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Chapter 18: The End of the Tunnel

Finn's POV

Bella's threat haunted me. When I'm doing my homework, when I'm eating, when I tried to sleep that night and even in my dreams. Even worse is that my family was still in shambles. My dad has been overworking himself, I barely have time to talk to him. My mom was still at my aunt's. Heather probably started suspecting that there was something wrong. 

Once the whole school knew about Oliver and I, Heather would find out that her best friend whom she have put her trust to betrayed her. She would find out that way. And the only way I could prevent that, is if I tell her before Bella tells the whole school.

The only saving grace in this situation was Oliver. He had been reminding me that he was there for me and even he noticed that something was wrong with me. I hadn't told him about Bella's threat, I didn't want him to worry too and I definitely don't want him to influence my decision or even worse... he might stay away from me. It hasn't even been a full day since Bella's blackmail but it felt like it had been an entire week, eating on me and making me feel guilty.

I recalled what my dad said to me that day that I asked for his help.

"Listen, son. I know you, and I also know Heather. I know that if you bring it up to her, she won't be mad. Heather is a kind kid. I'm sure she'd prefer if you talk to her about it than finding out another way. You'll work it out."

So I woke up that morning not only drenched in cold sweat but also drenched in hesitance. I was gonna tell Heather about Oliver and I... that same day. No matter what the outcome was, I needed to accept it. So I took the extra time that morning to prepare myself for what was about to come. I needed to prepare for any reaction, regardless if it's negative or positive. And most importantly, if I'd still have a friend by the end of the day.

I got out of bed painfully after procrastinating and immediately went to the kitchen to find my dad talking on the phone. I know it wasn't right but I decided not to enter the kitchen and just listen to what he was gonna say.

"And I'm sorry for bringing up those memories. I was just so mad. You're not at fault here, I understand how you felt at the time." 

He paused for a while as I assumed, the person on the other line was talking.

I then noticed that a smile slowly made its way onto his face. "I actually have to go since I don't want to burn the food I'm cooking. I love you forever... Alright. Bye." He hung up and he didn't move for a few seconds, he just looked out the window with his phone close to his chest.

I had a feeling I knew who he was talking to which made my heart jump. I entered the kitchen and announced my presence by pulling the island chair and sitting down.

"Good morning bean." He greeted brightly as he got back to cooking.

"Good morning... You know, I heard a few snippets of your conversation. Who was that?"

His smile got a little wider before he cleared his throat. "That was your mom, we resolved everything through the phone and she's finally coming back on Friday." 

I gasped in excitement. "Really? But what about the man you were talking about?"

"Well, your mom actually had the guts to tell him off and threatened to call the police on him. He got scared and... finally left her alone." 

"Oh my God. I'm so happy for you two." I said as I smile proudly. 

I truly was happy for my parents that I momentarily forgot about the day that was about to come. But even with the good news, that wasn't enough to keep me occupied for a long time as my dad faced the stove, my smile faded. 

"You know, Finn. I raised you. I know when you're down." He said despite us not even being face to face.

"Yeah, I am. But I don't wanna bother you with it, especially since you just got a good news." 

He turned off the stove as he faced me. "I'm gonna worry about it the whole day, son. Now, tell me what's bothering you." 

I sighed as I laid my chin on my palm. "I'm gonna tell Heather today that I like her crush... and that her crush likes me." 

"I'm proud of you." He said as he patted my back.

"Proud of what? Of being a homewrecker and a whore?" 

He sat down on one of the stools and laced his hands on the counter, a stern look on his face. "Did Heather and Oliver ever got together officially?"

"No..."

"Then you are not a homewrecker or that other word you said. You caught feelings, you should never blame yourself for being a human."

"But it's an unwritten rule for friends to never go for the person they like or they dated." I excused but deep inside me, I knew he was right, I just didn't think that people really thought like that.

