Chapter 1
"No way? Are you serious? Sheen and Kei broke up?"
It felt like the whole world lit up around me. Wait—how did she know before I did? I'm Sheen's best friend!
"I swear! I was just as shocked. Who would've thought those two would ever break up? They were almost perfect together."
Exactly. Almost perfect. Ideal couple. Every label you could think of. Sheen is captain of the football team, running for class salutatorian, and he's handsome. Kei's a cheerleader and the reigning Ms. St. Claire's High. Right? They were totally compatible.
"So why did they break up?"
"How would I know? Stop being so nosy. Just be thankful they broke up. You ask too many questions."
If this girl weren't my friend, I probably would've punched her already.
"Sorry, okay? I'm just curious."
"Geez, Besh. You're even throwing in some dramatic flair. But word is, they broke up because of that new guy—Drake Palma! Kei really is something, huh? She found someone more handsome and dumped Sheen just like that. She's such a flirt."
Drake Palma? Pshh. Sheen's way more handsome than that guy. Drake doesn't even do anything in class except sleep. Take note—he just transferred here and already has the nerve to sleep in class! He's my classmate, by the way.
"Tss. Whatever. She can do what she wants. I'm gonna go check on Sheen. He's probably sulking by now. Hahaha."
"You're so mean. The guy's heartbroken."
"Heartbroken, my butt. I'm the one who'll heal that broken heart of his. Hahaha."
"Stop it. You're gross."
"Screw you. I'm leaving."
Then I walked off to look for Sheen. I already knew where he'd be—on the rooftop. That's the go-to spot for sentimental people. Haha.
"Sheen..." I said, then sat down beside him. He suddenly leaned his head on my shoulder.
'Don't do that, I'm getting butterflies.' I wanted to say that, but Sheen was clearly having a moment. Better not. Haha.
"We broke up..."
"I know."
"How do you know? We just broke up earlier."
"I'm just that good. Hoho."
"You're so lame."
"Stop being emo. It doesn't suit you."
"You're so mean."
"I'm not. I'm trying to help you."
"Alys, seriously. I want her back."
That hurts...
"Help me, please..."
Why is it always like this when you're the best friend?
Always helping...
Always sacrificing...
Always loving in secret...
"Make Drake Palma your boyfriend."
"WHAT did you say?!"
"Make Drake Palma your boyfriend."
Am I going deaf or something? Is the world ending? Did he seriously just say that?
"You're so dramatic. Just make him your boyfriend, that's all. Easy as that."
Wow. Easy as one, two, three, huh?
"What do you think I am? Asking me to do something like that is not the same as buying candy from a store!"
There, I'm yelling now. Damn it, what does he think I am? A pimp?
"You've already had three boyfriends, so this should be easy for you... Come on, Alys. Please?"
Lo and behold—was he seriously trying to act cute in front of me?
"Fine... It's always like this anyway..."
"Okay, okay. You're the best."
Processing...
Processing...
Processing...
Processing...
Processing...
Did I actually just agree to that? Oh crap.
"Thanks, Alys." Then he hugged me. "You're really the best."
Holy crap. I'm freaking out inside. What the heck!
"Yeah, yeah. Thank me all you want, but this comes at a price!"
I don't actually charge for anything—it's just the only thing I could say to cover up that I was blushing like crazy. Dammit.
"Okay, okay. I'll treat you to lunch all week."
"Not enough. Snacks too."
"Hey! Now you're pushing it. I'll tell your mom."
"Psh. As if you could. I know you love me too much."
Then I stuck my tongue out at him. And just like that, we started chasing each other around. Sweet and romantic, right?
After the chase, I said, "Hey, be honest..." Huff, puff. I'm out of breath. "Are you really heartbroken? The way you ran, you looked totally fine."
"I'm broken. I just don't show it."
Ugh.
"Besides, you promised to help me win Kei back, so why should I worry?"
Wow, the nerve
"What if I can't do it?"
"I know you will."
"Why are you so sure?"
"Because you're Alys Perez. When you want something, you get it—by hook or by crook."
Why is it then, when it comes to you, I can't get what I want? Damn it.
"Whatevs, Sheen. You think you know everything."
"You know, Alys, I wonder—most best friends eventually become lovers, right? So why didn't we?"
Oh crap
Because this is unrequited love. You're into Kei, damn it.
"Well, maybe because I'm not your type. You're too talkative, clumsy, immature, and you flunk tests and—"
I hit him on the head.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Do you want me to help you or not?!"
This guy's unbelievable. Did he really have to rub all that in my face?
"I wasn't done yet,"
then he suddenly hugged me from behind, "If you weren't like that, you wouldn't be Alys Perez. And if you weren't Alys, then what would happen to Sheen Mendoza?"
Oh crap. Why are you being so sweet?
"Shut up already. Fine, I'll help you. You're such a know-it-all."
Then I stood up and started walking away.
As I was going down the stairs, I suddenly remembered I left my notebook. But when I came back, I saw Sheen... crying. Damn it, Kei. The guy I'm hopelessly in love with—and you just make him cry? How unfair can you be?
Drake Palma, remember this: I'll get you—by hook or by crook!