The Quiet Was Final

It was almost laughable.

Just like the twisted love triangle we were in.

'I love you, and you love her,' I mused bitterly.

…

The party was in full swing, and someone suggested a game called 'I Have Something You Have Not.' We went around the circle, each person bragging about something uniquely their own. Anyone who failed to impress had to take a drink as a penalty.

When Jocelyn's turn came, she held her glass delicately, a sly smile playing on her lips. Her voice was sugary sweet as she declared, "I've got a guy...who, no matter what, would always have my back. Who would do anything for me."

The moment she finished, the room erupted with teasing and laughter. "Come on, Jocelyn, that's not fair! You're the belle of the class; loads of guys are into you. You're just trying to get us wasted!"

Everyone was chuckling and goofing around, but I was fixated on the finger she teasingly raised.

She was sending me a message, loud and clear.

I used to think my rivalry with Jocelyn was only about who got the better grades. Then, I saw the truth.

She was not only after a higher score than mine.

Then, it was my turn.

I lifted my gaze, my voice cool and detached as I said, "I've been top of my class every single year since kindergarten."

The room burst into a mix of cheers and playful groans. "That's just showing off! Who can top that?"

I could not bring myself to laugh. My eyes locked onto Jocelyn, and I took a deliberate pause before asking, "And you? Are you just like them?"

Her smile turned to ice, her cheeks tinged pink with anger. After a tense moment, she bit her lip and reluctantly lowered her hand, the one that had been so proudly raised. The glittering ring vanished into her clenched fist.

Soon after, Jocelyn stormed out of the room, and, predictably, Eric was hot on her heels.

I got up and trailed them at a distance.

In the deserted room, Jocelyn's eyes brimmed with tears as she said, "Tessa is deliberately taunting me! Didn't you hear her? She's trying to shame me!"

Eric's voice was gentle, trying to calm her. "I don't think she meant it like that. Don't read too much into it."

"You're taking her side?" Jocelyn's voice spiked, her words laced with a whiny defiance. "Then maybe you shouldn't be with me at all!"

Eric's alarm was instant. He reached for her hand, desperate. "That's not it at all. You're what matters. You're the only one for me."

Seeing his reaction, a smug satisfaction flickered in Jocelyn's eyes. She leaned in and gave him a kiss, her voice dripping with sweetness as she said, "Then stand up for me, will you? Tonight, find some troublemakers... Tomorrow, I want everyone to see her scandalous video. I want her humiliated in front of the whole school: every teacher, every student, until she's kicked out of our elite circle!"

Hidden in the shadows, my heart pounded against my ribs.

I was filled with hope.

I hoped that Eric would say no, that he would at least hesitate.

Because he had always said he loved me.

Were guys not supposed to stand up for their girls?

Eric hung his head, silent for what felt like forever.

However, Jocelyn knew exactly how to play him, pressing against him, her voice a soft purr in his ear as she said, "Eric, just say yes, and I'll be yours to do whatever you want for the rest of the night…"

The moment she finished speaking, Eric lit up like a firecracker, pulling her into a fierce embrace. He breathed heavily, his lips finding hers in a hungry kiss. "Don't worry. I'd do anything for you."

The summer heat lingered in the air.

However, inside, I felt a chill in my bones.

…

"Tessa, join me for a drink?"

Back in the lounge, Eric's voice was soft with affection. "We're filling out our college choices tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'll end up at the same school as you."

I kept my eyes downcast, silent.

He let out a wistful sigh. "Well, if my grades don't measure up and we can't be at the same school, being in the same city isn't so bad, right?"