As I run up the hill, sirens wail from a distance.
One block to go.
My shirt and pants are drenched.
The front entrance is bolted shut.
Everything is dark when I peer through the windows.
So I head around the back, emerging through the kitchen door.
I reach the top of the stairs less than a minute before the hail begins.
Icy spheres the size of tennis balls.
At least that’s what one of the guys along the hallway yells.
No lights or hot water.
Power outage across the entire city.
The one time I dare to look out the window, all I see is darkness.
But night is hours away.
My heart rate doubles, stomach acidic and churning.
Is Porter even home?
I can barely breathe.
I’m too scared to tell the others.
They’ll probably make fun of me.
Would it be awkward to knock on his door?
You know… after our steamy interaction this morning?
I hold out as long as I can.
But I can’t bear the thought of being alone right now.
???
My first knock goes unanswered.
The thunder and wind are deafening.
So I use my fist this time.
How embarrassing to let my crush see me cry like a wuss.
Thankfully Porter isn’t embarrassed.
Not even a little.
As soon as he opens the door, he takes me by the hand.
