I am chewing on my nails, my eyes fixed on the score board as I look between the ball being passed on the opposite team. They are leading by two points, and from where I am sitting, I can see how pissed Chris looks, he's fuming because some jerk on the team almost made Evan trip but didn't get a foul for it.

Evan's eyes are fixed on the ball as it is being dribbled, but then his head snaps to Chris, giving him a very subtle nod which I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't looking between the two of them like crazy. Jordan must be in on whatever mind telepathy they are doing because he shifts his position and slams down the ball before it can inside the basket. Chris immediately takes charge, and now the ball is within our team as he dribbles towards the basket, he motions to shoot the ball and I hold my breath as the same jerk who tripped Evan tries to make the same move as Jordan, but Chris instead of scoring, passes the ball to Evan. And since the major focus was on Chris, Evan easily scores a point, and our school erupts in cheers.

"I have never seen you watch a game like that." Breanna says from beside me but I just shrug at her. Luke is there by her side, and when I asked him why didn't he try out for basket ball, he informed me that he's more of a football kind of a guy.

My eyes focus back on the court, and I see how we are still one point behind the opposition. But it's a few seconds time out as the whole team is gathered around in the corner, and I can see Chris talking, his eyes snapping to each member of the team and Evan immediately joins in, probably instructing them something and Chris nods, hopefully agreeing.

Watching them play reminds me that no matter how many glares they pass on to each other when we hang out, they are back to being teammates while they're on the court, and that makes me appreciate the game, and both their bond so much.

Everyone separates and Chris' eyes shoot to the audience, as if he's looking for someone, but then they come to settle on me. I immediately pass him a grin and he shakes his head at me, a small smile evident on his features.

The next few minutes of the game are just as intense as both the teams try to take on the lead, but before I know it, Chris is scoring two baskets consecutively. A huge smile is there on my face when Highland Park wins the game, and the couple besides me howls out cheering. I smack both their heads, earning a scowl from the two of them.

"Be a little more loud, please. I want to be deaf." I remark sarcastically.

The team is celebrating on the court, guys hugging each other and congratulating one another on the win. Rose is sitting with her group of friends today, and I didn't ask her much about it, just gave her a simple nod when she informed me.

"I was thinking of trying out for cheerleading team." Breanna says, catching my attention and I squint my eyes at her.

"Sorry, it's really loud in here, I can't hear you." I tell her.

She gives me an amused smile, "I am thinking of trying for cheer leading team, Adri." She says as we move outside, making me frown.

"Why the hell?" I ask.

"Because I want to see her in cheerleading uniform." Luke remarks as we reach in the parking lot.

"Well, then I'll buy you one." I offer Breanna who laughs at me.

"I was kidding. There's no way in hell I can do those routines, I'll break an arm or something." She says and I nod, agreeing.

"Oh wait, did you two?" I ask, thinking about what Luke said just now. I turn to Luke, "Congrats, buddy." I wink and he flushes, gesturing a 'cut it out' sign from behind Breanna, and the realisation finally hits me.

"What?" Breanna asks, clearly confused.

"Nothing. I was congratulating him on getting an A on his English Paper." I quickly cover up and she narrows her eyes at me.

But then she gasps, "Fuck, I think I forgot my phone inside." She says, slamming her palm against her forehead.

"Stay right here, we'll go get it." Luke tells me before grabbing Breanna's hand and they both disappear.

I wait by Breanna's car, humming Talk Dirty To Me to myself as I bob my head back and forth. I am so lost in my own world that I don't realise when there's a presence besides me.

"Hey there." The person says, making me jump a little and I keep a hand on my chest.

"Gosh, you scared me," I laugh a little but when I look up, that laugh dies in my throat. It's the jerk face from the other team. I frown immediately at him, trying to wonder why the fuck is he here.

"I didn't mean to, sorry." He apologises, making me scowl further. I didn't expect him to apologise, not with his fuck-boy look.

Do I even need to say it? Of fucking course he's handsome, with those mop of blonde hair and an unnerving smirk. It actually makes me want to smack him across his face.

"Like what you see?" He asks, making me scrunch up my nose.

"Not even in your dreams." I retort back.

Sure, he's handsome. But, he's not my type. What can I say? Blondes don't match my taste of boys.

"Fiesty, nice." He smirks.

Where the hell are Breanna and Luke when you need rescuing? Another time they are acting like my fucking parents, and now that I need them, they aren't here.

"How can I help you?" I ask, trying to keep the edge off.

"The name's William, by the way." He extends his hand and I look between his hand and his face, a smile is there on his face.

God, I dislike my Dad for teaching me to never reject when someone offers to shake their hand like that. He thinks it's very impolite and rude. So, with my father's voice in my head, I extend my hand but stay quiet, and refuse to offer him my name.

A gasp escapes my lips when he tightens his grip on my hand, using it to jerk me forward. There's amusement behind his eyes and I try to wiggle out of his grip but fuck, he's strong. But I definitely take at least five steps back, my hand still firm in his hold.

