–Alyssa–
I passed by the cafeteria and found Lore laughing—really laughing—at something a girl said. She was pretty in a quiet way, eyeglasses slipping down her nose, flashing him a smile that looked earned. He smiled back just as easily and even reached out, brushing something out of her hair like it was instinct.
My heart sank at the sight. The drop was sudden, cruel.
She must be smart.
Lore is exceptionally smart—brilliant, actually. A geek in the most dangerous way. And I've always had this awful, lingering thought that he hates girls like me. Rich girls. Too polished. Too girly. Girls who love cakes and handbags and jewelry. I lifted my left hand without realizing it, my thumb grazing the alexandrite he gave me. It shimmered—changing colors like my mood, like my hope.
"Oh," Gina murmured. "Aren't you going to approach Lore?"
"Mm, not really." I forced a shrug. "They're probably in a group study."
"Okay, then let's eat. I'm starving."