"I'm sure Heather would understand." He said with a reassuring smile. "And for the record. I'm glad that a person like Oliver is the one you had feelings for. I wouldn't have it any other way." 

I realized what he said. "Wait... So does that mean he passed your standard?"

He ruffled my bangs before pushing a plate of food towards me. "Go eat so you're energized today." 

"But you didn't answer my question." I joked to which he just responded with a grumble.

. . .

All through out the three classes I entered, I was just dreading what was to come that day that- as seconds pass, neared. I couldn't focus on any of my lessons properly, I couldn't stop my hand from shaking. I haven't seen Heather that day because I decided to leave the house late for obvious reasons.

The third period just ended which meant that it was lunch time already, a.k.a., the time to tell Heather. As I walked down the hall, I couldn't focus on anything but overthinking about everything that could happen. I couldn't bear the thought of her face when she found out. Anger or betrayed or hurt. My heart just continued to drop into my stomach as everything around me got colder despite of the sunlight hitting my skin once in a while. 

I finally reached the cafeteria where I saw Heather sitting there alone, her legs swaying absentmindedly as she stared down at her food. I was so ready for her to just lash out at me but then I remembered she doesn't know yet. I took several deep breaths, closing my eyes before tapping her shoulder.

She looked up at me and a bright smile appeared on her face. "Hey Finn." She greeted.

"Hey. Uh..." I stopped myself as I calmed myself down, my voice was shaking hardcore, I couldn't even form a proper sentence without stuttering. "I kind of wanna talk to you about something." 

"Oh, sure thing." She said before following me towards the hall where there were barely any people. They were off, eating, happy and no absolute worries in their minds, unlike me. 

"I'm just gonna keep this brief. I'm gonna start off by saying that I couldn't help it, and I would understand if you wouldn't want to associate with me after I tell you." I said as I fought hard to keep my voice from shaking.

"Finn, you're scaring me. What is it?" She said and before I could continue, she grabbed both of my hands which startled me a bit. "And whatever you're gonna say, it would never keep me away from you. You're the best person I know." 

Not for long.

"You don't understand, Heather. I fucked up, real hard." 

She shook her head, gripping my hand tighter. "I won't be mad. You can tell me anything." 

I decided to give Heather a tight embrace which she certainly didn't expect. If this was the last time I get to be close to Heather, then I'd cherish it. After preventing the inevitable. I decided it was time.

I took a deep breath once more before looking at my best friend in the eye. "I... I've been crushing on Oliver for... ever since high school started. And then when he asked me to help court you, I couldn't say no. I really tried, Heather, but I couldn't help but like him. And the worst part was... he liked me back. And we made out while he was courting you... twice." 

She continued to look at me, completely unfazed and I thought it was just her preserving her energy to lash out at me before she raised a brow. "That's... That's it?"

"What do you mean 'That's it'? I literally betrayed you." 

"You're my best friend dummy. I know how you are, and I've known ever since you two were doing that project and before that. I mean, have you seen how he looks at you?"

Well that was anti-climactic. 

All the nervousness in my system was immediately drained as I gave her a disbelieving look. "But don't you like him?" 

"I did. But it was totally temporary. Trust me. And besides, we talked about it and called it off literally just last week." She reassured as a kind smile made its way onto her face.

Before she knew it, I've already squeezed her into a tight embrace. "You don't know how relieved I am right now. I thought I would've lost you." I said as my eyes started to brim with tears.

"I love you, Finn. I don't think I could ever stay away from you just like that." She said with a chuckle before pulling away, and I noticed the stern look on her face. "But I'm still not done with you."

"Wha-"

"You kissed him?! He's literally your first kiss!"

I covered her mouth as I looked around, seeing that the people who were near us didn't seem to have heard her before I glared at her.

"Be quiet! You're forgetting I'm still not out!"

She mimed zipping her mouth before she nudged me, a mischievous smile on her lips now.

"Okay, but you're gonna have to tell me how you feel that Oliver Hunt is your first kiss some other time." 

