Isabella

Oliver opens his mouth to say something, but my phone starts ringing, saving me from an awkward conversation with him.

“Excuse me, Oliver. I need to answer this,” I say, offering him an apologetic smile before hurrying out of Daniel’s backyard.

Once I’m standing in front of my car, I close my eyes and take a long, deep breath, trying to gather my scattered thoughts and pull myself together.

What am I doing here? How stupid was it to come to a party where everyone hates me? Damn it.

My phone keeps ringing in my hand, my brother’s name blinking insistently on the screen. I wait until I feel calmer before answering.

“Hi, Jus,” I sigh, leaning my back against the door of my car.

“Bella, save me,” Justin exclaims on the other end of the line.

“What? Why? Where are you?” Concern hits me all at once.

“I’m on Zack’s yacht, and I broke up with Rachel a few minutes ago,” he mumbles breathlessly.

“Are you serious?” I gasp.

“Yep. Rachel started yelling at me because I followed a girl back on social media, which pissed me off. You know what’s worse? The girl is our cousin from Europe,” Justin scoffs. “Anyway, I’ve had enough of Rachel, so I ended it.”

“And why exactly do you need to be saved?” I laugh.

“Because Rachel is insane. She spent the last thirty minutes stalking me, dropping to her knees, and begging me to take her back.” 

“Well, she’s your crazy ex-girlfriend, and she runs in the same circles as we do, which means you’ll have to deal with her eventually. Besides, I can’t help you even if I wanted to because you’re in Long Beach Island, and I’m in Philadelphia.” I snort.

“Damn it,” Justin mutters. “So, how’s your crush’s party?”

I sigh, unable to say out loud how much it sucks.

“Is it that bad?” he asks, as he knows me too well—he always knows what I’m thinking and feeling. It’s kind of spooky.

“Yes, it is. Everyone here hates me, Jus. These people don’t even know me, yet they’re convinced I’m nothing but a spoiled cheerleader,” I confess, sadness seeping into my voice.

“I’m sorry, sis. But why do you care? It’s no secret that most people hate us.”

“I don’t care what other people think of me, but for some reason, I don’t want Daniel to believe those stupid rumors are true.” I turn my back to Daniel’s house and rest my elbows on the hood of my car.

“You know what? Why don’t you come out with Zack, Collin, Katy, Brandon, Julie, and me tonight? It will help you forget about Daniel and have fun with your real friends—the people who actually care about you.”

“I don’t know… I don’t really feel like going out tonight. Zack and Collin sent me dozens of messages asking why I ditched them and didn’t go to the yacht with you, but I never replied.”

“Why didn’t you reply to Collin? When I got here, the first thing he did was ask about you. He’s still waiting, Bella,” my brother teases.

“Did Collin really ask about me?” I let myself smile at the thought of him wondering where I am and waiting for me.

“Why do you sound so surprised? Collin is crazy about you, and you know it. You should come out with us so you can actually talk to him.” 

I consider my options for a moment. I could stay here until the party ends and maybe get a chance to know Daniel better, or I could leave early and hang out with Collin. Honestly, I’m more inclined to stay, but Lucy’s face flashes through my mind, reminding me that the birthday boy already has someone and is out of my league.

Collin is handsome, sweet, single, and genuinely cares about me. Daniel, on the other hand, is already involved with someone else, and he probably invited me because he was sure I wouldn’t show up. Maybe this is my wake-up call—to stop chasing someone who’s unavailable and start appreciating the guy who has always been there.

“Bella? Are you still there?” my brother asks, breaking the silence.

“Fine. I’m in. I’m coming with you tonight.” I finally make my decision, and Daniel isn’t part of it—at least not anymore.

“Hell yeah, sis. That’s what I’m talking about,” he exclaims.

“Oh, please. You’re only excited because Rachel and I don’t like each other, and she won’t bother you while we’re together,” I smirk.

“You know me too well, Bella,” Justin replies, laughing.

“We’re twins. We share the same cosmic mind,” I joke.

“What? What kind of cosmic nonsense are you talking about?”

