Mysterious Connections

CH 3

As Clarissa stood just outside the kitchen, her heart racing, she strained to listen to the conversation drifting from the backyard. She could hear the sound of splashes in the pool and the infectious laughter of the Pogues, but it was JJ's words that captivated her the most.

"I just can't shake her from my mind," JJ said, his tone half-serious, half-joking. "It's like I met this girl, and suddenly, I'm all mushy inside. What is wrong with me?"

"Aw, look at the Pogues' king getting all soft!" Kiara teased, her voice laced with laughter. "What did she do, cast a spell on you?"

JJ chuckled, but there was a hint of sincerity beneath his laughter. "Seriously, though. It felt real, like she understood me in a way nobody else does. I can't even explain it."

Clarissa's heart fluttered, a mix of pride and dread washing over her. Did he really feel that way? The thought sent butterflies swirling in her stomach, but it also deepened her resolve to stay hidden. If he thought about her like that, what would happen if he discovered who she was?

"Maybe you should write her a letter or something," Pope suggested playfully. "Tell her how you feel. Or just, I don't know, find her and ask her out!"

"Yeah, but what if she's not interested? What if it was just a one-time thing?" JJ's voice turned slightly vulnerable. "What if I end up looking like a fool?"

"Dude, you won't know until you try," Rafe chimed in. "If she kissed you like that, she has to be interested. Just go for it! You're JJ Maybank!"

Clarissa bit her lip, her mind racing. She never imagined JJ would be this flustered over her. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. She wished she could step into the conversation, to tell him that she was right there, that she was the girl who had stolen his heart in a fleeting moment.

"What if she doesn't want to get caught up in the whole Pogues and Kooks drama?" Sarah chimed in. "I mean, there are plenty of reasons for her to keep her distance. Maybe she's not ready for something like that."

Clarissa's heart sank at Sarah's words. She felt a sudden wave of guilt wash over her. She didn't want to complicate JJ's life, especially with her sister's feelings possibly at stake. But the idea of JJ moving on without knowing who she was felt unbearable.

"Maybe she just needs a little more time," JJ said, his voice softening. "I don't want to rush her. But I can't help hoping she'll show up again. I've never felt anything like this before."

Clarissa pressed her back against the wall, emotions swirling inside her. It was a bittersweet realization that she had to face: hiding was becoming increasingly difficult, especially when her heart was so entwined with the boy on the other side of the door.

"Just promise us, if you find her, you'll make it epic," Kiara urged, laughter bubbling in her tone. "You can't let this chance slip away!"

"Yeah, I'll figure something out," JJ replied, determination creeping back into his voice. "I'm not giving up on this girl. Not yet."

As their laughter continued to echo, Clarissa felt a mix of hope and fear. She knew she couldn't hide forever. The connection they shared felt too strong, and deep down, she longed for the chance to explore it. But the risk of hurting Sarah—or losing JJ if things didn't go as planned—loomed large in her mind.

With her heart pounding, Clarissa decided she had to leave the kitchen and confront her feelings. She couldn't remain a ghost in this story any longer. If JJ was truly falling for her, it was time for her to step into the light. But how? That was the question that lingered in her mind as she slowly moved toward the back door, gathering the courage to face whatever awaited her outside.