CHAPTER 15

Neither Nate nor Amanda had mentioned anything to their friends but in the following week, all of them were aware of the break up. They really wanted to ask what had happened between them but none got the confidence to do so. Besides, it was none of their business. The only burning concern was how would they act around each other. They were all mutual friends and in one way or another, they were going to be in the same place at the same time at some point. Nate tried to act like everything was okay, carrying on his business as usual but Amanda on the other hand had changed. She became more reserved, talking only when spoken to directly, holding back on commenting on areas she usually would comment. But that was only when Nate was around, she was totally her usual self when it was just her and the girls. 

"What really happened Amanda?" Melanie had asked her when it was just the two of them. They were walking towards the parking lot where Melanie's grey Audi Cabriolet was parked. 

Amanda liked Melanie, a lot. She always found her to be a very easy going person, very humble despite having super rich parents, kind to everyone in the group and above all a great listener. She felt very comfortable around her.

"Umm, I went to his house over the weekend to try and understand what had changed. Our relationship got rocky after his disappearance. He seemed uneasy most of the time, he would cancel out on dates, his phone would ring and he would walk away to talk. He never did that before." Amanda explained. 

Melanie listened keenly, nodding to encourage her to continue.

"I was so fucking tired of all that bullshit, so I went to ask him about it and we had a fight," she paused, trying to remember any details from that day but that was just about what she could remember. "We agreed to take a break for a while." 

"Hey," Melanie called softly touching her arm. "Everything will be fine." She said with a smile as they approached her car. 

"Thank you Mel, I really hope so. I should get going-"

Melanie cut in, removing her car keys. "Nonsense. Get in, I'll drop you home." 

Amanda didn't protest, she gave a smile and walked around the car and got into the co-driver's side. 

*-*-*

Present day

At the school's football field, massive speakers had been strategically placed around the field. Minutes after everyone sat down, the principal's voice echoed through the silent night. He requested everyone to stand and welcome their football team. The school's cheerleading team then got into position and began their perfectly choreographed dance, with music blasting from the speakers.

They all stood, clapping their hands as fast and as loud as they could as the familiar faces of their classmates ran into the field, waving to them. 

The game was electrifying, filled with intense moments. They played with passion, sending the crowds up in roars and chants with every touchdown. The cheerleaders kept the energy high with their vibrant dances. One or twice, the opposing team was a head by a few points. In such moments, tension filled the air. The home fans fell silent, holding their breaths as they watched their team fight for the lead. Each point gained to close the gap and regain the lead was met with deafening cheers and applause. Ultimately, the game ended with a comfortable win for the home team. The students, school faculty and some parents all went into the field to celebrate the win with the players. 

Nate, Amanda, Melanie, Jade and Bianca all went down to cheer Benson. He had been sensational throughout the match, helping the team score crucial points.

"Congratulations man!" Nate shouted to him with a wide smile. He opened his arms and embraced his friend. "That was fantastic!"

Benson was beyond elated by the win, joy and excitement dancing in his eyes. All his friends spoke at the same time, each of them congratulating him in their own way. 

Melanie's phone rang from inside her purse, she fumbled with the purse and got it out. It was her mom. She wanted to excuse herself from the group but they were all so absorbed in the celebrations and she opted to just sneak off to take the call. 

She rushed towards the main building, hoping to escape all the noise in the field. She pushed the door open and stepped into the halls which she found empty. "Hey mom," she started on the phone and listened as her mother spoke. 

Their conversation went on for a little more than a minute. She found herself taking a few steps up and down in the hallway as she spoke. She looked up ahead to the main hallway where she spotted a figure standing in front of the school's trophy display shelf. Her interest was piqued, what was this person doing there all alone while everyone was outside celebrating. She stopped and watched him, he just stood there, staring.

Once she ended the call with her mother, she slowly walked towards him. She noticed the place was almost empty but that didn't concern her in the slightest.

The guy looked around her age, probably 19 or 20 at most. He was well built, with broad shoulders, jet black hair that sat perfectly on his head. His jawline was intimidating, just like his entire presence. 

He heard Melanie's footsteps getting closer but his eyes remained glued to the trophy display. She didn't say anything at first when she got to him. Instead, she stood next to him and observed all the trophies through the the clear glass. 

"Impressive, isn't it?" She was first to speak.

"Yes, it really is." He agreed, his voice deep and firm. 

She turned to him, "you don't go here, do you?"

He turned to her and that's when she saw his eyes. Ice blue eyes. They intimidated her, mostly because they seemed to see right through her. She didn't allow herself to be intimidated by them, she stared right into them. 

"Why do you think that?" He asked also holding her by the eyes.

"I've never seen you around school." She answered. 

"No, I don't go here. I just came for the game."

"What team were you supporting?" 

He didn't answer, instead, he smiled. "Take a guess." 

She thought for a while. "The visitors?" It was more of a question than a guess.

"Why do you think that?" It almost pissed her off. It was the second time he had used those exact words in under two minutes.

But she didn't show her frustration, she returned his initial smile. "Well you are here and not outside celebrating with everyone else. You don't seem too elated because of the win like everyone from the home team which could only mean you support the visitors." She explained. 

Again, he smiled. "That's an impressive observation but I'm afraid you're wrong. I was behind the home team." He confirmed.

"And why aren't you out there celebrating with everyone else?" She inquired.

"Like you earlier observed, I don't go here. I don't really know anyone in the team for me to celebrate with." 

"You poor thing." She replied. Her voice a mixture of sympathy and tease. "Surely you must have a few friends from this school." 

"No, I don't actually. I recently moved here so I haven't made any friends really." 

"Why don't you join us? I have a couple of friends out there and I'm sure they wouldn't mind. Who knows, you might make some friends." She offered.

"I appreciate that, but I was actually on my way out."

"No, that's totally okay. I understand." She added a smile.

"So, I should get going and leave you to your celebrations."

"Yeah, I should also get back to my friends." She said, pointing to the direction she came from. 

"It was nice meeting you. Have yourself a wonderful night." He finished giving her a warm smile.

"Yeah, you too." 

He gave a gentle nod and turned to the main exit. "Hey," Melanie called and he turned back. "I didn't catch your name."

"I didn't catch yours too," he returned with a playful grin. 

"It's Melanie, Melanie Vaugh." She presented her hand to him and he shook it. His grip was gentle but firm. Her hand vanished inside his. 

"Nice to meet you Melanie Vaugh." He let go of her hand and took a step back. "I hope to see you around." With that, he turned and walked away.

She found herself smiling, he hadn't told her what his name was but that did not bother her in the slightest. She liked the mystery that he was. She wasn't sure she would ever see him again but something told her she would. Just that thought was enough for her. She turned and walked back outside and joined her friends.