Page 11 of Rules

“Well, it seemed wrong,” she cuts me off coolly, averting her gaze from me, her chin held high.

For the past week, she hasn’t even looked at me. And it’s making my blood boil with irritation. Yes, I messed up, but she didn’t even give me a chance to fucking explain. If she had, maybe things would be different. Maybe...

I rub my hand over my face, the guilt over what happened still eating at me.

Who the hell am I kidding?

We’ve been at each other’s throats since the beginning. I’ve never understood what her issue is with me. I’m a likable guy, outgoing and friendly. I’ve never had problems making friends, not like Jeanette has, and I’ve never met a person who disliked me so openly like Brook Taylor does.

But more than that, I’ve never understood her.

Brook Taylor is an enigma.

She’s so cold and standoffish. The complete opposite of her best friend, Lia. Brook is cranky and moody. The dark to Lia’s light. She barely speaks to anybody, and when she does, it’s to say some snarky comment before sticking her nose back in one of the books she carries around. Brook acts all high and mighty, you’d think she’s some rich girl who has a stick in her ass. Only I know that’s nowhere near the truth.

Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair, making an even bigger mess, not that I care.

“Brook…”

How can one word, one name, carry so much tension and regret?

She must hear it too because she interrupts me before I can say anything else. “I saw you studying and I didn’t want to interrupt. Besides, I came here to grab a book, and then I’m going to homeroom.”

I look at her, trying to see if she’s telling the truth, but it’s hard when the person’s not looking you in the eyes.

Her finger slides over book spines until she finally settles on one. Pulling it out, she cradles the hardcover to her chest.

“Found what you’ve been looking for?”

Old Brook? She’d tell me to mind my own damn business before stomping away.

New Brook? She merely shrugs.

I hate that half-hearted movement of her shoulders.

The warning bell rings, startling us both.

She gulps down. “We should go to class.”

Sighing, I wave her off. “You go. I have to catch up on some studying.”

Her head snaps up, eyes looking at me, and she stares for a bit. I’m not sure what she’s looking for, but whatever it is, she either finds it or gives up because she nods and walks away.

My breath hitches as Brook squeezes past me, careful that her body doesn’t brush against mine in passing.

I close my eyes, waiting for her soft steps to retreat. My fingers run through my hair, pulling at the strands in frustration.

The last thing I want is to go back to that desk and study, but if I don’t even try, I can hang up my skates right this moment because there is no way I’ll play on Friday.

Exhaling loudly, I get my shit under control and turn around, determined to get things done. Only when I do, I find Brook still standing there.

Just a few short steps away from me.

She’s looking in the distance, nibbling at her lower lip.

Green eyes find mine once I’m facing her.

Silence stretches between us until it seems it’ll burst from all the tension in the air.

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