Where did he go?

The silence in the car was intense.

Neither of us spoke after the call.

Aaron drove to my house and pulled up gently. He didn’t say anything.

No teasing.

No smirk.

Just silence.

I held my bag tightly and opened the door.

“Thanks for the ride. Bye.”

I turned toward him, expecting something.

Anything.

He said nothing.

My chest tightened.

I stepped out slowly.

As I was about to close the door, Aaron finally looked at me. A faint, unreadable smile rested on his lips.

“Take care,” he said.

I nodded and shut the door.

The car drove off immediately.

I stood there for a few seconds, watching it disappear.

The street felt too quiet.

I exhaled and turned, walking into the house.

The silence inside wrapped around me instantly.

I dropped my bag on the couch and sank into it.

Why did that bother me so much?

Aaron was never like that. Never quiet. Never distant.

I pulled out my phone and opened our chat.

Are you okay?

I hesitated then pressed send.

Delivered.

No reply.

I waited.

A minute.

Two.

Five.

Nothing.

I sighed and dropped my phone beside me.

“This is stupid,” I muttered.

This was all fake.

Everything about this, him, the relationship, the kisses were fake.

So why did it feel like something had changed?

My phone buzzed.

I grabbed it instantly.

It was Aaron.

“Your scholarship issue is resolved.”

That was it.

No explanation.

No follow-up.

Just that.

My brows pulled together.

That’s all?

I typed quickly.

Where are you?

What happened?

Is he okay?

Sent.

I waited.

And waited.

No reply.

The next morning, I woke up restless.

Like I hadn’t really slept.

At school, the whispers had already started.

“Did you see them yesterday?”

“They’re actually dating…”

“I still don’t believe it…”

I ignored them and walked to my seat.

Then I noticed it.

Aaron’s seat was empty.

I paused.

Maybe he was late.

Class started.

He didn’t come.

Second period.

Still nothing.

By lunch, it was obvious.

Aaron Briggs wasn’t in school.

And for some reason, it bothered me more than it should have.

I checked my phone again.

Still nothing.

I tried to focus, but it was useless.

Every small distraction pulled my thoughts back to him.

“Allison.”

I looked up.

A staff member stood by the door.

“The principal wants to see you.”

My stomach dropped.

I knocked and stepped into the office.

“Sir?”

Mr. Carter looked up, his expression different this time.

Not tense.

Not disappointed.

Just surprised.

“Sit down, Allison.”

I sat, my fingers tightening slightly around my bag.

“I must say,” he began,

“I’m quite surprised.”

“Sir?”

“The report against you has been withdrawn.”

My breath caught.

“Withdrawn?”

He nodded.

“The students involved admitted their statements were false.”

That fast?

“And your scholarship,” he continued,

“will be fully restored.”

Relief rushed through me.

“Oh, thank you, sir.”

“You may go.”

I stood up, my thoughts already spinning.

Because there was only one person who could have done this.

Aaron.

I walked back to class, distracted.

As I stepped in, my eyes met Paige’s.

She was staring at me.

Like she knew something I didn’t.

I looked away and sat down.

But I couldn’t focus.

Not on anything.

The moment class ended, I grabbed my bag and left.

The walk home was quiet.

Too quiet.

My thoughts filled every second.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted.

A note sat on the table.

Hello sweetie, I’m going to see Vera. I might stay long. Food is in the refrigerator. Take care, I love you.

I sighed, placing it back down.

Ever since my dad died, my mom had tried her best.

I couldn’t blame her for needing space sometimes.

Later that evening, I sat on the couch watching The Carlton’s.

Or at least, trying to.

My mind kept drifting.

Back to him.

A knock suddenly echoed through the house.

I frowned.

“Mom?”

No answer.

I checked my phone.

A message.

Hello sweetheart, the party got late. I’ll be back tomorrow.

My chest tightened slightly.

Then who?

Another knock.

Louder this time.

I stood up slowly, my heart beginning to race.

Each step toward the door felt heavier.

I reached for the handle and pulled it open.

I froze.

Aaron stood there.

But something was off.

No confidence.

No teasing.

Just something heavier.

My fingers trembled slightly.

“Can I come in?” he asked quietly.