"Let go of my hand." I say through greeted teeth.

He shakes his head, "Trust me, I don't have bad intentions. I saw a beautiful girl standing alone in the parking lot, and came up to talk. Don't mind me." He shrugs.

"Okay, William, I wouldn't mind you if you let go of my hand this second."

He smirks even further, "Oh hell, I never thought my name could sound that sexy."

"I am going to count to three, now buddy, after that I am going to ring up my dad, who is a lawyer by the way, and accuse you of eve teasing, asking him to make a case against you." I tell him, sternly. My playful mood was gone, and now this fucking jerk was truly pissing the hell out of me.

"I would listen to her if I were you." Someone says from behind me and I turn around to see Jordan and Chris standing there, both wearing their varsity jackets. Chris is the one who spoke.

William immediately lets of my hand and looks between the three of us. He looks confused for a minute before sobering up, "You called back up, huh?" He looks at me.

"I didn't call shit, you had me fucking trapped. If I was to call someone, like I said, it would have been my father." I glare at him.

"Fuck off, Reed, before I have to physically make you run away." Chris says, his eyes sending death glares to William.

"I thought you were fucking that blonde?" He retorts and then looks at me, "Didn't think brunette is your taste."

Jordan steps forward and pulls me closer to himself and I immediately relax in his embrace. He's shooting daggers through his gaze to William who looks between the two of us, "Now now, what would Smith say about that?" He clicks his tongue.

Why is he talking about Evan? Does he know that we are best friends? I don't think he does, I mean.. it doesn't make sense because he obviously didn't know me before this.

"Shut the fuck up, alright?" Jordan says, his whole body going rigid at the mention of Evan.

I look at his face and he looks incredibly pissed but also panicked. What? I feel like I am missing something here, but it's not my place to pry.

"Tell Smith I said hello, would you?" He smirks before turning around to leave.

Jordan let go off me and Chris steps forward, immediately catching my arm as his other hand comes up to cup my cheek. I take in a shaky breath at the way my body reacts to his touch but his eyes are laced with concern as he looks me up and down, as if looking for an injury and I offer him a small smile.

"Are you okay?" He asks.

"I am fine, Jay. Don't worry." I tell him, my hand coming to cover his that's still resting on my cheek.

"What did he want?" He asks, making me shrug.

"From the looks of it, I would say a girl who would play along and agree to a one night stand." I tell him honestly, making his eyes turn the darker version of gray as I look into his orbs.

"Did he try anything?"

I shake my head, "Nothing. Just a few comments."

He nods but then eyebrows furrow together as he looks at my hand covering his. He immediately moves his hand and I take the hint, removing mine but he surprises me when he catches my hand in his own brings it closer to his face. He's looking at it and when I see why,I notice that my hand has turned red due to the tight grip William had on it.

Chris runs his thumb on my palm, still looking at it, "Does it hurt?" He asks, making me shake my head in response.

"No, it'll be alright in a few minutes." I assure him.

His hand which was on my arm goes into his hairs, "I'm going to punch that asshole." He mutters under his breath before he lets my hand drop and takes a step to move but I keep my hand on his chest.

"You're not going to punch anyone. He didn't do anything." I tell him in a calm tone.

"Yes, but he would have tried something if we didn't come on time." He says, obviously seething.

I smile a little, "Sorry Jay, but I think I would have handled it on my own. But still, thank you. Let it go now."

He nods, running a hand through his hair again and that's when I realise that my hand is still on his chest, his jacket undone so my hand is on the thin white t-shirt he's wearing underneath. I can feel the warmth of his skin and his erratic heartbeat. I immediately pull my hand away and look up at him, his eyes boring down into mine.

I take a step back, "Sorry." I mumble and he catches it, but doesn't say anything as his eyes focus behind me.

Turning around, I look at Jordan who's typing on his phone but then I see Breanna, Luke, Evan and Rose approaching us. When they reach me, I immediately glare at the former couple, "Where the fuck were you?" I ask, pissed.

"Umm.." Breanna trails off and I narrow my eyes at Luke, that's when I realise that his hair are messed up.

"Oh god, please don't tell me you lied about that phone shit just so could make out." I groan.

Luke laughs, "No, she genuinely forgot her phone. But then, it just went a little off track?"

"Seriously guys?" I stare at the two of them, "You have like the worst timing ever. I could have been kidnapped till the time you came back, or worse, dead." I complain.

All four of them frown but Chris rolls his eyes and Jordan snickers, "Okay Adrianna, now you are just exaggerating." He points out and I glare at him.

"How do you know he wouldn't hurt me? You weren't even there when he approached me." I shoot back, obviously being dramatic, but I love pulling Breanna and Luke's leg, especially when it concerns them making out – that's just going against the rules.

"Well, did he? I just asked you and you said nothing happened." Chris says, obviously still tense about the whole situation.

"What the hell are you guys on about?" Evan asks.

Oh-oh. Now, I may have forgotten about his presence or about his overprotectiveness while exaggerating but the way he's looking at me, I know there's no getting out of it. He wouldn't let it go unless I tell him everything.

