Page 39 of A Game as Old as Time

“Maybe I can help with that,” said a boy’s voice.

Gunner.

He stepped in slowly. A stack of papers shifted in each of his hands.

What is he doing here?

His face was different today, more like the one that had walked her out to the parking lot a few weeks before. His eyes were fixed on Ms. Summers, but she could still see the sorrow and ache that he tried to hide.

“Gunner?” Ms. Summers turned away, wiping unshed tears from her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

Hailey could sense him glance over at her, but she refused to acknowledge him.

“I wanted to drop these off.”

She peeked back as he handed Ms. Summers a flyer. Hailey could not help but try to catch a glimpse of what was on it.

“Gunner...” The teacher’s hand began to shake as she read. “What---how?”

He began to fumble with the papers. Hailey tilted her head, intrigued by his changed demeanor.

What happened to him?

He seemed so tired and lost. He did not carry himself like the Gunner she had yelled at or like the boy who had sat behind his steering wheel with an arrogant smile on his face.

He is in so much pain.

“I spoke with some of the Boosters. I hope you don’t mind. They decided that my father would want to move forward with the fundraiser, as before, and have it support the after-school activities.”

What!?

Hailey’s heart started pumping faster, and the hair on her arms began to rise.

“Plus,” he chuckled to himself, sending a small shiver up her side. “My dad would have hated his name on some stupid scoreboard.”

He looked over at her again; this time Hailey’s eyes locked with his. She saw the sadness and the grief she’d noticed before. He seemed exhausted, like everyone else in this town, but something kept pulling her close to him.

What is it?

“I owe you both an apology,” he said, handing Hailey a flyer. “The other night in the parking lot…that, that wasn’t me.” She could feel Ms. Summers’ gaze as he continued to stare at her. “At least, I hope that’s not me. I’m still trying to figure all this out.”

What is that look?

“I know that’s not who you are, Gunner,” Ms. Summers said, moving across the room.

He shook his head, flashing Hailey a smile as he straightened his posture.

Oh god, he is cute.

“My dad…” He turned away to speak with Ms. Summers, allowing Hailey time to finally exhale. “If my dad really wanted this musical to happen, well, he would want it done right.”

It was as if their teacher was watching her own child walk across the stage at graduation. Her grin was so wide that it took up practically her whole face.

“If you still have a spot open…” He took another deep breath. “I’d like to be considered for the musical.”

What!?

Hailey nearly fell out of her chair.

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