12

HUDSON

THE RUMBLE OF MY BIKE ECHOED through the quiet streets as we navigated the winding roads. She clutched my waist before chuckling in delight at each twist and turn. As we pulled up outside her house, I cut the engine. She swung her leg onto the pavement and lifted the helmet to reveal a face-splitting grin.

"Thanks for the ride." She said, handing me the helmet.

I leaned forward, a smirk playing on my lips as I admired her lively features.

"It was my pleasure, Snow." I said. "Anytime you need a distraction, I'm your guy."

She shifted on her feet; her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"It was fun."

"I'm a fun guy." I said, lifting myself from the bike.

Her eyes widened as I swung my leg over and stood before her, so close our shoes touched. I craned my neck down to look into her eyes.

"You need to let loose more often." I said. "It reminds me of the old Luna."

"The old Luna?"

I shook my head, mounted the bike, and revved the engine to bring it back to life.

"I'll see you around, Snow." I said, pulling away from the curb, and disappearing down the street.

?

I have attended more parties this month than in my whole high school career. The pulsing bass of the music and lights cast a hazy glow over the sea of people. Despite my usual aversion to crowds, I was drawn to the energy.

As I scanned the room, I saw Maya waving at me from the Beer Pong table. She beckoned me over. With a reluctant sigh, I weaved through the crowd until I reached her side. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she tossed the plastic ball into my hand.

"As reigning champions, we have a reputation to protect."

I smiled at her enthusiasm as I stood beside her. The familiar weight of the ball in my hand increased my competitiveness. I glanced at the two meat heads across the table and flicked my arm, launching the ball into one of their cups. Tension mounted with each shot as we battled it out for supremacy. They had one cup left. Maya took the last shot, sinking it in with a satisfying splash. We cheered as I threw my arm around her shoulder and pulled her to my side.

"We did it!" She said, raising her hands for a high-five.

As the celebration continued, I felt the need for fresh air. I excused myself out onto the porch and lit a cigarette. The cold air was vengeful, and I tugged my jacket tighter around my torso.

I caught sight of a figure stumbling in the distance. Squinting through the haze of smoke, I recognized the familiar figure.

Without a second thought, I rushed to her side with my cigarette dangling on the edge of my lips. I reached out to steady her.My phone rang in my back pocket, causing me to stumble in surprise. My grip on Luna slipped, causing her to tumble to the ground. With a frustrated sigh, I checked the caller ID. Dad. I debated whether to answer or to help the girl lying at my feet.

"Hey, dad," I said. "What's up?"

Luna groaned, but I ignored it.

"Where are you, kid?" He asked. "I just got home."

I took in my surroundings. The house was far away, but the pounding music vibrated under my feet. I spotted two junior girls near the bushes. One was holding her friend's hair back as she vomited. I scrunched my nose in disgust.

"I'm at a party."

I'd never been able to lie to my father. There was a pause on the other line.

"Alright, stay safe." He said. "Don't come home too late."

He ended the call. I sighed in relief and tucked my phone in my back pocket.

"Hudson, why is Luna on the ground?" Maya asked as she approached us.

"I found her like this."

With a concerned expression, she crouched beside Luna and attempted to lift her.

"Let's get you home."

Luna groaned in protest. She lifted her head, displaying her smudged makeup streaking down her face.

"He doesn't love me, Maya." She said, her words slurred with the effects of the alcohol.

"You've got this handled from here, right?" I asked, not equipped to handle these kinds of emotions.

"I need your help!" Maya said in disbelief.

I rolled my eyes. With a grunt of effort, I lifted her into my arms, hoisting her over my shoulder.

"No, leave me." Luna protested.

I shook my head with a smirk as I adjusted my grip on her. She wiggled.

"Cut it out, Snow." I said, my forehead knotted in frustration.

I turned to Maya.

"Did you drive here?"

She shook her head.

"No, we came with a friend." She said. "She can drive us home."

"I'll take you both home," I said. "There is no way anyone here is sober enough to drive."

It's a good thing I came in my dad's truck.

"Thank you."

We made our way out of the party and trekked down the winding street until we reached my truck. Maya opened the back door as I shoved Luna inside.

"I think I'm going to be sick." She said, placing the back of her hand on her forehead.

"You better not puke back there, Snow."

"Don't tell me what to do."

Maya climbed into the passenger seat and looked over her shoulder at her drunken mess of a friend.

"I think you should stay at my place tonight."

She received a thumbs-up in response. I kept my gaze on the road. The dim glow of the streetlights cast shadows on the deserted street. The engine's hum was the only thing to break the silence of the night. As well as Luna's sobs.

"I can't believe he dumped me in public." She said, her voice choked with emotion.

"He was a jerk, anyway. Not much worth crying over."

Maya nudged me in the ribs and delivered a warning glare.

"Way to be empathetic."

I shrugged, knowing that I would lose the battle. Instead, I focused on getting them home and out of my way.

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