The Chance Effect

Chapter 12.

Atlas' POV

Her abrupt exit confused me; was it something I said? Did she recognize me because of my music? I try to shake my curiosity by walking back to Scott's vehicle.

"Who was that?" He asks as he opens the passenger door for me.

"I have no idea," I say, shaking my head. Scott huffs at me, "I didn't even get her name." I add.

"Maybe she was a ghost," his voice mimics a ghoul as he wiggles his fingers. I roll my eyes as I close the door, cutting off whatever else he had to say.

"You still have your sassiness," he says through the window.

As we drive down the coastline, the moon rising higher in the sky, I couldn't help but think about that girl. Why was she there? And what was she upset about? I didn't believe she had to be somewhere; I thought something had happened. I wish I had gotten her name at least.

The ocean's rhythmic waves crashing against the shore seemed to echo my restless thoughts. I lean back in my seat, lost in contemplation. The encounter with the mysterious girl lingered in my mind, haunting my thoughts like an unresolved melody.

Scott glances over at me, sensing my unease. "You seem lost in thought. Everything alright?"

I nod absentmindedly, offering a half-hearted smile. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind, I guess."

As the night unfolds its inky veil, I find solace in the gentle sway of the car and the distant horizon merging with the night sky. Yet, the memory of the enigmatic girl remained etched in my mind, like a puzzle I couldn't solve.

The next day, a Friday and my first free weekend on this new journey, I feel nostalgic. I decide to revisit the old days by planning a get-together with my bandmates at my place. Not a big party like they originally planned. During lunch, I shoot a text to our group chat I was recently introduced to.

"Hey guys, how about some video games, drinks, and pizza at my place, like we used to?" They were all in, so I ask my housekeeper Carrie, to take the day off as I clean up the house myself.

Still unable to drive due to my head injury, I had Scott help me out. We swing by a local pizza joint, and I grab three large pizzas with different toppings. When I arrive to the liquor store for some drinks, I realize I'm not as young as I used to be and pick up a variety of beers, wines, and spirits. It could be a long night...

As I approach the counter, the younger woman behind the register looks up at me, her cheeks flushing red.

"Hi there," I smile at her, struggling to pull out my wallet.

"I don't need to see your ID, Mr. Parker." She shyly says as she scans my items. Considering I don't ever remember being carded, I continue to pull out my license.

"I insist," I hand it to her, giving a soft smile. "I don't want you to get in any trouble." I add.

"Yep, you can make this purchase." She purses her lips as she hands me my card back. "You come here a lot," She adds. I awkwardly collect my items after paying and leave the store.

Once returning home, I set up the pizzas on the kitchen island, along with stocking the alcohol in the fridge and wine cooler. I light the electric fireplace on my back deck outside, opening the sliding glass doors for a natural breeze to come into the house. Is this what they call ambiance? 

The flickering candles set the perfect atmosphere as the front door swings open. "Honey! I'm hoooome!" Max's exuberant voice announces his arrival, followed by Carter and Alex.