Cercis

Years ago

Break time. My pencil scratches lazily across my sketchpad as I try to finish a drawing that’s been collecting eraser crumbs for days. My phone lights up, Jerry again. I smirk, thumbs flying over the screen before I can even think. We’ve been texting nonstop for days now, and I won’t admit it out loud, but it’s become my favorite part of the day.

Across from me, Iris sighs dramatically for the tenth time. “So, you and Sean Ortiz, huh?” she says, her tone sweet but her eyes just a little too sharp. “You really talked to him the other day?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Iris. For the hundredth time. It was just a normal conversation. I’m nice to everyone. Well, almost everyone.”

She chuckles softly, the kind that’s halfway between amusement and resentment. “You’re lucky. He barely even talks to anyone.”

“Guess I just have that effect,” I reply dryly, twirling my pen before going back to my drawing. I can feel her staring, but I pretend not to notice.

My phone buzzes again, and this time, I’m too quick to hide the smile tugging at my lips. Jerry’s texts have this way of catching me off guard; playful, funny, and kind of flirty without trying too hard. We haven’t talked on the phone yet, though. I’ve thought about calling him, but… nah. Too soon. He hasn’t called either, so we’re even.

Before I can reply, our teacher’s voice cuts through my peace. “Cercis, can you deliver these to the senior first-years in the auditorium and explain the objectives for the school camp?”

I blink, halfway through chewing on my pen. “Uh… me?”

She nods, already moving on to assigning Iris to present the same thing to the senior third-years. I glance at Iris, who’s suddenly beaming. Of course she’s thrilled, Sean’s in that year.

I sigh. Great. If she’s doing it, I can’t back out. I stand, grab the stack of papers, and head toward the auditorium with all the enthusiasm of a cat being dragged into a bath.

When I step onto the stage, a sea of unfamiliar faces stares back. Senior first-years. My old year. I clear my throat and start talking, my voice steady even though my palms feel a little sweaty. I know exactly why: Jerry’s out there somewhere.

My gaze sweeps across the crowd, and there he is. Sitting in the back, calm as ever, eyes fixed on me.

Oh, perfect. Just what my nerves needed.

I nearly trip over my next line but recover quickly, forcing my expression to stay neutral. I go through the objectives, distribute the papers, and try not to think about how Jerry’s eyes haven’t left me once.

“Any questions before I go?” I ask, hoping the answer is no.

A hand shoots up. One of Jerry’s friends, grinning like he’s up to something. “Uh, Jerry didn’t get a paper!”

Of course he didn’t. I glance at the single sheet left in my hand. Fantastic. I make my way to the back, keeping my face cool even though my heart’s trying to sprint out of my chest.

When I reach him, Jerry looks up at me with that soft, calm smile. “Cercis?” he asks, his voice low.

“Yeah,” I reply, trying not to sound breathless. “That’s me.” I hand him the paper, my fingers brushing his just long enough to make my pulse spike.

“Thanks,” he says, eyes glinting. “I’ve been wanting to meet you in person.”

“Oh?” I raise a brow, feigning nonchalance. “Guess today’s your lucky day.”

He chuckles, leaning back slightly. “You looked really confident up there.”

“Please,” I scoff lightly. “I almost tripped over my words halfway through.”

He laughs softly. “Didn’t look like it. You were great.”

Before I can think of a comeback, one of his friends calls out, “Hey, Jerry! You asking her out or what?”

The group bursts into laughter, and I roll my eyes. “You’ve got funny friends,” I mutter.

Jerry grins. “Ignore them. But, uh… I was wondering if you’d want to hang out after class today. Maybe grab something to eat?”

I blink, a little stunned. “Sure,” I say before I can second-guess myself. “Why not?”

His smile widens, dimples and all. “Cool. It’s a date then.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Sandoval,” I tease, but I can’t help the grin tugging at my lips.

After class, I meet him by the gate. He’s leaning against it like some kind of poster boy, chatting easily with people passing by. When he spots me, his whole face lights up.

