Page 18 of Caged in Flames

I manage to get around a group of giggly girls, narrowly avoiding a run in with my dad.

Of course, he and Regina would be here for Charlie. I haven't heard from him in months, but he can make it to the first football game of the year.

I'm almost out of the stadium when I feel someone approaching. Fuck. So close.

"Nix, hey, what's going on?" Gunner's arm wraps around me.

I turn into him a tiny bit to realize I've got tears running down my face. I quickly wipe them away. This should have been expected. Why am I still upset?

"It...it was my dad. I guess he showed up for Charlie. I just want to go back to my room and watch Schitt's Creek. I don't want to be here. It was stupid."

"Alright, Nixy. Let's go."

"No, Gunner. It's fine. You can watch the game. I'm okay, I promise."

"Well, I don't think I should attempt it. I stole Jane's nachos when I followed you. I figured maybe I could use them to bribe you into hanging out with me tonight."

I laugh. Sure enough, he's holding a tray of chips covered in what has to be fake cheese in his other hand. It looks delicious. "I do love nachos."

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