glitched | ✔️

f o u r t e e n

Amara POV

The next day Peter sat by me again.
What was his problem?

First he had to expose my injured palm to the world, then he did that thing where it was like he was looking into my soul.
I shook my head at him.

"No. I don't want to sit by you. I don't even want to look at your or acknowledge the fact you exist. Go find somewhere else to sit."

Peter's eyebrows drew together.
"You can't boss me Vickie. I'm sorry if you're mad at me. I was just trying to keep you safe. I want you to be safe."

I look at his face and immediately regret it.

He looks so hurt.

I look away. "I need someone to hate."
Stupid as it sounds it's true.
I need someone to blame for all this pain, all this turmoil in my head.

"Than hate the Head of Humanity."
"The HH isn't here for me to hate, he's distant and an ever-present threat... but I'm in no place to take my anger out on him. I can't. I'm bound."

Peter chews his lip and I can't help but stare.
"I have an idea." He says, suddenly smiling.

Wow.
I don't see him smile often.
It's... beautiful.

I blink, clearing the thoughts from my mind. "What's your idea?"

He smiles again.
"You'll find out after school. It's a surprise."

I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut. Because I want to see that smile again.

•••

After school I have gymnastics.

Peter waits for me by the bleachers as I go through my routines and exercises.
I make sure to show off a little extra, just to rub it in his face.
Hehe.

When I'm done he drives me home so I can change into "breathable workout-type clothes". The car ride is silent and I secretly sneak glances at him out of the corner of my eye, trying to catch a hint about his mood.
And maybe catch him smiling.
I want to see that smile again.

I pet Destiny for a full five minutes after changing, secretly laughing inside because Peter is still waiting patiently in the car.
I finally leave Destiny, giving her a kiss on her nose before sprinting out to Peter's truck and hopping in.

He blinks at me, turning a pink shade.
"Well, that's um-" he coughs, "-certainly breathable,"

I glance down at my outfit.
It's just black workout leggings and a cropped short sleeve exposing my stomach.
I grin.

"Does this make you uncomfortable, Pete?"

He coughs again, pulling out of my driveway, his eyes strictly on the road.
I notice he doesn't answer.
Figures.

"So where are we going?"

He smiles the smallest bit, eyes still on the road. "Where else? To the gym, of course."
He elaborates no further and I decide not to pester him.
Let him keep his little secrets.

As we drive I glance out the window, watching sadly as the traffic lights flicker and transform into older models.
I look at Peter and he is frowning, jaw clenched.

"We've gotta find some way to stop the Machine," I say softly.

He pretends not to hear me. Ugh.

Just a few minutes later Peter parks in front of a high end gym.
I give him a quizzical look and he gestures for me to hop out.
I do just that and we enter the air-conditioned building.