AllFreeNovel
Share Us
RACHEL
The eggs are frying in the pan when I finally hear some groaning coming from the couch. I glance over my shoulder, my eyes finding Hunter rising from the couch while rubbing his head. His blond hair sticks to his face and there’s scruff on his jaw. The swelling in his face has gone down, yet it’s stilled marred by bruises and cuts.
I so desperately want to ask him what happened, but I know he will just push me away.
“Good morning,” I call while trying to put on my best smile.
Hunter turns towards me, his eyes slightly swollen and squinting at me. “Huh?” He rubs his eyes and a painful hiss emits from his chapped lips.
“I’ve made you breakfast,” I say while holding up the pan.
Hunter doesn’t say anything as he stands. I watch him pass by me and walk down the hall towards the bathroom. The door closes and I return my attentions to the fried eggs I’m making with toast. It’s a simple breakfast, but it should be a good hangover cure.
I hear the shower turn on as I turn off the stove and slide the eggs onto the plate. I smear avocado on my own and take a bite while taking out my cellphone and looking at my to-do list. Seth has gone on his run, although there is so much snow on the ground, I don’t know how long he can actually go for.
I frown and make a face. But, then again, he did go for a run every day we were in the mountains on that ski trip. So, obviously, snow doesn’t bother him. Crazy bastard. Lucas has already gone to class. I really want to talk to him about last night. Not about Hunter, but about our date. We barely had time to ourselves given that we had to go and rescue Hunter from whatever it was he got himself into.
The door opens and I turn, watching a very wet, now toweled Hunter appear. “Hungry?” I ask while holding out his plate, but Hunter ignores me as he enters his room.
I sigh and lower the plate. I don’t know why I still try. He won’t give no matter what I do. I take another bit of my avocado-egg toast and turn my attentions back to my hectic list of things to get done today. I need to speak with Mr. Brown about the internship program. After looking into it, I’m feeling a bit reluctant. There are so many talented artists in this school. I have no clue what to send in my portfolio, and what I currently have, won’t get me anywhere close to my goals.
The door opens again and I lift my head, finding Hunter looking fresh with his wet hair tied back in a man bun. He dumps his backpack near the front door and grabs one of Lucas’s many coats.
“Going to class?” I ask sweetly while approaching him.
Hunter grunts while zipping the coat and grabbing his bag.
I reach towards him, sliding my hand against his bruised flesh. His eyes turn to me, widening for a moment before he bats me away. “Stop, Rachel,” he says harshly. “Just stop.”
I step backwards. I feel like I’ve been struck, yet he has barely touched me. Sniffing, I bite back me tears and give him a curt nod. “Sorry,” I murmur while I watch him turn around and open the door.
He doesn’t say a word as he closes the door. My bottom lip trembles as I try to swallow my sobs, feeling stupid for ever thinking that he liked me.
Steeling myself, I straighten and stalk back to my room, throwing on my coat and grabbing my bag. You know what, fuck him, I tell myself while sliding my keys off the counter and walking out the front door. If he doesn’t want my help, that’s on him. I’m over it. I deserve better than this. I have issues going on in my life, too. It’s not just the ‘Hunter Show’ where everyone has to worry and care about him.
“So freaking selfish,” I murmur to myself while locking the door. His eggs can rot on that counter for all I care. I’m done.
I don’t know where my feet take me, but they don’t take me to class, that’s for sure. I look at the clock on my phone and see I have plenty of time before class starts. I guess I didn’t really need to leave this early, but I don’t want to be alone.
I sigh while walking through the small college town, my eyes catching on The Coffee Shop sign and I realize I am in desperate need of a latte. Sure, we have coffee at home, but I need a pick-me-up now more than ever. This morning, last night, this entire semester; all of it just freaking blows and I am so ready for it to be May and for the semester to end.
I open the door to The Coffee Shop and smile at the usual bell clanging above me, knowing it’s a sign that soon I will have something yummy and warm taking all my stress and worries away. At least for the next thirty minutes. I look around while standing in line, smiling when I see Charlie and Lauren sitting in our usual corner next the window.
Charlie catches my gaze, her eyes widening for a moment while I wave. “Hey!” I call.
She quickly looks away and leans towards Lauren. I watch her mouth move, watch Lauren turn around. Her eyes narrow on me and there’s no smile on either of the girl’s faces as they look at me.
I frown and slowly lower my hand. My stomach twists as I watch them quickly shove their notebooks and pencil cases into their bags. Something strange is going on, I think to myself while stepping forwards. My gaze remains glued to them as they shrug on their bags and walk towards the door, keeping their attentions off me.
“Hey!” I try again, this time leaving the line and following after them. “What’s up?”
Neither of them answer as I follow them outside. “Hey!” I say while running around them, making them stop.
Lauren and Charlie look between them, a frown on their lips. Lauren lifts her gaze and I step backwards as she scowls at me. “What’s going on?” I ask, my words coming out slowly. I don’t know if I want to hear the answer.
Charlie shakes her head. “Rachel, maybe it’s best if you just go back inside.”
“No, what’s going on?”
