Chapter 2: whispers of storm

I really loved these rides with Lilly's mom. For a few minutes, it felt like I could breathe. Like I wasn't stuck in this town.

But the moment I stepped out of the car, the stress hit me like a wave.

I smoothed down my outfit, making sure it was classy, chic but not too revealing. Perfect. Just enough to keep up the image.

Before I could even think too much about it, I grabbed Lilly's hand I needed to escape Before I saw him Even though he was Chloe's brother, he hated me And he made sure I knew it Zane never missed a chance to get under my skin, to mess with me, to play his twisted little mind games.

I pulled Lilly forward, trying to blend into the crowd before he could notice me.

Chloe, my other best friend, was walking beside us, completely unaware of my silent panic.

Chloe and lily goes to there classes and when I was just about to reach my classroom

When....Him Zane of course

He was Leaning against the door, one hand resting against the frame like he had all the time in the world. A smirk tugging at the corner of his lips Blocking the way Because Zane Fischer never let me get away that easily.

He leaned against the classroom door, arms crossed over his chest, muscles flexing under his varsity jacket. He was built like a nightmare tall, strong, the kind of guy whose presence demanded attention And worst of all? He hated me.

Not in the casual way people hate things. No, Zane's hate was something deeper. Like a wound that had never healed His dark eyes locked into mine I forced myself to keep walking.

"Morning, Doll."

The nickname hit like a slap I stopped Not because I wanted to, but because I knew Zane.

Ignoring him only made it worse I turned slowly

He smirked, pushing off the wall, stepping toward me with that effortless confidence he carried everywhere He was too close.

Zane always played by his own rules, and right now, I was just another opponent on his field "You're in my way." My voice was sharp, but it didn't shake.

His smirk deepened. "And?"

I clenched my fists. He wanted a reaction He thrived on it I refused to give him one But the problem was, Zane always won.

His eyes flickered down for half a second at my uniform, at the way I stood stiffly, like I was trying too hard to act unaffected. Like I was pretending.

Then, just as fast, his gaze snapped back to mine That's when I realized something He wasn't just looking at me He was reading me Picking me apart, searching for the weakness that would make me break first And for some reason, it made my pulse hammer in my ears.

Another silence Too long. Too heavy The thing about Zane was that he knew how to weaponries silence It wasn't just the words he said it was the way he stood there, towering over me, his eyes dark and calculating, waiting for me to crack And I hated him for it.

I forced a breath. "Move."

His jaw tensed, and for a split second, I saw itsomething sharp, something cold And then he laughed. A short, humorless sound.

"You're always so full of yourself, huh?" His voice was lower now, harsher. "Like you own this place. Like people actually care about you."

The words hit harder than I wanted them to Because Zane never said things just to say them He said them to hurt I swallowed the sting and straightened my shoulders. "Jealous?" I shot back His smirk disappeared The air between us shifted.

Zane had two moods The one where he toyed with me. And the one where he wanted to destroy me This was the second He took a step closer Too close.

So close that if I breathed wrong, my shoulder would brush against his.

He didn't say anything at first, just held my gaze, his lips pressed into a thin line.

His eyes ohh God, his eyes They were dark, deep, filled with something I couldn't name Something dangerous and maybe hot It made my skin prickle, my chest tighten.

Not fear Something worse Then, in a voice so low it barely reached me, he said,

"I don't hate you because I care, Ava." His tone was like ice. "I hate you because you're nothing."

Something sharp twisted in my chest But before I could react, before I could even think, he was already walking past me, brushing my shoulder as he left Leaving me standing there,And the worst part?

I had no idea why it hurt.

"There she is—my Little Thing."

Before I could react, Ely pulled me into a hug, tight and unshakable.

"Ely—"

"Shhh," he murmured into my hair. "Let me have this."

I sighed, my hands instinctively gripping his hoodie. Ely always hugged like he meant it. Like he wanted to keep me safe But then I felt it The way his arms lingered. The way his fingers curled against my back, just barely And suddenly, it was too much I pulled away, clearing my throat. "You're dramatic." "And you love it," he shot back, smirking as he flicked my nose.

"Stop that." "Never." He grinned, walking beside me, way too close. Then, with that stupid teasing voice of his, he added "Face it, Little Thing. You'd be lost without me. I rolled my eyes. "Keep dreaming."But as we walked, his arm found its way around my shoulders again.And this time, I didn't pull away ely is my favorite boy as my bestfriend

He always find away to make me smile or feel better even when I don't want to. He's the one who sees through all my walls, always knows how to push me to laugh or stop overthinking everything. And, honestly, I don't know what I'd do without him.

