Metal Rose

Chapter 9

⚠️Trigger Warning: This chapter contains a brief talk about self-harm and suicide between child and parent. Reader discretion is advised. ⚠️

Arriving at school was like embarking on an entirely new adventure for both Mercedes and Hunter, unlike anything they had experienced before. Hunter, alongside Emily and Kevin by his Mustang, tried to distract himself from looking at the driveway of the student parking lot. Memories of the previous day overwhelmed him. He began to think it was foolish for them to continue hiding when everyone already suspected something was going on between them.

"This is so stupid. It's not that big of a deal. We're two people who like each other. We're not dating; we're just hanging out and enjoying each other's company. What's the harm if people know? I need to talk to her about this."

His eyes landed on Emily, and he internally groaned. 

"Although, I know Emily will make a huge deal about this. She's a sucker for this kind of stuff."

Hunter glanced at his phone, noting the time, and realized that Mercedes would be late if she didn't arrive shortly. Concern began to set in, and he contemplated sending her a text to check if everything was alright. Just as he selected her contact, the sound of Rob Zombie echoed loudly across the parking lot. He raised his eyes to see her hearse in its designated parking spot. Mercedes noticed them immediately and walked over. She placed her backpack on the ground and leaned against Hunter's car, settling beside him. She turned her attention to Hunter, who offered her a brief, sweet smile. Emily gasped.

"You're here! Yay!"

Mercedes smiled.

"I know. You were so bored until I showed up."

Kevin held his hands up, jokingly offended.

"I'm starting to think you don't like me at all, Mercedes."

Mercedes immediately smiled and shook her head.

"No, oh my gosh! I love you, Kevin! No! You're so cool!"

Kevin laughed. Hunter chuckled and repositioned himself. No one but Mercedes had noticed that Hunter had placed himself right up against her with his hand on his car behind her back. Mercedes instinctively relaxed. Mercedes and Emily carried on with their conversation. Hunter shifted his attention to Mercedes, his smile sincere. Kevin had been observing the conversation when he suddenly caught Hunter's gaze from the corner of his eye. He noticed Hunter's intense gaze upon Mercedes and became aware of their closeness. Tilting his head, he questioned Hunter.

"Hunter, what are you thinking over there? Are you okay?"

Hunter removed his gaze from Mercedes and immediately shook his head.

"What? Nothing."

Kevin narrowed his eyes.

"Okay, man."

As the bell rings, Mercedes quickly grabs her backpack and walks off with Emily. Exiting her locker, Mercedes emits a slight scream when she is suddenly drawn into a vacant stairwell. Hunter chuckles hysterically. 

"It's just me, goodness."

Mercedes shakes her head, laughing a little.

"What are you doing?"

Hunter slowly walks up to her, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, I just..."

Hunter tenderly cradles her face in his hands, leaning in to give her a gentle kiss. Hunter steps back but continues to hold her face gently. A blush spreads across Mercedes' cheeks.