Page 12 of We're At It Again

“Can’t wait for this afternoon.” He whispered into my ear as he strutted past me and out of the door.

As I exited the room, my heart raced with nerves. I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that settled in my stomach at the thought of having to be near Hudson for an extended period.

Austin greeted me with a smile. He leaned against my locker as his familiar smile brought a sense of comfort. We moved in for a kiss.

“Hey babe.” He said. “A few of us are going to hang out at Ricky’s place after school. Want to join?”

My heart sank at his words, knowing I’d have to tell him about the assignment. I bit my lip, steeling myself for his reaction.

“I can’t.”

His smile faltered, replaced by a furrow of confusion.

“Why not?”

I took a deep breath, thinking it was best to rip the band-aid off.

“Hudson and I are partners on an assignment.”

Austin’s expression darkened at the mention of his name. His jaw tightened with frustration.

“How did that even happen?”

I winced at the hostility in his voice, but I didn’t appreciate the accusatory tone. It’s not like I asked for this to happen.

“Mr. Morrison assigned the partners.”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“I’m not comfortable with you being alone with him.”

I took a step back.

“Do you not trust me?”

He sighed; the frustration was clear on his face.

“I don’t trust him. It’s obvious he has a thing for you.”

My eyebrows shot up into my hairline. Once I registered his words, I shook my head with a bemused smile.

“He has a thing to annoy me.”

He wasn’t in the mood for lighthearted discussions.

“Whatever it is, I’m joining the two of you.”

I tugged the roots of my hair as he walked off, knowing that arguing with him would be pointless.

Sorry, Hudson, it seems you won’t have your date after all.

?

The air was thick as I sat with Austin in the diner's booth. The atmosphere hung heavy with unspoken words. Austin fiddled with the straw of his diet Coke; his gaze fixed on the drink as if it held the answers to the universe.

I shifted in my seat, feeling the weight of his silent disapproval press down on me. He’d rather be with his friends right now, but I never forced him to come with me.

The minutes ticked on, and the silence between us grew thicker, punctuated by the occasional clink of ice against glass. I glanced at the entrance, wishing Hudson would hurry and end the suffering.

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