I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help but smile. "Okay fine." I said as I realized something. "By the way, Bella threatened me yesterday that she was gonna out me to the whole school and reveal to everyone that Oliver and I have been, y'know." 

Instead of being surprised, she just frowned. "She's a disgusting pig. No, that's an insult to pigs. She's a straight up roach." 

"I know... That's why I'm so worried. I don't know what else she has up her sleeve. Let's just go back to the cafeteria so I can let Oliver know this news." 

We haven't even taken five whole steps into the cafeteria when Bella appeared in my field of view. My heart started to race again but I kept my cool as she plastered a wicked smile on her face.

"Hello Finn! You still have three hours! What's it gonna be?" She said as she faked a pout.

"I... still haven't decided." I said dryly, keeping my eyes straight ahead.

"Aw. Well, okay. Like I said, three hours." She tapped against her wrist where a gold watch sat.

She walked away with a giggle which I didn't know could annoy me more at that moment.

"I wanna kill her." Heather angrily muttered. 

Oliver suddenly entered my vision. He had his hands inside his pocket as he looked over at me with a concerned gaze. He stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do, especially since Heather was beside me.

"Was Bella bothering you again?"

I shrugged carelessly. "I mean, what's new, clowning is all she does." I bounced on my feet before taking a deep breath. "Oliver, can I talk to you for a second?" 

"Yeah sure." He replied before I lead him to an unoccupied table. "What is it. Are you okay?" He asked me as he subtly slipped his hand over mine.

"Yeah, very. I told Heather about us... and she's okay with it. Well, she's known for a while actually." I said and as every word I let out, his smile got brighter.

"Oh my God. You don't know how ecstatic I am right now. I literally could kiss you."

"What-"

"Hey, Lancaster!" Oliver suddenly screamed out which earned the attention of the whole cafeteria.

I looked around with wide eyes as Oliver started to stand on the table, dragging me with him. 

"Oliver, what the hell are you doing?!" I whispered angrily to him as my heart began to beat faster.

He just simply smiled at me before turning back to everyone who was staring curiously at us. 

"This guy right here?" He pointed at me. "He's the most amazing person I know. He's the kindest and most supportive person. That's why... I like him. A lot!"

Just before I could get a word in, the cafeteria exploded into cheers and whoops. I just continued to stare in shock as everyone started to chant.

"Kiss, kiss, kiss!"

Before I could realize what was happening. Oliver had grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me into him, our lips meeting into an intense kiss. He felt amazing, and I wanted more but then I remembered that we were in front of the whole school. I wrapped an arm around his neck while my other hand met his soft, blond hair. 

I pulled away to catch my breath, looking into his beautiful Hazel eyes. "Damn." He muttered as that familiar smirk of his made its way onto his lips. "You're amazing, Finn."

Before he could kiss me again, I shielded my face with my hand. "You're fucking dead, Hunt. I can't believe you'd do that. You almost gave me a heart attack." 

He just chuckled before laying his head on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, Finn." 

"Hey love birds. Get down there before a teacher sees you." I heard one of Oliver's teammate say.

Before I could actually get down, a slow clap cut through the excited cheers. And the figure that had emerged from the crowd immediately silenced everyone.

"Bravo, Finn. Bravo. You actually outsmarted me this time." Bella said, a strained smile on her face but I definitely noticed her neck getting red and her right eye twitching like the robot bitch she was. 

Heather and Jason made their way to block Bella from getting to us.

Bella raised a defensive hand. "What? I just want to talk to the couple. Don't tell me you're gonna strip me from that privilege, hmm?"

I could feel my anger bubbling up in me. From all the bullshit she's pulled on me, even resorting to blackmail, I couldn't let her ruin our moment. I felt like it was me who had to put her on her place. And this day was the perfect time. Everyone was watching and people were potentially filming.

So I climbed down the table with Oliver still holding my hand protectively.

