go," I relented, feeling the pressure of her gaze. I didn't want to disappoint her, but I felt the familiar dread of being in a crowded room weighing on me.

Lorenzo seemed to sense my hesitation. "You're going to be there, Amelia i be there if you go dont worry. he added, his voice gentle but firm. Something about the way he said it made me feel like I didn't really have a choice, but in a good way.

"See? Even Lorenzo agrees!" Liz chimed in, her excitement bubbling over. "It'll be awesome! You'll have fun, I promise!"

I nodded slowly, still uncertain but swayed by the prospect of being with Lorenzo outside of school. "Alright, I'll go."

"Great! It's settled then," Liz declared triumphantly as we made our way toward the cafeteria.

As we entered, the smell of pizza and fries wafted through the air, making my stomach grumble. I reached into my pocket, only to remember that I had no money. My heart sank a little.

"Do you want something?" Lorenzo asked, his voice low and kind.

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "I'm good, really. Just... not super hungry."

Liz raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Amelia, are you sure? You can't live on air."

"I'm fine!" I insisted, but Lorenzo was already heading toward the counter.

"What do you want?" he asked, looking over the options.

"I said I'm okay!" I called after him, but he didn't listen.

"Two slices of pizza and a drink," he ordered without missing a beat, turning to me with a grin. "And I'm getting you something to eat. No arguments."

"Wow, look at you, Amelia. Riding on Lorenzo's generosity," Liz joked, a teasing lilt to her voice. "What's next? Are you going to move in with him?"

"Shut the hell up, Liz," Lorenzo shot back, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smirk. "She doesn't need your crap right now."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his defense, even if I was embarrassed by the whole situation. "It's fine, really," I said again, but my voice was softer this time.

When Lorenzo returned with my food, I felt a mix of gratitude and guilt. "Thank you," I said, taking the slices from him. "You really didn't have to."

"Yeah, I did," he replied, a teasing glint in his eye. "I can't let you starve. Besides, I can't have you passing out on me in the middle of class."

Liz rolled her eyes dramatically. "Right, because it's all about keeping your 'baby girl' healthy," she teased, and I shot her a warning look.

"Seriously, Liz," Lorenzo said, his tone shifting slightly. "Just let her enjoy her food without the commentary."

I took a bite of the pizza, savoring the cheesy goodness while secretly grateful for his defense. Liz huffed but didn't say anything more, her attention drifting to her phone.

As we settled at a table, I found myself lost in thought. The chaos of my life felt a little more manageable with Lorenzo by my side, even if everything around us was unpredictable. With Liz planning her party, and the uncertainties of my home life looming over me, it felt like for the first time in a long while, I had something to look forward to.