Adalynn & Parker || Marcella Rose

Chapter Two

Suckerpunch

The walk back to the car felt like it would never end. I just wanted to go home and forget everything that happened tonight. My heart stung as memories flashed again: Hunter and Vicky, their laughter mingling with the cheers of the crowd. Thunder rumbled in the distance, echoing through my entire being.

My heart sank.

I was terrified of thunderstorms. Ever since I was a kid, I'd run to my dad, who would hum me into a soft sleep, wrapping me in a cocoon of safety. But now, I was alone, without my father's comforting presence. Dad was at the diner tonight otherwise he would have been here to see the game and see- The hollow feeling in my chest grew with each flash of lightning illuminating the darkening sky. I quickened my pace, desperate to escape the storm both outside and within.

I sank deeper into my hoodie, wishing it could shield me from more than just the cold. Each raindrop felt like a tiny pinprick against my face, heightening the unease swirling in my stomach. I longed for the warmth of my bed, the smell of freshly washed sheets, and watch How I Met Your Mother drowning out the chaos around me.

I could see Piper and Miles leaning against the car, umbrella in hand, their expressions a mix of concern and impatience. I picked up my pace, sneakers splashing through puddles that had formed on the asphalt.

As I reached the car, Piper opened the door and slipped inside. "You took your sweet time," she said, a teasing smile breaking through her concern. But the worry in her eyes told me she knew something was off.

"Sorry, just... got lost in thought," I mumbled, brushing my damp hair back from my face.

"Lost in thought?" Miles called from the backseat, raising an eyebrow.

"Hunter... He—he was hugging Vicky Langston, and he's going to the after-party without me." The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

Oh, here it comes.

"Vicky Langston?!?" Piper shrieked, her voice sharp enough to pierce the sound of rain drumming against the car roof.

Miles yelled, "What is that skank doing touching YOUR man?"

I winced at their reactions, a mix of anger and concern washing over me. "I don't know! It was just a celebration, right? Maybe I'm overreacting..." My voice trailed off, uncertainty creeping in.

"Overreacting?" Piper turned to face me, intensity in her gaze. "Addie, it's not just a hug! That girl is always all over the football team. You know it and I know it. They pass her around more than they do the ball."

"Yeah, and you know how she is," Miles added, nodding. "She's the princess of the school. But that doesn't mean Hunter feels the same way. You two have been together forever! Just because she's throwing herself at him doesn't mean he's interested."

"I just... I thought everything was fine between us," I said, biting my lip. "But tonight felt different. He was acting strange, and then there was Vicky..."

Piper crossed her arms, brows furrowing in determination. "You need to talk to him. Don't let her get in your head. Hunter might not even realize how it looks. Sometimes boys can be oblivious."

"Exactly," Miles chimed in. "He's probably just caught up in the moment. But if you don't say anything, you'll drive yourself crazy worrying about it."

I nodded slowly, their words sinking in. But the thought of confronting Hunter sent my stomach churning. What if I was wrong? What if I misinterpreted everything?