Fate's Exchange (Twisted Fate, Book 1)

Chapter Forty-One

David pulled me to his side and wrapped his arm around my waist to keep me close so that we could both fit under the umbrella he opened with his free hand as we left school the next day. What started as sprinkles had become torrential, and now the weather watch had officially become a warning, threatening for heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms. Still, as long as the power remained turned on, school proceeded, and we had to wait until the final bell to leave.

It couldn't be more fitting, but at least rain would hide the tears that were sure to be streaking my face soon.

"So, if you need an excuse to leave..."

I slapped David in the stomach but laughed. "I what? Text you so you call pretending to need me? Because whatever emergency you come up with probably won't be received well considering my best friend is moving away."

"I—no." He shook his head. "I don't have a phone."

"What?" I stared at him, flabbergasted.

"We just moved here, Alyssa," he said. "We haven't had time to switch plans or whatever."

"Isn't that one of the first things you do? Before you move?" I rolled my eyes. "You'd think the company would keep the plan on until you switched it, at the very least."

He shrugged, taking my keys from my hand as we reached my car, and then left me alone under the umbrella to unlock the door. He came back smiling, and said, "I've been busy." Stepping under the umbrella, he shook the water from his hair and laughed when it sprayed my face. "Not that I'm complaining."

I rolled my eyes, laughing, but it didn't last long. Pinching the corners of my mouth down, I nodded. Saying goodbye to David knowing that I was on my way to a very literal last supper with my best friend was hard. Laughing and joking seemed wrong. I had no idea when I'd see Tina again, or even if I would see her again after tonight. It would be so easy to forget about her and get blissed out on David.

"Hey." David hooked a finger under my chin and raised my face until our gazes met and held. "It's going to be okay." He dipped his head to rest his forehead on mine. "Do you want me to come?"

"No." Yes. "I just... It's her last night, and you guys don't really know each other, so I think maybe it's something that I should probably do alone." Not to mention the fact that I didn't want him to see me cry. "It means a lot that you're willing to, though, so thanks."

David held my gaze for another minute as though trying to determine how true my words were. Finally, he nodded, and then leaned forward to kiss my forehead, cupping my face in his hands. He pulled back without letting go, and said, "I'll be at Tucker's later, then, if you need me."

I opened my mouth but closed it before ruining his offer with anything less-than-fantastic in response. Slowly, I nodded, and he let go of my face, stepping back out of reach outside of the umbrella. Watching out of my peripheral vision as I forced myself to the car, David didn't move or look away. Rain streaked his features, soaking his clothes, but I opened the door and climbed inside. Starting the ignition, I quickly pulled out of the stall and began to drive away.

David watched until I could no longer see to tell if he was still there.

*****

I hesitated and took a deep breath before reaching out to press the doorbell with a shaky hand.

Tina and I only lived a few blocks apart. Right now, it felt like an ocean, and impossible to cross. The bungalow's wooden front door was like an army bunker's metal barricade. I tapped my foot against the cement porch while waiting for an answer, trying to keep warm even though the rain had finally hit a lull, both dreading and anticipating saying goodbye to my best friend.