Well, now I feel like a jackass for accusing Ella of drugging Hud. She seems rattled that someone is leaving us all messages.
Still don’t like her though.
Hadley doesn’t look convinced, but she drops the subject. “I have to get to class. I’ll see you later, Culley.”
She walks away, pulling Ella along with her. It doesn’t even hurt to watch her walk away. A true sign that this relationship is dead.
If I weren’t so caught up in Hudson’s silence, I would have ended it with her this past weekend. I could do it here at school, but that’s a dick move. She deserves a conversation without all the ears in the hallway.
This weekend can’t come fast enough. I’m done, and come Friday night, I’ll be free from her bullshit.
***
By the end of the day, I’m crawling out of my skin.
Why the hell didn’t I lie? One smile, one fake “I’m happy for you, bro,” and none of this would’ve happened.
Now I’m being ghosted, and I don’t think it has anything to do with being sick. I can’t shake the feeling that there is something else going on. I need to see Hud with my own eyes to settle my nerves.
As soon as the last bell rings, I’m in my truck, heading to his house. His parents should still be at work, so if he won't come to the door, I’ll use the spare key under the huge planter and let myself in.
On the way, I stop by the gas station to grab a couple of Hudson’s favorite treats. I pay for the cinnamon bun and green juice, hoping they’ll be a peace offering as much as a comfort if he’s sick.
I pull up to his house a couple minutes later and spot his mom’s white Lexus in the driveway, parked next to his Bronco. Ifshe’s home from work, maybe he really isn’t feeling well, and I’m overreacting. Relief washes through me as I climb out, bound up to the porch, and knock on their front door.
A moment later, Mrs. Nora opens the door, smiling. “Hey, Cullen. How are you, darlin’?” She steps out and gives me a hug, her delicate, flowery perfume carrying on the breeze.
“I was hoping I could stop by and check on Hud. We had an argument on Friday, and I just wanted to bring a peace offering. Maybe it’ll help him feel a little better.” I step back and hold up the bag from the gas station.
She leads me over to the two black rocking chairs on the porch and gestures for me to sit. “He told us a little about the argument on Friday, but he hasn’t said much since. He hasn’t been… well.”
A tight knot cramps in my stomach. “What’s going on with him? Hadley can’t seem to give me an answer, and he won't answer my calls.” I know I sound a little accusatory, but I’m at my limit not knowing.
“Just one of those random bugs going around. It’s really taken it out of him. He’s not up for visitors, so if you want, I can tell him you stopped by and brought this,” she offers, motioning to the bag in my hand.
It’s clear I’m not going to get to see him today, so I relent and hand it over. “Thanks, Mrs. Nora. Will you tell him I’m sorry for Friday? I-I just don’t want him feeling sick and thinking I’m still mad.”
“Of course.” She smiles, but there is something underneath it.Sadness?
“Later, Mrs. Nora.”
“Bye, sweetie.”
I jog back to my truck. Just as I crank it, movement catches my eye. The slats in the blinds in Hudson’s room snap shut.
I stay locked on his window, hoping to catch a glimpse of his blue eyes peeking through, but the longer I stare, the more I start to wonder if I imagined it.
Fourteen
Hudson
I hate my brain.
I hate my brain.
I hate my brain.
I just need it all to stop.
