Chapter 4: Storms, Secrets, and Standing Tall

I wasn’t good enough for him.

The thought haunted me, a shadow I couldn’t shake. I tried to push it away, but it clung to me like a second skin.

He didn’t like me.

I told myself it didn’t matter, but the ache in my chest said otherwise. I blinked back tears, refusing to let them fall.

Someone brushed away my tears, soft lips touched my forehead.

The touch was gentle, reassuring. I opened my eyes, meeting Mason’s gaze. He smiled, and for a moment, everything was okay.

Sitting in the passenger seat, drunk, I was wrapped in the smell of booze, my mind a mess.

The world spun, but Mason’s presence kept me grounded. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his touch lull me to sleep.

I opened my eyes—Mason was so close I could see the pores on his skin.

His face was inches from mine, his breath warm against my cheek. I swallowed hard, my heart racing.

Our eyes met, breaths mingled, neither of us speaking first.

The silence was heavy, charged with possibility. I waited, hoping he’d make the first move.

I remembered that dare, and blurted, "Hey, handsome, wanna kiss?" The words just flew out. Oh God, why did I say that? Instant regret, full cringe mode.

Mason just stared at me.

He stared at me, eyes wide. I waited, breathless, for his response.

"You’re drunk."

His voice was soft, almost amused. I pouted, crossing my arms.

I had no idea what I was doing. "I’m not!"

I stuck out my lower lip, trying to look convincing. Mason just shook his head, smiling.

"Wanna hug!"

I reached for him, arms wide. He laughed, pulling me into his embrace. I melted into his arms, feeling safe for the first time in ages.

I slept dreamlessly.

The world faded away, leaving only warmth and comfort. I smiled in my sleep, dreaming of better days.

The next day, I rushed to school. With some free time before things got busy, I focused on running my account.

I set up my laptop in the corner of the library, headphones on, editing videos and responding to comments. My phone buzzed with notifications, but I ignored them, determined to stay focused.

Mason and his friends were working on an app, the project going strong—he was already financially independent.

I admired his drive, his ambition. He made everything look easy, but I knew how hard he worked behind the scenes.

I had to catch up.

I set new goals for myself, determined to prove I could stand on my own two feet. I wouldn’t let anyone—least of all Mason—see me fail.

My account was mostly funny, story-driven stuff—sponsorships were my bread and butter.

I brainstormed new ideas, jotting down notes in my planner. Every like, every comment was a small victory.

Today, we were shooting outside, and of course I ran into Lauren.

She stood under a tree, umbrella in hand, looking like she’d stepped out of a magazine. I tried to avoid her gaze, but she spotted me immediately.

She wore a pretty floral dress and carried a sunhat.

Her smile was saccharine sweet, but her eyes were sharp. I braced myself for whatever she had planned.

"So Harper can shoot and star as the lead—think I’ll ever get a shot like that?"

She batted her eyelashes, playing the innocent. I forced a smile, determined not to let her get under my skin.

I didn’t want to engage.

I focused on my camera, pretending to adjust the settings. Lauren wasn’t so easily deterred.

A classmate said, "Of course, Lauren. You’re so pretty, you should try."

They gushed over her, and she soaked it up, preening under the attention.

"Then I need a male lead. I think Mason would be perfect."

She glanced at me, waiting for a reaction. I kept my face neutral, refusing to rise to the bait.

My heart skipped—she couldn’t be more obvious.

I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay calm. I wouldn’t let her see me sweat.

I’d thought about asking Mason, but my mom already said filming was a waste of time. If I starred in a romance with Mason, she’d explode.

The thought made me laugh, but also ache. I wished things could be simpler.

Plus, Mason hated being on camera unless he had to.

He preferred to stay behind the scenes, letting others take the spotlight. I admired his humility, even if it frustrated me sometimes.

"Harper, you and Mason are close—if I ask him, you won’t get jealous, right?"

She smiled sweetly, but her words were laced with poison. I forced a laugh, shaking my head.

She wanted to rile me up, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.

I kept my cool, refusing to let her see how much it bothered me. I wouldn’t give her the upper hand.

