Chapter 3

"We will make Art regret not choosing you!"

AVERY'S WORDS AND THE smirk on her face haunted me for weeks. Though her ideas for claiming Art back were over the top, I hadn't agreed. Maybe I should keep the way things are since Art made his choice.

Since the morning Art asked to talk, we haven't been able to speak. He'd been attempting every day, but something or someone always came in between.

Maybe it's a sign for me to let go and move on.

However, letting go and moving on is easier said than done. Every time I entertain the idea, there's a voice reminding me of our happy and good times together. This first love thing is killing me!

Good thing I thrive under stress and pressure. I can still concentrate and perform well in school while nursing a broken heart.

"Shells, have you decided?"

Avery's question stopped me from my thoughts. Instead, it reminded me of the plan we need to make for our end-of-the-school-year dance. I've been holding back on discussing it with her because I'm not planning to attend.

Realizing it was the first time I won't have Art as my date was causing more pain in my heart. It may have started as a pairing made by our mothers, but his giving me a bouquet of my favorite flowers and asking me to be his dance partner every year became a tradition.

It was one of the happiest moments I get to spend with him each year since middle school, and I always look forward to it. And thinking it won't be the same this time breaks me more.

"Shells! Are you listening?" Avery asked.

I took a deep breath and bit my lip to fight the tears. When I looked at Avery, she was pouting at me. Even without me saying anything, she knew me. There's nothing we can hide from each other. And I love her more each day for being a sister and my rock. She gave me the courage and strength I needed.

"Don't!" Avery glared at me. She held my hand and squeezed it when she saw my shoulder slowly trembling as I avoided my eyes from welling. "Remember our plan. We will make it happen!"

I shook my head and took a deep breath. "Ave, I'm not going to the dance this year. I'm sorry. I just can't." I focused my vision on my book to avoid her gaze.

Avery gave a deep sigh. "Shells, I understand how you're feeling. I bet it's hard. Me too; I miss us three being together in everything."

I nodded. When I looked at Avery's face, she was crying. "Why are you crying?"

Slowly, she wiped her tears. "That dumbtard Art is full of ...! He's a coward and the dumbest I've ever met!"

I chuckled and fixed her hair. "I should be the one crying like that. But honestly, I feel like we should throw in the towel."

Avery shook her head multiple times. "No, Shells! When we love, we should fight for it. That's what my mom told me."

I smiled and cupped her face. "I thought so too. True love is worth fighting for, but I shouldn't be the only one fighting for it to work, Ave."

Avery pouted her lips and put her hands in prayer. "I promise. Just this once, agree to my plan. If it doesn't work, I'll stop. I don't want us to live in the what-ifs just because we didn't try."

I tapped her chest gently. "Don't you think we're too young for this? And why are you so into my love life anyway?"

Avery flipped her hair and grinned. "I want you to be happy. And once your love life is happy, I can start chasing mine." She tapped my chest back but harder. "We can't be each other's third wheel forever, Shells! Remember our dream of experiencing a double date?"

I crackled. "Seriously?"

Avery nodded. "Emergency room, serious!" She bit her lower lip and smiled. "Besides, on my way here, I heard a song saying you'll only know you love her when you let her go." She started humming into the song, took my hand, and made me sit in front of the mirror.

When she placed her hands on my shoulders, we both gaped in the mirror as our eyes met. I cleared my throat.

"Then, maybe Art doesn't really like me. It's been months since she introduced Paisley to us." My voice croaked as I thought of the possible reality. "He should have known if he felt something more for me."

"Hey!" Avery's hand started brushing my hair. "Art is a dumbtard. That's why we need to do what I'm suggesting. He needs intelligent people to remind him. He needs a little push. Knowing you don't have a different guy in your life gives him the impression that you're always there for him. Please!"

I shrugged in defeat. "Okay. But promise me, after this, we will let things be." I turned around and looked her in the eye. "What are you suggesting?"

Avery started jumping on my bed. "Leave everything to my brilliant mind and capable hands. The only thing you need to do is stay pretty. I'll go home now, and I'll update you soon."

***

On our last day in school, nervousness and anticipation occupied my body. It was three days before the dance. Every year, Art asked me to be his dance date on the same day. But since he now has Paisley, I'm not expecting any more. And because of the same, Avery chose to implement her plan today. A plan I was clueless about.

"It's better if you have no idea to make it a real surprise. And don't worry about the funding; all three of our moms paid for everything."

Anyone who knew our moms would say they're the best conniving mothers of all Boston. Just like Avery, our moms' ideas are always grand. Like the costumes and parties, they always prepared for the three of us since we were kids.

When the bell for lunch break sounded, a stir of sounds echoed in the cafeteria. The bell signals the start time for everyone to express their elaborate proposals by asking their dance date to say yes.

Avery's smile today was more significant than ever. Her hands were locked in mine as she hurriedly guided me toward the mini stage inside. But before we could reach the front of the stage, we saw Art blocking our way with a bouquet of gardenias. His eyes focused on me.

Avery stopped. "What the hell?" Her other hand covered her mouth in shock as she turned to me. "What is he doing here?" she asked.

My heart stopped. No words came out. For a moment, hope filled my heart. I looked at Avery and smiled a little. Was this the surprise our moms prepared? But her face was blank.

Before we could say a word, out of nowhere, a shrieking Paisley came running towards Art. She grabbed the flowers from his hand and kissed him on the lips.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Arty, I accept." She shouted. "I'll be your date to the dance!"

The color drained out of Art's face. His mouth opened. I felt Avery's grip on my hand tighten. When I turned to her, she was scowling at Art. I felt dizzy remembering Paisley's dramatic entrance seconds ago. It's like any moment I would faint. But, instead, I closed my eyes.

"Relax," Avery whispered.

The cafeteria roared with whistling, clapping, and cheers. With the multiple and loud yesses around, I imagined the proposals simultaneously happening around us. Though my eyes were closed, I could feel Art's gaze and smell his cologne.

"Don't!" Avery shouted. I felt her hand move me behind her body. "Please, don't. Don't make me kill you here today, Art!"

Suddenly, a loud chorus of "OMG" from the students sounded. Dead silence followed. A guitar instrumental of my favorite song played slowly.

"Yes!" Avery yelled. Don't open your eyes yet, Shells!"

A familiar voice came into the microphone. "Um... Hi guys!" Loud gasps and ohs echoed. "This song is for the prettiest and most amazing girl I've ever met. And she's here right now."

🎶 You know I'd fall apart without you.

I don't know how you do what you do.🎶

🎶'Cause everything that doesn't make sense about me

It makes sense when I'm with you.🎶

Louder gasps and clappings followed. I knew the song and the voice, but I couldn't believe it. Avery kept blabbering the music in my ears. I wouldn't want to open my eyes anymore, realizing who was singing on the stage.

"Guys, it feels good to be back here. I may have stayed here for less than a year, but there's someone here who I have kept in my heart and memory. And I'm so happy that I get to see her again, and today I get to ask what I didn't get the chance to ask her before. So, Shelly Rae Garcia, will you accept me as your dance date?"

The loudest cheering of "YES! YES! YES!" roared in the four corners of the cafeteria.

Avery pinched my side. "You can open your eyes now. That's your surprise! Thank me later."

When I opened my eyes, I saw Art's gaze directed at me. But his look changed when the crowd opened to make way for me to walk toward the stage.

My feet couldn't move. I looked around to find Avery's eyes. She winked at me and guided me to move forward. When we passed by Art's side, she stopped and started singing; you'll only know you love her when you let her go.

***

* Let Her Go- Passenger

* Wanted- Hunter Hayes