It had been a couple of weeks since the storm. Today was the first day back at school, and surprisingly, I was organized. My books were packed, my notes were in order, and I'd actually gotten a fair amount of studying in. I guess having a boyfriend helps—well, having one who isn't a total ass, anyway.
I didn't feel hungry that morning, which was a first, and I hopped downstairs to find my mom in the kitchen. She looked like she was getting ready for a meeting, but told me it was online—she'd be working from home today.
I told her I'd be home late, and she gave me a hug, pinched my nose, and reminded me that I did own a car, and that Anthony wasn't my personal driver. I laughed and ran out the door, thinking again that I really needed to change the contact name in my phone.
As always, Anthony was there—right where I needed him to be—parked at the gate, waiting. I hopped into his car, and after some small talk and a quick kiss, we were off. He dropped me off at school with a promise to pick me up later. I was beaming. I felt genuinely happy again—light enough to skip if I wanted.
Some of my classes were canceled since a few teachers were in a meeting to reorganize schedules, so I had some free time. That's when I found Julia. She was sitting awkwardly between Antwan and Tyler at one of the picnic tables near the gym.
Julia's usually quiet—but not this quiet. I knew something was off. Both guys looked tense, and neither of them made eye contact with each other—or with her.
I was confused, but decided to break the ice with my own news.
"I'm dating Anthony," I blurted out with a grin.
They all looked surprised. I hadn't explained anything during the break—I wanted to see where things were going with him first. And now? I felt sure. The reactions were supportive enough—mostly along the lines of "as long as you're happy." Julia even gave me a hug.
That's when I saw it.
A hickey. On her neck.
I didn't say anything right away. I waited until the guys got up to go play basketball, then turned to her with the look. The one that said: I know something's up.
She cracked like an egg.
She told me she had news too. That during the storm, she'd gone over to Tyler's to check on him—he was home alone. She brought food and snacks, just being a friend. But then the storm hit hard, and she ended up stuck there overnight. She explained that the so called hickey was actually a bug bite she got on her way to school that she scratched at and her skin got irritated
Things escalated.
Then, the next day, when she finally got home, Antwan was there. He'd come by to check on her, looking seriously worried—and that's when he confessed his feelings.
Now she was stuck. Torn. She didn't know what to do, and neither of them was letting her avoid the situation.