"Of course not," I smiled. "There are plenty of male leads. I’ll find someone else. You want Mason, go for it."

I shrugged, pretending not to care. Lauren’s smile faltered, just for a moment.

"There are so many campus heartthrobs, Lauren—don’t get hung up on just one. Variety keeps things fresh."

I winked, letting the implication hang in the air. The other girls giggled, and Lauren’s cheeks flushed.

"Besides, we pick leads based on the script—this episode needs a gentle type. Is Mason really a fit?"

I couldn’t help picturing Mason’s cold face.

The thought made me laugh, but also ache. I wished things could be simpler.

"Oh, so I’m not qualified?"

That icy voice—it was Mason.

He appeared out of nowhere, arms crossed, eyebrow raised. I swallowed hard, caught off guard.

I didn’t dare turn around. He’d probably heard every word, and I’d danced all over his last nerve.

I forced a smile. "Of course you’re qualified. You’re so handsome, you’d look great on camera."

I tried to sound casual, but my voice wobbled. Mason just smirked, shaking his head.

"Forget it. I’m average at best. You’ve got options—go shoot your shot with somebody else."

His words were sharp, but there was a hint of jealousy in his eyes. I grinned, feeling a small victory.

…

"Mason, let’s go. We’ve got filming to do."

Lauren grabbed his arm, dragging him away. I watched them go, a knot forming in my stomach.

Filming?

Lauren invited Mason, and he actually agreed?

He always hated this stuff. Why say yes?

During breaks, I kept sneaking glances at him.

I watched from a distance, pretending to check my camera settings. Mason looked bored, but he went along with it.

Why was he acting so cool around Lauren?

I tried not to let it bother me, but jealousy gnawed at my insides. I wondered if he liked her.

When they finished, Mason looked my way. I guiltily looked away.

I busied myself with my camera, pretending not to care. But my heart pounded, hoping he’d come over.

"Harper, you like Mason, don’t you?"

Lauren sat beside me, all pretense gone.

Her voice was low, conspiratorial. I glanced at her, surprised by her directness.

My heart skipped—was it that obvious?

I tried to play it cool, but my cheeks burned. I shrugged, forcing a smile.

"Congrats, you’re not blind."

I met her gaze, refusing to back down. Lauren smirked, satisfied.

"Does Mason know?"

She leaned in, eyes sharp. I shrugged, pretending not to care.

"I’m not him. If you want to know, ask him yourself."

I kept my tone light, but my hands shook. I wondered if Mason had any idea how I felt.

"He wouldn’t even kiss you during Truth or Dare," she taunted.

Her words stung, but I refused to let her see it. I rolled my eyes, laughing it off.

I snorted. "Real love is about respect. You want your crush to kiss you in front of everyone like a circus act?"

I raised an eyebrow, daring her to argue. Lauren huffed, crossing her arms.

Lauren thought she could get to me, but I wasn’t biting.

I kept my cool, refusing to let her see how much it bothered me. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.

"So what? Country girl with an attitude—you really think you’re good enough for Mason? Didn’t your mom marry for money?"

Her words were sharp, cutting deep. I clenched my fists, willing myself not to cry.

It felt like a stone pressed down on my chest—maybe it had always been there, just heavier now.

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. I wouldn’t let her see me break.

My family was my weak spot. I was ashamed, but helpless.

I tried to hide it, but Lauren saw right through me. She smiled, triumphant.

I kept smiling, but no one saw how tight my fists were. I squeezed the camera so hard my knuckles ached. "How do you know?"

I forced my voice to stay steady, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.

"Of course I know—my dad and Uncle Mark are business partners. Oh, and Uncle Mark likes me a lot."

She flipped her hair, smirking. I rolled my eyes, unimpressed.

I imagined everyone finding out about my crush on Mason.

The thought made my stomach twist. I pictured the rumors, the judgment, the disappointment in my mom’s eyes.

My mom would blame me for tearing up the family, Uncle Mark would think I’d ruined his son.

I bit my lip, trying not to cry. The weight of expectation was crushing.

But what would Mason think?

I had no idea.

I kept smiling. "But Mason doesn’t like you."

