002

Astrid’s POV

Stunned, I left my eyes glued on the couple who were making out in front of me with no care in the world.

I didn’t scream, I didn’t cry either though I really wanted to do one out of the two or maybe or both.

With a lump in my throat, I just stood there, frozen in place as if my body had forgotten how to function.

Reis’s mouth was still pressed to hers; soft, familiar and intimate in a way that made my stomach twist violently.

Hannah Blake’s fingers were curled into the front of his jersey, her body leaning into his like she had every right to be there.

And like I didn’t.

The corridor buzzed with noise. Laughter rented the air, skates scraped against concrete and lockers slamming but all I could hear was my heartbeat pounding wildly in my ears.

This wasn’t happening, this couldn’t be happening. – I thought, trying to regulate my heavy breathing.

Unable to bear the pain anymore, I decided to leave but my clumsiness made me bump into a furniture, making a low wince escape my lips.

“Astrid…” Dawn called.

And that instant, Reis pulled back abruptly, his eyes widening when he saw me. His face drained of color so fast it almost startled me.

Hannah turned slowly and deliberately, her lips curving into a lazy and satisfied smirk.

Of course she smiled.

Hannah always smiled when she won and right now, not only did she win, she was going to make sure she rubs my loss in my face.

“Well,” she said lightly, brushing her hair back. “This is awkward.”

Fuming with anger, my fingers curled into fists at my sides. “Get away from him.” I snapped.

She raised a brow, amusement flickering across her face. “Or what?”

“Hannah,” Reis snapped, stepping away from her finally. “Enough.” He scowled.

I let out a laugh that didn’t sound like it belonged to me. It was short, sharp, and broken.

“So now you remember I exist, huh?” I huffed.

“Astrid, please listen to me,” he said quickly, taking a step toward me. “It didn’t mean anything. I swear. It just… happened.”

“It just happened,” I repeated, my voice hollow.

Hannah scoffed, crossing her hands on her chest, she said, “That’s not how it felt to me.”

“Shut up,” Reis hissed at her before shifting his gaze back to me at once while she shrugged, completely unfazed.

“I’m just being honest.” She muttered.

Ignoring her, I stared at him, really stared.

His hair was still damp from the game and his chest was rising and falling like he had just finished a sprint.

He didn’t look guilty, he looked caught.

“How many times?” I asked quietly.

“What?” He asked with a deep frown which marred his good looks.

“How many times have you said that to me?” My voice trembled despite my effort to keep it steady.

“That l this… didn't mean anything. That it was a mistake. That you were sorry.” I listed, trying to keep a brave face.

“Astrid…” he was going to defend himself as usual but I didn't give him the chance.

“How many times have I forgiven you?” My chest burned as memories flooded in.

It started with texts I wasn’t meant to see, whispers in hallways and apologies murmured against my hair while I convinced myself love meant patience.

“Because this isn’t the first time, is it?” I whispered, my gaze not leaving him.

He opened his mouth then closed it.

The silence was deafening.

Hannah tilted her head, watching me like I was performing at an event.

“You really should stop embarrassing yourself.” She snapped at me, cracking something inside me.

Unable to bear the impact, I took a step back, like I had been slapped.

“I’m done.” I forced the words out.

Reis’s eyes widened at once. “No… don’t say that. Please… I’ll fix it.”

“You always say that,” I whispered. “And nothing ever changes.”

I turned away before he could touch me and most importantly, before I could break.

“Astrid!” Dawn’s voice echoed somewhere behind me. “Astrid, wait!” She said but I didn’t stop.

With my heart in my mouth and tear filled eyes, I pushed through the exit doors, the cold night air slamming into me like punishment.

Tears streamed down my face unchecked as I walked fast and blindly. I had no place in mind to go but I don't mind anywhere but there.

The bar down the street glowed like a terrible idea but I walked in.

The music was loud, the lights were dim and the smell of alcohol was thick in the air.

I slid onto a stool and ordered a drink, then another, this time something stronger.

Each sip burned, but I welcomed it. The numbness crept in slowly, wrapping around my thoughts and dulling the sharp edges of betrayal.

Sitting there, I laughed at nothing and cried without realizing it. My phone buzzed endlessly in my bag, Dawn’s name lighting up the screen but I ignored it.

Eventually, the world blurred.

And then, nothing.

***

The chirping birds pulled me back to consciousness but I didn't open my eyes as my head was pounding hard.

Grabbing my head with both hands, I groaned, rolling slightly before freezing as the realization hit me.

This wasn’t my bed. – The thoughts made my eyes fly open.

The mattress was firmer, the sheets darker and the air smelled unfamiliar. It was clean and faintly masculine.

Panic shot through me as I pushed myself upright only then did I realize I was wearing an oversized vest and nothing else but my panties.

“Oh my God,” I breathed.

My heart slammed violently against my ribs as I became aware of another presence beside me, warm, solid and breathing.

Slowly, dread crawled up my spine as I turned my head.

Ocean Rhett was lying beside me, his hair messy and his scar stark in the soft morning light.

“Oh my goodness, what is happening?” I gasped, wiping my eyes with both hands to ascertain if I was dreaming or not.

It was at this moment that his eyes, those impossible ocean blue eyes opened and locked onto mine like they were meant to be there.

Terrified, I gulped as beads of perspiration gathered on my forehead.

He studied me for a moment and then his lips curved into that annoying smirk of his.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice deep and rough with sleep.

That was it.

My body reacted before my brain could.

I scrambled backward in pure shock, tangled in sheets. My balance was completely gone and I fell off the bed with a loud and echoing thud.