My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 13

"It's morning, Sharon! I didn't really want to wake you up, but I think I need you right now!" Carly's voice rang loudly in my ears.

I jolted slightly, startled by the sudden intrusion into my sleep. Groaning, I rubbed my eyelids, still heavy with exhaustion. Every part of me begged to stay curled under the covers, but reality crept in — school.

"What's the time now?" I muttered, my voice thick with sleep.

"8:30 a.m."

"What?!"

I shot upright in bed, panic rushing through me. "And you didn't wake me up?" I scrambled out of the sheets, peeling off my pajamas as I reached for fresh clothes. I needed a quick shower — no time to waste. Maneuvering with my crutches slowed me down, making every step feel annoyingly deliberate.

"Wait... wake you up for what?" Carly asked, genuinely confused.

"For school, of course!"

She blinked. "Are you serious? You want to go to school?" Her surprise was obvious.

"Yeah."

"But you're not even fully okay yet." Her eyes dropped to my crutches, worry flickering across her face.

"I have things to settle," I replied firmly, grabbing my towel. "And besides, I miss my friends."

I slipped into the bathroom, leaving her shaking her head behind me.

"What kind of sister do I even have?" she muttered, rummaging through her closet.

I finished quickly, dried my hair, and stepped out. Carly turned toward me, holding up two dresses.

"Which one do you think I should wear for my date?" she asked, indecisive.

"What date?" I asked while dressing. I didn't remember her mentioning anything.

"My date with Kyle — remember?" she insisted.

"Oh! Cutie Kyle," I teased with a grin. "Wear the blue one. It looks really good on you." It was simple and short, but flattering.

"If you say so." She nodded, hanging the other dress back.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed for school. Standing at the entrance, I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath.

Today was going to be a long day.

⸻

"So how is Sharon?" Stiles asked Stephen from his seat. "Is she coming today?"

"I don't know... but I hope so," Stephen replied, excitement lacing his voice.

Stiles raised an eyebrow. "Is something going on that I don't know about?"

"Well..." Stephen trailed off, distracted the moment I walked into the classroom.

"Sharon! You came!" Bella and Helen rushed toward me immediately.

I noticed Stephen's eyes light up — of course he looked happy to see me.

"We thought you wouldn't come," Bella said, studying my face. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," I answered, lowering myself into my seat.

"I'm glad you came, Sharon," Stephen said, sitting not too far away. I hadn't even noticed him there.

"Does your leg still hurt?"

I shot him a look. "Why do you think I'm using crutches?"

He leaned slightly closer, impatience bubbling beneath his smile. "Are you uncomfortable with me after your confession?"

"Ugh... I told you it was a mistake!"

Frustration flared, and I stood abruptly, leaving the classroom before he could push further. I didn't want him blurting things out in front of Bella.

"Sharon!"

I froze when I heard my name again. For a second, I thought it was Stephen — but that voice... it wasn't his.

I turned.

Patricia.

She was walking toward me, her expression hard, her eyes burning with betrayal. I forced a small smile, though my chest tightened.

"How could you?" Her voice trembled with anger. "Of all people... you. I trusted you. And now I find out you've been secretly dating my boyfriend?"

Words failed me. I knew this confrontation would come eventually — just not now.

"You don't understand," I managed weakly.

"Understand?" she snapped. "Then lie to me. Lie and say you don't have feelings for him. Go on — lie!" She grabbed my shirt, shaking me slightly.

"I... don't," I insisted, though my voice lacked conviction.

"Liar! Boyfriend snatcher!"

Her palm struck my cheek, the sting sharp and sudden. She shoved me, and I fell to the floor, pain shooting through my leg.

I groaned, trying to steady myself — until Stephen appeared, pulling me up with anger flashing across his face.

"Patricia, what do you think you're doing?" he demanded.

"What?" she shot back, unapologetic. "She stole you from me."

"Stole me? You broke up with me," he reminded her.

"Stephen..." Her tone softened instantly. "You know I love you. I didn't mean to break up. I was hurt. I saw you with Mara. I was jealous. Please... give me another chance."

"Patricia, it's over," he said firmly. "I don't love you anymore."

"Don't say that!" Her voice cracked, desperation turning into rage.

"It's true." He glanced at me before finishing. "I love Sharon."

The words hit me like a shockwave.

"No! No — shut up!" Patricia cried, tears threatening to spill.

"I love her," he repeated.

She shook her head, refusing to accept it. "Even if you love her... you'll end up with me eventually."