Maybe that's why I didn't pull away when his arm slipped around me. It was just… easy with him But in that moment, with his arm around me, I couldn't shake the guilt that I felt in my chest. I felt like I was betraying and cheating on Lucas. He was miles away, but it still felt wrong too close to something I shouldn't be letting happen. I missed him. I missed his voice, his presence, the way everything felt simple when he was near I should have been thinking about him, not the way Ely made me feel so… alive let's say happier, so cared for. But sometimes, Ely's easy warmth made everything else blur, and I wasn't sure if that made me a bad person or just human I don't know if it's the distance or something else, but lately, the touch between me and Lucas felt cold. It was like the warmth we once shared was fading, slipping through my fingers, and I couldn't stop it. I truly love him, I do. I don't want to lose him. But everything, all of it, was becoming too much for me to handle What if he's cheating? What if he's out there with someone else, laughing, touching her like he used to touch me? The thought gnawed at me, consumed my mind until I could barely think straight. What if he's doing it, and I'll never even find out? It would destroy me, but... I could never prove it. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to confront it. It was like my brain was on fire, spiraling out of control. And then there was Zane. This damn guy who always had to be everywhere, making everything worse. I couldn't even get a second to breathe without him getting on my nerves. The thing was, I'd never hurt him. Never. I wasn't trying to play the victim, I swear. But sometimes it felt like I was the one who always had to take the punches, the one who had to keep it together, even when my insides were crumbling. I wasn't trying to be the girl who complained. I wasn't trying to make anyone feel sorry for me. But I always tried to find a way to handle everything. To make sure everyone around me was okay. And in return, I kept everything bottled up, until the pressure was suffocating. Ely tacked his seat when I tacked mine When I saw a notification on my phone, I stared at the screen, my heart sinking with every word from Lucas.

"I don't know what's going on with us, but I feel like you're slipping away. I'm disappointed. Maybe we need space."

I was disappointed. The word sliced through me. I read it over and over, but it didn't make it hurt any less. Was I slipping away? I loved him, I really did. But everything felt like shit like something was breaking, and I didn't know how to fix it. The more I thought about it, the worse it got. Maybe I was pulling away, but I didn't know how to stop it. I didn't want to lose him. But that message… it was hard to ignore I barely had time to process my thoughts before I heard Zane's voice."Well, well, Ava. What's got you looking so serious? Thinking about Lucas? Are you gonna cry? Oh no, the poor little thing is upset," he taunted, his smirk infuriating me. I had no patience left to deal with him today.

"I'm not in the mood, Zane," I said, trying to walk away, but he followed me, blocking my path.

"What, are you too busy worrying about what to wear tomorrow? Or are you stressing about whether Lucas is out there with some other girl? I mean, I don't blame him. Who wouldn't want to be with me?" he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "But hey, I'm feeling generous today. I'll do you a favor—let you come watch the legend himself play. You know you're dying to see me shine."

I could feel my blood boiling. "I'm not interested, Zane."

"Oh, come on, Ava. Don't play hard to get," he said, stepping closer, his tone mocking. "I know you've been staring at your phone like it's gonna fix your life. Maybe watching me play will make you feel better. Or maybe you'll get some tips on how to actually have fun, instead of sitting around being all mopey. You should be thanking me for letting you watch greatness in action."I could feel myself losing control. "I said, no, Zane."

But he wasn't done. "What, are you too scared? Too worried that Lucas will text you in the middle of the game and you'll have to choose between him and me? Tough choice, huh?" he smirked, his words digging deeper. "Fine, don't come if you're too scared to handle it. But if you do decide to show up, maybe I'll let you be in the presence of true greatness. You're welcome."

I was going eny way to the game with ely and lily but this…It felt like he was pushing me, daring me, and the more I stood there, the more I hated it. I hated how much he got under my skin. But, against my better judgment, maybe to prove something to myself and make him regret, I snapped.

"Fine. I'll come watch your stupid game," I said, my voice sharp, and I turned away

After school, I went with my friends to the game. The stadium was packed, the air buzzing with excitement. The lights from the field flickered as the crowd's energy filled the space. I tried to focus on the game, but my mind kept drifting back to Lucas. The coldness between us, the distance, the disappointment. I missed him so much it hurt, and I couldn't stop wondering if he felt the same way.

I wanted to escape the storm in my head, but then, out of nowhere, Zane scored. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Zane wasn't done yet. He grinned, basking in the attention, before pulling his shirt off and holding it high above his head. The crowd screamed, but I barely registered it.

It wasn't until Zane turned toward me that I realized what he was doing. His shirt hung loosely around his neck, and there, in bold, mocking letters, was the name on the back: "Doll."

