The Brightest Stars

Julia

It's been a year since I've been with someone intimately. Shivers still go down my spine at the memory of those cold hands that touched every inch of my body. And all for a business affair with that boy's father. My body was to their satisfaction to win the deal.

The same story repeats with James. Expect it hurt even more as every kiss that went down my neck reminded me of Diego's pain shining in those brown eyes.

Just as much it hurts with one week of not seeing or talking with Diego. And just as I look at myself in the mirror of the school's restroom, I'm disgusted at myself for doing this to him.

I should've never fallen for him. I should've just went on with my day. I should've ignored all his kindness. Those glowing eyes...

They don't glow anymore because of me.

Luckily, I'm alone as tears start to fall out of my eyes. I quickly wipe them away and take a deep breath. I have Spanish next. I have to get it together if I want to talk with Diego. He hasn't been to class this week.

Either he's absent or he's been avoiding me....

With a sigh, I take my bag and step out of the bathroom to get to Spanish. The last bell has rung so I'm practically pushed in the classroom. I have a furrowed brow because of the boy that has pushed me, but he's already sat at his desk.

My eyes now land on a boy with brown curly hair. My heart jumps when his eyes meet mine.

But then I'm broken in two when he looks away.

If there's something I've learned from my family other than lying is to never quit on what I want.

All I want is for him to understand.... I want him to forgive me.

So I quickly walk up to where he's seated and take the desk next to him. I'm stabbed at the way he doesn't look at me with that lovely smile. All he does is look forward and act as if I don't exist.

I give him a smile. I know it doesn't reach my eyes. It's a begging smile to look at me as I turn towards him. "Hey, Diego."

He gives me a quick side glance and says, "Hey."

Without thinking twice, I sigh and say, "We need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about," Diego whispers back.

"Of course there is. Please just hear me out."

"I suggest you stay quiet before we get in trouble." Diego looks at me this time and his brown eyes are dark and hard. My heart shrinks as I scoot back and clench my jaw.

Though he's right. Mrs. Guenette is not the type to take roll with noise. She's not the type to wait on you either.

I stay silent as I look up front and hear mumbles up ahead of me. My mind is working at a high speed as I look for the right words. My fingers fidget with nerves for this boy. Gosh. Why do you do this to me, Diego? What is it about you?

I can't help it anymore. I turn towards him again and whisper, "Diego. Please let me explain."

"Julia!"

"Look. I know I hurt you, but you need to know that I did everything I could to be with you!"

"How can I believe you after what I saw on that day?! Who was that ugly dude anyways?"

A hint of a smile starts on my lips at his reference to James, and hope arises in my heart when I see his smile start at his lips, too. I shake my head and say, "He's no one important. Trust me."