The Last Paper Star
Autumn SummersTragic LovePlot TwistsChildhood SweetheartsBiasMarriageWinning Back the Wife
After our last mock exam, the whole class went to a karaoke lounge to celebrate. A video suddenly appeared on my phone, supposedly sent by Mason Blackwell ten years in the future.
Mason and I had grown up together for over a decade, and I'd secretly loved him for five.
In the video, he wore a suit, his familiar face softened by a tenderness I'd never seen before.
"Hannah, I'm getting married.
"To Paige Monroe."
The next second, class beauty Paige linked her arm through his, their fingers intertwined.
"Hope you find your true love soon."
The video ended. The black screen reflected my reddened eyes.
I splashed water on my face and went back into the private room.
The moment I walked in, everyone turned to stare.
Paige stood up with a bright smile and announced into the microphone,
"See? I told you she'd cry!"
The room erupted in laughter.
Mason rose with a frown, swept a cold look across the room, and said,
"Knock it off."
He walked over and looked down at me, a trace of nervousness in his voice.
"Paige asked me to make that video. Her grades improved this time, so it was her reward. Don't read into it."
Behind him, Paige added with a laugh,
"It was just a joke. Don't tell me you can't take one?"
I stood there, staring at the face I'd secretly loved for five years, and said nothing.
The video really was a joke.
But ten years later, they truly did get married.
Because I'd come back from ten years in the future.