Ella's POVMy feet could barely keep up with how fast I wanted to go. I wasn't just walking anymore - I was practically running, unable to contain my excitement at the thought of finally seeing Trent again. With each hurried step, I replayed his text over and over in my mind. "Ella, we need to talk." At last, I turned the corner onto his quiet neighborhood street, his house coming into view. And there he was, patiently waiting for me out front like he'd said. The sight of Trent's tall frame standing on the porch made my heart flutter wildly in my chest. Oh, my handsome, silly boyfriend - did he have any clue how much I'd missed laying eyes on that warm smile and tousled hair of his?Before I could stop myself, I came barreling towards him, his arms opening in anticipation of my embrace.But rather than leaping into his waiting arms like I'd imagined a million times, my emotions boiled over into something else entirely. Without warning, I started beating his chest with a breathless
ELLA'S POV I sighed as I approached the cafeteria table where Amelia and Susan were already seated, their hushed chatter immediately audible even from several feet away. They had their heads bent together, speaking in those excited, rapid-fire tones that could only mean one thing - they were dissecting every last detail about the Couples Dance again."I'm thinking we go for a bold red lip," Amelia was saying, making an exaggerated kissy face. "You know, really make a statement with the makeup."Susan nodded enthusiastically. "Ooh yes, that would be stunning! Especially if we do my hair up in those loose, tousled waves to contrast with the harsh lip color."I felt my eyes rolling halfway to the back of my head as I slid into the open seat across from them. Don't get me wrong, I was excited for the dance too - what girl wouldn't be at the prospect of getting all dolled up and being the center of attention for a night? But these two had been utterly obsessed recently, and it was gettin
TRENT'S POVI leaned against the library wall, trying to look all chill and casual as I waited for Ella to show up. We'd agreed to meet here for a study session before the big test. Not gonna lie, I kinda loved these little academic get-togethers with my girl. Sure, the subject matter usually went way over my head. But anytime I could kick back and admire Ella's brilliant mind in action was a total win for me. My eyes lit up as I finally spotted her familiar figure approaching through the courtyard. That gorgeous hair bouncing with every step, those long legs carrying her effortlessly. But then I noticed the two unwelcome figures flanking her - Lucinda and that dickwad boyfriend of hers, Damien. Of course those losers would try messing with my girl again. Knowing her though, she could probably put those jerks in their place all on her own just fine. Sure enough, I watched with pride as Ella held her head high, completely unfazed by whatever crap Lucinda was spewing at her. Tha
TRENT'S POV “Are you...are you still playing basketball?" Tom asked, voice rasping out the words. I couldn't help but smile at the question - of course that would be one of the first things on his mind after all this time. "Yeah, buddy. I never gave it up," I assured him softly, pulling out my phone. With a few taps, I pulled up a team photo - me front and center, basketball clutched under one arm and a wide smile on my face as I posed with my teammates. "See? I'm the captain of the school team now."Tommy's gaze drifted over the image and my chest swelled with pride as his cracked lips curved into a smile. "I'm so happy...you didn't give up on this, Trent. It's what you've always wanted.""It's what we always wanted, Tommy," I corrected gently, reaching out to take his hand in mine. I gave it a soft squeeze as our gazes locked again. "You and me, remember? We were gonna take the basketball world by storm together."Tom's eyes shone with sadness that tugged sharply at my heart. God,
ELLA'S POV "You look absolutely gorgeous, Ella!" Susan gushed, clasping her hands together as she looked me up and down in the dress. "Trent definitely has impeccable taste." Amelia nodded enthusiastically. "For real, girl. When you two hit that dance floor tonight, every eye is gonna be glued to you."I grinned and gave a twirl, the rich purple gown swirling around me in a whisper of fabric. It hugged my curves in all the right places. I felt like an absolute princess!As I spun back around to face my friends, I caught a few of the other girls in the dressing room sneaking admiring glances my way too. Some smiled and waved, clearly appreciating the look. Heck, my confidence was soaring so high right now, I might as well have been walking on air!Guess I'm going to turn a few heads at this dance after all, I thought giddily, unable to stop beaming.That's when the snide voice cut through the air like nails on a chalkboard. "As if that ridiculous getup is really anything to get so hy
ELLA'S POV I clutched the soiled dress tightly and dashed out of the dressing room.And there she was, of course - Lucinda and her gross flings. They were laughing, red plastic cups with suspicious liquid in their grasps. The sight of them so carefree and nonchalant while I was suffering just riled me up even more."How dare you!" I shouted, unable to contain myself any longer as I stormed over."How dare you, you miserable bitch!"Lucinda slowly looked me over, that infuriating smirk still plastered on her face. "If it isn't the belle of the ball herself. Or should I say former belle?"My fists clenched at my sides as I fought against the urge to launch myself at her. "You're going to pay for this Lucinda. I don't know how you did it, but you've gone too far this time.""Ooh, such tough words from our poor little damsel," Lucinda inspected her nails carelessly. "Face it, you're just a sad, mousy girl playing dress-up for a night. Did you really think you could upstage me?"Her vapid
ELLA'S POV As we made our way down the aisle, I couldn't resist sneaking glances at my incredibly handsome date. Trent looked like he'd stepped straight out of a magazine in his tailored tuxedo. I felt a tiny pang of guilt for not wearing the gown he'd lovingly picked out for me, but quickly brushed it aside. Tonight was going to be magical no matter what I had on.I held Trent's hand a little tighter, pulling him closer as I became aware of what felt like every eye in the room trailing after us. Part of me couldn't help doing an internal happy dance at all the admiring looks. The rest of me felt a tiny twinge of self-consciousness creep in.Was my dress okay? Did my hair look alright still? Maybe I should have gone with those other shoes instead…But as I caught sight of Susan and Amelia across the room mouthing"Wow!" with huge grins. I knew I had totally nailed this look.Trent guided us over to an empty table as he pulled out my chair for me among the other couples.That's when
ELLA'S POV I couldn't believe this was actually happening! Trent had quite literally swept me off my feet, cradling me securely in those strong arms of his as he carried me away from the dance. My heart felt like it was soaring - we'd won the big contest, gotten to perform an incredible routine together, and now the night was carrying us off into blissful romance.Part of me still felt in a daze, like I was floating through some wonderful dream. Trent's handsome face hovered inches from mine, green eyes shining with a warmth that made me melt. He cradled me close as he carried me out towards the parking lot.The entire car ride passed in a heated, tension-filled silence. But my body hummed from the lingering echoes of his touch.Finally, we pulled up to his place and he ushered me inside, hand splayed possessively across the my back. As soon as we made it through to his room, Trent pinned me up against the wall, caging me in with his arms on either side."Are you absolutely sure a