Sam
Itellmyselfthisisfor Lola, because she made me pinky promise yesterday in chemistry that I’d show up.Well, that’s the story I’m sticking to.
Not because Reece Wilson’s name has been ringing through these halls all week.And not because the coach made him a starter for tonight’s game and the whole damn school has been buzzing about it.
And most definitely not because I spent yesterday afternoon sitting in the library, staring out the window, pretending to do my work, while watching him run laps as if he was training for war.Earphones in.Shirt off.Sweat gleaming across his chest.
I didn’t even open my laptop.I just sat there with my mouth half open and my thighs clenched, watching a boy I swore I’d hate forever make discipline look fucking sexy.
He was focused.Determined.Everything I pretend not to care about.
And don’t even get me started on Dad.The way he spoke to Reece last week… I’ve never been more embarrassed or more furious.I called him out right there in the hallway after Reece left, telling my dad he was out of line and that Reece didn’t deserve that shit.Maybe if he got his head out of his own judgmental ass, he’d see Reece is trying.
My dad hasn’t talked to me since he went into full dictator mode.Honestly, I haven’t spoken to him either.
Mom’s been trying, asking about school and how my project on post-war economic decline is going.I ignore her too, which makes me feel like shit, but as soon as I open my mouth, I know I’ll start yelling and never stop.
My little brother keeps glancing between us like he’s watching a silent movie turn into a horror film.He asked the other night if we were fighting because Dad had forgotten my birthday.My birthday was four months ago.That’s how tense it is; he’s clutching at whatever explanation makes sense.
And me… I sit there, silent and boiling, pushing my food around as if it’s responsible for everything wrong in the world.Because if I stop, if I let myself sit still, I’ll remember how Reece looked when he turned away.How he stood there and took it all.
The moment I pull into the school parking lot, I regret everything.
It’s chaos.Horns blaring.Kids hanging out of windows.Guys shirtless, girls in crop tops and glitter.Everyone’s high on pre-game adrenaline, energy drinks, and probably a ton of weed.It’s like the whole school has lost its mind.There’s nowhere to park without some drunk sophomore ready to smash my side mirror with a foam finger.
I snake my way past some asshole doing donuts in a crappy sedan and squeeze into a spot between two trucks blasting bass-heavy rap that rattles my windows.
This is typical high school behavior, apparently.I mutter something about testosterone poisoning under my breath and push the gear shift into park.
I sit there for a moment, hands gripping the wheel, watching the crowd move in waves.
Aubrey and Noah are out of town; Aubrey has one of her volleyball tournaments.The two of them doing the whole lovers getaway thing.Hotel room.Zero parents.Zero curfew.Probably a “do not disturb” sign dangling off the handle while they make heart eyes over overpriced room service.
She told me Noah’s proud as hell of her.Says he sits in the bleachers and cheers louder than anyone else.Can’t shut up about her blocks or serves or whatever it is volleyball people get excited about.
It’s kind of adorable how Aubrey’s his whole damn world now—especially considering he used to be the runner-up in the school’s biggest fuckboy competition, right behind Jace.
I grab my phone and send a quick message to Lola.
Sam: Where are you?This place is a fuckshow.
Three seconds later, I receive a reply.
Lola: East gate side.Saved you a seat.Liz is already here.Hurry.You’ll die when you see Tia.
That can’t be good.
I slam the door, lock the car, and plunge into the chaos, elbows up as if I’m entering a war zone.There’s a kid running in a full cougar mascot suit, some freshman twirling a glow stick in my face, and two seniors hot boxing in their car by the front gates.A cheerleader shrieks behind me—either from joy or a twisted ankle, I don’t stop to check.
And underneath all of that?
My pulse is racing like crazy.
It’s just us girls tonight—me, Lola, and Liz.The original trio.Probably the last time we’ll get to cause chaos together before Liz leaves next weekend, and everything shifts into “remember when” territory.
Liz has no idea that Lola’s planned a “surprise” sleepover sendoff next week.But knowing Lola, I’m not sure how the hell she’s kept it quiet this long.Subtle isn’t exactly her strong suit.
Noise pulses through the air.Every shout, every chant, every drumbeat from the band hits my chest.
