FINDING 12 | BOYS OF TOMMEN

overreacting.

I stood outside, the cold drizzle soaking into my skin as I pulled my phone from my pocket. The rain was light but persistent, leaving everything slick and grey. I shivered slightly, regretting my choice of bare arms against the evening chill.

Who could I even call to pick me up? I ran through the options in my head, but none of them seemed right. Uncle Tony was out of the question—he'd be in a cell by the end of the night if he found out what happened. The second he laid eyes on Connor, he'd kill him, no questions asked. I couldn't deal with that fallout.

Aofie was my next thought, but she hated driving, especially in the rain. Unless Joey had borrowed her car again...?

I pulled out my phone, sending her a quick text before the cold numbed my fingers.

Are you with Joe?

Her reply came in almost immediately.

Yeah, why what's up?

I exhaled in relief. If Joey was around, maybe this could work out.

I need a favour... are you with Joey?
Can you two come pick me up?

Her response was a little slower this time, but I could practically feel the confusion behind it.

I thought Connor was bringing
you home? Where are you?

I hesitated for a moment before replying. Explaining this now would just make things worse.

Biddies. It's a long story.

The screen dimmed as I put my phone back in my pocket, a small sense of relief settling in. At least I wouldn't be stuck here waiting around for Connor. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill that had settled deep into my bones.

The door to Biddies creaked open behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder to see the blonde boy from inside stepping out. Gibsie, I think? He had that familiar, easygoing look about him, but his brow was furrowed with concern.

"Just wanted to come out and see if you're okay," he said softly, leaning against the brick wall beside me. The rain fell between us, but he didn't seem to care. "D'you want me to call someone to pick you up?"

I offered a small, tired smile, appreciating his gesture more than I expected. "No, but thank you. My friend's coming to pick me up," I said, shifting slightly to face him.

He nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment. "Good, just wanted to make sure. It's not exactly warm out here," he added, glancing at my bare arms. There was a hint of amusement in his voice, but mostly he just sounded genuinely concerned.

I shrugged, trying to play it off even though I could feel the cold starting to seep deeper. "I'll be fine. They'll be here soon."

Gibsie stayed quiet for a second, then pushed off the wall. "Alright. If you need anything, I'm inside," he said, nodding toward the pub. "But hey, take care, alright?"

I nodded, offering a weak smile. "Thanks. You too."

He disappeared back inside, and I was left alone again in the rain, my breath visible in the cool air. At least I wasn't completely alone anymore, though—it felt like someone, even a stranger like Gibsie, had my back. It was more than I could say for Connor at the minute.

A few minutes later, Aofie's car pulled up, headlights cutting through the light rain. I hurried over, grateful to see her and Joey. She got out and pulled her seat forward, letting me climb into the back. The warmth of the car was a welcome relief from the cold drizzle outside.

"So—what happened?" she asked, her voice a mix of concern and curiosity as she closed her door and buckled herself back in.

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers fumbling in my lap. "It doesn't matter... it's silly, honestly." I tried to downplay it, though the knot in my stomach told me otherwise.

Aofie turned to look at me for a second as Joey pulled onto the road. "Are you sure? You can tell me anything, you know that." She paused, then added with a half-grin, "And Joey'll go in and punch him for you, won't you, Joe?"

"Course I would," Joey replied from the driver's seat, his voice calm but firm. He didn't ask any questions—just a quiet offer of backup, no matter what. That was the kind of guy Joey was.

I smiled at that, but it didn't reach my eyes. "I'm fine, honestly." I could feel Aofie's eyes on me in the rearview mirror, but I kept my gaze down, focusing on my hands as they fidgeted in my lap.

Maybe I was being silly. Maybe I'd just overreacted. Connor had probably had too much to drink, or maybe he just wasn't thinking. I could've walked home on my own—it wasn't that far. I told myself I was making a big deal out of nothing. It wasn't like he owed me anything.

But that pit in my stomach stayed, no matter how much I tried to reason with myself.