Chapter 36: What Is Going On?

ADDY

I plop down on Kay’s bed.

“He’s not answering,” I grumble, glancing at my phone for what feels like the hundredth time, hoping to see a response from Asher.

When the screen remains blank, I can’t help but frown.

“Don’t worry about it. He’s probably just tied up.” Kaylee absentmindedly twirls a strand of hair around her finger.

“Tied up for five days?” I question, pulling my legs up onto the bed.

“Hey, it’s spring break. You’ll see him at school on Monday. Don’t let it get you down.” She nudges my foot with hers, but I just shake my head.

“He was supposed to be staying home, but every time I check, he’s not there. His window is always closed. He doesn’t answer my calls, and when he does, he’s curt. It’s like he’s avoiding me and I can’t figure out why.” I toss my phone aside.

“Yeah, that does sound odd. Did you do something?”

I shoot her an annoyed glare.

“What? I’m just asking.”

“Kaylee, I haven’t seen him since the day we kissed and he was acting normal then.”

“I still can’t believe you kissed him again!” she squeals.

I groan.

~What did I do?~

~Was it Jalina?~

“Do you want me to ask Blake what’s going on?”

I shake my head. “I’ll ask him myself.”

“Didn’t you just say he’s avoiding you?”

I run a hand through my messy hair. “We were supposed to see ~Spider-Man: Far From Home~ today, if that’s still happening.” I sigh.

“You little traitor! Ditching me to watch ~Far From Home~ with Asher?”

I chuckle.

“He’s the one who asked me. I just said yes.”

“I’m totally ditching you next time a good movie comes out,” she hisses, kicking me again. I stick my tongue out at her.

Our playful banter is interrupted by a ringtone. I immediately sit up, searching for my phone.

“Here, it’s him.” Kaylee hands me my phone, and I can’t help but grin at her. She grins back before gesturing toward the door, and I nod in understanding.

I answer the call just as she slips out of her room.

“Hi,” I say, smiling at the thought of him on the other end of the line.

“Addy?”

~No way~ I think to myself. “Buttercup?”

I grip the phone tighter. “Yeah, I’m here.”

~Is he going to explain himself now?~

“You know…about the movie?” I hear him ask.

“Uh-huh?” I respond.

“I can’t today. Something came up.” His voice is flat, and I try to keep my disappointment from showing.

“Oh, that’s fine, no worries. We can go another day.” My voice wavers as I lie back on the bed, waiting for his response.

“We’ll see. I’m really busy right now.”

I swallow hard, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling.

“Oh,” I say again.

“Look, I have to go now. So I’ll talk to you later.”

“Wait,” I stammer. “Is something wrong, did I do something?”

“No. Look, I really have to go. Bye.”

“Bu—”

He hangs up. I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it.

~What.~

~The.~

~Hell.~

I bolt off the bed and fling open the door. I nearly trip as I race down the stairs to find Kaylee.

She’s sitting on the couch, probably texting Blake. As soon as she sees me, she puts her phone away and pats the spot next to her.

I throw myself onto the couch, curling up in her lap.

“I’m going to kick his sorry ass,” she mutters, running a hand through my hair.

“He called to tell me he was busy today. He didn’t even want to talk,” I whisper, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“Do you want me to slap him or punch him? I’m partial to slaps, but it’s really up to you.” She looks at me with a serious expression and I can’t help but laugh at her attempt to cheer me up.

“I’ll be the one to punch him.” I stretch out on her lap, burying my face in the pillows so she can’t see my expression.

“Are you crying?” she asks, and I pinch her thigh.

“No, I’m just annoyed. Really annoyed. He should at least tell me what I did before acting all weird.”

Kaylee gathers my hair in her hand.

“Okay, listen up, babe. Right now, Asher is acting like a jerk. We’re going to find out what’s got him all twisted up—but for now, just forget about it.

“We usually have so much fun during spring break and now you want to sit here and mope over some guy?”

I nod and she smacks my butt.

“Hey!” I yelp.

