Changes

Chapter Twelve

Amity

Before I left the school I stopped at the Press Club room hoping to talk to Gus. I walked into the room and saw him staring at the board looking stressed. Stopping to stand next to him he seemed to not notice my presence. That was until I cleared my throat and he jumped turning to look at me. "Amity, you scared me, hello." He rushed out and I chuckled lightly.

"Hey Gus, you look stressed. Is everything okay?" I asked him worried about how he looked currently. His hair had been disheveled, his eyes red, and the board was filled with scribbled out and what seemed to be heavily rushed handwriting all over it. There seemed to be no way to comprehend the disorder going on with the board but it did partly explain the disarray the room had been in. Papers were thrown about on the tables and some had even fallen beneath the board. I spotted all of this before my eyes fell back on the boy before me.

"There is a lot going on this week and I could really use an extra pair of eyes on this. If you give me another set of hands this could be your first article and it would help with the workload a ton if you can assist me this week." He turned to me with a tired smile yet he still had the energy to raise a brow. "You can help me and I can guide you. I think you're ready to take on a bigger role in the club." His words made me happier the more he went on.

"You've proven to have a great work ethic and I respect your opinion. That is if you want to take on greater responsibility?" He inquired and I pulled him into a hug without thinking before pulling back with the biggest smile I could muster.

"Of course, I would!" I exclaimed excitedly and my mood seemed to affect him positively.

"Good, then you can leave and we can meet up at the Press Club tomorrow after school. I'll take you to my house so we can work together on some things." He said.

"Of course. Oh, and thanks, Gus." I paused at the door looking back at him. "For...everything I guess?" I said appreciatively and he waved me off with a chuckle.

"No problem. I'll see you tomorrow Amity." He said and I gave him a nod before going through the door. As soon as I left though I ran right into Hunter dropping my books.

"Sorry about that." He mumbled going down to pick up my books before standing as his eyes fell on me. "Oh, Amity, hey!" He greeted me and I smiled.

"Hey, Hunter! Where are you headed?" I asked him curiously and he showed me his gym bag before motioning down the hall.

"I'm headed to practice." He looked down at his phone. "Speaking of which I am going to be late if I don't go now. I'll see you later tonight though right?" He said reminding me of the dinner.

"Yes, I will see you then. Good luck!" I called down the hall at him and he waved at me one last time before heading through the door. I smiled to myself before leaving to head home.

... ... ... ...

"Amity, our guests are going to be here soon get down here dear!" I heard my mother call up the stairs and I looked away from my reflection trying to rid myself of my anxiety. I knew Hunter sure, but his uncle was a very powerful man and I was worried about messing things up for my family. This may have felt more personal because we'd invited them into our home for dinner but I also knew better. If my mother was involved then this would no doubt evolve into business at some point. 

As I descended to the bottom of the stairs I heard the doorbell go off and I froze. "Amity dear would you get that?" She called out from somewhere in the house, likely the kitchen, and I took a breath before letting it out to calm my nerves. Then I approached the front door forcing that Blight smile onto my face as I opened the door to greet our guests. At the sight of only Hunter standing at the door, my anxiety lessened and I felt as if I could breathe more properly.