Rancorous

Chapter 17

PRESENT

Herlina

I wrap my arms against my body as the November air reddens my nose. It was sunny this morning, where I could go without a jacket. The sun is starting to set behind the clouds in the distance, so that morning warmth has faded.

My right foot throbs from Haley's hard stomp. Everytime I try to put pressure on it, it feels like my foot is being mercilessly hammered.

Milo wraps his jacket around my shoulders, and I smile thanking him.

"I think you seriously need to get your foot checked, Herlina." Milo's features are etched with worry as he walks by my side. "I don't even think you'll be able to drive."

I sigh, realizing he might be right. I was hoping that by the time I walked out to my car, my foot would already be feeling better. My coach said I should see a doctor if the pain got unbearable.

Well, the pain is bearable, as long as I don't put pressure on it. All I really want to do at the moment is lie in bed instead. On top of that, I'm in a sour mood after telling Milo about the Halloween party ordeal. Milo's a great friend, and yet I can't bring myself to mention Brevin.

I just can't. I don't want to paint a villainous picture of him to anyone. Because for a larger and better part of my life I've known him as someone different. To me, that's the real him, not the one he currently shows to the world.

"I think I'll be fine." I try flashing a believable smile.

"Herlina," Milo warns.

"Fine, let's see how bad it could possibly be."

Balancing on my left foot, I take my white tennis shoe off. Milo holds my arm as soon as I start to wobble. I embarrassingly thank him as I take my sock off.

A purplish-green bruise is starting to form over the entire skin of the top of my foot, save for my toes. It looks swollen which only affirms that I need to seek medical attention. I didn't think so, but it's a possibility that I may have broken some small bones.

"If you say you're still fine after seeing that, I have no choice but to carry you to my car." Milo's voice holds a serious finality to it, with a hint of a joke.

"Fine. But what about my car? I can't just leave it here." I also need to call my parents. I know my dad will be worried and I don't want him to leave his job early. He usually stays a little later on Thursday nights.

"I can drive it." The deep voice makes a confetti of butterflies swirl in my belly. I don't need to turn around to see who it is.

Milo does. As soon as he sees Brevin, he provides a friendly smile. "Oh, hey. You're the guy with the arm of an MLB pitcher."

I turn around to see Brevin approaching us. In dark jeans and a neck-zipped beige sweater, he looks like he should be on the cover of a magazine declaring him the most beautiful young man alive. His eyes are trained on me, and it would've me smile if the sting from yesterday's incident wasn't still so fresh.

Brevin stops so close to me, it makes the two feet between Milo and me seem miles apart.

"In fact, I can drive her to the hospital with her car. It'll make things a lot easier."

I clear my throat, apparently being the only one here with decent manners. "Brevin, this is Milo. Milo, this is Brevin."

I take a deep breath. Brevin's earthy cologne wafts in my nose in a delirious haze. I want the scent all around me. I want to bathe in a cloud full of it.

No.

His actions from yesterday don't deserve these thoughts of mine. I take a step away from Brevin, putting much needed space between us. Mostly for me.