My Best Friend Stole My Rival

Synopsis

On the surface, Michael Reed and I were enemies. He stole my spotlight in lectures. I ruined his debates. He thought I was fake. I thought he was arrogant. Everyone said we were like rabid dogs whenever we crossed paths. No one saw him corner me behind the supply room, tilting my chin, whispering, "Emily, how much longer are you going to play cool with me?" No one saw me alone on my birthday, waiting from midnight until the frosting on my cake melted away. Then Sophie Lane, my bestie, walked in. Her cheeks burned. Her backpack hit the floor. A used condom rolled out. I blinked. "Emily... Michael and I are together." I didn't cry out. It was just... Two years of secrets, and just like that, everything I thought mattered became a joke.