Chapter 182

Once Lucas and I got to school we went our separate ways. I didn't want to hold his hand through the hallways like we used to. I just needed some space away from him to think.

A few students seemed to pick up on our awkward goodbye, but for the most part, they left me alone. It was a rarity, and a blessing that I wasn't taking for granted.

I walked through the busy hallways as I walked toward the senior lockers. I was not looking forward to spending the next seven hours inside of this building. I just wanted to go home and lay down in my bed and drown in whatever sadness was inside of me.

"Hey there Shanana Banana," a familiar cheery voice greeted me.

I turned slowly, meeting eyes with James who was walking beside me. He offered me a small smile and bumped my side.

"Shanana Banana?" I asked with a cringe. "Really?"

"Cute, right?" he asked. "I think it suits you."

"I don't."

"Oh, don't be like that!" James smiled wider as we continued walking, but concern soon replaced the playful look in his eyes. "How are you doing after yesterday?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of the recent events. "It's weird, you know? Trying to act like everything's normal again. Lucas is being careful. I can tell he's sorry for what he's done, but you can only apologize so many times."

James nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I get that. He's clearly remorseful and wants to make things right but he can't expect you to just be okay overnight."

"It's just hard. I've been there for him through so much already and it's like he still doesn't trust me."

"I feel the same way," James said. "Lucas is just independent like that. He wants to help everyone, but when it comes to himself, he doesn't want to bother people with his problems. And if you try to get involved, he gets upset."

"Ugh. I hate that he does that!" I said. "It's frustrating. You're supposed to lean on your significant other in a relationship. He just avoids the truth instead."

"One of the many great qualities of Lucas Busch," James teased with a half-smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

"I'd hardly classify that as a great quality," I said with an eye roll. "It's more annoying than anything."

When we reached my locker, James got right to the point, revealing some interesting news.

"About yesterday," he began, "after I left Grandma Jo's house, Victoria and I had a chat."

I raised an eyebrow, curious about their conversation. "And? How did it go?"

"Well, I asked her to explain everything from start to finish. Her version of the story. It aligned with what Lucas was saying, so don't worry about that."

I nodded, feeling slightly comforted that he wasn't lying about anything when he came clean yesterday.

"What else?" I asked.

"Turns out, she's not as bad as we thought." James chuckled, shaking his head. "i thought the two of them were scheming all of this, but that's not the case. Victoria only agreed because she thought it would help her family and you."

A sense of relief washed over me.

I realized then that a small part of me still thought that maybe Victoria and Lucas had a thing for each other. It was a fear of mine. Even though they claimed there was nothing romantic between them, things could be unpredictable.

Feelings could develop, but now I knew there was really nothing going on between them and nothing would ever happen.

"She asked for my forgiveness, and I decided that it would be best for us to settle our differences. She kind of got swept up in it, and I know she was coming from a good place. I hope you're not upset with me for fixing things with her so soon."

"Don't be ridiculous, James." My heart warmed at his gesture. "Of course, I'm not upset with you. Your relationship with Victoria is your business and I trust your judgement. If you thought it was right to forgive her, then I forgive her, too."

"Thanks Shana," James bumped my side again. "And don't worry, I'm still not done giving Lucas shit about this. He's going to be sorry he ever uttered a single lie in his life."

I snorted. "I don't want you to torture him."

"Who said anything about torture?" James asked with a grin. "I'm just going to remind him how awesome you are and how horrible he is for hurting you."

"I appreciate that, James, but I don't want him to feel even worse about this. I think he realizes his mistake."

James shrugged. "If you say so." Then, he gave me a mischievous look. "Guess what else?"

I squinted at him. "Is it about you and Victoria?"

He nodded. "Sure is. You won't believe what else happened. She asked to be my girlfriend."

I couldn't help but smile at the unexpected twist. It only made sense that Victoria would pop the question to James. She was independent and confident. She wasn't the kind of girl who waited for a guy to make the first move.

"Really?" I asked. "You said yes?"

James nodded, his eyes gleaming with a mix of surprise and contentment. "Yeah, I did. I think she's genuinely trying to change for the better, and I want to give her a chance. Plus, it was super hot that she asked me."

I burst out with laughter, holding my stomach as a cramp started to ache. "You boys find the dumbest things attractive."

"How is a girl telling a guy how she feels unattractive? She took charge. I liked it."

"Of course, you did," I smiled, clapping him on the back. "But that's great news, James. I'm genuinely happy for you two. It was only a matter of time before you guys took that next step."

He smirked. "Who would've thought, huh? James and Victoria, official."

"What about her parents?" I asked. "Not to kill the vibe, but they don't really approve of you."

James didn't look fazed. "I don't care what her parents say. I've shown them I'm a good guy. They'll take some time to butter down, but nobody can resist me... I mean, just look at me!"

I gave James a once-over and pretended to throw up.

He shoved my shoulder playfully with mock shock. "Don't be rude!"

I laughed as I shut my locker closed and the two of us began to walk to our first class of the day. "Sorry, James. You're not my type."

"Don't be silly, I'm everyone's type."

James continued to joke around with me and even though I appeared invested in the conversation, I couldn't shake the feeling of hope within me.

If James and Victoria could find common ground and move on from this, then maybe there was a chance for me and Lucas too.

I hoped that, in time, Lucas and I could mend our relationship. Were we still dating? I guessed so. Everything seemed like it was up in the air.

I realized then that I needed to talk to him. But only time would tell if we could rebuild what was broken.