But none of it was enough to drown out the ache.
Chapter Two
Isighed as I shiftedmy backpack higher on my shoulder, squeezing past a group of freshmen clustered around a phone.And then I nearly halted as I spotted Paxon.
He leaned against his locker like it was the only thing holding him up.His usually short blond hair had grown out slightly, brushing lightly against his forehead.He flipped through a battered notebook, everything about him exactly as it always had been.The same easy slouch, the same calm presence, but none of it felt the same at all.
Three months had passed since he asked for space.Three months of vague texts and short, clipped conversations.It might as well have been two lifetimes.
He looked up.Just once.Stormy grey eyes met mine, and my stomach flipped in response.I was just about to flash him a small smile when he looked away, clearing his throat as he pulled a book free from his locker like it was more important.Not a word.Not an attempt at a smile.Just a confusing ghost of the boy who used to make me feel safe and comfortable.
The boy who used to walk close enough that our hands brushed.The boy who used to whisper jokes in class to make me laugh, especially in moments when I had wanted to cry.
Now he stood still, like distance was safer than even trying and that little moment made it impossible for me to walk forward.To do anything.My feet were superglued to the vinyl flooring.
“Cadence!”
I jumped.Micah appeared, grinning as usual, holding a package a little too close to my face.I jerked back, looking down at the wrapping.
“Pop-Tart?Last strawberry one.Don’t say I never do anything for you.”
“You didn’t,” I said, but I was able to smile as my body was once again able to move.
“Sure did.”He ripped the wrapper open dramatically and shoved it at me.“Only for you.Had to fight off like three other kids for that one.They got stuck with that weird s’more flavor one.”
I took it, rolling my eyes.“Your girlfriend is going to be mad that you’re giving it to me instead of her.”
He shrugged.“She’s already mad,” he said solemnly.“But only because she thinks I don’t spoil you enough.”
I laughed, and it felt strange in my throat, like an old muscle I hadn’t stretched properly in a while, which was a little silly considering I always had to warm up my vocals in order to sing correctly.None of my clients mentioned me sounding like a bullfrog, so I must have been doing fine.
We walked into the cafeteria together, but Micah veered off to meet with his girlfriend and their friends.
I weaved between tables until I found the guys.Toby and Justin were mid argument.Bryan was half-listening with a frown, more focused on his phone.Paxon beat me to the table and sat at the far end, staring down at a textbook.
I slid into a spot, and Justin’s eyes flicked over to mine.He gave me a small smile, quiet but certain, reminding me I wasn’t alone and they hadn’t abandoned me.Yet.