I could feel my face burn with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He was doing this on purpose, wasn't he? To get under my skin. To make me feel small. To humiliate me.

Chloe's laughter rase above the rest, sharp and mocking. "Is that your new nickname, Ava? Oh How cute."

I froze, the sting of her words cutting through me. Chloe wasn't just mocking me—she was jealous. Her eyes glinted with something darker than just annoyance. It was pure envy. She hated how close I was to Ely, she hated the way things were with Lucas, but most of all, she hated that, for once, I wasn't the one on the sidelines. She wanted what I had, and the jealousy ate away at her.

Lily's hand instinctively gripped mine as she stepped closer. Ely followed, his eyes narrowing at Chloe but not making a scene. They didn't need to—his presence was enough to calm the storm that threatened to rise in me.

Ely's voice was low and steady. "Don't let them get to you."

I nodded, but Chloe's taunts still echoed in my head. I could feel the eyes of the entire stadium on me, waiting for me to react, to break. Zane, ever the troublemaker, was grinning like he'd won some sort of victory. His smug smile made my stomach churn.

"Don't let them win," Lily whispered to me, her grip tight on my hand. Her eyes were sharp, fierce, protective she wasn't going to let Chloe get away with this.

I squeezed her hand back, feeling the bond of our friendship and the strength in it. But still, Zane's mocking smirk, Chloe's laughter, and the nickname they stung. I wanted to scream, to make them stop.

But instead, I stood there, as proud as I could manage, ignoring the burn of humiliation creeping under my skin. Everyone else thought it was just a joke. No big deal. But for Ava, it was everything. Every little thing could affect her image, and this…this felt like a nightmare. Her chest tightened as Chloe's laughter rang in her ears, sharp and mocking. It wasn't just the nickname, wasn't just Zane's stupid stunt it was the way the crowd reacted, like every eye in the stadium was glued to her, stripping her bare in front of them.

She felt frozen, lost in the chaos of her own mind, until she felt Ely's grip on her arm. Strong. Steady. Pulling her out before she drowned.

"Ava," he murmured, but she barely heard him.

What if her family found out? What if Lucas did? What if—

Ely didn't wait for her to snap out of it. He pulled her through the school courtyard, ignoring the stares of everyone even from Mr. Smith. Ava barely registered it, only coming back to reality when Ely suddenly lifted her off her feet.

"Ely!!!put me down!" she protested, but he wasn't listening. He carried her straight to his motorcycle, setting her down gently before pulling out his phone.

Lily caught up just in time, breathless. "I'll grab food. Just take her to our place ."

Ely nodded before turning back to Ava. Without a word, he placed her headphones over her ears. Her music. He had her playlist saved of course he did. The first familiar notes filled her ears, drowning out the noise in her head.

Ely climbed onto the bike and, instinctively, Ava wrapped her arms around his waist as he started the engine. She could finally breathe. It wasn't her first time on Ely's motorcycle, but this time felt different. The warmth of his body against hers, the steady rhythm of the road beneath them it was grounding. Safe.

When they reached their place a quiet, hidden place where you can see all Austin they had claimed as their own Ely parked and helped her off. The moment they sat down, he exhaled, turning to her with a seriousness she wasn't expecting.

"you're mine," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "I would never let anyone hurt you and with that im gona bit this fucker zane"

Ava froze Her heart pounded as she lowered her head, resting it against his shoulder. She could hear his heartbeat… strong, steady, real. But it wasn't just that. It was the warmth of his body, the way his breathing slowed deep and controlled like he was keeping himself in check She lifted her head just slightly, and there they were his hazel eyes, darker in the dim light, locked into hers. So close. Too close. Her breath hitched as he exhaled, the warmth of it brushing against her skin.For a second, neither of them moved.

She could count every freckle on his face, every flicker of hesitation in his gaze. His hand, resting lightly on her arm, tightened just a little like he was holding himself back. Like he wanted to pull her in but knew he shouldn't If she moved even an inch closer….no!

Ava swallowed hard. She had to look away, had to break whatever this was before it swallowed her whole But she didn't Because for the first time in a long time, she didn't want to run She didn't know what to say.

Before the silence could stretch too long, Lily finally arrived, holding up a pizza box like a peace offering. "Alright, crisis over. Now eat."Both of them moved, the moment breaking, but Ava wasn't sure food could fix this. Not the knot in her stomach. Not the warmth still lingering from Ely's words And definitely not the storm still brewing in her heart.

The sunset was wonderful, the colors melting into the horizon, the air thick with something unspoken. The vibe, the moment, everything... it felt like a dream.

