My Enigma

Chapter Thirty

Auroras POV

I got home from school and immediately headed for the shower. I didn't linger. I didn't want to stare at the water running down my skin, didn't want to catch myself in the mirror and see the grief that still clung to me like a shadow.

It had been a long two weeks.

Levi's pep rally was today.

It was strange calling it that. A "pep rally." Something that was supposed to drum up school spirit is now repurposed as a way to remember someone who was gone. My brother. Their captain. My best friend.

I stepped out of the shower and wiped the fog from the mirror with my towel. For a second, I just looked at myself. Not for flaws. Not to pick apart the circles under my eyes. Just... to look.

Was this what healing looked like? Raw and quiet?

I got dressed nothing flashy, just dark jeans and Levi's old football hoodie. It still smelled like him a little, faint but stubborn. That same familiar mix of mint gum, laundry detergent, and whatever body spray he used that I always said made him smell like a teenage boy's locker room.

My phone buzzed. A text.

Hanna:

On my way with the gang. Are you ready?

Me:

Almost. Gimme five.

I didn't ask who "the gang" included. I already knew. Hanna, Gabe, Connor... and Luke.

I sighed and slipped my phone into my pocket, grabbing my sneakers. My mom called from the hallway.

"I'll be leaving a bit later," she said, voice gentle. "I'll meet you at the gym."

"Okay," I said, tugging my laces tight.

She paused, probably waiting to see if I'd say more. I didn't.

I heard her footsteps move away, and then silence returned. Thick and familiar.

I grabbed my phone, hoodie sleeves covering my hands, and made my way out.

By the time I got to the front porch, Gabe's car was idling at the curb. Gabe was in the front, Connor in the back. And, of course, Luke was leaning against the side of the car, arms folded like always, eyes locking onto mine the second I stepped outside.

I looked past him and opened the back door, slipping in beside Connor without a word.

"Hey," Hanna said, her voice soft with understanding.

"Hey," I murmured, buckling up.

Connor nudged my knee lightly with his own. "You good?"

I nodded. "Getting there."

The drive was quiet. Luke didn't say much. He kept shifting in his seat, like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words or the right time. But this wasn't his time.

It wasn't about him.

Connor, on the other hand, stayed close without being overbearing. His hand hovered near mine once, but didn't push it. I appreciated that more than I could say.

When we got to school, the parking lot was already buzzing. Students in jerseys. Teachers standing around, chatting quietly. A banner stretched across the gym entrance: Forever Our Captain: Levi Willows #7

My chest ached. Seven was not only his playing number but it was also his favourite number, he always said it brought him good luck.

We filed in together, but somehow I ended up beside Connor. Hanna was caught in a conversation with someone from the student council. Gabe disappeared with some of the football guys. And Luke... well, Luke lingered behind me.