Chapter 3 It's Over

Derek frowned. "What… What did you say?"

I took a deep breath, feeling an unexpected sense of relief. "We're breaking up."

He stared at me in disbelief. "Why? Just because I gave your spot to Anna? Lily, when did you become so petty? You were never like this."

Before I could respond, Anna stepped forward, looking as fragile as ever.

"Lily, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. I never meant to come between you and Derek. If you're uncomfortable with us being around each other, I'll leave right away. Just… please don't be mad at Derek, okay?"

She cried so pitifully that anyone watching would have thought I had done something unforgivable to her.

Derek immediately moved in front of her, flustered. "Lily, this has nothing to do with Anna."

The woman he insisted had nothing to do with any of this flashed me a triumphant smile the moment he was not looking.

"Derek—"

"That's enough." He cut me off dismissively. "It's just one spot. There's no need to keep making such a big deal out of it. And don't threaten me with a breakup. You should head home. Anna and I still have to go out there. We can talk when I get back."

He took Anna by the hand and walked away, leaving me standing there alone. Anna glanced back at me several times, wearing that same smug smile.

…

By the time I got back to my apartment, it was already after nine, and the soccer match had ended.

Derek had scored a goal for the city team, and the reporters were interviewing him afterward.

Smiling into the camera, he said, "I'd like to thank my girlfriend. She's traveled with me to so many matches. Without her support, I never would have made it this far."

The host grinned. "So, who is this lucky girlfriend? Is she here today?"

"She is," Derek answered without hesitation. "Every time I play, she's there cheering me on with the cheer squad. Her name is—"

"Derek." Anna suddenly stepped into the frame, interrupting the interview.

Mistaking her for Derek's girlfriend, the host teased, "Your girlfriend's gorgeous."

Derek froze for a split second. Then, he smiled. He did not correct him. Right there on camera, he let everyone believe Anna was his girlfriend.

A dull ache spread through my chest. I had been with Derek for three years. I would be lying if I said it did not hurt. I had loved him with all my heart. I had once dreamed about our future together. But three years of our relationship still could not compete with a hometown friend named Anna.

That was enough. I did not want to be a cheerleader anymore. And I wanted nothing more to do with anything connected to Derek.

I pulled out my phone and texted my mom. "Mom, I'm coming home tomorrow."

Just then, a WhatsApp message from Derek popped up. "The team's having dinner tonight, so I'll be home late. Anna's coming with us. Don't wait up."

I clenched my fist. Then, I blocked Derek without another thought. While scrolling through my social media feed, I came across a short video Anna had posted.

In it, she and Derek sat shoulder to shoulder while everyone around them egged them on to share a cross-cupped drink. They exchanged shy smiles, both blushing. The video ended there, leaving plenty to the imagination.

Then, a second later, Anna sent me the full video. She and Derek really had shared the drink. And while everyone cheered around them, they even held hands.

I took a deep breath and opened our chat. "Congratulations. You can have the trash."

I set my phone down. And just like I had done with Derek, I removed Anna from my life too.