Just The beginning: Book 2

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     Something wasn't right about today, usually the cloudy sky made me such a morning person, but today is different. The clouds were dull, precipitative, and sodden. Which made the day look gloomy. The silver linings were growing dim as the clouds thickened and the sun was obscured completely. Then my eyes focused on the trail of raindrops trailing down the window like they were in a racing competition where no one wins. There came another monstrous rumble from the black, sooty clouds above. It gradually filled me with a vibration of fear, but a weird comfortable feeling. My mind pulled out of a trance once I turned seeing Camdyn banging on my window. Pulling the keys out of the ignition, I swung open the door hopping out. While he mentioned, "Dude, are you okay?"

To be honest, I didn't want to answer that question because I don't know how I'm feeling at the moment. I'm happy that ever since Monday, I've been in contact with Massie, but upset because my best friend is being distant. It's Thursday and Penny has cut me out since Monday. Camdyn said that she's been talking to him a little, but not as much as she usually does. All that came out of my mouth was, "I'm fine." When in reality, not so much.

"Well, you don't seem fine." He stated towards me as we walked towards the building. Then said, "Look, whatever is going on between you and Pen, it'll pass. Trust me."

How I wanted to believe every word of that, but I just nodded my head and kept walking. That was until I paused ever so slightly before entering the doors. Camdyn asked, "What the hel- " That was until he saw what I saw. Penny standing with Dustin with no empty space between them. His hand snaked around her waist like she was some type of pray in his trap, and she looked up at him like he hasn't done a single thing wrong. How my blood boiled at the sight of that, but I tried to ignore it. Camdyn knew it was getting to me as he pulled on my arm to go inside. "Don't let that bother you."

I scoffed at his statement, "How am I not supposed to let that bother me?! She complains so much about him then he hits her. For some reason, Penny always goes crawling back to him like he did nothing wrong."

We both eventually arrived at our first class and sat in our normal spots in the back towards the large window. Camdyn let out a sigh, "Why are you letting this get to you, Greyson?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's fact that- "

"You have feel something for her?"

I knitted my eyebrows together, "No! The fact that she is with that douche."

Camdyn couldn't help, but grow a small smile on his face, "Well, that douche is Massies brother and if you're willing to get with Massie. You'll have to tolerate him!"

"Don't remind me." I stated as my body slightly sank in the chair letting out a sigh. All, I needed to do was get through the day and then I could just relax my mind. Yet, it was difficult when there was so much on my mind so early in the morning.

***

Hockey practice was kicking my ass right now. I was missing plays, shots, and even tripped over my own skates. It wasn't looking good for my first practice of the season. Once off the ice my body was covered in bruises from Dustin body checking me multiple times or me slamming into the ice on my own. I limped my way to the locker rooms to see Dustin standing in front of my locker. Can't a dude change in privacy. "What do you want?"

"I heard your talking to my sister..."

Rolling my eyes, "And I heard your back with Penny, but you don't see me bugging you."

He smirked, "Look, you don't hurt Massie. I won't hurt you or Penny. My sister's happiness is what matters to me most and turns out you make her happy."

"So, if I dumped your sister..."

"I would beat you to a pulp, Saint! Then maybe take some more out on Penny. So, treat my sister right or your both dead meat. GOT IT!"

As my back hit up against a locker, "Crystal!" He eventually let go of me before storming off out of the locker room. I took my pads and helmet off before changing into grey sweats along with black hockey long sleeve. Anything was better than that drenched practice uniform. As soon as I exited the locker room, Massie was sitting on the bleachers in the rink. "What are you doing here so late?" I blurted out as I slowly moved towards her.

"Two things. My brother is my ride and I wanted to see you, silly. You are a hard man to find. Did you know that?"

A chuckle escaped my lips as a smile tugged on the edge of my lips, "Well, I'm always at the rink. So, you did a good job on figuring that out." I took a seat next to her.

Massie pushed a small strain of hair behind her ear before saying, "Lucky guess."

Everything was going fine, until a familiar voice caught us both off guard, "Greyson!!" When I turned to my left I took notice of Penny walking towards us. My heart stopping and sinking all the way to my feet. When she got closer she noticed Massie, "Oh, are you busy?"

Massie shot a small glare at her, "No... He's all yours. Call me later, Greyson?" She gently touched my arm as her innocent eyes met my emerald green. They revived me just in time before passing out.

"Yes ma'am." I said before leaning over giving her a small, but passionate kiss. It must have caught Massie by surprise because she flinched slightly. Yet, kissed back with a small smile. Once, we pulled away she excused herself from the situation and I turned to face Penny, "So, you found me."

She gave me a small laugh, "Yeah! I've been looking for you all day. I was getting worried, but it looks like your fine." As she strongly gestured Massie who was walking away. Was she jealous?

Don't explode. Don't explode. Don- "Well, you looked pretty occupied this morning with Dustin. Thought I would keep my distance, didn't want my anger to get the best of me..." Shit!

Penny was not amused with that comment at all. That smile disappeared instantly, "You saw that?"

"Yeah. Everyone saw it, Penny. What the hell?! He hurt you! Broke you! Yet, you still hang all over that douche!"

"Greyson, it's complicated..."

"Complicated?! What about it is complicated Pen!?" I know I told myself not to explode, but everything about this situation rubbed me the wrong way. I'm protective. I know that. "Are you getting back together with him?"

Silence. That was until she finally said, "I don't know."

"Bullshit... This is all Bullshit!" I stated before storming out of the rink to the parking lot. I couldn't stand there and have her tell me all these things that she knew were lies. Why would she lie to me?! Penny has been my best friend for almost eight years. Why would she lie?! I cared way too much about her and I needed to do something about that. It wasn't healthy for me or our friendship. If she wants to screw around with Dustin then she can. I-I don't care anymore.... Right?