In Love: Against All Odds

Trapped in a Closet: A Love Story

Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson 🎭🕵️‍♀️
"Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?"

---

It started like any normal weekend morning—except, of course, with Adri completely obsessed over Jade's project while I sat around doing absolutely nothing.

I sighed dramatically from my spot on the couch, watching Adri scribble on her sketchpad like the fate of the universe depended on it. "Hey, Adri."

Nothing.

"Adri, if you were a type of pasta, which one would you be?"

"Kat, I swear—"

Knock, knock, knock.

I perked up. "Oh, thank god, saved by the door."

Adri waved me off, fully locked in on her sketches. "You get it."

Dragging my feet, I made my way to the door, not expecting much. Maybe a package, maybe a neighbor—

But the second I opened it, my heart did a double backflip.

Standing there, looking dangerously good in a plain black hoodie and jeans, was Patrick Pennington.

"Hey, you," I said, unable to hide my stupid grin.

"Hey," he murmured before pulling me into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around me like it was second nature.

"Okay, ew," Adri's voice piped up from the living room. "If you two are gonna be gross, do it somewhere else."

Patrick just chuckled, but I grabbed his hand, pulling him straight into my room before Adri could complain further.

----

For a while, it was just us.

We curled up on my bed, talking about everything and nothing—Patrick tracing circles on the back of my hand, my head resting against his shoulder.

It felt safe. Comfortable.

Until Adri ruined it.

"Lunch is ready, you lovebirds!"

Patrick groaned into my neck. "I swear, she lives to torture me."

I laughed, pulling away. "Come on, let's eat before she drags us out there herself."

We were just about to sit down, the aroma of Adri's famous pasta filling the air, when—

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Adri froze.

"Oh no."

My stomach dropped. "What? Who is it?"

She tiptoed to the peephole, took one look—

And whipped around, face completely pale.

"It's your parents."

I choked on air. "WHAT?!"

"SHH!"

Patrick, previously chill, immediately panicked. "What do I do?!"

Adri and I looked around, frantic.

"Closet!" Adri whisper-yelled. "Get in the closet!"

Patrick didn't even hesitate—he bolted inside, shutting the door just as I turned toward the entrance.

Taking a deep breath, I plastered the most convincing smile on my face and opened the door.