Chapter 37The lights at Marvin's Lounge sparkled like a million captured stars, flickering against the polished gold accents of the room. Everything shimmered—glassware, chandeliers, even the manicured smiles of the guests around us. It was a space designed for royalty, and tonight, for the first time in my life, I felt a little like one.Dolly twirled next to me in her sky-blue gown, laughing as she snagged two mocktails from a passing waiter. "This place is insane! I feel like we just walked into a scene from Gossip Girl—but with better lighting."I grinned, settling into the plush velvet booth we’d claimed as our own. "My parents really went all out.""They did," she said, clinking her glass to mine. "Happy late birthday, B. Here’s to being legal, being fabulous, and forgetting every guy that made us cry.""Especially the last part." I smiled tightly, but my heart ached a little. Even surrounded by luxury and my best friend, Liam had a way of threading through my thoughts.We’d be
It was Wednesday night, so I and Dolly were heading back to school.Returning to Andover felt like being dropped back into a dream you weren’t quite ready to wake up from. The week at home had blurred by in laughter, cake, family dinners, and that strange pull toward Liam I was trying—and failing—to ignore. But now, as our car rolled past the school gates, the laughter faded, replaced with that old, tight knot curling up in my stomach.Dolly sat beside me, scrolling through her phone, her nails tapping rhythmically against the glass screen. “Back to reality,” she muttered.“Yay,” I said dryly, leaning my head against the window.The cab came to a halt in front of our dorm, and the driver helped with our bags. I hadn’t told Liam I was coming back today. Part of me wanted to surprise him. The other part was scared he wouldn’t care.Inside the dorm, everything smelled faintly of detergent and old books. My bed was exactly how I left it, a bit messy, a hint of lavender in the pillow. I to
When our test scores got out, I got As and a B. But I want to talk about something else. I and Liam.This is how I and Liam's relationship has been, ever since last night.It started with coffee.Well, technically, it started with me standing outside the Andover library, staring at my phone, willing myself not to text him. I had returned from L.A. a day ago, and Liam had been... different. Cold but not cruel. Distant but not unreachable. Like a lighthouse on a foggy coast — flickering in and out of view but never quite gone.I told myself I was fine with that.Until I wasn’t.He found me there, leaning against the stone pillar, hugging my sketchbook like a life raft. His hair was tousled in that signature way — like he'd just rolled out of bed and hadn’t bothered to care, but still looked maddeningly perfect."Hey," he said, his voice casual, hands shoved in the pockets of his dark jeans.I glanced up. "Hey."An awkward silence settled between us, punctuated by the occasional shuffle
The buzz around school on Monday morning felt different. People whispered in hallways, giggled over their phones, and exchanged knowing glances. I didn't need to ask why. I was back in Andover, and this is how it has always been here. I soon saw Ethan, I guess he was back. It had been weeks since he left. Weeks since the text, the abrupt goodbye, the decision his mother forced onto both of us like we were just pieces on a chessboard. I should’ve been over it by now, right? But the moment I saw him walking through the quad, hand-in-hand with Zoe, my lungs forgot how to work. I really, really, hate teenage hormones. He looked the same—messy hair, crisp uniform shirt rolled at the sleeves, that same expression like he was walking through a dream. Only now, the dream wasn’t me. It was Zoe, clinging to his side like the ending had always been written. I turned towards my locker, not wanting to see him again. My heart pounded louder than the morning bell. Get a grip, Barbie. You aren't
Barbara "Barbie" Jones POV I am Barbara Jones, I have been dreaming of going to Harvard college for architecture. They are very selective when it comes to admission process, and you can't even buy your way in. I am smart, don't get me wrong but I applied a month ago and my application is still pending. Two weeks ago, one of my Uncles that works there contacted us and told us about a private school, Philips Academy (Andover) that is linked with Harvard and if I'm able to get good grades that I would be given admission in Harvard. So I am transferring there for my senior year I stared at my reflection, smoothing out the wrinkles on my dress. My mom, dad, and Uncle Stanley were all smiles, but I could sense the underlying tension. Today was the day I'd leave for Phillips Academy in Massachusetts. "Barbie, sweetie, you're going to do great things," my mom said, her voice trembling. I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "I'll be fine, Mom. I promise." My dad cleared his thro
When I entered the dorm room, I was greeted by three guys lounging on the couch, engrossed in a heated gaming session. I cleared my throat, trying to get their attention. "Excuse me," I said, trying to sound assertive, but I couldn't get any of their attention. I then walked over to the TV and unplugged it, they then screamed "what the f**k" I succeeded in getting their attention "can you please get out of this place, and where are my roommates?" "roommates? this is our room, I think you were roomed with us" one of them said. "what! I was roomed with boys!!" I yelled. The guys exchanged skeptical glances, and one of them muttered under his breath, "Great, just what we need." I stood frozen in the doorway, my eyes scanning the room in horror. How could they do this to me? how can they room me with... boys. One of them, a tall, dark-haired guy with piercing blue eyes, stood up from the couch and walked towards me, a charming smile plastered on his face. "Hi, I'm Ethan," he
