Page 35 of We're At It Again

I was speechless, my heart pounding as I struggled to process what was happening.

“You’re going to get into so much trouble.”

“It was worth it.”

Goosebumps prickled my skin as he stepped closer to fix the crown, straightening it out. His eyes locked with mine, no sound other than our steady breathing.

“Perfect.”

He shrugged off his suit jacket, draping it around my shoulders. I cleared my throat and thanked him before looking down at my heels.

“Let’s get you home.”

?

The hallway outside the principal’s office was eerily quiet, the air thick with tension as I waited for the news of Hudson’s fate. I fidgeted with the strap of my bag, my heart hammering as I prepared myself for the worst.

The door creaked open, and Hudson emerged, followed by Cynthia, seething with rage.

“I want my crown back.” She said, her voice dripping with venom.

Hudson tapped his pockets as if searching for it before smirking at her.

“Sorry, Cynthia.” He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I seemed to have misplaced it.”

My heart sank at his flippant attitude, knowing I had to intervene before he put his foot in it again. With a resigned sigh, I stepped forward and handed the crown to Principal Quinn. He eyed Hudson.

“If you wish to go on the senior ski trip, Mr. Wilder, I suggest you stay out of trouble.”

Hudson shrugged, unfazed by the reprimand. Principal Quinn retreated to his office. Cynthia shot us one last venomous glare before storming off in a huff.

“Do you realize how much trouble you could have gotten into?” I asked him, my voice tinged with exasperation. “Stuff like that could ruin your chances at college.”

His jaw clenched, as his eyes flashed with a sudden anger that caught me off guard.

“And what if college wasn’t part of my plan?” He snapped, his tone harsh and defensive.

I recoiled, taken aback by his outburst.

“Why wouldn’t you want to go to college?”

His expression softened, but his eyes remained guarded as if he knew the answer but couldn’t reveal it.

“It’s not the only thing that matters, Luna.” he said, before turning on his heel and storming down the hallway, leaving me bewildered.

?

Dark clouds loomed overhead, unleashing torrents of rain upon the deserted streets as I marched home. I refused to drive home with Hudson after his horrible attitude. I’d forgotten how much of a jerk he could be. Now soaked to the bone and seething with resentment, I trudged along, oblivious to the downpour.

His truck pulled beside me, the headlights casting an eerie glow in the gloomy darkness. He stuck his head out the window, rain dripping from his hair.

“Get inside the truck, Luna.”

I shook my head, my jaw clenched with stubborn defiance.

“I’d rather freeze to death.”

Annoyance flashed across his features, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. I remained resolute, my resolve unyielding. He stopped the car, the engine rumbling to a halt. In one swift motion, he climbed out and scooped me over his shoulder, my protests falling on deaf ears as he deposited me into the passenger seat.

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