The Boy I Wasn't Supposed to Love

The morning of the science trip buzzed with restless excitement. By the time Catherine and I arrived, the school compound was already alive with students hauling packed backpacks, voices overlapping as everyone prepared for the overnight adventure at the arboretum. We had planned to arrive much earlier, hoping to secure good seats and wait comfortably for Matthew and Mark. But between outfit changes, second thoughts, and mirror debates, we wasted far too much time at home.

We hurried toward the bus just as it was beginning to fill, only to spot Sophia stepping onboard moments before us. Catherine frowned instantly, but we kept going, silently hoping Matthew and Mark hadn't arrived yet. That hope vanished the moment we climbed aboard. Near the back of the bus, Mark and Matthew were already seated, talking quietly to each other. Disappointment settled over me, though Catherine seemed relieved at least knowing Sophia wouldn't get the chance to sit beside Mark.

"Come, Lucy, let's sit over here," she said.

We were just about to sit when Sophia's voice stopped us. She had turned toward Matthew.

"Matthew, could you sit over there? I'd like to sit with Mark."

Matthew hesitated, exchanging a brief glance with Mark. Then, without a word, he stood up and stepped aside. Catherine's patience snapped instantly. She rushed forward, shoved Sophia aside, and dropped into the seat Matthew had just vacated.

"Catherine get up!" Sophia yelled.

"No way," Catherine replied flatly. "I didn't see you on it."

"You literally just watched me ask Matthew to move," Sophia snapped.

"Oh really?" Catherine shrugged. "I didn't."

Sophia turned to Mark. "Mark, tell her to move."

Mark didn't answer. He simply looked away, his expression unreadable, then shot Matthew a sharp look. Without saying anything, Mark stood up and moved to sit beside Betty instead. Both Catherine and Sophia froze, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift.

Matthew hesitated, as though he meant to return to his original seat, but before he could, I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward a different seat. We sat together quietly. With no other option left, Sophia sank down beside Catherine. Both immediately turned their faces from each other, staring in opposite directions with stiff annoyance.

I glanced at them and couldn't help but smile.

"Aren't you worried they'd get into a fight if they sat together?" Matthew asked.

I glanced briefly toward Catherine and Sophia before answering. "They won't, I think they need to know that they like each other and it's possible to be friends," I replied.

"I guess you're right," Matthew agreed, though his voice sounded distracted, as if his thoughts were elsewhere.

I studied him more closely. There was something subtle but persistent. "By the way, you've not been looking alright for the past few days, are you okay?" I asked.

"What made you say so? I'm perfectly fine," Matthew responded almost too quickly.

I shook my head. "I don't think you are, something seems to be bothering you," I insisted.

Matthew turned toward me, clearly surprised. "You can tell?" he asked.

"Of course," I answered softly.

He looked away, his gaze drifting toward the window as he rumbled forward. "My parents will be back soon," he admitted.

"And that's not a good thing?" I asked gently.

"Not really. It's just..." he exhaled. "The STEM exam is coming up. Once my dad's around, it'll be nonstop reminders to study harder. It's a lot."

I felt a soft ache for him. "You know the pressure is inevitable," I said. "Why invite more of it? Even one day of peace matters."

He turned back to me, a warm small smile easing onto his face. "You're right. I'll relax."

Relieved, I brightened. "Want to listen to music?" I asked.

He glanced at the phone in my hand. "You're already using the phone like a pro," he teased. "You've downloaded half the Internet."

"Catherine sent most of them," I laughed. "Help me delete the bad ones."

"I can't help you with that Lucy, songs are chosen from the feeling it gives you inside. You should choose," he said. "People like different things."

"I'm sure I'll like whatever you do."

After a moment, he nodded. "Alright."

I handed him one side of the earphones, my heart fluttering when our shoulders brushed. One by one, Matthew listened carefully, nodding or shaking his head, telling me which song to delete and which to keep. As the bus rolled on, we relaxed into the rhythm of music and quiet laughter, the outside world fading into soft blur.

Eventually, the bus slowed, its tires crunching against gravel as it turned into the arboretum's driveway. Students erupted into chatter, grabbing their bags as excitement surged.

"We're here," I whispered, blinking awake from his short nap.

"Yes, I'll get your bag," I offered.

"I've got it," he said, grabbing both. I followed closely behind as we stepped off the bus.

When we stepped down, Catherine hurried over. "What took you so long?"

"Nothing," I replied, still smiling.

She followed my gaze to Matthew and grinned. "Lucky you. I spent the whole ride with Sophia."

I looped my arm through hers. "You've got time to make up for it now."

She smiled, eyes drifting toward Mark.

Ms. Nelly stood at the front of the bus, waiting until everyone had filed out and the noise had settled.

"Alright, everyone, this is where the fun begins," she announced brightly. "Before you head off, all phones and electronic devices go into this basket."

She gestured toward a basket held by one of the seniors who had accompanied us. The senior walked down the line, and one by one, we dropped in our phones and gadgets, groans mixing with reluctant laughter.

Once the basket was collected, Ms. Nelly clapped her hands. "Now, you'll be working in groups of five. Here's today's challenge: the first three groups to locate the slippery elm will earn extra points toward their biology grades."