"So, William approached me.." I trial off, detecting his reaction and I am not surprised when shock comes on his features.

"What?" He asks, clearly pissed.

"Uh-huh. It had nothing to do with you, just something to do with him finding a girl standing alone in a parking lot humming Talk Dirty To Me to herself." I shrug and Chris glares at me.

"You were humming that song when he approached you?" He asks and I nod, making him scoff, "No wonder he came onto you."

"He did what?" Evan interrupts, his hand curling into a fist so I look at Rose, silently pleading her to calm her boyfriend down.

"Yeah, he didn't come onto me. He was just messing around, then Jordan, my knight came to my rescue." I tell Evan and he relaxes a little, but still seems pissed which improves when Rose takes his hand in hers, and he sighs a little, obviously her touch affecting him.

I gulp, looking away and Chris snorts, "Really? Jordan came to your rescue?" He asks, feigning being offended and I grin.

"Yup. You were just too busy brooding and shooting him death glares."

"We are so sorry, Adri, we didn't know." Breanna apologises, and I roll my eyes.

"It's really not that big of a deal as you guys are making it." I shrug, truthfully. It's really not. A guy approaching a girl like that, it seems cliché, and overrated. But it's not like he tried to molest me or anything.

"You guys going to Sam's party?" Evan asks, looking at Jordan and Chris.

"Oh, I forgot, congratulation you guys!" I grin and move to hug Jordan, who immediately hugs me back. I don't move from his embrace as he wraps his arm around my shoulder.

Chris smirks. "What? I don't get a hug?"

"Nope. Remember the no touching policy?" I tease, and his smirk drops down as he scowls at me.

"What about me?" Evan asks, smiling and I stick my tongue out at him.

"Only Jordie gets hug, he's my knight." I say and Jordan snickers.

"You're making me the target of two guys' wrath." He whispers to me and I give him a bewildered look.

He shrugs and then Chris speaks up, "Are you guys going?" He asks, looking between Rose and Evan.

Rose nods, "Yeah, my girlfriends are going as well, so I am dragging him along." She smiles at Evan.

"I don't mind." He shrugs.

"Alright then, do you want to go?" Chris asks me, making me frown.

Why is he asking me like that? It almost looks like he's asking me to go with him, but I know better than that. So, I play smart and turn to the rest of the group. Breanna and Luke are wearing identical amused smiles which makes me flip my finger at them before I speak.

"Do you guys want to go?" I ask Jordan and the annoying couple.

"Sure." Breanna says and I nod.

"Let's go then?" I tell Chris who nods.

"Want to hatch a ride with us?" Breanna asks and I fake a gagging sound.

"Please! I would rather lie down in front of his car as he drives me over." I point to Luke who barks out a laugh.

"That's some dark sense of humor." Rose says, a smile on her face and I laugh.

"It just annoys me when couples make out in front of their best friend's face." I look between Evan and Breanna who both smirk at me.

"Like I said An, we'll see how you keep your hands off your boyfriend," Evan says and then adds, "If you ever have one." He winks, teasingly.

"Oh, Ev, don't challenge me." I point my finger at him and he grins further.

"I am not, I am just saying." He shrugs innocently.

"Well, fuck off." I flip my finger in the air, making everyone laugh.

"You coming with us?" Jordan asks and I nod.

Everyone starts towards their cars, agreeing to meet at Sam's place where the party is. When we reach Chris's car, I let Jordan shotgun because I am too busy staring down at my phone. I have just received an email from an anonymous account, making me frown.

I settle down in the back seat, opening the mail.

Dear Adrianna,

I am not sure if those are the first words I want to say to you, but I am at a loss here. If you are wondering who this is, you will figure it out in a minute – I know you are a smart girl.

This is not how I imagined to ever contact you, or I didn't ever imagine contacting you at all. Period. That might seem harsh, and I apologise for that, but if I am going to do this, I have promised myself to stay absolutely honest to you. Recently, I have suffered a great loss which has made me realise that I want to make amends for whatever regrets I have.

You are not my regret, Adrianna, you are anything but a regret. My biggest regret is leaving the hospital without you in my arms, and I don't want to go into the details over this email. But, I have a huge request to make to you.

Please respond to this email, I want to meet you – I am not even asking for you to give me a chance, but just one opportunity to talk to you.

If you ever find it in your heart to grant me my wish, I will be waiting for you. Even if it's years from now.

Yours,

Cassandra.

"You alright back there?" Chris's voice snaps me out, and I force my eyes away from my phone screen. He's looking into the rearview mirror, "You are awfully quiet." He says, making Jordan turn around to look at me.

"You okay, Adri?" Jordan asks.

I am not sure how, but I manage to nod, commanding my brain to stretch my cheeks into a smile. I am fine, I am okay, I am alright. Nothing's wrong. I repeat the words to myself.

But it takes just one look down at the phone screen and I crumble inside. How can I be fine when my mother has suddenly decided to appear in my life?

•••

helloooo everyone. how are you doing?

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