The Choice.

Serenity and Cayden go a long way back. How long? Since birth.

They’re best friends.

Serenity is a girl who loves to get down and get dirty.

Cayden is the popular guy. Everyone wants him. Including Serenity, but Cayden doesn’t know that.

Will Cayden trade his popularity for Serenity? Or will their friendship crash and burn?

And yet, it's all because of a simple choice.

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*Prologue.*

“Hey mom, I’m home!” I shouted as I left my backpack near the front door. I followed the smell of cookies into the kitchen. Mom was making cookies again.

“How was your first day at school honey?” She asked and smiled at me. My mom tried to do everything for me.

“Good, but I got homework.” I groaned and rolled my eyes.

“Cayden still pretending he doesn’t know who you are at school?” She set her hands on her hips and looked at me.

“Yep.” I said, popping the p.

“You need to tell that boy its popularity or your friendship.” Mom said shaking her head. “You need to tell him you’re fed up with him ignoring you at school.”

“I know mom.” I said smiling. “I’m trying to find the perfect time to give him that choice. I haven’t been able to yet.”

“Do it when he comes over later tonight.” Mom said going back to the cookies. She put on her oven mitts and grabbed them from the oven. She set them on the counter before speaking again. “I’m tired of seeing him treat you like crap, Serenity. You don’t need this. You’re way better than this.”

“I know mom.” I said. “I know.”

“Now,” She said happily. “Would you like some cookies?”

“Heck yeah I would!”

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“Serenity,” Mom called up the stairs. “Cayden’s here!”

“Okay mom!” I shouted back. “Send him up!”

I was too late in saying that because as I finished, he walked in my room smiling.

“Hey Serenity.” Cayden said.

“Hey Cayden.” I said softly. Mom was right; I had to give him the choice tonight. “We need to talk about something.”

“What is it?” Cayden asked as concern masked his face. I smiled nervously at him before continuing.

“I’m tired.” I said as I sat down on my bed.

“Tired of what?” He asked. This time confusion masked his face.

“Of always being put second.” I said.

“Who always puts you second?” He asked as he now sat down on the bed. He smiled softly at me. “If anything is bugging you, please tell me.”

“Alright.” I said.

“What is it?”

“It’s me or popularity. You choose.” I blurted out.