The Star He Couldn't Keep

The fallout from my breakup with Rhys had been catastrophic. A total disaster.
Seeing him again happened while I was on a video call with my current boyfriend, Dean.
I never thought that kind of soap-opera, dramatic nonsense would actually happen to me.
Deans roommates were goofing off, yelling about wanting a look at the new girlfriend, and the next second, someone snatched his phone.
The first thing that filled the screen was a sterling silver initial pendant, one I knew intimately, one I hadnt seen in three years.
Then, a profilea sharp, unmistakable line of a jaw.
I recognized the man instantly: Rhys Montgomery, the boy who had defined my entire high school existence.
1
Sweat beaded and rolled down Rhyss chiseled jawline, disappearing into the open collar of his basketball jersey. He stared at the screen, freezing for a solid two seconds. His pupils blew wide.
...Shit.
The next second, the phone was airborne, the screen going black before someone grabbed it. Deans roommate, Leo, held it up, looking annoyed.
What the hell is your problem, man?!
Rhys paused, then let out a sharp, dismissive laugh.
Your taste is still shit.
Dean, who is usually the most mellow person in the world, actually got hot. His voice was low and cold.
My girlfriend is incredible. You dont know what youre talking about.
Yeah, man! Ellies beautiful. Id say way hotter than the top girl in the Finance program. What are you looking at, Rhys?
If I could date a girl like that, Id eat instant ramen for three years!
Get lost! Id do ten!
His roommates dissolved into a laughing crowd, but Rhys didnt say anything else.
Dean took his phone back. Sorry about that, El. He mustve lost his game today. Bad mood.
From the background, I heard a sound of pure, grinding teeth. I won. By twenty points!
Dean didnt miss a beat. Then hes lost his mind. Ill pick you up for dinner, El.
After we hung up, I leaned back on my bed. The midsummer sun was blinding, so I covered my eyes with my arm.
Rhys. It had been three years.
I couldnt believe he was still wearing that necklace.
It was so cheap. I remembered the price tagsomething like forty-nine dollars at a mall kiosk. It was a couples set, half-off. Mine had been tossed or lost years ago.
He seemed unchanged, yet completely different. Same face, but matured, the features sharpened, honed, like an aggressively cut diamond. The innate recklessness in his eyes was something he could no longer hold back.
I suddenly remembered three years ago, before the SATs.
Rhys had been standing on the sidewalk below my apartment, wearing a jersey then, too, his eyes red-rimmed and begging.
Ill listen to anything you say from now on. If you dont want me around her, I wont ever see her again.
We promised wed go to the same college, El
His voice was raw. In the darkness, I could see a glassy sheen in his eyes. Just dont leave me. Whatever you ask, Ill do it. Please?
He looked so broken, almost on his knees in front of me.
But I just looked at him, expressionless, and spoke in a quiet voice.
Rhys, I changed my college applications.
Im not going to UCLA.
2
My relationship with Rhys Montgomery began the way all clich teen stories do: the new girl replacing the childhood best friend. It ended when the childhood best friend came back for good.
I transferred to Palisades Academy during our junior year and immediately took the top spot in the class. Back then, teachers still believed in pairing a studious girl with a struggling boy to be a good influence, so I was seated right next to Rhys.
But Rhys had zero interest in academics and an intense, instant interest in me.
He was always tugging on my ponytail or snatching my pen and holding it up high, leaning down with a wicked half-smile.
Ellie Stone, youre miniature.
Once, during History, he slid a folded note across the table. I opened it to find a terrible stick-figure drawing of me.
I was about to hiss a complaint when the teacher caught the note, held it up for the class to see, and sent us both into the hall to be disciplined.
I was a perfect student. Id never been humiliated like that. My eyes burning, I shoved Rhys.
Rhys Montgomery, youre an idiot!
He knew he was in the wrong. He stayed silent for a moment, then quickly folded the note into a paper star and slid it into my hand.
I looked at the crumpled star, and I couldn't help itI burst out laughing, my tears forgotten.
Our relationship evolved quickly. Id force him to do his homework until he understood every problem, checked his assignments, and forbade him from copying the answer key.
In return, he started waiting for me outside my building every day. We walked to and from school together, stopping at the silly accessory shop near the bus stop. On a whim, I bought two initial pendants, keeping one and giving him the other.