"Oh, I'm sure you would, huh? After all the bitch moves you've pulled on me. You still didn't win! How do you feel? How do you feel that despite being the 'most popular' person here in this school, you still couldn't beat me. Me, a little junior who wasn't all that known and was constantly bullied by people like you. You're all bark and no bite." I said as a smirk managed to snuck onto my lips.

A bunch of 'oohs' resonated from the crowd that was forming around us, watching the drama unfold.

I placed a hand on my hip. "You always leave your dirty work to your dumbass minions. And you're a bitch who needs to be put into place." 

I could practically see the smoke coming out from her nose as her hands began to shake from anger.

"You're absolutely nothing! I've been the queen of this school for three years now while you were under my feet this whole time, Vasco. I can literally buy your existence and more! All you are is a slimy little snake that decided to use my name for popularity. You're a try hard who ruined everything for me and guess what? Whether you like it or not, you're forever gonna be the guy who benefitted from my fame."

I'm gonna admit, that was the first good comeback she's said, sad to say she had to spread lies and pests along with it.

"I might be beneath you. But at least I don't look like an over tanned Oompa Loompa" 

This is where everyone lost their shit, I smiled proudly as my chest filled with warm satisfaction. I decided to take the low road and come for her appearance and it worked! She looked like she couldn't hold it in. So she pushed me roughly which made me lose my balance.

"You're nothing! You're just the dirt that I step on!"

Oliver thankfully caught me before I hit the floor while the rest of my friends took Bella away from my face.

"Are you okay, Finn?" Oliver's gentle voice asked as he steadied me with his hands.

"Yeah. Thanks to you." 

"I swear. If you had been hurt..." He trailed off with a shuddered.

I rubbed his back to attempt to calm him down. "Calm down. I'm fine, see?"

"What if you weren't? I swear, I'm not doing enough."

Amidst the mess that was going on in the cafeteria with Bella, I still had the time to propose something to him.

"Well. What if you make it up to me? Take me on a date? Or spoil me? I don't know." I shrugged.

He smiled at me before pinching my cheeks. "I will, Frederick." He teased before laughing out loud.

"Why are you like this?" He just simply kept laughing, wrapping an arm around me.

I didn't notice that the cafeteria had gone back to normal and everything was fine. Jason and Heather were eating on our usual table while everyone minded their business, just as I wanted. I noticed that the TV high up the wall that was supposed to be for Lancaster Daily News was unusually open. And it showed the reputation leaderboard and what the listing showed truly shocked me. Bella was sitting pretty at number one... while I was at number two.

"What the... Wasn't I just number six yesterday?" 

Oliver looked up at the TV before he flashed me a smile "If there's anyone who would have to take my spot, I'd want it to be you." 

We joined Heather and Jason who just ended a conversation.

"Hey love birds. I know you're all happy and stuff but Heather said she had a plan." Jason said as he urged Heather to speak.

"Yeah. So notice how Bella is so chart obsessed and she's been a total B-word this year? Well there's still a month before the Lancaster Gala which I've been hearing and Bella's pretty much obsessed with it too. What if... you." She pointed to me. "Took the number one spot from Bella? You're already at number two if you haven't noticed, and I heard you're only two hundred points behind, so it'll be a little easier."

"Not to burst your bubble but she's been in that number one spot ever since she stepped foot in this school. I'm not sure that'll be easy." Oliver pointed out.

"Yeah. And besides, I don't care for that dumb leaderboard." I added.

"Finn already broke through the top five without any effort at all. Just think about what her face would look once she finds out you're number one." Heather smirked mischievously as she tempted me like the Devil. 

I looked at the leaderboard again as temptation slowly ate me away.

#1 Bella Lee-Evans

#2 Finn Vasco

#3 Oliver Hunt

#4 Chad Russo

#5 Talia Greenman

I then slowly looked at the three of them, they looked back at me encouragingly... before a sigh escaped me.

"...Fine. Let's do it."

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