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.

says without skipping a beat. “The true winner today

than just a lovable personality…” he sneers subtly, casting a

“He will

the gleam in his eye is sharp,

my cheeks as the crowd applauds.

meeting mine. “Abby,

this competition. Tell us, what has

lifts to the audience, to the sea of faces that seem to blur

my name

hole

little girl in the third row with her

are just as wide and bright as ever, and she still holds

tiny hand, a

my throat, but I push through…

even if

I’m here for her.

start, my voice surprisingly steady, “has been

As a female chef in

been here. To show that we—” I pause, my

“—that I can stand toe to

tasting thick. “And maybe, just maybe,”

others. That future

making sure our skills—and our voices—are not only

also respected.”

ripple through the crowd,

sound of anticipation as everyone waits for

results.

announcer’s voice then

winner is…” His eyes flick to the judges as he

of his

breath catches. Logan’s eyes lock onto mine,

smile, doesn’t even blink.

tilt for what feels

champion, now looks on with

of moments before she leans

me in a nod so slight it

trick

I can’t look at Daniel, can’t

I find the little girl in the crowd, her eyes wide with

strength from her innocence, her belief in

is…” The pause hangs for what feels

though drawing it out for dramatic