Chapter 23

Chloe

Chloe sat in Nash's car, glancing at him as he pulled into the parking lot of their school. He picked her up from work, saying she needed to stop sprinting to class late, and Chloe allowed him to help her. Time and time again, she allowed herself to lean on him, and she was happier than she'd been in a long time.

But, she wasn't just happy to have someone help her. She was more happy that her and Nash spent so much time together. He brought a joy to her she thought she'd never feel again when her dad had his stroke. She stopped believing in good things a year ago, but Nash made her realize sometimes the best things came in the form a person who loved you unconditionally.

Nash put his car in park and looked to her, his eyes growing gentle immediately. Chloe's heart stuttered. Her eyes widened at the way he looked at her and she froze, lost in his hazel eyes and the way the sun shone on him, illuminating all his beautiful features.

"Your eyes were always my favourite feature of yours," Nash said. His voice was low and husky. It made Chloe feel like they were the only two people in the world. "The way they're glowing now... it's hard to look away."

Chloe's face bloomed red. Her eyes widened and Nash gulped, his hands gripping the steering wheel harder. Kiss me. Chloe froze at the thought that popped into her mind, but it was all she wanted in that moment. Kiss me, Nash. Her eyes softened and she kept her eyes locked on his.

But, Nash pulled back, unbuckling his seatbelt and the moment dispersed. Chloe deflated. Nash no longer met her eyes.

"Let's get going," Nash said. "We're going to be late to class if we stay here any longer."

Chloe nodded, getting out of the car and her and Nash walked to The Elites building in silence. Nash kept his hands shoved into his pants pockets and Chloe kept glancing at him, wishing he'd look at her again with those eyes that made her melt. But, he kept his focus ahead of him.

Kiss me. Chloe let herself realize that it had always been true, that she loved him, that she wanted to be with him, and now that they'd grown closer she accepted her feelings. She really did like him and although she was happy with their friendship, she yearned for more. She yearned to be with him, but she no longer knew how he felt for her. He definitely cared for her, but was it purely platonic? Chloe deflated. She hated how she ruined her shot with him, but she told herself not to give up. Because Nash was definitely worth fighting for.

*****

Chloe and Sophia sat on a bench outside. Spring had settled in and the weather had been lovely lately. The sky was a bright blue and the sun beamed down on them, bringing them a warmth they cherished after the winter months. Chloe and Sophia ate their lunch outside since the boys had a meeting with one of their teachers. And Chloe kept fidgeting in her seat, her mind on what happened earlier.

"Ok, what's up with you?" Sophia asked, eyebrows wiggling. "Nash again?"

"No," Chloe blurted out. "Ok, yes?"

Sophia laughed, shaking her head. She chomped down on her sandwich, shaking her head with mirth blooming on her features. Chloe blushed madly, embarrassed by how weak she was when it came to Nash.

"I really like Nash," Chloe said, face reddening more. "And I-I don't know what to do about it."

"Tell him you like him," Sophia said.

"I can't! I mean, I can, but ah, that's so scary!"

"I'm sure Nash is still in love with you. If you confessed first, it would probably make him the happiest guy in the world."

Chloe flushed. She thought back to Nash and the moments they shared. Everything seemed platonic to her. Nash kept his respectful distance from her and she wasn't sure if he moved on. She wouldn't blame him for moving on either. She ran when he kissed her and she wondered what Nash thought of what happened between them. He never brought it up, so she wondered if he tried to repress that day.

"Do you think Nash hates me for running that day?" Chloe asked. "Maybe not hate, but I don't know, I'd be shocked if he still liked me when I reacted to a kiss like that."

"I'm sure Nash understands." Sophia's eyes softened. "You were going through a lot and I hope he didn't take it personally... And even if he did, you're someone we can't help but love. I'm sure Nash is struggling to get over you, so reassure him, Chloe. Make a move and tell him how much he means to you."

Chloe looked down at the wooden bench. Her own sandwich had barely been eaten. With thoughts of Nash consuming her mind, she lost her appetite and could do nothing but ponder over the boy she'd grown to love.

"But rejection is terrifying," Chloe whispered. "I feel bad for guys and how they have to make the first move. Being vulnerable is so scary. To tell someone you love them and not have it reciprocated must be the worst feeling. We're so lucky as girls."

"It's 2022, Chloe. Girls can make the first move, too."

Chloe put her face in her hands, feeling her face heat up more. She knew Sophia was right. After what she put Nash through, she should make the first move. She should reassure Nash she felt the same way and always had. But, a part of her feared he no longer felt the same way.

"I can't believe this happened," Chloe groaned. "Months ago we were just rivals. We barely knew each other and now I can't stop thinking about him."

