Decisions

Sam had been staring at Rose for over half an hour, which Kevin found unsettling. Even though they were betrothed, Kevin didn't like the way Sam looked at her. Unable to hold back, Kevin interrupted.

"Hey, Sam, did you hear? John is giving half of his building to Rose. What are you going to do for her?"

Sam rose from his seat, his voice steady but filled with conviction. "She is my life. I'll give her anything she wants. And trust me, Kevin, I'll never let you have her."

Kevin's anger flared. "Do you think she likes you? She despises you! She called me for help before she went into that coma, and it was all because of you!"

"Stop it, Kevin," Sam replied sharply. "I know what you're trying to do. But in the end, everyone will see who she truly cares about. For now, let's leave it alone and go with the flow. You should focus on what you're doing for her instead." With that, Sam walked away.

Kevin stood there, his frustration bubbling over. He was convinced Sam had no chance with Rose, but a small, nagging voice whispered, What if she does fall for him? Shaking off the thought, he hurried outside to discuss Rose's gift with Sarah.

But when Kevin saw Sarah laughing with John and Sam, unease crept in. He felt the sting of losing not just Rose but perhaps his friends too. John noticed him and waved.

"Hey, Kevin! What are you standing there for? Come join us!"

---

Meanwhile, Leah was speaking with Mr. Thompson, visibly drained. "I can't believe Rose is in a coma. It's killing me to think I could've done more for her."

Mr. Thompson nodded, surprised at her vulnerability. "Leah, being a good friend to her will mean everything. And as for Courtney... maybe you should consider keeping your distance. She's holding you back."

"I know," Leah sighed. "I just hope things will get better."

---

Kevin hurried down the hallway to find John. "Hey, John! I have a brilliant idea."

"Great! Let's discuss it in the cafeteria," John said, finishing a sandwich. At their table, Sarah raised an eyebrow.

"What's this idea of yours?" she asked.

Kevin smiled. "I want to dress Rose in violet for the prom. She deserves to enjoy herself, and we can celebrate at Sarah's house after."

Sarah and John exchanged skeptical looks but eventually agreed. "Fine," John said. "We'll help you, Kevin. After all, you've always been there for her."

---

Later, Sarah sprinted to catch up with Sam, who was heading to basketball practice. "Sam, wait up!" she called, panting.

He turned, smiling. "What's up?"

"Are you seriously having a basketball match during the program?" she teased.

Sam chuckled. "No, it's more like a dance routine with the ball."

Their conversation was interrupted by Rutherford, a teammate. "Sam! We need another girl for the dance routine. Any ideas?"

Sam looked at Sarah and grinned. "How about you?"

"Fine, I'll do it," Sarah agreed. Just then, the team noticed Leah nearby and erupted in admiration.

"Leah! Be our goddess and dance with us!" they pleaded dramatically, dropping to their knees. Leah laughed, unable to resist.

Kevin, watching from a distance, called out to Leah. She turned, blushing at his smile. "So... you're dancing now?" he teased.

Leah nodded, feeling her cheeks warm. "Yeah, I guess I am."

---

That night, Leah sat in her room, lost in thought. She realized how distant she felt from the group. Courtney might've been right... I don't really fit in with them, she thought. But then, an idea struck her. She grabbed a pen and paper, pouring her feelings into a song:

*"Baby, you make the world feel great,

And I love you for that.

Oh, Rose, as petals rise one by one,

You make my heart beat fast, beat fast.

Loving you was the best thing ever,

Knowing you was always a pleasure.

I love you just the way you are,

And I promise I'll stay by your side."*

Satisfied with her creation, Leah smiled. "This will do the trick," she murmured, ready to share it with the world.