A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd.

"Your time starts now," she added. "You have exactly two hours, and don't forget samples from the tree for proof. Good luck."

Cheers erupted immediately as everyone scrambled to form groups. Students clustered together, calling out names and pulling friends along. Mark remained standing beside Betty, and Catherine's gaze fixed on them, sharp and unreadable.

Matthew stepped closer to me. "Aren't we moving?" he asked.

"Your friend's still over there," I pointed out quietly.

He nodded. "I'll get him."

Matthew headed towards Mark's, and Mark started walking back with him, until Betty hurried over and cut between them.

"Why don't we form a group together while we look for others?" she suggested eagerly. "Matthew can join us."

"There's no need," Matthew replied calmly. "We already have a group."

Catherine and I approached just then.

"We're not up to five yet," Catherine said smoothly. "Betty can join us."

Betty's face lit up instantly, but the moment barely lasted before Sophia stepped in.

"Who said we're not five already?" she demanded. "Are you kicking someone out, or are you leaving the group?

"We don't need you in our group," Catherine said flatly. "At least, I don't."

Sophia's lips curved into a thin smile as she shifted closer to Mark. "Unfortunately, you don't get to decide that. Can we get moving now? We don't have all day."

Mark didn't respond. Without looking at her, he simply turned and walked away.

Catherine and I stared at him, stunned.

"That's strange," I muttered. "Did they fight or something?"

Catherine's eyes followed Sophia, satisfaction flickering across her face. "Whatever it is, I'm enjoying it. Now she knows what it feels like to be ignored."

Sophia noticed us watching and quickly moved in the opposite direction.

Soon, we were inside the arboretum, but instead of moving as a team, everyone drifted off in slightly different directions, the sense of unity completely missing.

"So... where do we even start?" Catherine asked, already sounding drained.

I laughed lightly. "Don't tell me you're tired already. We haven't even begun."

"Well, does anyone actually know what the tree looks like?" she asked.

"Of course," I replied. "We've been studying it for weeks. Who wouldn't know?"

She gestured around at the vast stretch of trees. "Still, look at this place. The elm could be anywhere... deep inside, even."

Matthew exhaled sharply. "If we're not moving together, how are we supposed to find it quickly?"

"Mark, come here," Matthew called out.

Mark walked over, Sophia trailing behind him.

"We need to move as a team," Matthew said firmly. "Right now, I don't even know what we are. Are we actually a group or not?"

Mark shrugged. "We already have solid grades in biology. Why do we need extra points anyway?"

"Just because you don't need them doesn't mean everyone else doesn't," I snapped. "Have you even thought about that?'

"Why should I care?"

"Of course," I shot back. "Why would you? You only ever care about yourself."

"Lucy," Catherine warned.

"What?" I said, still heated. "You heard him. He doesn't care that some of us actually need those points."

Matthew stepped between us. "We all need to calm down."

"She's the one who needs to calm down," Mark said coolly. "What is she even getting worked up over?"

"Seriously? The word slipped out of me before I could stop it. Anger burned hot in my chest, sharp and sudden. I honestly felt like lunging at him right then.

"If only I could show him what I look like when I'm truly not calm," I thought bitterly.

"Mark.... can we talk?" Sophia asked. "Privately."

We all turned toward her at once, stunned.

"What could you possibly need to say in private?" Catherine said. "We don't have time for that, we have a task, remember?"

"Fine," Mark said, already turning toward Sophia.

"You're actually going with her?" Catherine demanded.

Neither of them answered. Sophia and Mark simply walked away.

"I think we should let them talk," Matthew said.

"No way," Catherine muttered, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward the trees.

We followed them silently through the woods, carefully with each step. When Sophia and Mark finally stopped, she glanced around, scanning the area to be sure they were alone. Catherine, Matthew and I ducked behind trees and bushes, holding our breath.

"This isn't right," Matthew whispered.

"Shut it," Catherine snapped under her breath.

Matthew fell silent, and we watched.

"Mark," Sophia began, clearly sad, "have you been avoiding me?"

"I haven't," he replied.

She frowned. "Then why do you keep distancing yourself? I'm not blind. Did I do something wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong," Mark said.

She stepped closer to him. "Then explain the bus ride, and just earlier."

He exhaled slowly. "Fine, I'll tell you. I just thought we needed space."

"Space?" Sophia echoed. "Why?"

"Because people are getting the wrong idea about us."

"What wrong idea?" she repeated. "What exactly are they getting wrong?"

"They think we're together. Like... In a relationship," Mark answered.

"Don't we feel something for each other?" Sophia asked softly.

"She wishes," Catherine whispered.

"Shh," I warned.

Mark looked at Sophia sharply. "Don't tell me you think that too."

"Then what else am I supposed to think?" she shot back.

He sighed, the sound heavy. "I care about you. But not in the way you're thinking."

Sophia stared at him. "Are you serious, Mark? You've done so much for me. You've saved me more than once. We've spent years together. Everyone can see we mean more to each other."

Mark reached out, gripping her shoulders. "You're my friend. A friend I care deeply about. But there are no romantic feelings there."

She shoved his hands away. "Just friends? Then what about the kiss?"