That Night in August ✔️

Chapter Thirteen

That Night in August: Chapter Thirteen

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September 6th

C A R M E N

The early September chill makes the hairs on my arms stand on end. I tuck my hands into the front pouch of my oversized hoodie as I trudge up the path toward the college gates.

Last year, even if I'd finished my classes for the day, I would stick around college to hang out with my friends. Or sometimes I would get a few extra hours of practice in at the dance studio. But that was before this living nightmare began. Now, all I wish to do is run from the dreaded building behind me.

I'm nearly safe. All I need to do is walk through the threshold of the tall, metallic gates and I'll be able to plod my way home with my hood up. Just a few more steps and—

"Oi, Ellis."

Fantastic. I recognise that voice.

My body grinds to a halt, feet glued to the pavement. I whip my head toward where the voice sounded from and catch sight of Zachary Ward. He sits beneath one of the ancient trees in the college front yard, his back pressed against its trunk and legs spread out in front of him.

"You just going to stand there or what?" he adds, gesturing for me to approach with a slight nod of his head.

I pry my feet from the floor and walk toward him. "What do you want?" I gripe, arms caging my midriff.

His lips quirk upward. "Funny, the last time you asked me what I wanted, it was in a much breathier voice. You also looked more—"

"Let me make something clear to you, Zachary. The last thing I want to do right now is discuss what happened between us the other night. Spare me the gloating—you weren't anything fucking special."

Zachary is taken aback. "Alright, sorry," he apologises as he raises his hands in front of him.

I should just leave. After shooting a snarky response to someone who has irritated me, I normally turn tail and exit without a second thought. But I remain stood in front of him like a lost sheep.

"Do you want to sit down?" he asks, his tone serious this time.

I plod a few steps nearer to where he sits and dump myself onto the grass beside him. The sound of a light wind rustling through the trees is the only thing audible for a period, but Zachary eventually speaks up.

"I'm shit at comforting people, Ellis. I won't lie. But it's weird seeing you mope like I keyed your Mercedes. You wanna talk about it?"

I pull my legs up against my chest and hug my arms around them, reducing my body to a small ball. "Everything's gone to shit since that night," I mutter.

"Yeah, I heard. Everyone's talking about it, and the police turned up at my work yesterday to talk to me."

"What did the police ask you?"