"won't you guys introduce yourselves to me?" I asked politely. "you've already lost your chance, cute face" the other guy said, and then went upstairs, to his room I guess. "I'm Ethan, and the guy said just left is Jasper, and the other rude one is Liam" the third guy introduced himself and his friends. I smiled at him " I am Barbara, you can call me Barbie" I also gave an introduction. "sure, let me show you to your room" he helped me with my luggages and led the way to my room, he also helped me to place them inside the room. Isn't he a gentleman? "if you need anything I'm just over there" he pointed at the door opposite mine. "sure, and thanks for helping" he smiled and then finally left, while I shut the door. I looked around my room, it was large I wouldn't lie, even though it isn't as large as mine back in LA. I arranged my things and took a shower, because I was feeling sticky. When I was done with taking a shower, I decided to take a little nap. I woke up to t
Liam and Ethan both went upstairs to get changed for the party while Jasper remained downstairs with me, as much as I hate to be. "so you coming beauty? but before you can come with me, you would have to put on a bikini" I glared at him, while he only laughed "what, I'm sure that there is a curve under those clothes of yours". He then came close to me an put my loose hair behind my ear and bent his ear to whisper in my ear "you have the most beautiful eyes, I want to drown myself in them" We heard someone clear their throat, then he pulled his face from my ear and smirked "I would've loved to spend more time with you beautiful, but I can't" "can you stop that Jasper, you're making me feel uncomfortable" Liam said putting on an irritated look, while Jasper only rolled his eyes. "let's go" Ethan said and then the rest followed him to leave the house. After they had left, I released the breath that I didn't know I was holding and sighed. My phone then started ringing, I picked
The buzz around school on Monday morning felt different. People whispered in hallways, giggled over their phones, and exchanged knowing glances. I didn't need to ask why. I was back in Andover, and this is how it has always been here. I soon saw Ethan, I guess he was back. It had been weeks since he left. Weeks since the text, the abrupt goodbye, the decision his mother forced onto both of us like we were just pieces on a chessboard. I should’ve been over it by now, right? But the moment I saw him walking through the quad, hand-in-hand with Zoe, my lungs forgot how to work. I really, really, hate teenage hormones. He looked the same—messy hair, crisp uniform shirt rolled at the sleeves, that same expression like he was walking through a dream. Only now, the dream wasn’t me. It was Zoe, clinging to his side like the ending had always been written. I turned towards my locker, not wanting to see him again. My heart pounded louder than the morning bell. Get a grip, Barbie. You aren't
When our test scores got out, I got As and a B. But I want to talk about something else. I and Liam.This is how I and Liam's relationship has been, ever since last night.It started with coffee.Well, technically, it started with me standing outside the Andover library, staring at my phone, willing myself not to text him. I had returned from L.A. a day ago, and Liam had been... different. Cold but not cruel. Distant but not unreachable. Like a lighthouse on a foggy coast — flickering in and out of view but never quite gone.I told myself I was fine with that.Until I wasn’t.He found me there, leaning against the stone pillar, hugging my sketchbook like a life raft. His hair was tousled in that signature way — like he'd just rolled out of bed and hadn’t bothered to care, but still looked maddeningly perfect."Hey," he said, his voice casual, hands shoved in the pockets of his dark jeans.I glanced up. "Hey."An awkward silence settled between us, punctuated by the occasional shuffle
It was Wednesday night, so I and Dolly were heading back to school.Returning to Andover felt like being dropped back into a dream you weren’t quite ready to wake up from. The week at home had blurred by in laughter, cake, family dinners, and that strange pull toward Liam I was trying—and failing—to ignore. But now, as our car rolled past the school gates, the laughter faded, replaced with that old, tight knot curling up in my stomach.Dolly sat beside me, scrolling through her phone, her nails tapping rhythmically against the glass screen. “Back to reality,” she muttered.“Yay,” I said dryly, leaning my head against the window.The cab came to a halt in front of our dorm, and the driver helped with our bags. I hadn’t told Liam I was coming back today. Part of me wanted to surprise him. The other part was scared he wouldn’t care.Inside the dorm, everything smelled faintly of detergent and old books. My bed was exactly how I left it, a bit messy, a hint of lavender in the pillow. I to