“Wrong answer! We’re going to rewatch ~Homecoming~ and then go see ~Far From Home~ at the theater. I’m way better company than Asher anyway.” I look up at her to see her wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“I don’t feel like…” I start, only to be cut off by Kaylee.

“I’m not taking no for an answer. We’ve been too wrapped up with the boys. I feel like we don’t have time for each other anymore.”

I grin, propping myself up on one elbow.

“Missed me?” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

“You’re the one who missed me!” she shrieks, starting to tickle me.

“Kaylee,” I gasp when I run out of breath, and she stops her attack.

“So, are we in agreement?” she arches an eyebrow at me, and I can’t help but grin as I nod.

“Excellent!” She gives my butt a playful pat.

“You’re still fixated on my butt, I see,” I tease, and she bursts into laughter.

“Obviously, girl! Now, let’s go grab some snacks.” She squirms beneath me, and I can’t help but smile back.

God, I adore this woman.

***

“And where might you two be headed?” Mr. and Mrs. Heart enter the room, and I glance up.

I greet them, then gesture towards the tickets in Kaylee’s hand. “We’re off to see ~Far From Home~.”

“Without me?” Kay’s dad points at himself, feigning hurt.

I chuckle. “We’ll bring you along next time.”

He waves us off, grinning. “Just pulling your leg, kiddo. Have a good time.”

“Enjoy yourselves!” Kay’s mom echoes, smiling warmly.

“We will, thanks. We’re heading out now!” Kaylee grabs my hand and tugs me along.

“I’m so excited!” I exclaim, linking my arm with my best friend’s.

“Me too!” She quickens her pace, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Slow down!”

“We need to grab popcorn and drinks. We’ve got everything else, right?”

“Yep. 3D glasses and tickets.”

“Awesome! 4DX ~Far From Home~, here we come!” I race after her, Asher momentarily forgotten.

***

Once we reach the theater, we snag our snacks and head inside.

“See, I told you we’d make it on time.” She flashes her phone at me and I roll my eyes. She was the one who insisted on rushing here, after all.

“Where are our seats?” I clutch the oversized popcorn bucket to my chest.

“Row twelve, seats seven and eight,” she replies, leading the way. I trail behind her, collapsing into my seat just as she does.

“It’s starting!” I squeal, barely containing my excitement.

“Yep,” Kaylee grins, pressing a finger to her lips.

I nod.

I’m going to love this movie.

***

We exit the movie theater, hand in hand.

“Great movie!”

“I can’t wait for the next one!”

“Me neither, I nearly lost it at the ending!” I laugh at Kaylee’s dramatic expression.

“Still need to hit the restroom?”

“Yep.” She nods, glancing around. I release her hand as she heads over to toss out the popcorn bucket.

“Which way?” I ask, grinning at her.

“This way!” she tugs me along.

“Kaylee,” I say, pulling at her arm.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for getting me out today.” I look up at her and she pulls me into a warm hug.

“Why do you think I’m the world’s best best friend? I deserve a medal.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes.

“I really need to hit the restroom!” She releases me from the hug and tugs me along.

“Kay…” I start, but let out a yelp when I suddenly crash into her back.

“What’s up?”

She spins around to face me.

“The restrooms are over there!” Kay says, hastily pulling me in the opposite direction. I furrow my brows at her.

“What are you talking about? I can see the restroom sign right there!” I point above us and tug her after me, only to stop dead in my tracks.

My mouth falls open at the sight before me and I take a step back.

“Addy….”

There, in front of the restrooms, are Asher and Gabe, laughing together. They haven’t noticed us yet, and I quickly duck out of sight.

~Not today…~

“You’re right, the restrooms are the other way. I must be losing it, can’t even read the signs.”

I stride ahead, fighting back the tears threatening to spill.

Kaylee halts me. “Addy…”

“Let it go.”

“I swear, I had no idea. Blake’s at home studying, so I never thought…”

I swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat.

“He’s avoiding me and I don’t even know what I did wrong.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!”

She spins around, ready to confront him, but I shake my head at her.

“Not today, Kaylee. I want to go home.”

~Not today.~