Chase & Adrienne

41

CHASE

MONDAY MORNING

Even after the best weekend of my life--this is not an exaggeration--it was not any easier getting out of bed this morning. Additionally, it's not any easier staying awake in math class. It's Monday, after all. Sure, I'm looking forward to seeing Adrienne in a little bit, but she doesn't somehow cure me of the epidemic that is chronic adolescent exhaustion. Love's not that boundless. 

Just as I'm nodding off for the tenth time, the classroom door squeaks open. The whole room goes silent and glances up, even the teacher. Luke stands in the doorway sheepishly. And just like that, I'm magically awake. What is he doing here? He's not in this class. 

"Sorry for the interruption," Luke explains, taking another step into the classroom. "I need to borrow Chase. Coach Z. called an emergency basketball team meeting. We have a game tonight."

My teacher gives me a go-head head nod, and I rise from my seat. A couple seats over, another teammate, Nolan, also stands up. Luke's eyes go wide. 

"Sorry," he stammers. "Captain's meeting, Nolan."

"Oh," Nolan mumbles, slumping back down, embarrassed. I try not to roll my eyes at the thought of a captains meeting. Is Coach Z. planning to give us some big lecture about not fighting on the court again? It's totally something he would do, especially before an important game. 

Once we're out in the hallway, Luke tries to make small talk with me. I don't humor him. He's pretending like nothing happened, like he didn't cheat on my best friend just two days ago. It takes him longer than I would've hoped to give up on the friendly act. I follow him to the gym. He pushes one of the heavy doors open, holding it for me. I don't bother thanking him. 

"Is this where we're having the meeting?" I ask suspiciously, finally breaking my silence. The gym is completely deserted. 

"There is no meeting," he admits. I narrow my eyes. 

"Then what the hell are we doing here?"

Luke kicks at the hardwood floor with the toe of his sneaker, which lets out a faint squeak. He's stalling. I clear my throat to prompt an answer. 

"I need to talk to you," he says finally. At this, I actually laugh out loud. Luke's eyes get wide. He has no idea how to respond. "I need you to hear me out."

"No," I say flatly, "You don't."

"But--" Luke starts. I interrupt him. 

"In fact, the only thing you need right now is to get your ass beaten for what you did to Adrienne."

I expect Luke to fire back instantly, armed with a million dismissive excuses. To my surprise, he stays silent for several seconds. Finally, he speaks up. 

"Will you just listen to me, Chase?" Luke asks softly. 

"Sorry," I retort, my voice dripping with sarcasm, "I don't listen to douchebags who get off on cheating on girls, especially girls like my best friend." I cross my arms in front of my chest and take a menacing step toward Luke. He takes a shaky step back.

"I wish I could hurt you as badly as you hurt Adrienne," I threaten. Luke's eyes fall to the floor after I say this.

"Then do it," he says, looking me in the eyes, daring me. "You're right. We both know I deserve it. Punch me."