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.

he says without skipping a beat.

lovable personality…” he

me. “He will

gleam

my cheeks as

to me, his eyes meeting mine. “Abby, you’ve

Tell us, what has this experience meant

the sea of faces that

signs with my name now thanks

leaves a hole in

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

Her eyes are just as wide and bright as ever,

her tiny hand,

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

even if I don’t

I’m here for her.

my voice surprisingly steady, “has

a female chef in this

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

“—that I can stand toe to toe with

the air tasting thick. “And

here will inspire others. That

our skills—and our voices—are

also respected.”

the crowd,

maybe it’s just the sound of anticipation as everyone waits for

results.

announcer’s voice then

the winner is…” His eyes flick to the judges

of his

catches. Logan’s eyes lock onto mine, his expression an

even blink. Instead, his head gives

world seems to tilt for what

once my champion, now looks on with a cool

briefest of moments before she leans

me in a nod so

trick

can’t look at

there. Instead, I find the little girl in

draw strength from her

for what feels

it out for dramatic