It was finally the end of the school year. At least for the students partaking in Kass Adams' graphic design program. And for Kass and her friends, it was the end of their time as college students. She was lucky her friends had joined in on one of her classes- the last one of the day- so each day they got to go home together.
As she fumbled with one hand, grabbing her belongings strewn across the wooden table and floor below- a bag, binder, shades, and phone- she could feel the incessant tapping of Emori's hand on her shoulder motioning for her to hurry up so they could begin their summertime shenanigans.
"Fuck off, Em. It's bad enough with you bothering her, nevermind with one damn hand," Kaccia Orinka said from the doorway. Her arms were folded across her chest, large pink shades hiding her piercing blue eyes, long straight blonde hair a mess around her shoulders and her lips pursed.
Kass sighed and turned to their mutual friend, holding up her left arm that was sporting a cast with various and colourful drawings on it. Emori Hammond gave her a sheepish grin in return, tossing a glare toward Kacc with her equally intense blue eyes and flipped her dark hair over her shoulder.
"Anyway," Em drawled on. "Gem texted that there's a huge crowd out front and we should hurry before we can't get out."
Gemini Kang. Another one of their clique. The tallest among them. Ebony hair, green eyes. She was the bite to Kacc's bark and feared no one. She liked to be considered the leader of their group- complete opposite of their friend Artemisia Mills. Gem knew how to get things done and had an answer for everything.
Scoffing, Kass slung her bag over her shoulder and followed the duo to the waiting vehicle. The sun was still beaming high in the sky that early afternoon and she quickly shoved her sunglasses on as they made their way across campus.
She noticed more than a few students by the building entrance glancing her way, but she dutifully ignored them. She saw them whisper amongst themselves and look her way, one girl even stared at her broken arm for a few seconds before Kacc loudly cleared her throat, and hastily they cast their gazes toward their hands.
Finally out of the building, the trio saw a huge crowd gathering in front of their school. The girls elbowed and shoved their way through the mass.
"Isn't he the reason she has on that cast?" One voice wondered.
"Why is he even here? He doesn't even go here," another person huffed.
"She's too good for him anyway," a male voice spoke up.
"What kind of guy breaks a girl's arm?" Another male questioned.
"I would treat her right," a deep voice stated.
It was at that point that Kass felt someone grab her good arm and pull her out of the suffocating crowd. Taking a deep breath, she shot Kacc a grateful look.
"Ugh, this college is gross!" Em shouted. "Damn people can't even mind their own business. Like no one ever broke their arm before..." She chuffed. "Huh." She rummaged in her bag for a few seconds and pulled out a bottle of rum. "Thank God I never have to come here again." She took a long swig of the amber liquid, smiling in delight.
"Um, grad doofus." Kacc pointed out, grabbing the bottle from her and pushing her a little.
Kass smiled at their banter, laughing when they started to attack each other, trying to knock the other over. Almost at the car, she habitually took a peek at the road beyond the gates and inhaled deeply upon seeing the familiar SUV parked there.
Her eyes traveled passed the license plate and back wheel to the figure leaning against the driver's side door, watching her. Her heart stopped as a million different feelings swirled through her body. He was here. Still.
Kass couldn't make out his expression in the distance, but his stance alone was intimidating. So why did she want to run over to him and hop into his car like old times?
She felt something hit her leg and looked down to see the glass bottle. She gingerly took it from Em and took a healthy swig. Kacc tugged on her sleeve and led them the rest of the way to Gem's waiting Jeep.
Artemisia was sitting in the passenger seat, a historical romance novel folded open in her lap. Her ruby red hair was piled into a bun atop her head, hazel eyes squinting at Kass in inquiry.
"Let's just go," Kass sighed. She climbed into the back with the others and Gem drove off, leaving Kodiak Grey and the past behind them.
