One Wish Left

CHAPTER 21: IMPOSTER

This was the first day of her junior year, but Laura felt like a freshman again. She spent more time than was necessary arranging and rearranging her belongings in her locker, and when she couldn't find an excuse to stall for one more minute, she turned around to face the world with a book clutched in her arms like a shield. The whole school was gathered in the cafeteria before the start of classes, and Laura trudged down the hallway toward the awaiting mob with a dread like she was walking the plank.

A giggly presence appeared at her side.

"Hi, Sarah," Laura said without looking at her.

"What's up with you?" Sarah asked. "You look like you're walking to the gallows."

Laura stopped and put a hand to her forehead. "I... I don't know. What if... what if Brodie ignores me? We've been dating all summer, but I don't know. We've never really been boyfriend-girlfriend in front of people. I'm not exactly part of his crowd either. I don't know what to do with myself! I feel like an imposter."

Sarah elbowed Laura in the ribs encouragingly. "Didn't he say he's in love with you? He's your boyfriend, Laura. Just go in there and act like it."

Laura blew out a breath. "You're right. Okay."

Sarah walked by her side until they approached the large room, then she split off to talk to her photography friends, leaving Laura alone.

She was going to walk straight over to Brodie's table, but halfway there, Laura lost her nerve and went to sit at her old seat in the corner of the room. She felt hundreds of eyes following her as she took her seat. That was one fear confirmed: she knew there were rumors floating around about whether or not she and Brodie were really a thing, and now she knew everyone was waiting to find out the truth. She wouldn't be surprised if people had placed bets. Opening the book in her arms, she buried her nose in it as deeply as possible to hide her blush.

"What are you doing?" asked a laughing voice.

Laura sheepishly peered up at Brodie, who had in ninja-like fashion made his way over without her notice and now casually leaned against the wall next to her table. "I'm... reading."

"I can see that. Why?"

His smirk was irking her. "It's this thing called studying, Brodie. You should try it sometime."

Her boyfriend beamed. "There it is. The sass."

"Miss it, did you?" she taunted from her seat.

He shook his head. "I'm serious, Laura. What are you doing over here?"

"Avoiding things." She turned her face back to her book.

"Avoiding me?"

"No. Just... being with you around all this." She waved her hand around without looking, indicating the mass of people watching them.

"Laura," he said, waiting for her to look at him.

She slowly dragged her eyes back up to his.

"What are you afraid of?" he whispered.

"Reactions. Feeling out of place. Everything."

Brodie looked thoughtful. He sighed. "First of all, nobody's reaction matters except ours. Second, you belong with me, and I wouldn't rather have anyone else by my side, so you're not out of place. And last but not least, you're forgetting your own incredibleness. You can do anything, Laura."