CHAPTER 6

**VERONICA**

"Finally, I have caught your attention," Hunter said, smiling at me as he returned from cleaning my locker with a rag and plastic bucket.

"What do you mean by that? It's not like I have been avoiding you or something," I replied, faking a laugh.

"I know you are avoiding me," he said, his tone serious.

"And why would I want to avoid you?" I asked, mirroring his expression.

"I guess it's because you don't want to give me your house address," he said with a shrug.

"Fine, to be honest, I have been avoiding you because I don't want to give you my house address, and please don't ask me why," I replied.

"Just give me your house address. Besides, it's not like I want to rob you or anything; I just want to come over to pick you up for the party," he said, frowning.

"Okay, I give up, but that's the only reason I'm giving you my address, and I don't want you sharing it with anyone else. Please don't come to my house except on the day of the party," I said, giving him my address. I wasn't sure if I was making the right decision, but I was tired of this back-and-forth.

"Thanks a lot, dear, and trust me, I won't share it with anyone," he said, winking.

"Hmmm," I replied with a nod, unsure of what else to say.

He hugged me, and I reacted quickly. Then we both left for class. He really likes his hugs.

I hadn't told Sam about Stephanie and Liam yet, but I knew it would break his heart, and I didn't want to hurt him.

-----

This week is almost over. It felt kind of slow, but today is Friday, and I didn't forget that I have a party to attend.

I finally told Sam about Liam and Stephanie this afternoon when we were leaving the locker room after our last class. I just blurted it out because I wanted to get it over with. I mean, I had to rip the bandage off once and for all.

His expression was not pleasant at all, as expected. His usually happy face turned very sad, and he didn't say anything meaningful for the rest of the day.

I felt guilty because I couldn't shake the feeling that Liam had taken something Sam wanted. I know it isn't true; I believe that Liam wouldn't have dated Stephanie if he had known about Sam's crush.

Well, he is my best friend, and I feel he deserves all the love and happiness in the world, but there is nothing I can do about it. Plus, I don't think Stephanie was aware of his feelings since he hadn't told her. Liam doesn't know about the crush either, so I can't blame anyone.

Anyway, that issue is over for now.

I reminded Sam about the party, but he just replied with a simple, "Okay, just be careful." He didn't even give me his usual long lecture about my decisions, and that was when I realized the news I had shared had really affected him. But he will heal.

It's just a crush, so it won't take long for him to forget about her. I hope.

***

This morning, before school ended, Hunter told me that the party was at 8:30 p.m. and that he would pick me up at 7:30.

"Okay, no problem," I said before leaving.

"Veronica," I heard someone call my name, so I turned to see who it was.

Oh God, this is what I was trying to avoid. It's not that I don't like Steph, but I'm not ready to form any close relationships right now, especially not with her.

"Hi," I said as I stopped walking.

"Hi," she replied with a smile as she approached me. I wondered why my brother was even dating her.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not being rude, but you're free to think I am. I just really don't like this girl, and it's not because of Sam or anything. I just don't think we'd get along.

I mean, I doubt we have anything in common.

Liam usually dates blonde girls, so I don't understand why he's with Stephanie, who is a brunette. Where did he even meet her?

"So, where are you headed?" she asked.

"Home," I replied without looking at her.

"Oh, are you going alone?" she asked.

"I'm not sure, but I guess Liam is coming to pick me up," I replied, even though I knew for certain it was Liam.

"Okay, see you tomorrow then," she smiled and walked away.

"Alright," I replied, waving at her.

Thank goodness. At one point, I thought she would suggest joining me and Liam in the same car, which would have been really awkward.

Why don't I feel comfortable with the fact that she is dating my brother? Maybe it's because she's my classmate.

I walked out and headed to the school parking lot.

When I arrived, I waited about a minute before Liam pulled up in his blue sports car to pick me up from school.

I turned on the radio when I got into the car, and they were playing "I Need to Know" by Doja Cat. It's one of my favourite songs, so I listened and hummed along.

Liam and I didn't chat much because I wasn't in the mood to talk. I just wanted to get home, rest a little, and prepare for the party.

After a few minutes, we got home. Before Liam went upstairs, I called him and asked where he met Stephanie. He seemed surprised because when he introduced her to me the other day, I didn't seem happy. He had noticed it, but when he asked me what was wrong, I told him nothing, and since then, we hadn't discussed her again.

"At a friend's party," was his reply, his expression blank. Then he asked me why I wanted to know.

"Nothing, can't I just want to know?" I replied before heading upstairs to my room.

I checked the time and was surprised to see it was already 4:00 PM. We usually finish late at school on Fridays, probably because of the upcoming weekend. I tried calling Sam, but his phone was switched off, so I left a message instead.

I changed my clothes but didn't take a shower. I just wasn't in the mood for one right now.

I quickly went downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed some chips and orange juice. I was craving pizza, though.

"Liam, should I order pizza?" I shouted.

"Yes," he replied, but his voice was muffled. I guessed he was taking a shower.

"Your treat," I shouted again.

"When is it never my treat?" he replied. I could imagine him rolling his eyes at that moment.

"I love you," I shouted and giggled before taking my phone and ordering a medium-sized box of pepperoni pizza.

As I sat down with my phone while eating chips, my phone rang. It was Hunter. Why was he video-calling me?

I accepted the call after it rang a third time, hoping I looked presentable.

"Hey," I said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Hi," he grinned. I could see him leaning against the headboard of his bed.

"So, what's up?" I asked, dropping my pack of chips onto the couch beside me.

"I just wanted to remind you about the party. I hope you haven't forgotten."

"I haven't," I replied shortly.

"Don't forget I'm coming to pick you up at 7:30. Wear something sexy," he said with a smirk.

I felt my face heat up as I blushed.

"And who said you have the right to tell me what to wear? I'll wear whatever I like," I said, rolling my eyes. Just then, I heard the doorbell.

"Okay, I have to go now," I said as I ended the call and headed for the door.

It was the delivery guy, just as I assumed. I thanked him, signed for the pizza, and took it inside as Liam came downstairs wearing an old polo and shorts.

"That outfit has seen better days," I teased, and he let out a loud laugh.

I settled down to devour my pizza, which I combined with the leftover ice cream from the freezer.

After a few minutes, I went back upstairs and took a shower to prepare for the party.