Chapter 37The lights at Marvin's Lounge sparkled like a million captured stars, flickering against the polished gold accents of the room. Everything shimmered—glassware, chandeliers, even the manicured smiles of the guests around us. It was a space designed for royalty, and tonight, for the first time in my life, I felt a little like one.Dolly twirled next to me in her sky-blue gown, laughing as she snagged two mocktails from a passing waiter. "This place is insane! I feel like we just walked into a scene from Gossip Girl—but with better lighting."I grinned, settling into the plush velvet booth we’d claimed as our own. "My parents really went all out.""They did," she said, clinking her glass to mine. "Happy late birthday, B. Here’s to being legal, being fabulous, and forgetting every guy that made us cry.""Especially the last part." I smiled tightly, but my heart ached a little. Even surrounded by luxury and my best friend, Liam had a way of threading through my thoughts.We’d be
Chapter 36I woke up to the faint scent of strawberries and sunlight seeping through the window blinds. Something about the air felt different—lighter, warmer, almost charged with something I couldn’t quite place. Then I saw the sticky note on my nightstand.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETHEART! Come downstairs when you're ready. Love, Mom & Dad.Of course, it was Tuesday, the day I'd be a legal adult.I smiled sleepily, stretching out beneath the comfort of my blankets. Today was my birthday. My debut. The kind of thing I thought only happened in cheesy teen movies or old family traditions that faded with time. But trust my parents to revive it in full force.When I came downstairs in my fuzzy slippers and pajamas, the entire living room had been transformed. Twinkling lights hung from the ceiling like tiny stars, and pastel pink and silver balloons floated everywhere. A long table was set near the bay window, covered in satin cloth and tiny flower petals.My mom turned when she heard my foots
The reason why I like it here at home, is because of the peace and quiet. I get to wake up when ever I want to. I don't have to worry about not getting late for school. I got up from the bed, in other to prepare for the day. I and Jake are going out today. Surprisingly, he asked if he could take me out, and since I would be bored if I stay here, so who I'm I not to agree for something fun.___I wasn’t sure when Jake decided that today was the day, but he practically kicked my door open before noon, grinning like a lunatic and holding up a pair of sunglasses I was pretty sure he stole from Dad.“Get dressed, and wake up you sleepy head." he said. “We’re going out.”Still half-asleep, I blinked at him. “Out? Where?”He smirked. “Wherever the wind takes us.”I stared.“Okay, okay. First, a movie. Then we’ll wing the rest. But dress cute. Or don’t. You always look fine.”He was already gone before I could throw a pillow at him.I wore a pale blue sundress and white sneakers. It was sim
I’d barely gotten home from school when I saw the text from Mom flashing across my screen in bold enthusiasm. MOM: Sweetheart! Can’t wait to see you! Your room is ready, and guess what? Gracie’s red velvet cake is in the fridge! ME: You had me at “cake”. It was weird—this warm little pit that formed in my stomach at the idea of going home. My birthday was on Tuesday, but the school had shut down for a four-day maintenance break. Everyone else was either heading for mini-vacations or binge-watching shows with popcorn in their dorms. Me? I was being picked up by my uncle and driven six hours back to Los Angeles to my childhood home. I should have been excited. But all I could feel was… uncertain. Packing didn’t take long. I didn’t need much: two pairs of jeans, a few t-shirts, a dress I hadn’t worn since middle school that I knew Mom would fawn over, and my most worn hoodie that still smelled like faint lavender detergent and a little bit like Ethan—because I’d accidentally worn
Lunch time was over, so I had to go back for Julia's play. How I despise it so much. I wonder why it had to be me to play Zoe’s best friend, always smiling, always nodding along. Ugh. I walked into the auditorium and instantly regretted it. The place was buzzing with nerves and hairspray. Costumes rustled, voices rose and fell in anxious excitement, and someone had knocked over the tray of glitter backstage. Chaos sparkled. “Barbie! There you are!” Julia waved me over, clipboard in hand and a headset askew on her head like she was trying too hard to be important. I managed a half-smile. “here I am" She walked up to me “Nothing’s okay. Zoe can’t find her earrings, Max forgot his lines again, and someone glued the wrong set piece. This play is a disaster. Even Simon is not yet familiar with his lines. I don't know what to do.” She looked like she might cry. Or murder someone. Possibly both. Why is she telling me? We aren't even friends, so what's her deal? Can't they all just go to
Morning light crept through the blinds, casting thin golden lines across my wall. I hadn’t slept much, but for once, I didn’t feel like a total wreck. Maybe it was Liam’s words from last night, or maybe it was just the calm after the emotional storm. Either way, I sat up in bed, stretching slowly, feeling the stiffness in my bones from tossing and turning all night. I checked my phone. No new messages. Not from Ethan, not from Jasper. Just a text from Dolly. I opened the text message "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, do you need me?"I quickly replied "not really, heart break doesn't work on me"She replied back too "don't believe you. We would meet at school tomorrow""sure" I turned off my phone. Dragging myself out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen. The apartment smelled faintly of paint and lavender dish soap. Liam’s doing, probably. There was a small plate of pancakes wrapped in foil on the counter, a sticky note on top: Don’t say I never do anything for you. Eat before you