Page 34 of We're At It Again

“What are your intentions with her?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

I met his gaze, my jaw set with determination.

“To treat her better than the last guy did.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Is that so? I don’t see how someone like you could ever make her happy. You have a habit of destroying everything around you.”

He’d struck a nerve, and before I could stop myself, my fist connected with his jaw with a satisfying thud. He stumbled backward; his face contorted with pain before chaos ensued.

A crowd gathered, their murmurs growing as they witnessed the unfolding drama. We exchanged blows, our fists flying as we grappled with each other in a whirlwind of anger and adrenaline.

“Stop it!” Luna said, her tone filled with anger and disappointment. “You’re both ruining everything!”

Her words were like a bucket of cold water, and my anger ebbed away, replaced by a sense of shame. I stepped back, panting, looking at the mess we made. With a heavy heart, I turned to Luna.

“Luna -”

“Save it, Hudson.” she said, her eyes brimming with tears of frustration. “I just wanted one night, and you jerks had to ruin it.”

Jockstrap stood up with blood gushing out his nose. She delivered a hateful glare in his direction before storming off.

I stepped out into the cool night air, my breath forming misty clouds as I exhaled. A sense of guilt gnawed at me like a persistent itch. I lit a cigarette, but I didn’t smoke it. Glancing down at my hands, I noticed the angry red split knuckles from the fight. Ignoring the pain, I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening with frustration. I messed up. Before I could dwell too much on my thoughts, footsteps approached. I looked up to see Maya, her expression of concern and disapproval. She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off.

“I’m not in the mood for a lecture, Maya.” I said, my tone sharper than I intended.

Her face softened, and she took a step closer.

“I know,” she said. “But you need to understand how much tonight meant to her. She’s been looking forward to this since freshman year. And she just realized her dreams of being Homecoming Queen are gone.”

My heart sank at her words. The weight of my actions crashed down on me like a ton of bricks. I never meant to hurt her, but I let my anger get the best of me and ruined her night. Maya gave me a sympathetic look before turning to leave me with my thoughts. I watched her retreating figure, feeling a sense of emptiness settle over me.

I stood there, lost in guilt and remorse, music and laughter drifted from the gymnasium. I could hear Principal Quinn’s voice through the speakers, proclaiming it was time to announce the homecoming king and queen. A spark of an idea ignited in my mind, and I knew what to do to make things right. With determination, I stubbed out my cigarette and headed back inside.

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22

LUNA

DESPITE THE GYMNASIUM PULSING with the rhythm of music and laughter, I felt like my night was shrouded in darkness. I sat at my table, shoulders slumped, a heaviness settling over me like a suffocating blanket. Two jerks had ruined my evening.

The announcement for homecoming king and queen echoed through the hall, I couldn’t help but groan. I’d hoped to win, but the universe seemed intent on stomping on my hopes.

I tasted bitterness in my mouth as Austin and Cynthia were crowned. I watched as she walked onto the stage, waving as if she were at a pageant. She strutted to the microphone, ready to deliver her triumphant speech. I braced myself for the onslaught of jealousy and resentment.

However, before she could speak, gasps echoed in the gymnasium. A sense of déjà vu struck me as Hudson burst onto the stage. With a swift movement, he yanked the crown off her head, before bolting off the stage like a fugitive escaping the law.

My eyes widened in shock as I watched him flee, unable to process what was happening until he was beside me, grabbing my hand and urging me to run. My heart raced as I followed him through the crowd, the noise fading into the background as we reached the empty parking lot.

We stopped beside his truck, both panting for breath. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. I punched him in the arm, the force of my blow surprising even myself.

“Why did you do that?” I asked, my voice laced with confusion and frustration.

He grinned, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and with a tenderness that took my breath away, he placed the crown on my head.

“In my world, you’re the rightful queen.” He said, his words carrying a weight I couldn’t comprehend.

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