025

  Jenna Brooks's POV

  I slowly stared up at him and even through my tear filled eyes, I could see that it was Liam. He had a cool headband on and he was in his football jersey. What was he doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be at his football match?

He led me out of the classroom, our steps were measured until we finally got to the rooftop. The welcoming breeze was soothing as Liam handed me a bottle of water. I took a seat on a bench and gulped down. He dropped down to sit beside me and pulled me in for a hug. I snuggled into his chest and cried. 

"I don't deserve to be anyone's friend."

"That's not true, Jenna. I know you didn't do it. You're a great friend and anyone would be lucky to have you."

  I nodded against his chest. When I couldn't cry anymore, I sat up, wiping my cheeks. I looked at Liam, who was watching me. I tried to smile. When I did, he took hold of my hand and brought it to his chest.

"I'm sorry Olivia was so mean to you. She's also dealing with a lot," Liam said and squeezed my hand. "I never ever want you to be sad. You're Jenna; you always smile. You're always happy."

I sniffed and leaned my head on his shoulder. "I know. But Oliva used to be my best friend, Liam, and I can't believe she thought I was the one that told everyone."

Liam didn't say anything at first, then said, "Everything is gonna be okay, Jenna. Trust me."

There was always this weird kind of comfort I got whenever he said 'Trust me.'. My chest, which had been hurting so bad, suddenly didn't hurt as much. I nodded my head. "Thanks a lot, Liam. You're the best," I said.

We stayed quiet for a while, until i asked, "Why are you here? I thought you had a football match?"

Liam's eyebrows drew down and his blond hair fell over his eyes. I pushed it back, and he smiled.

  "The match ended about an hour ago and I really wanted to see you."

  I smiled subconsciously and continued leaning my head on his shoulder in silence.

****************

  Conrad Declan's POV

  "I think I saw her going up the rooftop," one of the drama club members told me. 

I rushed down the hallway, my heart ponding in my chest. The moment I heard what Oliva did to Jenna, I knew I had to find Jenna. The last time Olivia said something to her, she felt really bad.

As I dashed up the stairs, I ran into Anika and she blocked my path,

"Why have you been avoiding me, Conrad?" she accused, standing in front of me.

"No, why would i?" I lied.

I was indeed avoiding her, I didn't need her anymore. Our make out sessions had become boring and she kept talking about getting into a relationship. I wasn't in for any of that.

"But…" I didn't let her finish before cutting her off.

"I really gotta go, Anika." I brushed her off and walked past her up the stairs.

Arriving on the rooftop, I failed to find Jenna. My eyes scanned the surroundings until it landed in a corner. I felt my heart sink as I watched them; Jenna and Liam sitted together with Jenna's head on his shoulder. 

It seemed as though, my heart was going to dissolve as I clenched my fists. I knew I wasn't supposed to feel that way, I wasn't even sure what I felt. Anger? Jealousy? Hatred?

I made my way back to the drama club room, everyone else was already there for rehearsals. I went over my lines, the blood in me boiling. I was supposed to quit the club as soon as I ended it with Anika because she forced me into it but I didn't because of Jenna.

I was mad at Jenna, mad that she always acted all innocent and shy whenever she was with me but when she was with Liam, she was so cool. By the time rehearsals ended, she still wasn't back. 

I waited in the drama club room, all alone and soon, the door swung open and she walked in.

***********

  Jenna Brooks's POV

After sitting on the rooftop for about an hour, Liam and I made our way back. He insisted on checking on his friends on the football field while I go to the drama club room. As I walked in, I noticed the whole place was silent. My eyes scanned the room until I noticed Conrad in a corner, leaning against the wall.

"Hey…" I said nervously.

He suddenly started walking towards me and I felt my palms grow clammy. He stopped right in front of me and the look in his eyes was hard to describe. I had never seen that look before.

I opened my mouth to talk him, to ask him why he was all alone in the club room. But as I did, Conrad leaned forward and suddenly pressed his lips to mine.

I froze. I couldn't move a muscle as I felt his lips against my lips. They were warm. He tasted like cinnamon. His lips moved gently against mine, once—there was only enough time for my eyelid to instinctively flutter closed and open again. He pulled away slowly, his eyes, never leaving my face. 

I thought of breathing, but my chest felt funny, kind of light and fluffy. And my heart was beating so fast. So fast that I pressed my hand over my chest to feel it racing underneath.

"Conrad," I whispered. I lifted my hand to press my fingers against my lips.

He was just looking at me with an expression I'd never seen before.