Page 75 of Forever We Fall

I hadn’t spoken to him since he thrashed me so hard he thought he’d stolen my voice.

“Do you have any idea where he might be or how we might get ahold of him?”

“No, sir. We’re not close.”

Hota nods as though reassuring himself that was indeed a fact.

“Okay,” he stutters and stalls. “I’m going to contact the local police to do a welfare check on him.”

Surprisingly, my heart doesn’t race at that news. I knew this would happen. There are a few more hurdles before I’m truly free. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your help.”

With a quick yep, the line goes dead. Hota hangs it up and gives me a steady smile.

I don’t know if it’s impressive that we’re not freaking out right now or scary how calm we are.

“You have to hurry.” I shoo Hota toward his room. “Banquet.”

He stays right in front of me. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, it does.” I smile. “You need to leave so I can get dressed and make it in time for your awards.”

His mouth falls open. He snaps it closed. “You’re coming?”

“Wouldn’t miss it, unless neither of us have pants on.”

“Well, that would be more fun.” He winks. “But I’d like to make the team next year. Best not to piss off Coach.” He grins with his whole face and rushes for the door, but stalls. “How do you know I’m getting awards?”

“Because you’re you.” I shrug like he usually shrugs. It feels good. I smile as he dashes out the door.

He wins awards for the wrestling team’s most valuable wrestler, most first place wins, and the regional champion. And his gaze finds mine in the crowd every time he leaves the stage. Maybe I can’t touch his skin right now, but I can touch him where it means the most. His heart. I hope one day to be able to touch him. Even if I can’t, I will support him, always.

It’s been a week since I ordered Arlo to come for me, and he did. We haven’t had a repeat performance. I shouldn’t be thinking about how badly I want one, especially while sitting in this class surrounded by dudes.

Our professor drones on about biology after we’ve already taken our final exam. The only biology I’m interested in sits to my left, reading a book about business law.

Snooze.

I’m left to my own devices, nonchalantly staring at the slope of his nose and the cut of his jaw, the veins in his hands and the tightened skin over his knuckles.

The static of the intercom interrupts the class before the words follow. “Mr. Divorskak, I need Arlo Judge and Hotaru Kido to the headmaster’s office, please.”

Our professor gives his approval, while the rest of the class erupts into oohs and aahs. Every pair of curious eyes finds us.

Arlo closes his book and stuffs it into his book bag, without acknowledging the horde. I, on the other hand, smirk at them. Let them wonder what’s going on. It makes no difference.

We grab our bags and exit our row at the top of the theater. The professor tries, in vain, to regain control. Slowly, it settles.

Phillip glares as we head for the classroom door. “I bet they got caught fucking in the weight room or something. They’re always in there together.”

I stop on his row, turn, and face him. The sneer melts off his face.

“You should come sometime. I could show you how the equipment works,” I offer as a double entendre.

The classroom erupts into chaos. Phillip turns several shades of red. Perhaps one day he’ll learn. I grin, turn, and follow Arlo out the door.

“A little unnecessary.” Arlo chuckles.

“He started it.” I adjust the strap of the bag on my shoulder.

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