Page 154 of Retribution

“Yo, Lo!” I hear his voice shout me from across the hallway as I slam my locker shut, my chemistry books heavy in my hold.

Turning, I take in his outfit of choice: an over-sized beige sweater and a pair of loose Levi’s with white chucks. I make a mental note to remind him that I want that sweater. His blonde hair is lengthy and curly, tamed slightly with wax.

I’ve always loved the fluffiness of his hair, the kind that tempts you to grasp hold of it and sink your fingers in it.

“Landon!” I cheer in response as he scoops me up, spinning me around in a circle before planting me back onto my feet.

“How’s my favorite girl? Excited for chemistry, I see?” He pulls at the books in my arms, taking in the titles and cringing.

“Stop, you know what my parents have said. If my grades drop, I can’t see you.” I pout my lip and he loops an arm over my shoulders, pulling me into him as we begin to walk.

“I don’t see all of the fuss to be honest, your parents love me.” He flashes his perfect smile, the dimples in his cheeks pop slightly, my heart flickering at the sight.

“That’s not the point, Landon. Besides, everyone loves you, it’s not saying much.” I roll my eyes as he fist pumps the air, is ego following us like a shadow.

“My Lolo, so perfectly naive and sweet, thinking her grades will impact if we can see each other or not. You know that you’re addicted to me just as much as I am to you.” He pinches my side and I squeal, almost dropping my books.

“Miss. Breckenridge and Mr. Morgan, do we have somewhere that we need to be?” Principal Stanley stares down at us through his glasses, raising an eyebrow expectantly.

“You are correct, Principal Stanley. We’re just heading to chemistry.” Landon grins, his devastating smile has me gawking.

“Then, hurry along. Less of this– contact.” He gestures to Landon’s arm around my shoulders, making me blush.

I awkwardly try to get out of his embrace, but he only tightens his grip, securing me underneath him.

“Anything for you, Principal Stanley.” Landon smirks and leans his head against mine as we begin to walk away.

We erupt into a fit of laughter and break apart, unable to hold ourselves upright from how much our stomachs ache.

“His–His face!” I giggle, not able to stop myself.

“That was a picture perfect moment!” Landon replies, holding the wall to stop himself from keeling over too far.

I try to catch my breath, my ribs aching from how long we’ve been laughing and earning strange looks from other students.

“Come on then, Lo. Let’s get you off to precious chemistry.”

He takes my books from my arms, hooking them under his and then looping my backpack onto his shoulder.

I watch on in awe as he begins to walk in the direction of chemistry, but my feet don’t dare to move as I look at him. His golden hair moves with the breeze from an open window, the curls lifting and floating higher.

He stops and turns to me.

“Are you coming or not?” His face is only partially angled to me, but he wears that same heart-stopping grin that I love so much.

I smile and nod, skipping to catch up with him.

* * *

“No, because he really did come home with a live turkey, thinking he was some sort of macho guy who can slay a turkey for thanksgiving!” Mom laughs, taking a sip of her wine.

“Indie, come on. It wasn’t like that, a guy told me the flavor of it is better with it being so fresh. I just thought we could give it a try, you know? Switch things up a bit.” Dad counteracts defensively.

“So, I do have some questions.” Devon ponders.

“Go ahead, ask away.” Dad responds.

I push around the yams and toy with the rest of my food, waiting for the time to burn down so I can get out of here and go to Landon’s.

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