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.

just a lovable personality…”

me. “He will be a skilled

is clear, and the gleam in his eye is sharp, almost

up into my cheeks as the

his eyes meeting mine.

Tell us, what

gaze lifts to the audience, to the sea

with my name now thanks to my failures,

leaves a hole

girl in the third row with

Her eyes are just as wide and bright as ever,

tiny hand, a grin

throat, but

even if

I’m here for her.

start, my voice surprisingly steady, “has been

journey. As a female chef

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

I can stand toe

the air tasting thick. “And maybe,

will inspire others. That future female

sure our skills—and our voices—are not only recognized,

also respected.”

the crowd,

the sound of anticipation as everyone

results.

then

the winner is…” His eyes flick to the judges

out of

lock onto mine,

doesn’t smile, doesn’t even blink.

shakes, and my world seems to tilt for what feels

once my champion, now looks on with a

of moments before she

inclining toward me in a nod so

a trick

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

the little girl in

draw strength from her innocence,

for what feels like an eternity before

as though drawing it out for dramatic effect. And