Liam is not it

 As I walked to class, I clutched my books to my chest, my phone in my other hand, a smile tugging at my lips as I texted Reese, I can't believe I almost ruined everything with my guilty conscious and overthinking. We had been talking all weekend, each message from him a delightful escape into his world. He was everything I hoped for—sweet, caring, and so effortlessly funny, like an angel sent just for me. With every text, I felt a deeper connection, his words wrapping around my heart, making me look forward to each moment we shared."Be careful, you might hit your head against the wall."I froze, startled by the familiar voice. Looking up, I met Liam's amused gaze. What on earth was he doing here?"Relax, I'm here to see Tamara," he said casually."I didn't say anything," I replied, trying to keep my cool.He grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Your face says everything."Embarrassed, I quickly adjusted my bag's strap, attempting to mask my surprise. "I should get to class," I muttered, eager to escape the unexpected encounter.Liam stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "Wait. I need to say something. Can we talk?"I raised an eyebrow, my tone flat. "We are talking right now, aren't we?"He sighed, clearly frustrated. "You know what I mean.""Okay then, what do you want to talk about?" I asked, my reluctance evident. I really didn't want to have this conversation—what was there to say? We had agreed to keep our little secret, so as far as I was concerned, there was nothing else to discuss.Liam ran a hand through his hair, looking more agitated. "I don't want to speak out here. Follow me please."I sighed but followed him, knowing there was no point in arguing. We walked in silence until we reached the parking area. My heart began to race as I saw his car, a mix of anxiety and anticipation swirling within me."Tamara asked me to pick her up, but she's still in class. We can quickly talk here," Liam explained, opening the car door for me.I hesitated for a moment, then slid inside, wondering what on earth he wanted to discuss that couldn't wait.I got in, my heart racing with a mix of nerves and guilt. Meeting Liam like this, in secret, felt like another betrayal to Tamara. Even though I knew nothing would happen, the entire situation made me feel like a traitor.Liam slid into the driver's seat beside me, and for a moment, silence hung heavy between us. Finally, he turned to me, his expression serious. "Look, I know we agreed not to tell Tamara what happened because the circumstances were...different when it went down. But...I can't just sit back and watch you get closer to Reese."His words left me speechless. Was he serious? What was he trying to say? That it was okay for him to keep dating Tamara, but I wasn't allowed to date Reese? The hypocrisy stung, and I could feel a mix of confusion and anger bubbling up inside me."Reese is my best friend, and I can't let him get closer to you knowing we slept together. It'll only make things worse for both of us, Amelia."I stared at him in disbelief. "I can't believe what you're saying right now."He sighed, guilt flashing in his eyes. "Look, I know it sounds bad because I'm still dating Tamara, and believe me, it's eating me up inside. But I don't want to add to the drama with you and Reese, so I think it's for the best if you don't come on our summer trip."I wasn't even planning on going to that stupid trip, but hearing him flat out say he didn't want me there still stung. How was it that Liam got the best of both worlds while I was left with nothing? He was such a jerk, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing."Amelia, this is for the best—""NO, this is for you!""What?""Liam, you are such a dick! I'm not stopping you from being with Tamara because I know how much she likes you. Reese and I are just getting to know each other, and maybe something could—""Something built off lies?" he interrupted, his tone harsh."That's not fair!""I don't want you near Reese. You need to stop whatever is happening, Amelia. I'm serious."Anger boiled within me. He was trying to control me, to dictate my life while he continued his double life with Tamara. The hypocrisy was unbearable, and I wasn't about to let him decide what was best for me."Liam, you have no right to make the choice for me, I will do what I want!"Liam's annoyance was palpable as he stared at me. "Amelia, do you not understand where I'm coming from? I'm seriously trying to look out for both Reese and you.""Thanks, but I can look out for myself, especially since nothing is going on between us.""I know that, but we still did what we did.""I'm done here, Liam."==============================================================================================================================================================="Tamara!"I walked into her room and found her lounging on her bed, engrossed in her phone. The moment she saw me, her face lit up with a smile as she sat up."Yes, my love?""I'm coming on the trip. I changed my mind."It wasn't exactly the truth—I was more driven by the need to prove something to Liam than anything else. If he thought he could have his cake and eat it too while I was left with nothing, he was sorely mistaken."What?" She gasped, springing up from the bed and rushing to hug me. "Please tell me you're serious, Amelia! I'm literally so happy right now.""I want to spend the summer with you," I said, hugging her back."And Reese?" She smirked playfully."Stop it... It's mostly for you," I insisted, though I couldn't help but smile.Her grin widened as she took my hands in hers, her excitement contagious. "You've made me so happy by agreeing!"I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions—determination, anticipation, and a flicker of rebellion. This summer would be different, and I wasn't about to let anyone, especially Liam, dictate how it would go.