#Chapter 8: Stolen Hope

Celeste “Alright,” I murmured, leaning back against the brick wall behind me. “I’ll tell you the real reason.” There was a silence as Fiona waited patiently, her arms folded across her chest. Drawing in a shaky breath, I finally let it out. “Fiona, I… I have a crush on Matt.” Her eyes widened, shock taking over her features. “On Matt?” she echoed, her voice choked with disbelief. “As in, Matt, the Matt we just saw in the store, who also happens to be your brother’s best friend?” I nodded, my heart pounding as I watched her absorb the news. “But Celeste, that's… that's not a good idea,” Fiona warned. “Secretly crushing on your brother’s best friend? That could lead to all kinds of trouble. What if Jack finds out? He would be furious!” “I know, I know,” I admitted, my fingers playing with the hem of my shirt nervously. “But that’s why I’m going to the ball in disguise. To see him. To be around him without… without all the judgments, you know?”