Chapter 24: What I Didnt Know, and Still Chose Anyway May 8, 2025 The championship buzz felt electric.
The halls of school were draped in rivalry banners, students wore face paint, and chants echoed across classrooms like war drums.
But underneath all the noise, my mind was quiet.
Too quiet.
Because today, I was telling the truth.
I sent a text to Erin:Meet me outside the library before homeroom.
She came with Maisy and Willow, their arms crossed, faces curious but patient.
I need to tell you something, I said.
They watched me, giving me the space I needed.
So I told them everything.
I told them about Jake, about the bridge, about how my world cracked open and how he was the one who caught the pieces.
When I got to the part about the bridge about how close I had been none of them moved.
There were no interruptions, no questions, just three sets of wide, watering eyes.
Erin pulled me into a hug first.
We had no idea, she whispered.
Maisys voice broke as she said, You almost died and we… we didnt see it.
Willow wrapped her arms around both of us.
Were so sorry, Lily.
We shouldve Im okay now, I whispered, squeezing them tighter.
I really am.
And Jake? Erin asked softly.
I nodded, feeling a small, fragile smile form.
I think Im falling for him.
Maisy sniffled and said, Then weve got your back.
Willows expression sharpened with fierce determination.
Lets get you to that game.
My parents, of course, were no different.
They were still strict, still distant, and still insisted on updates for every hour of my day.

But Erin had a plan.
Lily wants to volunteer, she told my mom sweetly, putting on her best innocent voice.
Its for extra credit.
Theres a local outreach project.
My mom raised a skeptical brow.
Where? she asked.
The community center, Maisy piped up quickly.
My moms driving.
Well send pictures.
I nodded along, doing my best to look earnest.
I really want to help.
It matters to me.
She stared at me for a long moment, as if trying to figure out whether I was being sincere or just desperate.
Finally, she nodded once.
Be back by five.
I breathed out, my chest loosening with relief.
Victory.
We pulled up to the stadium and parked a few blocks away, the air already vibrating with energy.
The bleachers were packed, and students and parents from both schools filled the space like a riot waiting to explode.
Erin handed me my hoodie with a grin.
Well meet you inside.
Go check on your boy.
Thanks, guys, I said, my heart beating faster for reasons that had nothing to do with the game.
Willow winked as she added, Win or lose, hes already your prize.
I laughed and slipped away, weaving past the practice fields and supply sheds, making my way toward the locker room tunnel.
I wasnt supposed to be there, but no one stopped me.
That was when I heard it the coachs voice, rough and cutting through the air.
Youre not here, Jake.
There was a pause before Jake answered, Im here.

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No, youre not.
Youre acting like youre dragging something behind you, the coach said.
There was another pause.
Then, the coachs voice softened.
Is today the day? I held my breath, straining to hear.
There was silence tense and still before Jake finally said, Yeah.
I couldnt move, barely able to process what I was hearing.
The coach sighed heavily.
He wouldnt want this, you know.
Jakes voice cracked when he answered, I know.
You were just a kid, the coach said gently, almost like he was trying to lift the weight off Jakes shoulders.
My chest tightened at the sound of it.
You couldnt have changed it, the coach added after a long, weighted pause and a deep breath.
There was another stretch of silence before the coach asked, Do you want to play tonight? Jake didnt answer right away, and for a moment, I thought maybe he wouldnt.
But then I heard him say, I dont.
But I need to.
The coach nodded.
Then Ill give you ten minutes.
Lock in.
Play for him.
And then the coach walked away, his footsteps fading into the stadium noise.
I stayed hidden in the shadow of the tunnel, frozen in place.
Jake stood by the locker door, his helmet hanging loosely in his hands, his eyes fixed on the ground.
Finally, I stepped out into the open.
He looked up, startled at first, but his expression softened the second he recognized me.
Hey, I whispered.
He didnt say anything.
He just crossed the distance between us and pulled me into him without hesitation.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on tight, feeling his heart hammer against mine.
I didnt know, I said into his shirt, my voice muffled by the fabric.
I didnt want you to, he replied quietly.
Thats okay, I said, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes.
He searched my face like he was afraid of what he might find there.
Youre not scared? Im still here, arent I? I answered.
He exhaled, slow and shaky, like my words were the only thing keeping him upright.
You always know what to say, he murmured.
No, I said, brushing my hand against his jaw.
I just finally know how to mean it.
He kissed me then.
It wasnt like the last kiss not soft, not desperate.
This one was real.
Steady.
Certain.
His hands cupped my cheeks as mine tangled in the collar of his hoodie, both of us clinging to each other like the world beyond didnt matter.
When we finally pulled apart, I rested my forehead against his chest, feeling the solid beat of his heart under my skin.
Youve got this, I whispered.
Only because youre here, he said.
Ill be waiting after.
You better be, he said, the tiniest ghost of a smile flickering at the corners of his mouth.
Then he jogged off toward the tunnel, disappearing into the bright stadium lights.
I stayed where I was, watching him go, feeling a strange, fierce kind of peace settle over me.
I realized something in that moment.
I didnt know everything about him.
I probably never would.
But love isnt about knowing all the answers.
Its about choosing someone even when you dont.