London Prep Series

When my parents told me that I’d be spending three weeks at a London prep school on a student exchange my junior year, I was furious. I love New York. My school. My friends. And I didn’t want to leave. But after some not so subtle insistence about experiencing a new culture, gaining worldly knowledge, and the fact that it was only three weeks, I knew I wasn’t getting out of it.  So I decided that if I had to go, I might as well have some fun. Make the most of it and blow off some steam. Which is how I meet Harry at a pub. His blue eyes, adorable accent, and charming ways instantly won me over—right after his lips did.  I started to think that London might not be so bad.  But then I met Noah.  He’s tall, dark, intense and spends way too much time in the shower. I know this because I have to live with him. And did I mention he hates me?

It’s only my second week at Kensington School, and things are getting complicated.  I thought my relationship with Harry was finished, but he came over late one night, apologized, and asked me to be his girlfriend. I swooned right there, in the middle of the street. And we are definitely back together.  He calls me babe, brings me flowers, and is planning our first official date. Our relationship is growing, and I’m starting to want him in ways I never expected.  I’m falling for him.  But then there’s Noah. I live in his house and share a bathroom with him, and we’ve had a few intense moments. But nothing compared to him sauntering into the room, declaring that I want him and that, at some point, he’s going to give in to me. I know! The nerve. I’m not sure how I'm going to tell him that I’m dating his best friend again. Or how I'm going to keep my eyes off his shirtless chest.  With tensions running high between Noah and me, Harry’s ongoing family issues, my new friendship with Naomi, and Mohammad’s party-planning skills, things are getting crazy.

It’s the last week of my exchange in London, and my flight leaves on Saturday.  Harry wants our relationship to progress, but his family life is falling apart. And shocking news from his parents might send him over the edge.  Noah is becoming more reckless with both his words and his actions. Between longing glances, sweet conversations and heated moments, I don’t know where we stand.  And Mohammad tells me that I have some important decisions to make.  The countdown is on, and only two things are certain. I’m going to have to leave the three boys I’ve grown to love. And by the end of the week, I’m not sure if any of them will ever forgive me.  It’s a good thing my time at Kensington is almost up.

It’s my final day at Kensington School, and my exchange is coming to an end. My flight for New York leaves tomorrow, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to the boys I love. But then three key things happened at school. Noah told me to forget about him, Harry broke up with me, and I finally kissed Noah Williams. When I kissed him in the lunchroom in front of everyone, it was out of anger. I wanted to prove to Harry that I didn’t have feelings for Noah. But I was wrong. The kiss was incredible. But it was also a mistake. Harry watched it happen, Mohammad sat in shock, and Noah told me that he would never forgive me. I made a huge, public mess of things. But thankfully, it’s time for me to leave. I’m going to take Noah’s advice and cut all ties. No good-byes. No apologies. No more heartbreak. I’m going to leave the three boys I love in London, hoping that they’ll be able to pick up the pieces of their friendship. And maybe in the process, they’ll find the pieces of my broken heart. Because I know I’ll be going to New York without it.

It’s my first week as an official student at Kensington School, and things couldn’t be more chaotic. I’m living in a hotel, trying to recover from the news of my parents’ move to London, and working to make things right with Harry, Noah, and Mohammad.  Mohammad says I’m back in the boys’ club. Harry tells me that he wants me back in his life. And Noah, well, he’s always been complicated.  But after a too-generous gift from Harry and a heated moment with Noah on my birthday, things seem to change. Noah is flirting with me again and Harry shows me he’s serious about us being friends when he asks me to be his date to his parents’ party.  Everything feels like it’s back to normal—until the party. Because Mohammad somehow ends up with two dates. Harry asks me to pretend to be his girlfriend for the night. And Noah tells me he likes me. A lot.  In the midst of meeting Harry’s parents and helping Mohammad navigate a potential disaster with Naomi, Noah says that I need to show him how I feel. But what he’s really asking for is for me to make a choice.  Him or Harry.

After the drama at Harry’s family cocktail party on Thursday and confessing my feelings for Noah on Friday, I’m looking forward to a weekend away with the boys. So after packing up my wellies, tweeds, and a fancy dress or two, we are off to the countryside!  And everything seems perfect.  Harry and I are closer than we’ve ever been. My relationship with Noah is finally progressing to more.  The boys’ club is stronger than ever, and we get a weekend away with no parents! Except, well, it isn’t all that perfect.  Because Harry’s parents still think we’re dating and sometimes I wonder if he does too.  Harry still doesn’t know that Noah and I are kind of a couple. Helen is questioning my every move, not trusting that I’ll behave myself. My dad seems to have a man crush on Harry. And even though Noah and I have shared our feelings, he won’t share his body with me.  I know we’re going to have the best time together, but I can’t help but think about how when the weekend is over, everything is going to change. After all, I never expected to wind up in Harry’s arms again, having him look at me like he still loves me. And I never expected to hear that Noah thinks I’m going to break his heart.  It’s only one weekend, but a lot can change in just a few days. 

After spending the school break with Noah, I’m so excited for everything that’s coming up.  My parents have arrived in London, and we’ll move into our new apartment.  Harry is returning from Shanghai.  Mohammad is trying to win Naomi’s heart.  And my parents are finally meeting Noah.  But when our brunch ends in a complete disaster, I don’t know where I stand with anyone.  Noah leaves upset.  My dad won’t speak to me.  Mohammad and Harry agree that Noah and I are moving too fast.  And my mom tells me I need to think long and hard about my future. With school back in session, l’m hoping I’ll have time to figure it all out.  But when a Halloween party at the club pushes Noah, Harry, and my parents together, I know I’ll walk away from it either with everyone getting along or with my relationships in shambles. But what happens is something I never expected, and it leaves me with another choice to make. Is Noah really the right boy for me? 

We’re still on school break, and a lot is happening in the upcoming week before we have to head back to classes.  My parents are arriving from New York, and we’re moving into our new penthouse apartment.  Noah wants to meet my parents—as my boyfriend—and spend the break together as a couple.  Harry is going to meetings in Shanghai about an internship at his family’s company.  And Mohammad has his first official date with Naomi.   Things couldn’t be better, and there’s so much to look forward to.  But things can’t stay perfect forever.  And on our last night in the country house, Harry asks me to go to Shanghai with him.  Even though he tells me we would be going as friends, I know that someone is going to get hurt. If I say yes, I don’t think Noah will ever forgive me.  And if I say no, I’m afraid I will break Harry’s heart.  But either way, I have to decide.  I have to make a choice.  Will it be Noah or Harry?