“Hey, it’s true. I read in a blog that twins share the same cosmic mind,” I insist.

“Right. Because everything you read on blogs is true,” he mocks, snorting.

“By the way, what excuse did you give our friends for my absence?” I change the subject, curious.

“I told them you were studying at home. Katy is the only one who knows you ditched us to see your crush.”

“And did they buy that lame excuse?” I ask, amused.

“Yes, they did. Can you believe it?” My brother laughs.

“Why are you laughing? I could really be studying at home, you know,” I protest, though I’m smiling because his laughter is contagious.

“Well, are you?” 

“No.”

“Then there’s your answer, sis.” 

“For your information, I’m one of the best students at Vista High,” I retort.

“Nerd.”

“You’re one to talk, teacher’s pet,” I shoot back, chuckling.

“Justin, where are you?” a girl’s voice calls out in the distance on his end of the line.

Justin lowers his voice as he says, “Shit. Rachel is looking for me. I need to find a new hiding spot, Bella.”

“What time are you guys heading to the club tonight?” 

“Ten, probably. Look for us in the VIP area when you get there,” he replies in a rush.

“Fine. I’ll see you later, then.”

“Go home, eat tons of ice cream, binge-watch shows, and listen to music. Forget about that Daniel guy and move on with Collin.” 

I tease, “Try not to get thrown into the sea by your insane ex-girlfriend.” 

“Ha-ha. Very funny—not. See you tonight.” He ends the call.

I close my eyes, trying to gather what’s left of my courage so I can say bye to Daniel and go home.

“Isabella?”

Daniel’s voice startles the hell out of me.

“Oh my gosh,” I shriek, jumping in place and snapping my eyes open.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” Daniel says sheepishly, taking a couple of steps closer before stopping behind me.

“Don’t worry about it,” I mumble, pressing a hand to my chest and taking a few deep breaths.

“Are you all right?” 

I glance at him over my shoulder, the genuine concern I see in his eyes warming my heart for a second.

“I’m fine,” I reply, my tone harsher than I mean it to be.

“What are you doing out here?”

“I was talking to my brother.” I wave my phone in the air. “And I needed some air away from the party,” I add, glancing back at the hood of my car.

Daniel hesitates. “I’m sorry Carol and Raymond offended you.” 

“I’m used to hearing comments like that.” I shrug dismissively without turning to face him, afraid that if I do, I’ll lose myself in his eyes and give up on going to the nightclub with Collin.

“Still, they shouldn’t have said those things. For what it’s worth, I told them to shut up; otherwise, I’d kick them out of my party if they kept talking shit to you,” he tells me, much to my amazement.

“You would do that for me? Raymond and Carol are your friends, and I’m no—”

“You’re my guest, Isabella.” He takes another step closer, stopping right beside me. “Let’s go back to the backyard.” As I remain silent, he adds, “My sister’s been looking for you everywhere.”

“Why?” I finally turn to face him, gazing at the handsome boy whose eyes make me drown within seconds.

“She wants to play with you, I guess.” He shrugs casually.

“Then let’s go back to your party,” I decide, heading toward the backyard with Daniel following behind me. I know I should leave and never come back, but…

“Rose, I found Isabella,” Daniel announces as soon as we’re back in the yard.

“Isabella, will you play princess with me?” Rose asks, running toward us with two dolls in her hands.

I can’t help smiling. “Princess? How do you play that?”

“One doll is yours, and the other is mine. They’re sisters who live in a castle as princesses,” she explains, offering me one of the dolls. “Dan plays princess with me all the time,” she adds, flashing her brother a loving smile.

“That’s…” Daniel trails off, averting his eyes from me, his cheeks blushing, visibly embarrassed.

“Dan, come here,” one of his friends calls from the group sitting on the grass—a place I have no intention of returning to.

Daniel hesitates, looking at me as if he doesn’t want to leave me alone again.

“You should go back to your friends,” I tell him. “I’ll stay here with your sister,” even though a part of me wishes he would stay.

“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” He frowns. 

I nod in response, which seems to ease him, as he nods back and walks away. When he rejoins his friends, Lucy immediately wraps her arms around him, as if marking her territory.

