72
I couldn't sleep all night. Every time I got close, green eyes would appear in my mind.
I didn't even know Hunter. I had seen him for the first time yesterday and yet it felt like I had known him all my life.
"You don't look like you slept well!" my mom said as I entered the kitchen.
"I dont have, too."
"Speaking of sleeping."
She came up to me and handed me her credit card. I looked at her questioningly.
"For what?"
"For a hotel room."
"Was? Weshalb?"
She sighed loudly before replying, "I'm going away for two days so I'm not home."
"Where are you going? And why can't I stay at home?" I asked.
"Because I don't trust you. I don't want you then claiming that Charles molested you at night. I know you don't approve of our relationship. But I love Charles and I know he would never do anything like that. Children on the other hand are different. They invent so much."
I looked at her in shock and was speechless. Angry, I say sarcastically, "Ok, if you're so scared, why doesn't Charles sleep in a hotel?"
"Because he bought this house."
"You mean this isn't my home?" I asked hysterically.
"Don't make a drama out of it. Come on, I'll drive you to school."
"You know what mom? You can fuck me."
I threw her credit card on the floor, grabbed my jacket and stormed out of the house. Luckily for me, it also poured cats and dogs.
Toll.
The only good thing was that you couldn't see my tears. I just couldn't believe it. It hurts. It was painful to be treated like that by my mother. Really painful.
I arrived at school soaking wet and headed straight to the locker where I took out my things. I ignored the looks of the others.
"Luna! What the hell? How do you look?"
My gaze fell to the side. Ella stood there and looked at me in shock. Hunter stood by. His gaze pierced me and I could see he was angry and worried at the same time.
In response, I suddenly sneezed. Now I would definitely get sick. Great!
"You're going to get sick. You need to change. I have a short dress in my locker. It's a bit revealing, but still better than nothing."
Hunter stormed past me and said nothing. I was a little sad that he completely ignored me. it hurt me
"Come along."
Ella pulled me to her locker and handed me her things.
"Here. Change your clothes. I have to get something quickly. I'll meet you in the classroom."
I thanked him honestly and made my way to the girls' washroom.
"Luna?" I suddenly heard a pleasant voice.
I turned and saw Hunter looking at me a little shyly.
He handed me a black hoodie and black sweatpants. "Here. You should wear something warm. Otherwise you'll get sick."
His voice sounded worried and I got the feeling he felt guilty.
He suddenly took my cell phone from my hand, which I was holding in my left hand, and typed something. When he was done, he handed it to me, saying, "Don't go out in the rain anymore. If you need to go somewhere, call me. Anytime. Anytime."
He grabbed a towel and suddenly started rubbing my hair with it.
"Tell me why you look like this."
I stared straight at him. "Because it's raining outside?"
"That explains why you're wet. But not why you cried!" he said worried.
I took a few steps back and said, "I wasn't crying. Even if it is, it's none of your business."
He started to growl softly and replied, "I just want to help you. If anyone hurt you, tell me."
"It's fine!" I lied.
Hunter sighed loudly and said: "It's best to change your clothes. You're going to catch a cold."
...
"Why are you wearing my brother's clothes?" Ella whispered in the classroom.
"He didn't want me to get sick."
Suddenly she grinned and replied softly: "And also because he doesn't want anyone to see you in my dress."
I then rolled my eyes and turned to the class teacher, who had just entered the room. Her mood seemed gloomy. Something must have happened.
"Dear students, I have a comment to make. Jacob is no longer your classmate. He is currently in the hospital. His condition is stable but he has already changed schools. If anyone knows why, come to me."
The hours passed and the lesson finally came to an end. The only problem was that I couldn't go home for the next few days.
Sometimes I cursed my pride. I wish I had taken my mother's credit card instead. Then it wouldn't have gotten to the point where I'm homeless for the next few days.
Now I had no other choice. I had to go home. I would just sneak in and lock myself in my room for the rest of the day.
"Luna? Let's drive you home."
Ella smiled warmly at me and before I could even protest, she was already pulling me out of the building.
She stopped in front of Hunter's car. He looked down at me and smiled slightly. My cheeks turned red and I looked away.
"Why the hell is she wearing your clothes, Hunter?" an annoying voice screeched.
"Don't interfere, Zoe!" Ella told her, rolling her eyes.
"I'm not supposed to interfere? She bloody smells like him."
"Zoe, go home. It's none of your business!", I hear Hunter's serious voice.
She threw back her brown hair and threatened, "I'll tell my dad."
She ran away and Ella started laughing out loud.
"I think she's seen too much Harry Potter. Come on Luna. It looks like it's going to rain soon."
She grabbed my arm, yanked open the passenger door, and sat me inside.
"Oh I forgot I have to go somewhere. See you later."
I widened my eyes in shock. Hunter and I alone? In his car? With less than a few centimeters distance?
"Ella, you can't do this. You know exactly what kind of situation you're putting me in!" I heard Hunter say angrily.
"Tja, Pech."
With that, she closed my door and ran away. I saw Hunter touch his hair and sigh. Eventually he sat down too.
"You don't have to drive me. I can go alone."
"No. It's about to start raining."
"I don't want to bother you."
He pressed a few buttons for the heater and finally started the car.
"You don't bother me."
I played nervously with my fingers.
"I can sense that I'm making you uncomfortable. I don't want that."
"Luna...you're not making me uncomfortable. Believe me, you're not doing anything. Now buckle up, little one. Where do you live?"
I gave him the address and he drove off.
"Why did you move?" he asked interested.
"My mother's husband got a new job. His family also lives here."
"It sounds like you don't like him!" he stated.
"I don't like him either. My life has gotten worse because of him. I just wish he would just leave me alone."
"What do you mean by that?"
Damn. Think of something quick.
"I...it's not that important."
Hunter said nothing and stopped in front of our house. I was just about to say goodbye when he suddenly got out and opened the passenger door for me.
"Thanks, but that really wasn't necessary."
"I'll accompany you inside."
He silently led me to the front door and gave me a reassuring smile: "You don't have to be nervous."
If only he knew I wasn't just nervous about him, I was nervous about Charles too.
Suddenly the front door opened and an angry man glared at me.
"What the hell do-" he winced.
His eyes fell on Hunter and suddenly all the anger gave way and was replaced by fear.
"I didn't know you were there. I noticed you way too late. I'm sorry, Alph-"
"Charles!" Hunter suddenly interrupted him. My stepfather bowed his head and apologized.
I had never seen him so scared and submissive.
"Do you know each other?" I ask Hunter.
"Something like that. Would you leave us alone, Luna? I need to talk to Charles for a minute."
Dazedly, I nodded and replied, "Uh. Yes. Thanks for bringing me."
Hunter gave me a quick smile before looking serious again at Charles, who still kept his head down.
I didn't know how the two knew each other. But my stepfather's fear of Hunter - who was more than half his age - had to mean something.
But as long as my mother's husband would leave me alone, I didn't care.
