*Jules’s Pov* 

Walking through the school hallways, I feel a wave of guilt. 

Nora. Ann-Marie.  

I swore to Nora I would break up with Ann-Marie for her. 

That’s what I did. Although I feel like she’s not going to let go of Nora soon. 

I never liked Ann-Marie, but now I feel worse.  

Nora, I love her so much. Her shining emerald eyes, her brown hair...The way she smiles, it just makes me feel crazy... 

Stepping onto the bus, I ignore fangirls coming to me. I don’t care about them. All I’m thinking about is Nora and Ann-Marie. I can’t help but sigh. 

I wish I was more confident. I wish I had the strength to protect Nora. But no, I’m too afraid. The problem is, she’s probably going to pay for that. My throat is feeling rough, I glance outside the window distantly. I don’t want her to get hurt because of me. 

The bus stops, as I head out of it, leading myself inside my house. I drop my school bag on the floor, waving at my parents as I go up to my room.  

Grabbing my phone, I lean on my bed, running a hand through my brown hair. My phone rang when I thought I was on “Do not disturb”. My heart flutters. Nora. Flustered, I opened her contact and read her message. 

“Hi Jules. Glad you did it! 😊" 

“Doubt it? I’d do anything for you, you know that right?” 

“Ah, I’m just so happy. I’m also happy for you now that you’re not stuck with it!” 

I pause and sigh. I’m still stuck with it. I heard what Ann-Marie said to her, but I don’t want her to know. I don’t want her to think I’m all ears for her other drama. She doesn’t want pity. 

I take a deep breath, sending my text. 

“Of course, it’s not a burden now, so it’s good! I got to go, sorry...” 

I wait for her answer anxiously, wondering how she’d react. 

“❤️ See you ❤️” she responds 

“You too! 💗” 

I close my phone with a sigh, adjusting my school blouse. 

Such a loser I am. I didn’t have the guts to talk to her more, I was too afraid... 

*** 

Getting out of the shower, I dry my hair, wrapping a towel over my waist as I go to my room. Putting on proper clothes for the night, I checked up my phone one last time. Hopefully, Nora responded something. I hope she’s going to be better. I hate seeing her cry. She’s way prettier when she smiles. 

I don’t like for looks, but I want to make her happy. Just as I thought I didn’t receive any message; I feel my phone buzzing. 

I smile, thinking it is Nora. I become very pale, concerned, when I read a message from Ann-Marie. 

“I have an offer for you... You have until midnight to get back with me...or Nora’s going to die.... You might think it is false, but hold up, the clock is ticking...”