Rhys was a golden boy at school: handsome, wealthy, a star on the court. There was no counting the number of girls who had crushes on him.
One day, one of them cornered me and asked if I liked Rhys.
The combination of teenage pride and an undefinable surge of anger made me blurt out:
I would never like someone who has lower grades than me.
The girls eyes darted past me.
I whipped my head around. Rhys was standing right there, behind me. I had no idea how long hed been listening.
He walked past me, his face blank.
After that, Rhys stopped seeking me out.
He never talked to me in class, never waited for me after school. We sat at the same table, and we didnt exchange a single word all day.
I wanted to explain, but he never gave me an opening.
Until a year later. Rhys achieved a score that was nothing short of miraculous, tying for first place with me.
That evening, he stopped me in the hall, his expression dead serious.
Ellie Stone, my grades are no longer below yours. Can you love me now?
All these years later, the memory is still blurred around the edges.
I only remember the Blue Jacaranda trees blooming that day, the purple petals everywhere, like a sea. And his eyesthey were brighter than a star going supernova.
The light seemed to cross a vast cosmic distance, landing directly in my heart.
In that instant, I heard my own voice say:
Yes.
And that was it. We were together.
The passion of youth is uncontrollable, a wildfire. We were inseparable. Rhys introduced me to all his friends, even got my nameEllietattooed on his rib cage.
When I said I was applying to UCLA, he declared hed go there with me.
His mother was ecstatic about his sudden ambition. Since my grades didnt suffer, both our parents and teachers conveniently looked the other way. We became the only officially public couple at the Academy.
I honestly believed we would go the distance.
Until I realized there was a girl who mattered to him more than I did.
3
Rhys had a childhood best friend, a Qing Mei Zhu Ma, named Lyra Abbott.
Years ago, Lyras father, who worked as Rhyss dads driver, had saved Mr. Montgomerys life during a boating accident. He didn't make it back to the surface.
Rhyss dad was a decent, honorable man. He immediately brought Lyra and her mother into their home, promising to treat Lyra like his own daughter and take care of them forever.
Lyra had grown up attached to Rhyss hip. Even when we started dating, she didnt back off, constantly trying to tag along with us.
Rhys and I fought endlessly about it. Eventually, Lyra seemed to ease up. But a couple of days later, she reappeared, leaning heavily on Rhys.
Sorry, Ellie, she murmured, I know you didnt want me to walk with you, but I twisted my ankle. Rhys insisted on taking me home.
Rhyss attention was completely fixed on her. His brows were furrowed as he scolded her.
You hurt your foot and didnt tell me? Were you planning to hop home on one leg, Lyra?! Get on!
I still remember that walk. Rhys carried Lyra on his back, walking several paces ahead of me.
She chattered on about their childhood stories, and I couldn't get a word in.
She whimpered, Rhys, my foot hurts so bad!
I had never heard his voice sound so gentle. Hurts bad, huh? What can I do?
I need a slice of that fancy German chocolate cake from the corner bakery. The most expensive one!
Done. Ill drop you off and then go get it for you.
Rhys, can we go back to walking together? When I walk alone, those shady guys from the vocational school stare at me. Im scared.
Rhyss jaw tightened. Why didnt you tell me sooner? Ill pick you up tomorrow morning. Dont you dare walk alone if Im not with you.
Lyra smiled and turned her head to give me a quick, subtle look.
Okay.
The setting sun stretched their figures long and inseparable across the sidewalk.
I fell further and further behind, but Rhys never once looked back at me.
It wasnt until he set Lyra down at her door that he finally turned around.
I have to go get Lyras cake, so I wont be able to walk you all the way tonight.
Ellie. Just go home.
I looked at him for a long time, then turned and walked away alone.
4
That incident led to a cold war between us that lasted an entire week.
Initially, Rhys didnt think hed done anything wrong.
Ive always seen Lyra as my sister. How could I ignore her when she was injured?
I kept my face perfectly neutral.
She couldve called her mother. She couldve called your driver. Why did she have to wait for you there? You see her as a sister, but does she see you as a brother? Do you honestly believe shes not in love with you?!
Rhyss eyes flickered away. Finally, he sighed and pulled me into a hug.
