Angelica "Freak Two" Munson

Chapter 22

"You seem unusually happy today, Munson," Byers observes, his brow raised. "You know, for someone who just got back after a Tommy-induced coma."

Angie swipes at her face with the sleeve of her hoodie, trying to mask the cheerfulness she's carried ever since she and Harrington decided to be together.

"I guess I'm just glad to get back to normal," she says, stopping at her locker. "It's almost spring break, and then senior year will be here before we know it."

"Yeah, I guess... so I—"

"Excuse me, Ms. Munson," Mrs. Welsh calls from the office. "Mr. Hadeed would like to see you before class."

The two wave goodbye as Angie follows Mrs. Welsh to the principal's office. The receptionist nods, letting her in.

"Hello, Ms. Munson. It's lovely to finally see you back at school," he says, smiling warmly.

"It's good to be back, sir," Angie replies politely. "What did you want to talk about?"

"You've been gone for quite some time."

"I had a head injury," she explains, "so it was difficult to come to class."

"Yes, I heard. However, you did miss an entire week of school unexcused."

"I'm sorry, sir," Angie responds, trying to stay composed. "But those absences aren't unexcused—they were medical."

"Either way, Ms. Munson, you are now considered truant. You're at risk of losing all your credits for this semester."

"I... see," Angie murmurs, taking a deep breath. "What exactly does this mean for me, Mr. Hadeed?"

"If you miss any more days, you'll have to retake this semester. That also puts your ability to graduate with your class at risk."

Angie lets out a dry laugh.

"Is something funny, Angelica?"

"No, sir... excuse me. I'm just processing this." She shakes her head.

Outside, Steve is talking with a few underclassmen about their upcoming game. 

He spots something out of the corner of his eye and dismisses them, instinctively sensing that something is wrong.

From down the hall, he sees her fidgeting with her hands—a dead giveaway—but also shaking her head, a subtle signal she uses when trying to stay calm.

Angie storms out of the office, moving so quickly she almost misses him entirely. 

Steve steps forward and gently grabs her shoulders.

"Hey," he whispers. "Are you alright?"

She immediately stops struggling and sighs, running her hands down her face.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"What was that about?" he asks, rubbing her shoulders softly.

"It was nothing," she says, avoiding his gaze.

"Angie... hey, we talked about this."

"I know," she sighs again. "Hadeed said if I miss any more days, I'd have to retake the semester, and it could jeopardize graduation."

"Well, then don't miss any more days. Easy enough," he says with a grin, unaware of the depth of her worry.

"It's not that simple, Steve."

"Why not?"

"Because... what if something happens again?" she falters.

Steve's expression softens as he realizes her fear. 

Without thinking about the hallway around them, he pulls her into a hug. 

She melts into him, voice wavering.

"What if something happens again and I can't get to them? What if I can't save them? I don't ever want to have to choose between my future and theirs... because then I wouldn't have a future at all, Steve."

He strokes her hair gently. "It'll be okay, Ange. It won't come to that. I promise."

Steve knows he can't control the future—but he understands her completely. 

He, too, would risk everything to protect their friends.

"Hey, Harrington!" a sophomore calls from around the corner.

"It'll be okay," he whispers, releasing her. "I'll talk to you later, alright?"

She nods, heading to class in the opposite direction.

Later, outside the parking lot:

"So, how was your first official day back?" Jonathan asks, leaning against his car.

"Not bad," Angie replies, scanning the lot. "I'm ahead enough in my classes, not behind at all. I'm even on time for once."

"That's great... but we both know that's not what I meant," he says quietly.

"I didn't run into any of them," she admits. "Maybe it's a coincidence... or maybe Billy and Steve scared them off for now." She swipes her hand across her forehead.

"I'm glad Steve finally came to his senses," Jonathan says.

"What do you mean 'came to his senses'?"

"Let's just say... I had a little run-in with him. I might have said a few... forceful words." Jonathan admits bashfully.

"What did you say?"

"Just helped him along a bit. We all know he can be slow sometimes."

"That doesn't answer my question," Angie says, exasperated.

"You'll figure it out eventually. If he ever tells you," Jonathan teases.

Angie scans the parking lot again. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She knows exactly what he means—they've kept it secret, even from their closest friends.

"Who are you looking for? You've checked the lot a dozen times since we got here."

"Harrington."

"Why? Did he finally say something to you?"

"Kinda... he said he wanted to talk later today, but I haven't seen him since."

"Maybe practice?" Jonathan suggests.

"No, not today. Coach had to pick up his daughter."

Jonathan raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment further.

"I don't know, Angie. We should probably go. I need to pick up Will before four." He opens the car door, waiting for her.