Unspoken Rules (Rules 2)

“You know he only pushed you so that you wouldn’t get punched. He never meant for you to hit your head.”

I nod faintly. What Will said about Kendrick wanting to “fix it” has been bugging me ever since last night. I’m worried he did something stupid. This is so Kendrick. He doesn’t think before he acts. Especially in a moment of panic.

I slide two slices of bread into the toaster and sit around the kitchen table. I know Maria’s already at work from the empty spot in the driveway. She left us some money for food on the counter, per usual. When I get up to fetch my toast, my phone buzzes. I have a message from Kendrick.

Kendrick: I’m so so so so sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Did I say I was sorry?

I can’t smother a smile.

Winter: I think you might’ve mentioned it.

Kendrick: I’m the biggest idiot in the whole wide world. I’m a dumbass for leaving. I never meant for you to pass out. I’m sorry about Ryder, too. I took care of it. He won’t bother you again. Let’s make it fair, next time you see me, punch me in the face.

Winter: Kendrick, I may be mad, but I’m not that mad.

Kendrick: No, I insist. Please, punch me in the face real hard.

Winter: Okay :)

Kendrick: Huh? I was kidding.

Winter: I wasn’t.

“So, you ready for your first day back?” Will asks.

“Nope,” I say and rest my phone on the table.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure Haze will be there to protect you if anything goes wrong.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Not that anyone will try to come at you after what happened last night.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on, he got into a fight for you. He beat up a guy, Winter. Word travels fast. Everybody knows you as Haze’s girl now—no getting out of it. Sorry.”

“Great. That’s just great,” I mutter.

As if I already don’t have enough people hating me at school. I’m not sure Bianca and her minions were happy to hear about Haze getting into a fight for me.

Only then do I realize that Haze hasn’t texted me yet today. I don’t know why I somehow expected a message from him. A good-morning maybe?

I’m so pathetic. Maybe I should text him first.

Winter, you told him you needed space just yesterday.

What if I don’t want space?

What if I want his gorgeous body on mine and his lips to kiss every inch of my skin?

Make up your damn mind, woman.

I decide to step on my pride and text him first. I wait and I wait, but he never replies. I try not to think too much into it.

Kass rushes into the room, panic flowing out of her. “I’m so late.” Her hair and makeup aren’t done, and anyone who knows Kass knows that she’s not one to take off-days. These don’t exist in her life. She takes very good care of herself and always has.

“Good morning, control freak.” Will smirks, and I’m tempted to let out a very loud “Aw” at the fact that they have nicknames for each other—as weird as they may be—but I decide that probably wouldn’t be appropriate since I’m not supposed to know about their relationship.

Kass flushes, locks herself into the first-floor bathroom, and all Will and I can do is hope that we’ll make it to school on time.

“Hey, Winter, who are you texting?” Kass asks when I check my phone for the fifth time since we left the house. I glance out the window at the passing palm trees and curse under my breath.