Linger

T W E N T Y - E I G H T

"How far did you guys go?"

"Around the world!" Sasha let out a dreamy sigh, looking off into the distance. 

"Well, welcome back." Chelsea nodded at her as she opened her locker. 

"Hope it wasn't a bumpy ride," I told Sasha with a playful smile. 

She gasped at me, yet a smile tugged on her lips. "Shut up!" She nudged my side with a laugh. 

I joined in, nudging her back. 

It was Monday morning & Chelsea, Sasha, Alice & I were gathered at our lockers before school started, discussing the happenings of our weekend.

"It was all smooth though. No bumps."

"So it was . . . smooth . . . sailing?" I gave her a playful smile.

"Stop!" She laughed, smacking my arm. 

"Okay. Okay. I'm sorry." I grabbed her hand, bringing it down. However, our fingers stayed joined. 

"It's nothing. I probably deserve it anyway after all the things I've said to you." She smirked at me, giving my hand a squeeze. 

I smiled back at my best friend. Although we had our moments, we still had each other's backs.

"Hey, where's Tyler?" I asked as zipped my bag closed & scanned the crowded hallways for my best friend. "He's usually here by now."

"And here I am." 

I turned to see Tom strolling up to us with Ben alongside him. 

He came over and wrapped his arm around my waist, flashing me his perfect, charming smile. My heart fluttered at his action. His looming height over me kind of helped me feel protected somehow & feeling his arm around my waist was comforting.

"She wasn't talking about you, Tom," Alice told him.

"Did you hear about our sweet win Friday?" Tom asked, ignoring Alice's comment.

"You guys won?" I raised my eyebrows at him.

"You bet we did." He nodded with an eager grin. "We're in the playoffs, baby!"

"Yay!!" I cheered as he pulled me in closer.  "Congrats!"

"Thank you. Thank you." He pushed his hand through his dark hair. "You're coming to the hockey tryouts tonight?"

I looked at him, puzzled. "This school has a hockey team?"

He let out a laugh. "Yeah, come watch me. You're my good luck charm." His bright eyes set on me.

I bit my lip as I thought for a moment. "I have rehearsals tonight."

"Come after. These things usually drag forever anyway. I just need you to be there."

"We'll see." I smiled at him.

"Ben, are you going out for hockey too?" I looked up to see Sasha ask Ben.

"Yeah, I guess." Ben shrugged, leaning against the lockers nonchalantly.

A big smile broke out on Sasha's face. "So, can I come watch?" she asked excitedly.

"Yeah, I guess." Ben shrugged again.

"Double date!" Sasha whispered eagerly to me, grinning, which I just returned with a roll of my eyes.

The bell rang & a few students were heard groaning as they made their way to their first period class.

"Catch you guys later!" Chelsea waved to us as she, Alice, Sasha & Ben went off to class. I looked around the hallways once more, hoping Tyler would be in sight. He didn't text me all weekend, but I figured he'd fine if he was spending time with Lydia. As I shut my locker, I made a quick mental note to myself to text him during break if I didn't see him all morning.