I sit on the grass with Rose, and we start playing princess, distracting me from everything around me—especially Daniel and his girlfriend.

As the afternoon goes on, Kim joins us for a while. We laugh, eat good food, and have a genuinely lovely time. And all the while, we spoil Rose, because she’s just too sweet.

* * *

Once four p.m. arrives, I mentally prepare myself to say goodbye to Daniel and his family, since I need to go home and get ready to hit the nightclub later.

I approach Mrs. Smith, who is refilling the orange juice jugs, and say, “Mrs. Smith, thank you so much for having me here today. The food was delicious, and your family is lovely. I wish I could stay until the end of the party and help you clean up.”

“Are you leaving? But why? You should stay for dinner,” she responds, smiling.

“I wish I could, but I already have plans later with my brother and friends,” I explain apologetically.

“I’ll tell Dan to cut the cake so you can have a slice, then,” she insists before calling out to her son, who’s still chatting with his friends on the grass. “Dan, Isabella needs to leave soon. You should cut the cake now.”

I glance at Daniel, whose expression turns impassive as his eyes meet mine.

“It’s really okay, Mrs. Smith.” I place my hand over her arm to draw her attention back to me. “Let your son enjoy his party with his friends. I need to head home now, anyway.”

“I’ll let you go on one condition—if you promise to visit us again soon and eat my famous chiffon cake. It’s Dan’s favorite.”

“I promise.” I chuckle, flattered by her invitation. “I love chiffon cake too.”

Mrs. Smith studies me in silence for a couple of seconds, a hint of unease shadowing her face. She shifts on her feet and apologizes for not being able to offer me better treatment in her humble home, adding, “I’m sure it must feel awkward for you, being used to mansions and beautiful places.”

Needless to say, her sudden apology takes me by surprise.

Where did that come from?

“What? That’s nonsense, Mrs. Smith. Your house is lovely, and I’d be happy to come back for your cake,” I reassure her, smiling broadly—even though I have no intention of keeping that promise.

“Thank you for coming, and for giving Dan a laptop,” she continues before pulling me into a tight hug.

What is it with people touching me when they barely know me?

Being hugged by Daniel’s mother feels strange, especially considering Zack’s mom never showed me this kind of affection, even though I dated her son for two years and have known her since childhood.

“Thank you for having me,” I say, awkwardly hugging her back.

“Are you leaving, Isabella?” Rose asks, realizing I’m about to go.

“Yes, I am, Rose. I need to head home.” I kiss her cheek. “Thank you for spending the afternoon with me and letting me play with your dolls.”

“When are we going to play again?” She looks at me with such hope and innocence that I don’t have the heart to tell her I won’t be coming back anytime soon.

“Soon,” I lie.

Mr. Smith and Oliver join us, giving me the chance to thank them as well. A moment later, I make my way toward Daniel and his friends to say goodbye; otherwise, I might lose my resolve and stay.

Waving goodbye, I say, “Thank you so much for inviting me to your party, Daniel. I had a great time with your sister, and your family is lovely.” 

“I think I’m heading home too,” Kim announces, yawning. “I’m tired, and I need to help my mom with dinner.” She rises to her feet and steps closer to me.

“I can give you a ride home,” I offer.

“Really? I don’t want to bother you.” 

“Don’t worry about it. You’d never bother me,” I insist, genuinely looking forward to spending some time with her, since she’s the only girl here who didn’t spend the entire day glaring at me.

Daniel and his best friend stand as well, and before I can even react, the latter pulls me into a tight hug.

“Ignore Dan’s stupid behavior,” Hugo whispers in my ear. “He’s just dazzled by your unexpected appearance today.”

“If you say so,” I chuckle, both amused and strangely comforted.

“When will I see you again?” He pulls away.

I glance at Daniel, who’s scowling at both of us, then look back at Hugo as he waits for my answer.

“I doubt we’ll see each other anytime soon,” I declare, expressionless. “I don’t feel comfortable enough here or around your friends.”

My bluntness makes both boys gasp, their eyes widening in shock.

* * *