I met her gaze, refusing to back down. Lauren’s smile faltered, just for a moment.

Lauren looked smug. "He doesn’t like you either."

She leaned in, her voice low. I clenched my fists, determined not to let her win.

I stayed silent so long she thought she’d won.

I let the silence stretch, watching her squirm. Finally, I spoke, my voice calm.

"Lauren, we’re not together because I haven’t started yet. Don’t worry—I’m about to."

I grinned, letting the implication hang in the air. Lauren’s eyes widened, caught off guard.

"Really?" She flipped her hair. "Fine, I’ll wait and see. Oh, and by the way—Mason said yes to my invite today."

She smirked, triumphant. I gritted my teeth, determined not to let her see me sweat.

I watched her sashay away, barely resisting the urge to chuck my water bottle at her.

I clenched my fists, counting to ten. I wouldn’t let her get to me—not today.

I gritted my teeth—damn, Harper, you’re really jealous. I mean, wow, get a grip. I rolled my eyes at myself and forced a shaky laugh.

The rain came out of nowhere.

Dark clouds rolled in, thunder rumbling in the distance. I scrambled to pack up my gear, but it was too late.

The classmates with equipment rushed off first.

They dashed for cover, shouting and laughing. I grabbed my camera, searching for shelter.

Jess and I tried to find shelter, but the rain just kept coming. My thin clothes were soaked through.

We huddled under a tree, shivering. The rain was relentless, drenching us in seconds.

"You’re drenched—come here," Jess said, unzipping her jacket and pulling me into her arms.

Her jacket was warm, but it clung to me, making my dress stick to my skin. I shivered, teeth chattering. The clingy fabric made every step feel sticky and awkward. Ugh.

Her wet jacket clung to me, making my dress nearly see-through.

I blushed, trying to cover myself. Jess just laughed, shaking her head.

This was way too weird.

I pulled away, uncomfortable. Jess frowned, but let me go.

"No thanks, Jess. Let’s just hide under a tree."

I darted for the nearest oak, dragging Jess behind me. The rain pounded down, soaking us to the bone.

"You can’t hide under a tree in a thunderstorm."

Jess’s voice was worried, but I ignored her. I just wanted to get out of the rain.

At this point, I’d rather get struck by lightning than share a jacket with Jess. Honestly, just zap me now. Anything but this.

"Harper, don’t—too dangerous." She pulled me closer, hand creeping to my waist.

I froze, uncomfortable. Jess’s grip tightened, and I tried to pull away.

"You—"

I started, but Jess cut me off, her eyes pleading.

"Just give her your jacket, man."

An angry voice cut through the rain—my irritation vanished.

Mason appeared out of nowhere, umbrella in hand. He glared at Jess, his jaw clenched.

Mason, strong as ever, wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me to his side, draping a dry jacket over me.

His touch was firm, protective. I melted into his side, grateful for his warmth.

Rain slid off the edge of his umbrella. Through the downpour, I saw Jess’s stunned face.

She stared at us, speechless. I felt a surge of satisfaction—Mason had chosen me.

"Sorry, the umbrella’s too small for three. You’ll have to get back on your own."

His voice was emotionless—Jess had nothing left to say.

She nodded, backing away. I shot her a sympathetic look, but I couldn’t help feeling relieved.

On the way back, I chattered nervously.

I rambled about the weather, the track meet, anything to fill the silence. Mason just listened, his grip steady on my waist.

"Thanks for today—the rain was crazy."

I glanced up at him, searching his face for any sign of a smile. He just nodded, his expression unreadable.

"Bro, you’re so thoughtful, actually bringing an umbrella."

I nudged him, trying to lighten the mood. He just shrugged, lips twitching in a smile.

"Nice umbrella, by the way."

I twirled it, grinning. Mason rolled his eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile.

I was out of things to say—Mason’s mood was icy.

The silence stretched, heavy and awkward. I fidgeted, unsure what to do.

He didn’t say a word, just carried me over every puddle.

His arms were strong, steady. I clung to him, grateful for his support.

"Ow, you’re squeezing my arm."

