Page 49 of How We Loved

“Morning,” they both respond simultaneously.

“Where’s Maya?” Ashley asks.

“I’m right here,” Maya says, coming up from the opposite direction. “I was getting something from my locker.”

She stands on the opposite side of where I’m sitting. Natalie and Dalton walk up and sit down to join us.

“Sup.” I nod my head to them.

Natalie takes a seat on Dalton’s lap, and everyone sits in a weird silence as Maya scrolls on her phone, acting unaware of everyone’s question as to what’s going on. In the four years we’ve been at this school, never has she stood while we’re hanging out like this, and never has she been as far away from me as she possibly could.

The warning bell rings, and I swear I watch her shoulders relax, like she’s glad she has an excuse to leave.

“See you guys later.” She waves and leaves as others get up as well to head to class.

Dalton instantly turns to me. “What’s going on?”

“Not sure, but I can guarantee it has something to do with that boyfriend of hers.” I stand up and walk my frustrated ass to class.

During lunch, I grab my usual from the lunch counter, and when I see they have one of Maya’s favorite cookies, I reach for it to put on my tray before I check out.

I head to where everyone else is and tuck my legs into an open space that’s directly across from Maya, who gives me a quick glance, then goes back to talking to Susie.

I take the cookie and toss it on top of her lunch bag that she brought from home. She’s never been a huge fan of the food they have here, so she always brings her own. It’s something I’ve done a million times over the last four years, but in the past, she would holler in her seat with excitement since they are only available randomly. Today though, she grins her thank-you to me, opens it up, and takes a bite.

Where has my cheerful Maya gone?

The last period of the day is weight lifting with the guys. They put all of us sports players in here so we don’t miss an important class for away games when we have to leave while school is still in session.

After I’ve changed into my gym clothes, I slam my door and sit down on the bench to put on my shoes.

“Whoa, what crawled up your ass?” Dalton asks as he walks by, finally getting to class after being with Natalie until the absolute last second possible.

I need to get my day off my chest so although I know Dalton is going to give me shit, I let it all go. “What the fuck is up with Maya today?”

“Ah.” Dalton nods slowly. “So, now you’re figuring it out.”

I clench my jaw, not wanting to go down that road with him for the millionth time, but needing to do something. “You can’t tell me she’s not been different today.”

“Different to me or different to you?”

I stand with a huff. “Whatever.”

Dalton grabs my arm. “Hey, I’m just giving you shit. Talk to me. What’s going on?”

“I don’t like this guy she’s dating.”

“No shit. Will you ever like any guy she’s dating?”

I grab my phone and pull up his Instagram to show him. He scrolls a bit, looking at all the pictures of him and the other girls.

“Typical douche. I see it. But guys change once they find someone they like. I’m proof of that.”

“Yeah, but that’s not what’s happening with Maya and him.”

“Are you a fucking psychic? How would you know that? You don’t even know the guy.”

“I heard him talking to his friend at the bowling alley saying he just wants to bag the rich chick then he’s out.”

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