“There you are,” he says, walking over. “Ready to go?”

“Lead the way,” I reply, slipping my hands into my pockets like I do this all the time.

We end up at an arcade; bright lights, too much noise, and Jerry looking like he owns the place. He beats me at most of the games, though I get a few wins in just to keep his ego in check. When he finally pulls a teddy bear from the claw machine, he hands it to me with a smug grin.

“For you,” he says.

I take it, raising an eyebrow. “Wow, a bear from the claw machine? You really know how to spoil a girl.”

He laughs. “Hey, it’s not about the gift. It’s about the effort.”

“Then you get points for that,” I admit, hugging the plush.

We wander to a nearby bakery, the smell of pastries too good to ignore. The moment we step inside, a familiar voice greets us.

“Cercis?”

I look up to see Sean Ortiz behind the counter, apron and all. “Sean?” I blink. “Didn’t know you worked here.”

“Part-time,” he says, smiling warmly. “Busy day.”

Jerry’s demeanor shifts instantly; his jaw tightens, his usual relaxed energy replaced with something sharp.

“That’s impressive,” I say, trying to ease the weird tension. “Balancing work and school? Respect.”

Sean smiles, though there’s a hint of tiredness behind it. “Gotta help my mom with the bills.”

I nod, recalling the things Sean’s mentioned about his situation. He’s never dramatic about it, just honest, which I kind of respect. I tend to forget he’s not exactly well off; the guy carries himself like he’s got his life together, even though he once told me he and his mom live in a small apartment not far from my place. I’ve passed by that street before, it’s not the prettiest. Still, Sean works hard, studies hard, and somehow manages to stay decent and kind through it all.

It’s weird, honestly, someone that good-looking and charming living in a place that run-down. Makes me rethink how I used to judge people too fast. So, yeah… sometimes I bring extra food for him at school. I don’t make a big deal out of it or anything, it’s just food. But if it helps him out, even a little, then it’s worth it.

Jerry, on the other hand, looks like he’s chewing invisible nails.

When I hand Sean the pastries to ring up, Jerry suddenly steps forward and says, “I’ll pay.”

Sean looks a little startled but takes the money anyway. The moment the bag’s ready, Jerry grabs it and mutters, “Let’s go.”

Once we’re outside, I stop and turn to him. “Okay, what was that?”

He runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. Just… didn’t like the vibe.”

I cross my arms. “You mean you don't like Sean.”

Jerry frowns. “He’s just—whatever. He gets too much attention.”

“Are you jealous?” I ask, smirking.

He pouts slightly. “No. Maybe. A little.”

“Wow,” I tease. “So humble.”

He sighs, then gives me this boyish look. “You think he’s better looking than me, don’t you?”

I snort. “You sound ridiculous.”

“Come on, just say it.”

I tilt my head, grinning. “Fine. You’re more handsome than Sean Ortiz. Happy now?”

He narrows his eyes playfully. “You don’t sound convinced.”

I laugh. “You really need validation that bad?”

He shrugs, smirking. “Only from you.”

The words hang in the air for a second, and I can feel my cheeks warming despite my best effort to stay cool.

“Okay, fine,” I mumble, looking away. “Maybe I do like you a little.”

Jerry steps closer, his grin softening into something gentler. “Good,” he says quietly. “Because I like you too.”

My heart does this stupid little flip, and before I can process it, a sleek black car pulls up. A man in a suit gets out and whispers something to Jerry.

He sighs. “I have to go. Want a ride home?”

I glance at the car. Definitely out of my league. “Nah. I’ll walk.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

He laughs, stepping into the car. “Fine. But I’m texting you later.”

“You better,” I say, waving as the car pulls away.

When it disappears down the street, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Then I open my phone, type in Jerry Sandoval, and freeze.

Elite family. Influence. Money. Connections.

Oh.

Well… that explains the car. Then what on earth is he doing studying at our modest school? 

I tuck my phone away and nibble on the croissant I bought, smiling to myself. So he’s rich. Big deal. He still texted me.

And honestly? That’s all that matters.