The Secrets That Free Us

Chapter 9

Wrong. I was so very wrong.

As soon as I walk down the school hallway I hear the hushed whispers.

"Oh my god, have you guys seen Hunter Adams is back?!"

"Didn't he move schools?"

"I heard he was in jail"

"I heard he got someone pregnant"

I roll my eyes at the gossiping students assuming they know what happened and why Hunter left. I still don't know the fine details, just that one day he was here and the next he was gone.

I continue down the corridor towards my locker and resist the urge to scream when I see Rachel Johnson and her minions next to it.

Rachel was one of my best friends when we were younger. However when we began high school she gained popularity and I didn't, so naturally she left me behind.

Not that I minded, I was always closer to Hunter anyway. Rachel was just my girl best friend.

"Have you seen him though? He is so much hotter than when he left, and that is saying something!" She says to Claire, one of her clones.

I open my locker and grab my text books I need up until Lunch so I don't have to come back later and get anymore.

"Oh hey Grace, didn't see you there. Soooo um, is Hunter single?" Rachel asks me. It's always been obvious she had a crush on him and I think she hated that I always had all of his attention.

"Don't know don't care." I mumble, still not giving her any eye contact. I don't want to get involved in the Hunter drama but it's already proving to be difficult and I haven't even seen him yet.

She clicks her tongue, "wow. Rude much" I hear the click clack of her high heels as she struts away and turn to see her bleach blond hair swaying behind her as she leaves me alone.

When I get to my english class I take my usual seat in the far right corner at the back of the class. I like to be as far away from people as I can be.

I look to my left and see George, the guy who usually sits beside me in his usual seat. I like George, he's a geeky guy with short ginger hair and glasses, and best of all he never tries to speak to me. Just sits there and does his work.

I pull out my workbook and start doodling on the back page. I'm lost in my thoughts when I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pull it out and have to bite back a groan when I see it's the family group chat.

Parker - Mine & Chloe's engagement party; 2 weeks from Saturday. Mom and Dad are letting us have it at their place since it's bigger.

With everything that's been going on lately I forgot that Parker and his girlfriend, or rather fiancé had gotten engaged. God, how selfish am I?

I don't respond, I just like his message to acknowledge I've seen it. Mia's response is almost instant.

Mia - Me and Nate will be there. Maybe Grace will bring Hunter? ;)

Thanks sis. Again I don't respond but almost instantly I see the messages pop up.

Parker - wtf? Is he back?

Mia - yep. Sat on Mom and Dads doorstep for 2 hrs apparently.

Parker - That dudes always had it bad.

I decide not to respond and put my phone on do not disturb, I'm in school and I don't particularly care for this conversation.

Just as I slide my phone back into my bag I hear a deep voice, "Move."