In My Rearview Mirror, JACK.HUGHES

SEVEN

[June 14, 2019]

As I step off the bus on the last week of school, the air is filled with a contagious excitement. The atmosphere is charged with the energy of impending freedom, and laughter echoes from every corner of the schoolyard. My eyes catch a glimpse of the hockey boys, a tight-knit group of friends, engaged in playful jokes.

 I spot Trevor, one of Jack's best friend, and I hurriedly make my way toward the group. As I grab Trevor's arm, he turns around, his initial exuberance fading into a more serious expression as he registers my presence.

"Trev, where's Jack?" I inquire urgently, a note of concern lacing my words.

His shoulders rise in a nonchalant shrug, but there's a hesitation in his gaze that doesn't escape my notice. I glance at the other hockey boys, hoping for some clarity, but their expressions remain guarded, their lips sealed.

"Please, he's not even answering my texts, and I tried to call him. He didn't come to school two days in a row," I implore, desperation creeping into my voice.

Trevor avoids my eyes, his gaze shifting to Cole. In a hesitant gesture, he raises his hands in surrender, offering a vague explanation. "He's probably planning the draft for this week. I don't know, Morgan, we're all leaving tomorrow. I'm pretty sure he'll be there today." He gives my arm a gentle pat, attempting to offer reassurance, before turning away to join the departing group as they head inside.

Left standing alone, a mix of worry and frustration swirls within me. The impending departure for the summer break and the elusive whereabouts of Jack create a sense of urgency. I'm left with a lingering uncertainty, hoping that Jack will surface soon and that the last week of school won't be shadowed by the mystery of his absence.

As I step into the bustling school corridor, my eyes catch sight of him in the distance, surrounded by friends, his laughter reverberating down the hall. Relief washes over me—thank goodness he's here.

I head straight to my locker, stashing away books and belongings, taking a sip from my water bottle. With each passing moment, I can feel the nervous energy building up inside me. As I close my locker, I take a deep breath and make my way toward Jack, determination and anxiety coursing through my veins.

"Can we talk?" I ask, my voice steady despite the nervous cracking of my knuckles.

He nods, excusing himself from Turcotte with a curious expression. Concern etches his face as he looks at me, his gaze searching for any signs of distress. "Is everything good, baby?" he inquires.

A shaky breath escapes me as I muster the courage to speak. "Could you maybe come to my house later today? I have to talk to you," I manage to say, my voice revealing the gravity of the matter.

"You're scaring me, but yes," he responds, his concern deepening. "Actually, meet me outside the school at the end of the day, and I'll drive you home."

The bell rings, signaling the end of our conversation, and he leans in to kiss my lips, a comforting gesture that lingers even as we part ways. "Wishing you a good day," he whispers, his eyes reflecting a mix of worry and affection.

As the final bell echoes through the corridors, signifying the end of the school day, I make my way outside to meet Jack at his car, which his dad generously provided. The sight of him waiting there is a welcome relief in the midst of my exhaustion.

"Godamn, it was a long-ass day, eh," he grunts, his expression mirroring the weariness of the hours just passed.

Nodding in agreement, I join him, slipping into the passenger seat. The familiar scent of leather envelops me, offering a brief respite from the challenges of the day. The engine purrs to life as Jack navigates the school parking lot.