El, I only love you. I swear. Ill talk to her and set boundaries. Ill keep my distance. Okay?
I closed my eyes.
Okay.
Rhys did talk to Lyra.
I dont know what he said, but I watched Lyra run out of our classroom crying, and she didnt seek him out again.
I thought the drama was finally over.
But one day, Rhys found me, his brow furrowed, and stammered out the words.
Lyra said this guy from another school has been harassing her. He keeps coming on too strong. She asked me to come out tonight and pretend to be her boyfriend to get him to back off.
He caught my expression and quickly added:
Just for one night. Just enough for the guy to get the hint.
Didnt we agree? One day, its a twisted ankle and you have to carry her home. The next, shes being harassed and you have to be her fake boyfriend. Whats next, Rhys?!
Rhys wasnt generally known for his patience, but he was always gentle when he was trying to reassure me.
If her father hadnt died saving my dad, Lyra would have her own protection now. I genuinely cant abandon her. Just this once. If you dont trust me, you can come with me, okay?
When he put it that way, I knew arguing further would lead nowhere. I had to agree.
One night. And Im going with you.
Rhys smiled, cupped my face, and kissed me hard.
My girl is so understanding. I love you the most!
5
That night was my first time in a barreally, it was a grungy but upscale lounge near the college campus. Lyra was indeed surrounded by a guy who was tall and built. He wasn't unattractive, but he had a sleazy vibe, constantly trying to hook his arm around her.
Rhys stepped forward, shoved the guys hand away, and pulled Lyra into his side. His eyebrows were pressed low as he glared at the guy.
Keep your hands to yourself. Shes my girlfriend.
Rhys had taken mixed martial arts since he was a kid. When he gave someone the cold shoulder, his presence alone was enough to make the guy back down.
Someone jumped in to smooth things over. How about Truth or Dare? Mitch is paying tonight, guys, drink up!
Mitch Rileythat was the guy harassing Lyra. I heard his family was involved in some shady local business, collecting protection money from the area shops. He was from a vocational school, met Lyra through a mutual friend, and had been pursuing her relentlessly. This dinner was clearly his way of checking if Lyra really had a boyfriend.
Rhys scoffed and tossed a black Amex Centurion Card onto the table.
Dont worry about it. Everything tonight is on me.
Everyones eyes were immediately drawn to the card.
One girls eyes lit up.
Is that the legendary Black Card? Lyra, youre holding out on us! You have a boyfriend this hot and rich and you didnt tell anyone?
Lyra laughed, leaning into Rhys.
My fingers curled into my palm. Rhys glanced at me subconsciously, but I turned my head, refusing to meet his eyes.
Mitch Rileys face darkened. His friends girlfriend, probably nervous about a fight, raised a bottle.
Okay, lets play Truth or Dare! Spin the bottle!
The first few rounds were harmless, most people choosing Truth and answering easy questions.
I was finally starting to relax, thinking the night would pass without drama, when the bottle stopped directly in front of Lyra.
She smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear.
I choose Dare.
My heart sank instantly. A terrible premonition washed over me.
Sure enough, the girl next to her squealed excitedly.
You have to pick a guy here and kiss him. A deep, French kiss!
Lyras face flushed, and her eyes immediately found Rhys.
Rhyss expression stiffened. He instinctively frowned.
I choose In the face of Mitchs increasingly ugly expression, Lyra didnt hesitate. She pointed straight at Rhys.
Rhyss face was thunderous.
Change the dare.
The girl challenged him. You guys are boyfriend and girlfriend, right? Whats the big deal? Kiss, kiss!
Everyone started chanting. Mitch looked openly skeptical. Are you really her boyfriend?
Lyra forced a soft smile.
Of course.
Her beautiful eyes turned pleadingly to Rhys. She reached up and placed a hand on his forearm, her red lips parting.
Rhys
My blood ran cold.
Rhys stood stiffly, letting Lyra lean in. The moment before their lips were about to connect, I lunged to my feet!
He flinched, turning his head slightly. Lyras kiss landed on his jawline. A near-miss, a coward's kiss.
He reached out in a panic to grab me, but I violently shook his hand off.
Ignoring the shocked faces of everyone at the table, I bolted for the door.

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