Afterglow | S. Harrington

2| Never again

"Are you okay?"

I jump when Nate touches my arm. He left my party early which means he didn't see the kiss between me and Steve. I feel like I should tell him. I know he won't take it lightly though.

He already hates Steve and not because I do. He's had this longstanding feud with him. They try to one up each other and Steve usually wins.

"I'm fine."

I force a smile. He's too naive to notice it's not real. He believes me and goes back to talking to his friends. I look across the cafeteria. Steve whispers something to Nancy before walking away. She looks at me, I quickly look away.

I get up to go to the bathroom. I wash my hands like they're dirty. I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

"Hey."

I jump, turning to look in the direction of the voice.

"Jesus Christ, Wheeler!"

Nancy does that weird thing with her mouth she normally does.

"Sorry.." she says. "I heard you aced Kaminsky's chem test last year."

"Yeah?"

I don't have a problem with Nancy. We've talked maybe once or twice before. She's the Hawkins poster girl. The perfect daughter and student.

We're the complete opposite. I'm pretty sure Vicki dumped a smoothie on her best friend Barb the first week of school. Barb hates all of us for that very reason.

"Do you think you could help me study?" She says. "You're literally the only person I've heard actually pass."

"I'm not a tutor."

I walk around her. I feel slightly guilty just even talking to her. I know her and Steve aren't technically dating but they pretty much are.

"Wait!"

She follows me out of the bathroom and down the hall. She's very adamant I'll give her that.

"I can't fail it."

"Then don't."

"If you help me-"

"Look, Wheeler, I'm not a tutor." I snap. "Get it through your thick skull."

I look down the hall, locking eyes with Steve. He doesn't even glance at Nancy. He looks away and walks outside.

"What was that about?"

"Goodbye, Wheeler."

I walk down the hall, completely ignoring Nate. I still haven't really been able to talk to him. It's been a couple days but still.

I go outside to one of the tables. Sophia plops down opposite to me.

"Why are boys so.."

"Idiotic?"

"Yes."

Sophia has boy troubles. Her words not mine. But she's also been exploring.

"You know there's not just.. boys, right?"

She's not sure about her feelings towards girls. It excites her. She's just scared.

"What will my mom-"

"It's your life, Soph, not hers."

She's more scared of what others will think about her. I love her the way that she is. And I will support her for whatever she does decide to do.

"I'll always be on your side." I smile. "For whatever you choose. I love you no matter what."

She's holding in tears. She trusts me with so much which is why I do too. I told her years ago about my magic and me being a witch.

I knew she wouldn't tell anyone. She found it interesting rather than terrifying. Most people would've ran or called the authorities.

"I gotta talk to Harrington."

"Have fun."

I grab my things and walk towards the gym. It's kinda cold out. I wish I'd grabbed a jacket this morning.

I walk into the gym, looking around for Steve. I spot him. I wait a few seconds before trying to get his attention.

"Harrington!"

Steve stops and turns around. I feel like he's been ignoring me. I haven't seen him all day besides in the hall earlier. Everyone pushes him off of the court. He follows me outside.

I thought the kiss would make things awkward between us but no. I feel normal. It feels like a normal day.

'The kiss meant nothing, right?"

Steve hesitates.

"Right." He says. "Nothing. Plus, you're dating Nate and I'm.. sorta seeing Nancy."

I slowly nod. I hold my hand out.

"Never speak of it again?"

Again, he hesitates. He shakes my hand.

"Never again."

I nod and walk away.