I winced, trying to pull away. Mason just grinned, tightening his grip.

"Maybe I’ll just let you hurt."

He teased, but his eyes were soft. I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

At the next puddle, Mason went gentler.

He lifted me easily, setting me down on the dry sidewalk. I blushed, mumbling a quiet thank you.

I could see his kindness, even if he hid it.

He pretended to be tough, but I knew better. Underneath it all, Mason was a softie.

That rainy day, I’d been nervous as a kitten, Mason as cold as ever.

I shivered, clinging to his jacket. Mason just rolled his eyes, but he didn’t let go.

I didn’t dare provoke him, standing at the edge of his umbrella.

I kept my distance, afraid to push my luck. Mason sighed, pulling me closer.

He got impatient, picking me up and putting me down, over and over. Each time, I squeaked and he grumbled, but he never let me fall. It was almost—dare I say it?—cute.

My little white sneakers stayed spotless, while his expensive ones got filthy.

I glanced down, guilt gnawing at me. Mason just shrugged, unbothered.

His coldness hid warmth—he was the only source of heat in my youth.

I leaned into him, soaking up his warmth. For a moment, I felt safe—like nothing could touch me.

Maybe Lauren’s questions today made me feel threatened.

I glanced at Mason, wondering if he’d noticed. He just smirked, shaking his head.

I asked, trying to sound casual, "Mason, why’d you agree to film with Lauren? She asked and you just said yes?"

I tried to keep my tone light, but my voice wobbled. Mason just shrugged, avoiding my gaze.

"Class project. Teacher’s idea." He was as indifferent as ever.

His voice was flat, but I caught the hint of a smile. I relaxed, relieved.

My heart leapt, a smile tugging at my lips.

I grinned, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Maybe I’d been worried for nothing.

"Knew it—you hate cameras. So it was the teacher’s fault."

I nudged him, teasing. Mason just rolled his eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile.

"Ha. Big campus, plenty of weirdos. Try not to pick a walking red flag."

His words were sharp, but there was a softness in his eyes. I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

Still so sharp-tongued.

I stuck out my tongue, grinning. Mason just shook his head, pretending not to care.

"I won’t use Jess again. I’ll find more male leads."

I promised, but Mason just shrugged, unbothered.

"Your taste sucks."

He smirked, but his eyes were soft. I grinned, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

Mason dropped me off at the girls’ dorm and walked away.

I watched him go, heart pounding. I wondered if he’d look back, but he didn’t.

What… does that mean?

I stood in the doorway, lost in thought. Maybe, just maybe, things were changing.

A suspicion crept in—could I trust it?

I hugged my camera to my chest, hoping for the best.

I never thought Jess would be like that.

I replayed the day’s events in my mind, trying to make sense of it all. Jess had always been my rock, but lately, she felt like a stranger.

When it came time to split the ad money, I gave everyone their share as promised.

I handed out envelopes, smiling at each person in turn. Jess lingered, her eyes searching mine.

"Harper, can I be your male lead again next time?"

She asked, her voice hopeful. I hesitated, unsure how to answer.

I smiled. "We’ll see."

I kept my tone light, but inside, I felt a pang of guilt. Things were changing, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.

If everyone could end things politely, maybe I wouldn’t have had to tear off her mask.

I sighed, wishing things could go back to the way they were.

That night, on my way back to the dorm, I felt like someone was following me.

The footsteps echoed behind me, quickening when I sped up. My heart pounded, fear prickling at the back of my neck.

The faster I walked, the faster he did.

I broke into a run, glancing over my shoulder. The streetlights flickered, casting long shadows on the pavement.

At the corner, he caught up and grabbed my wrist.

His grip was tight, desperate. I spun around, ready to fight.

"Harper."

It was Jess.

She looked different—tired, desperate. I pulled my arm free, glaring at her.

"Jess, I didn’t expect this from you!"

My voice was sharp, angry. Jess flinched, but didn’t let go.

I shook her off. "If you leave now, I’ll pretend nothing happened. Otherwise, you know what’ll happen."

I stood my ground, refusing to back down. Jess hesitated, her eyes searching mine.