Then her phone buzzed She hesitated. For a second, she thought about ignoring it. Just one more second of peace Then she looked.…Lucas.Her stomach twisted, her breath catching in her throat Her hands trembled as she opened the message.

"Ava… I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore. The distance, everything… it's too much. You deserve better. It's all my fault."

That was it No explanation. No fight. No I love you Just sorry.

Ava felt the world tilt. Her vision blurred as she read it again. And again. And again.

The words didn't change. They didn't make sense.

A sharp breath got caught in her throat, but she swallowed it down. Her fingers curled around the phone so tightly it felt like it might shatter.

Ely noticed immediately. "What happened?"

She didn't answer. She couldn't.

Her chest was caving in, something inside her cracking open like a wound she didn't know how to close.

Lily looked between them, her voice careful. "Ava…"

But Ava just let out a shaky breath, stuffing her phone into her pocket.

"It's fine."

The city around them shifted as night settled in. Streetlights flickered on, casting a soft glow over the pavement. Somewhere in the distance, music pulsed from bars and clubs, the world slipping into its after-dark rhythm. The kind of night that promised escape.

But not tonight.

Ava turned back to her friends, forcing a small smile. She couldn't leave without saying goodbye.

Ely was already watching her, concern etched into his face. "You sure you're okay?" His voice was softer now, like he already knew the answer.

Instead of responding, she stepped forward and hugged him. Tight.

He stiffened for half a second before wrapping his arms around her, holding her close like he was trying to keep her together. And maybe, just for that moment, he was.

"I'll see you tomorrow bestie" she murmured against his shoulder.

"You better do" he said, his voice low.

She pulled back, her chest feeling heavier than before, then turned to Lily.

Lily held up a set of keys, dangling them in front of Ava. "Took your bike from the rack. Figured you'd want to get home fast."

Ava took them with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Lil."

Lily hesitated, then sighed. "Text me when you get home, okay?"

Ava just nodded. She wouldn't. But it was easier to let Lily believe she would.

With one last look at them, she turned and walked to where her bike was propped against a street sign. Swinging her leg over, she took a deep breath, then pushed off.

The wind hit her face as she pedaled through the quiet streets, the cold biting at her skin. The city was alive the lights, the sounds, the night calling to her. But all she felt was the weight in her chest.

Her apartment wasn't far, but the ride felt longer than usual. She wasn't ready to go home.

She never was.

The building was dark when she arrived. No lights in the window. No sign of life Of course, her dad wasn't home yet. He never was Ava let herself in, locking the door behind her.

She dropped her bag into the couch and headed to the kitchen. She wasn't hungry, but she cooked anyway because no one else would. A simple meal, just enough to settle the emptiness clawing at her stomach. She ate at the counter, the only sound the ticking of the clock and the distant roar of a car speeding past outside Once she was done, she cleaned up quickly. She had to get to her room before he came home.

She climbed the stairs, shutting her door softly behind her. The small space felt even smaller tonight, like the walls were closing in. She set her phone on her desk, ignoring the unread message still glowing on the screen. She had studying to do. She had to focus.

Tomorrow, she'd have to wake up, go to school, pretend everything was fine.

And Tonight, she had to bring Storm back to life.

It had been a long summer without the rush, without the freedom. She had tried to stay away, to convince herself that maybe she didn't need it…that she could just live as Ava. But the truth was, Ava was suffocating. Storm was the only way she could breathe. The girl she became when the lights dimmed and the music thumped, the girl who didn't care about rules or expectations, who was free.

that part needed to return.

Ava glanced around her room, making sure no one was nearby. The mask, Storm's mask, was hidden in the back of her closet, tucked away in a secret compartment that her parents would never find. No one knew about it. No one could know She quietly crossed the room, knelt down, and reached behind her clothes, pulling out the small box. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it. There it was…the purple mask, glittering faintly even in the dim light. She ran her fingers over the smooth surface, feeling the tiny sparkles that adorned it.

Ava smiled softly to herself. This mask was her escape, her shield from the world. When she wore it, she wasn't Ava anymore. She was Storm…the girl who didn't care about rules, who didn't have to pretend to be perfect.

She lifted the mask to her face, adjusting it in front of the mirror. For a moment, she paused, just staring at her reflection. The mask fit perfectly, as though it was made just for her. It wasn't to hide her face it was to hide who she really was. To give her the freedom to live without the burden of expectation.

With a final glance at the mirror, she smiled to herself, a small, satisfied smile.

Tonight, Storm was back.

She carefully placed the mask back in its hiding spot, making sure everything was as it was before. No one would know.

As she stood up and grabbed her bag, she felt a wave of anticipation rush through her. Tomorrow, she would return to her perfect life, but tonight she would be Storm.