Hitchhiking

Part 10

June:
Graduation is tomorrow morning so, naturally, we're all partying. This time, my parents left the house with knowledge of the party and the drinking. I think a small part of them gave up on the perfect parenting mindset. They also told me they're going to leave tomorrow night as well. After our family dinner, of course. I planned a pre-graduation party and a post-graduation party.

My phone is connected to the aux but I'm playing Callie's party playlist. Currently, "The Walls" by Chase Atlantic is playing. She really loves Chase Atlantic.

"Hey, you got any more of these?"

I spin to face Quinn holding a White Claw iced tea. "Maybe!" I call over the music. "I'll check the garage."

I go to leave her there but she follows me all the way out to the garage. I move some things around until I find the last two White Claws.

"The last one's mine. But here." I hand her the drink.

Her hand lingers on mine. I release fast and try to leave but she grabs my arm. "June. Can we talk?"

I sigh under my breath, quiet enough so she can't catch on. I turn back around. "What's up?"

Her lips part momentarily then close again. She sucks in a breath. "I think I'm bi."

"O-Oh." I smile. "That's great."

"And I'm in love with you," she blurts.

"Oh." I pause. "Quinn, I—"

"I think I first realized it the day you picked me up when I got my keys taken. Something just clicked."

"Quinn, stop."

She looks... offended. "What?"

"I'm with Callie."

"Jesus, June. You could at least pretend to be happy for me. I just came out to you."

"I am happy for you, Quinn. Discovering that about yourself is a big deal and I'm happy you told me. But you're not just coming out. You're admitting to being in love with me. I can't pretend to feel the same way about you. I'm sorry."

"I can't believe this."

"You can't believe what? You said it yourself. I'm obsessed with her. You knew. You always knew."

She crosses her arms defensively. "Maybe I guessed—hoped—now that she's gone, you'd..."

"Forget about her? Get over her? Yeah, no."

"God, I am so done. I've never mattered to you."

"Wow. It's almost like you haven't been one of my best friends for ten years."

"It's not enough. Not anymore."

Before I can get another word in, Quinn turns her back and heads inside. I stay behind in the garage, just absorbing everything that just happened. I pull my phone from my pocket.

Callie ❤️: graduation tomorrow!! you excited??

I smile at the text and respond with fake enthusiasm. I shake it off, though. I grab the last White Claw iced tea, pop it open, and take a long sip, rejoining the party again. I pocket my phone for the rest of the night.

-

"June, get down here!" Mom calls from downstairs. "Do you want to be late for graduation?"

"Hold on, Mom!" I yell back, stressed already. I do everything I can to calm my shaky hands as I try to make the perfect eyeliner wing. "Ugh!" I grunt, slamming the eyeliner on my desk.