𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 | bridget and hook

𝟏𝟓

The following day, Bridget arrived at school with her usual composed demeanor, her blonde hair gleaming under the sun as she walked through the halls of Merlin Academy. Heads turned as she passed by, but she barely noticed the attention. Her mind was still on the confrontation with Hook, and the unresolved tension between them lingered.

As she approached her locker, she saw Ella waiting nearby, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. Bridget sighed inwardly, knowing Ella was bound to ask about the previous day's events.

"Hey," Ella greeted her, trying to sound casual. "Everything okay? You seemed a little...off yesterday."

Bridget forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...stuff with Hook."

Ella raised an eyebrow. "I figured. I saw you two leave the café yesterday. Did he say something to upset you?"

Bridget hesitated for a moment, not wanting to delve into the details of the argument, but knowing Ella would keep pressing if she didn't give her something. "We had a talk, and it didn't go well. He's still trying to defend what happened, and I'm just...tired of it."

Ella frowned, concern flickering in her eyes. "You deserve better than that, Bridget. If he can't see how amazing you are, then that's his loss."

"Yeah, I know," Bridget replied, her voice softer now. "But it's complicated, you know? It's not easy just cutting him out."

Ella nodded sympathetically. "I get that. But just remember, you've come so far. Don't let him pull you back into that mess."

Bridget gave a small nod, appreciating Ella's support but still feeling the weight of her conflicted emotions. Before she could say more, the bell rang, signaling the start of class.

Throughout the day, Bridget couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of Hook. She wondered if he would try to approach her again, or if he would just let things stay as they were. Part of her hoped for some kind of resolution, but another part of her was bracing for more disappointment.

By the time lunch rolled around, Bridget was seated with Ella and a few others at their usual spot in the cafeteria. Conversation buzzed around them, but Bridget was distracted, barely engaging in the chatter.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw him—Hook, standing by the entrance to the cafeteria, scanning the room. Their eyes met briefly, and Bridget quickly looked away, her heart skipping a beat despite herself.

"Is he staring at you?" Ella asked, noticing the exchange.

Bridget shrugged, trying to appear indifferent. "I don't know, and I don't care."

Ella leaned in slightly. "You sure? Because he's definitely not over whatever you two fought about."

Bridget didn't respond, her eyes fixed on her tray as she pushed her food around absentmindedly. She didn't want to admit that a part of her still cared, even though she had told herself she was done with him.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over their table. Bridget looked up to see Hook standing there, his expression serious but unreadable.

"Bridget, can we talk?" he asked, his voice low but steady.

Ella shot Bridget a look of warning, but Bridget sighed, setting her fork down. "Fine. Let's make it quick."

As soon as Bridget and Hook slipped out of the bustling cafeteria, he led her down the hall to an empty classroom. The door clicked shut behind them, sealing them away from the noise and prying eyes. The air was tense, the silence between them thick with unspoken emotions.