Chapter 4 I Never Had A Chance

"Lizzie, I'm serious," Stephanie said, leaning across my bed with a wicked grin. "This party is going to be epic, and you're coming with me."

I shook my head, clutching my knees. "You know I can't. My parents would kill me if they found out."

Stephanie rolled her eyes, tossing a pillow at me. "Your parents don't have to know. Just say you're staying at my place to study. You deserve to have some fun for once in your life."

Fun. The word felt foreign, like it wasn't meant for me.

"Besides," Stephanie continued, her voice lilting with mischief, "this is your chance to impress Daniel."

My heart skipped. "What do you mean?"

She smirked. "I mean, dress up a little, show him what he's been missing. Trust me, Lizzie-guys like Daniel need a little nudge sometimes."

I hesitated, her words weaving their way into my already fragile hope. "I don't know . . ."

"Come on," she said, pulling a bag from the corner of the room. "I've already got the perfect outfit for you."

.

.

.

I stared at myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the girl staring back. The tight jeans clung to my legs like a second skin, and the crop top left just enough of my midriff exposed to make me feel bold-and terrified.

Stephanie stood behind me, grinning. "You look amazing. Daniel's going to lose his mind when he sees you."

"Or laugh," I muttered, tugging at the hem of the top.

"Stop that," she said, swatting my hands away. "You look incredible, Lizzie. Trust me."

I wasn't sure I trusted her-or myself-but I let her drag me to the party anyway.

~•~

The house was packed when we arrived, the thump of music vibrating through the floorboards. I clung to Stephanie like a lifeline, my eyes darting nervously around the room.

"Relax," she said, laughing. "You're fine."

I wasn't fine. The stares, the whispers-they all felt amplified in the dim light of the party. But then I saw him.

Daniel stood near the kitchen, a cup in hand, his smile lighting up the room. He looked perfect, as always, his effortless charm drawing people toward him like bees to honey.

"Go talk to him," Stephanie whispered, nudging me forward.

"What? No!"

"Lizzie, this is your moment," she said. "Don't waste it."

My legs felt like jelly, but somehow, I managed to cross the room. Daniel looked up as I approached, his eyes flickering with recognition.

"Hey, Elizabeth," he said, his voice smooth.

"H-hi," I stammered, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"You look . . . different tonight," he said, his gaze lingering just a little too long.

"Thanks," I mumbled, twisting my fingers nervously.

Before I could say anything else, Stephanie appeared beside me, her usual confident grin in place. "Hey, Daniel," she said, her tone light and teasing.

"Stephanie," he said, his smile widening. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

I froze as the shift in his tone became undeniable. The warmth he'd shown me moments ago was gone, replaced by something brighter, something meant only for Stephanie.

"You're late," he added, his voice low and playful.

Stephanie shrugged, flashing him a dazzling smile. "Had to make an entrance."

Their banter felt like a slap to the face, but what came next shattered whatever hope I'd been clinging to.

"Can I tell you something?" Daniel asked, leaning closer to Stephanie.

"Sure," she said, tilting her head.

"I like you, Stephanie," he said, his voice soft but clear.

My chest tightened, the room spinning as his words echoed in my head.

Stephanie blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Oh . . . um, thanks, Daniel. That's sweet."

I couldn't stand there a second longer. Mumbling an excuse, I bolted for the door, my vision blurred by tears.

Stephanie caught up with me outside, her face a mix of guilt and frustration.

"Lizzie, wait!"

I stopped, turning to face her. "What was that, Stephanie?"

She sighed, crossing her arms. "I didn't know he was going to say that."

"But you knew," I said, my voice trembling. "You knew he didn't like me, and you let me believe-"

"I didn't let you believe anything," she snapped. "You built this whole thing up in your head, Lizzie. Daniel doesn't even know you exist like that."

Her words cut deeper than I thought possible.

"Why are you even my friend?" I whispered.

Stephanie hesitated, her eyes flickering with something I couldn't quite place. "Because you're smart," she said finally. "You're brilliant, Lizzie. That's why I kept you around. And yeah, maybe I told Daniel you'd help him with his homework. So what?"

I stared at her, the pieces falling into place. The homework. The compliments. The subtle nudges. It had all been orchestrated.

"You used me," I said, my voice hollow.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic. You're the one who kept saying yes."

I didn't respond. I couldn't.

.

.

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The next day at school, the news was everywhere: Daniel and Stephanie were officially dating.

I avoided their usual spots, keeping my head down and pretending not to hear the whispers that followed me.

"Did you hear? Daniel finally asked Stephanie out."

"They're perfect together."

"They've been flirting forever."

The words were daggers, each one a painful reminder of how naive I'd been.

By the time I got home, I was numb. I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as tears slid silently down my cheeks.

I'd given so much of myself-my time, my hope, my heart-and for what? To be left with nothing but humiliation and regret.

But as the ache settled deep in my chest, another feeling began to stir.

Determination.

I didn't know how or when, but I promised myself one thing: I would never let anyone make me feel this small again.