Forever [COMPLETED]

Chapter Seventeen

The morning sun streamed through the school's tall windows, casting golden light across the bustling hallways. Dana walked with her head down, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and dread. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of Chandler—the way he held her hand the night before, the warmth of his gaze as he'd whispered sweet words through her ear, but as much as her heart fluttered with the memory, a knot of guilt twisted in her stomach.

Lana.

Dana hadn't seen her best friend since the breakup with Julian, and she knew that Lana was hurting. It wasn't just about losing her boyfriend; Julian had been Lana's whole world. And here Dana was, falling for Chandler, living in her own little daydream, while her friend was trying to piece her heart back together.

No one can know yet, Dana told herself as she approached her locker. Especially not Lana. She didn't want to further damage a heart that was once whole.

She opened her locker and grabbed her books, but her thoughts were miles away. Could she really keep this a secret? Every time she thought of Chandler's smile or the way his hand fit perfectly in hers, her chest filled with warmth. But if Lana found out too soon—if it seemed like Dana was flaunting her happiness while her best friend was still nursing fresh wounds—it would hurt her. And Dana couldn't do that.

Taking a steadying breath, she forced herself to focus. Keep it cool. Act normal. Everything will be fine.

But then Chandler appeared.

"Hey, stranger."

Dana's head snapped up, and there he was, leaned against the lockers with that easy, lopsided grin that made her heart race. He was dressed casually in a dark hoodie and jeans, his hair perfectly tousled like he hadn't even tried to look that good.

"Chandler," she whispered as she glanced around nervously to see if anyone was watching.

He chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Relax. I'm not going to make a scene." But even his quiet presence was enough to send her pulse skyrocketing. He lowered his voice as he leaned in, just enough for her to catch the faint scent of his cologne. "You okay?"

Dana nodded quickly, her eyes darting around again. She spotted Jessica down the hall, chatting animatedly with Dominique, and a wave of relief washed over her. No sign of Lana yet.

"Yeah. I'm good," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But—"

"I know," he interrupted gently. "Lana."

Dana sighed. She gave in and texted him the issues she would face as their relationship grew stronger and more blatant. The thought of putting her excitement for this new budding romance on the back burner wasn't apart of her plan.

Chandler nodded, his expression softening. "I get it. You don't want her to feel worse. I'm not going to say that doesn't suck for me though."

Dana's chest tightened. He understood—but doesn't mean he can hold out. She gave him a small smile, grateful that he wasn't pushing her to make their relationship public.

"Thank you," she said softly. "I know it's not the best solution but I've never been in this situation before. One where my friend was leaving a relationship and I was... ever in one."

He reached out, his fingers brushed hers for just a second before pulling away. "I want this to be comfortable for you, Dana. But just so you know..." His voice dropped even lower, sending shivers down her spine. "It's hard not to want to hold your hand right now."

Her cheeks burned, and she bit her lip to keep from grinning like an idiot. "You're not making this any easier."

Chandler laughed, stepping back with a playful smirk. "I never said I would."

Before Dana could respond, the warning bell rang, and the hallway erupted into motion. Chandler gave her one last lingering glance before turning toward his class, leaving Dana standing by her locker, heart pounding in her chest.

Focus, she told herself. Just get through the day.

Lana was already waiting at their usual lunch spot when Dana arrived. She sat at the table, picking at her salad without much interest. Her usually vibrant energy was dimmed, her shoulders slumped in a way that made Dana's heart ache.

"Hey," Dana said, sliding into the seat across from her.

Lana looked up, managing a small smile. "Hey."

They sat in silence for a moment before Lana sighed, setting her fork down. "I'm sorry. I'm being a total downer."

"No, you're not," Dana said quickly. "You're going through a lot."

Lana shrugged. "It's just... I don't know. It's weird. I thought Julian and I were forever, you know? And now it's like I don't even know who I am without him."

Dana reached across the table, squeezing Lana's hand. "You're still you. And you're amazing. Julian doesn't define you."

Lana smiled faintly. "Thanks. I'm trying to believe that."

As they ate, Dana tried to keep the conversation light, steering it away from relationships and heartbreak. But it wasn't easy. Every time her phone buzzed with a message from Chandler, she had to fight the urge to smile or glance at the screen. And every time Lana mentioned how much she missed having someone to talk to at night, Dana's guilt grew heavier.

By the time lunch ended, Dana felt like she was balancing on a tightrope, trying to keep her two worlds from colliding.

After school, Dana found herself back at Chandler's house, sitting cross-legged on his bed while he lounged against the headboard. The air between them was comfortable, easy, but Dana couldn't shake the weight on her chest.

"You're quiet," Chandler observed, tilting his head to look at her.

Dana sighed, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "I'm just... worried about Lana."

Chandler nodded thoughtfully. "She's lucky to have you. Not everyone would put their own happiness on hold for a friend."

Dana looked up at him, her heart squeezing at the warmth in his gaze. "It's not like that. I just don't want to hurt her."

"You're not," he said softly. "But you can't hide forever, Dana. At some point, people are going to figure it out. You deserve to be happy too."

She bit her lip, her mind swirling with doubts. "What if she hates me?"

Chandler sat up, reaching for her hand and intertwining their fingers. "She won't. And if she does, then that's on her—not you."

Dana stared at their hands, her thumb brushing against his. "I just... I don't know how to tell her."

Chandler gave her a gentle squeeze. "We'll figure it out. Together."

Dana met his gaze, the knot in her chest loosening just a bit. She knew he was right. She couldn't keep pretending nothing was happening between them. But she also couldn't rush into it without considering Lana's feelings.

As they sat there, the soft hum of music playing from Chandler's speaker, Dana felt something settle inside her. For the first time in days, the whirlwind of emotions calmed, and she allowed herself to simply enjoy the moment.

"Thank you," she whispered, leaning her head against Chandler's shoulder.

"For what?"

"For being patient with me."

Chandler kissed the top of her head, his voice soft. "I'm not going anywhere."

The next morning, Dana stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. Today, she decided, she would stop hiding. She would find a way to balance her friendship with Lana and her growing feelings for Chandler.

And no matter what happened, she wouldn't lose herself again.

As she grabbed her bag and headed out the door, her phone buzzed.

Chandler Beckett
See you at school. :)

Dana smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in days.