Young Adults

CHAPTER 16

Petra lounged on her bed, clad in comfortable white socks, powdered pink underwear, and a matching soft, pastel-colored top. Colt perched on the edge of the mattress, methodically throwing on his plain black shirt. At first glance, the scene might suggest they were an item, but that assumption would be mistaken.

Petra and Colt occasionally found themselves in these casual encounters-moments of connection when the opportunity arose or when the mood struck. Colt often took what he could get, harboring genuine feelings for the auburn-haired girl. However, Petra remained steadfast in her heart, her affections reserved solely for Levi. With each choice she made, that elusive connection with Levi seemed to drift further away, leaving Colt frustrated yet hopeful for a chance he knew was slipping through his fingers.

As Colt finished adjusting his shirt, he glanced over at Petra, who offered a half-smile.

"You really needed this, didn't you?" Colt's voice breaks through the heavy silence, a smirk now tugging at his lips as he regards Petra, his friend with benefits.

Petra huffed as she sat up in the bed, searching for her fuzzy pajamas bottoms amid the tangled sheets. "Shut up, asshole... God, you're so annoying," she muttered, voice laced with exasperation. "I let you have some after all this time, and now you think you've scored? You really are stupid." She snatched her pants from where it had been shoved behind a pillow and slipped it on with practiced ease.

A low chuckle escaped him as he propped himself on an elbow, the faint glow of a bedside lamp highlighting the sharp angles of his face. "After that remark, I'm pretty sure I know why you called me here. You're pissed off and pent up about Levi basically dropping you, aren't you?"

Petra's eyes flashed in anger. "What the hell would you know?" she snapped, rising from the bed and flinging a plush toy at him with a sudden burst of impatience. "Hurry up and get your crap so you can leave..."

The young man let out a derisive snort, snatching up his coat while Petra stood by the dresser, arms folded tight across her chest. In the dim overhead light, her scowl deepened, shadows dancing over her features as she glared at him. Neither offered another word, the air thick with tension and frustration.

Finally, he pulled his coat on and moved toward the bedroom door, leaving Petra standing in silence. The fading click of the latch underscored her simmering fury-and the mounting emptiness she wouldn't dare admit to anyone.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Colt stepped quietly back into the room, shutting the door with a soft click. Petra, still standing by the dresser, shot him a wary look over her shoulder.

"Hey... I'm sorry," he began, voice lower this time. "Really. My comment was out of line."

She shook her head, shoulders tense. "You know I'm having a hard time with all this," she reminded him, her tone quieter but laced with frustration.

"I know," Colt said with a short nod. "I really do. But... for what it's worth, let me remind you..." He took a few steps toward the bed and lowered himself onto the foot of it, the mattress dipping beneath his weight. "You're the one who messed up. Honestly, just let it go. You can do better anyway. Guy looks like he's got a stick up his ass 24/7."

Petra rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time that night. "So? I didn't even sleep with that guy. It was a measly kiss. I was drunk."

"At a college party," Colt added pointedly, arching an eyebrow.

She went rigid, clearly not taking that remark well. "Dude, seriously, get the hell out."