Destined... | Anthony 'Ant' Vaugn

015 One is Back, Two are Gone

Three of Swords 

I walk into school, the crisp morning air still clinging to my oversized red-and-navy jumper. My jeans feel snug from how quickly I threw everything on this morning, but I didn't mind—it's a cozy look. The usual hum of school life surrounds me as students filter in, voices mingling with the occasional slam of lockers.

As I step further into the hall, I spot Darren and Quinni near the lockers, and—wait—is that Malakai? My heart skips a beat as I realise it is. Without hesitation, I pivot toward them, practically bouncing as I throw my arms around Malakai in a tight hug.

"You're back!" I say, my excitement spilling out as I hold onto him.

"Yes, yes, I'm back," he says with a laugh, hugging me back. There's a warmth in his voice, a sense of relief that makes me smile even wider. When I finally let go, I turn and catch sight of something unexpected—Amerie and Harper walking into school. Together. And holding hands.

I blink. Are they friends again?

"So, you're back?" Amerie asks as she approaches, her tone curious but reserved.

"Yep," Malakai replies plainly. His gaze shifts between Harper and Amerie, his eyebrows raised slightly. "Looks like a lot has happened while I've been gone," he says, his eyes narrowing in on their linked hands.

"Can't believe Dusty is still here after what he did," Quinni says, glancing over at where Dusty is talking to Ant and Spider. "And that Ant and Spider are still friends with him."

I nod, crossing my arms. "Yeah, I don't get it either. I asked Spider about it, and he said—wait, let me get this right—'We've been bros forever; we can't just not be friends,'" I say, doing my best impression of my brother's voice. I roll my eyes. "So, I don't even know anymore."

"So, Dusty barely gets community service, yet we're all probably gonna get suspended," Darren chimes in, their voice heavy with frustration.

"We did wee in her plant pot and recycling bin," Quinni points out with a small shrug, earning a smirk from Darren.

"There's a lot worse waiting for her in her filing cabinet," Darren replies with a knowing grin. They pause and point at Malakai and Harper. "You two are gonna be the only ones in SLTs not getting shat on for our little protest."

"I can't believe you guys weren't there," I say, shaking my head in mock disappointment.

"Gutted I missed out, to be honest," Malakai says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You should be. It was actually really fun," I reply, turning slightly to glance at Ant across the hall. Malakai notices and nudges me with his elbow, raising his eyebrows suggestively. I smile, biting my lip to stop from laughing.

"Um, so I guess I'm sorry or whatever," Darren suddenly says to Harper, their tone hesitant but sincere. Harper chuckles softly, giving Darren a small nod.

Feeling the moment settle, I step away from the group and make my way toward Ant. He spots me, his lips curling into a smile as I wrap my arms around him in a hug.

"Hey, cutie," I say, leaning into him.

"Hey, Angel," he replies, his voice low and warm.

As he pulls away from Dusty and Spider, Spider's suspicious gaze follows us.

"Yo, where you going?" Spider asks, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Uh, she's showing me her art piece," Ant says quickly, his lie smooth and confident. "I suggested something for her to do, so she wants to show me."