Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Abby

The stage lights feel even more blinding now from the tears in my eyes. A

makeup artist darts around, dabbing my face with powder to cover the streaks

from crying. In more ways than one, I’m glad this hell is almost over; right now,

I’m just looking forward to getting this damn makeup off.

Finally, the director counts down from three, and it feels as though we’ve done

this a million times before. The crowd cheers, the music plays, the announcer

struts across the stage. And me? I’m standing here like a statue, my smile just

as fake as my manicured eyelashes.

Enter title…

Daniel stands next to me, shoulder to shoulder, and I can feel the hatred

emanating off of him. He stands tall and proud, the perfect picture of arrogance.

He doesn’t say a word to me, because he doesn’t need to. He already said

everything he needed to say earlier. He got his digs in, made his sharp words

stab me to my core. There’s no point now.

I can sense the satisfaction coursing through his veins as he stands beside me,

the realization that he won—not just in the competition, but in life—washing over

both of us. In just a few minutes, he’ll get exactly what he wants. Not only a

trophy, but to beat a woman down to nothing.

The announcer turns to Daniel first, his voice echoing across the studio. “Daniel,

you’ve shown immense skill throughout this competition. As we come to a close,

how are you feeling about your performance?”

Daniel’s lips twist into a smile that doesn’t even come close to reaching his

eyes.

skipping a beat. “The true winner today

than just a lovable personality…” he

me. “He will be

gleam in his eye

up into my cheeks as the crowd applauds.

mine. “Abby, you’ve become a favorite for

Tell us, what has this experience

the audience, to the sea of faces that

name now

hole in my

is—the little girl in the third row with her chef’s hat falling

Her eyes are just as wide and bright as ever,

sign in her tiny hand, a grin spread across

feel the lump in my throat, but I push through… because I’m

even if I don’t

I’m here for her.

my voice surprisingly steady,

female chef

To show that we—”

toe

the air tasting thick.

will inspire others. That future female chefs will

skills—and our

also respected.”

through the crowd, a murmur

just the sound of anticipation as everyone

results.

then

is…” His eyes flick to the judges

out of his

catches. Logan’s eyes lock onto

smile, doesn’t even blink. Instead, his head

shakes, and my world seems to tilt for what feels

looks on with

eyes for the briefest of moments before she leans toward

her head inclining toward me

been a trick of the

hands are trembling. I can’t look at Daniel, can’t afford

girl in the crowd,

I draw strength from her

The pause hangs for what feels like

speaks, as though drawing it out for dramatic