Sophia giggled. "Rivals to lovers is always the best love story."

Chloe shook her head. Life threw some unexpected curveballs sometimes. One day you barely notice someone and now that person becomes someone you can't imagine a life without.

"You know, jokes aside I'm really happy for you." Sophia's eyes grew gentle. "I'm happy you found someone who treats you so well. Nash really cares for you. Everyone knows that. And you seem really happy with him. You deserve the best, Chloe. I'm honestly really happy for you."

"I'm really happy I met Nash, too," Chloe said. "He honestly makes me so happy and he's so kind to me. He's done so much for me and it feels surreal. Becoming close to him has been the best thing that's happened this year."

"And I find it cute you guys both grew by getting closer. Nash has gotten a lot more gentle and patient. While you've become a lot more open and accepting of help. You guys are good for each other. You bring out the best in each other."

Chloe smiled. She was glad to hear that. Even though she tried to brush off her insecurities, she sometimes felt like she was a burden to Nash still. He never complained or made any comments about how much he helped her, but sometimes she still felt guilty about it. But Sophia's words gave her hope that being with her also made Nash happier and helped him grow.

"Enough about me," Chloe said, finally reaching for her sandwich. She took a bite of it before continuing. "What about Caiden and you? Elijah and me thought you guys were into each other when we first joined this school. I'm shocked neither of you have made a move yet."

"What! Me and Caiden?"

"Oh, come on." Chloe rolled her eyes. She thought she was naive, but clearly the same could be said for Sophia. "You guys light up every time you see each other. Whenever we see Caiden, he forgets about everyone but you. And you can't stop smiling when Caiden is around either."

"Huh?"

Sophia gaped at Chloe as if Chloe had claimed something outrageous, but it was the truth. She never asked Nash about it, but she was sure Nash would agree that Caiden and Sophia had something going on between them. But Caiden was probably as oblivious as Sophia about it.

"You actually never noticed?" Chloe asked, curious. "I guess it's easier for outside perspectives to see two people liking each other. But often the people in love never notice until one of them confess."

"Ah, you really think he's into me?" Sophia asked. Blush flooded her cheeks and Chloe smiled. Finally.

"For sure. The way he lights up around you is a huge sign he does. I'm just surprised he's never made a move. He's pretty social, but I don't know. Maybe he doesn't want to make things weird if you don't feel the same way."

Sophia glanced down. She finished off her sandwich quietly and Chloe frowned. Had she said the wrong thing? She tensed. Maybe Sophia didn't feel the same way? Maybe she made things awkward and Chloe scolded herself.

"Oh, sorry I should have asked you," Chloe said. "Do you feel the same way?"

Sophia went rigid. She kept her eyes on the table between them and Chloe bit her lip, pondering if she had misread the entire situation.

"I don't know. I guess I do," Sophia finally answered. "But, I don't have time for love. I'm not the brightest, so I have to spend extra time studying and working hard to be an Elite. There's no time for me to worry about Caiden and if he feels the same way about me."

Chloe frowned. "You underestimate yourself. You are smart, Sophia. There's nothing wrong with having to work hard. You're an Elite. The best of the best and I wish you would see how intelligent you are."

"Trust me, Chloe. You're my friend and you have to say that. You also don't see how much time I spend studying at home."

"You need to stop doubting yourself. There's a reason why you're here. It's ok if things don't come as easily as it does for the other elites. That doesn't mean you're any less smart."

Sophia pouted, eye tearing up. Chloe had been so caught up in her own struggles and Nash that she forgot about her friend struggling right in front of her. She wished there was a way to make Sophia feel reassured, but when it came to insecurities, it was often the insecure person who needed to come to the realization that they were enough. And Chloe prayed one day soon, Sophia would realize that.

"Thank you, Chloe," Sophia said, smiling now. "I really appreciate it. It's hard for me to accept, but I will let myself feel pride in my elite status at least."

"For sure." Chloe grinned. "And you know, there's a reason why me and Nash always come to you for advice. You're so wise and not just book smart. You're people smart and that's a really good skill to have, too."

Sophia flushed, embarrassed. "I never thought of that. I always feel touched when you guys reach out to me."

"You should be. You're brilliant and I hope you see yourself through my eyes one day. You're genuinely such an amazing person."

Sophia grinned now, beaming like the sun that shone above them. Chloe's eyes grew gentle and she became more grateful for the people in her life. She often focused on Nash, but her friendship with Sophia had always brought her so much joy, too. Sophia had been there for her for two years now. She'd seen Chloe before and after her dad's stroke and had been there for her every day since. She didn't know what she'd do without Sophia.

"Thank you, Chloe," Sophia said. "I'm so happy I have a friend like you."

"Me too."