Unspoken Rules (Rules 2)

Kass walks in, too. “I’m sure he’s just busy.”

“Busy flirting with all the girls in town,” Will says, and I throw a pillow at him, my fake smile faltering.

“Seriously, though, what’s his deal?” Kass says and throws herself on the couch next to me. “You two just got back together, and you haven’t even had time to talk about what’s going to happen in a week. You know, when you literally move to another country? What is he even doing? I don’t understand this guy.”

I sigh. “You and me both, sister, you and me both.”

She’s right. I’ve been trying not to think about it, but the clock ticking is bringing us closer to the inevitable goodbye with every passing second. The finals are next week. I’m already drowning in studies and all these papers I have to write for extra credit. I have no clue when or if Haze and I will even have time to spend time together before I leave. Then there’s his parents’ awful reception on Tuesday. I assume we’re not going anymore since it would mean seeing each other, and we

’re particularly lacking in that department.

“He’s here.” Kass jumps up when she gets a text message.

“Who’s here?” I look at her.

“Luke.”

I immediately gaze at Will, who can’t erase the anger on his face. Kass’s seeing Luke Jenson again? Why? What happened to my favorite forbidden couple?

“You seeing him again?” I ask before she walks out.

“Yes. He’s taking me to prom next week. Somebody’s got to.” The emphasis she puts on the last part isn’t lost on me. Will probably doesn’t want to take her because it would mean telling Kendrick about them. He keeps his eyes glued to his phone, but I can tell he’s falling to pieces with each step Kass takes toward the door.

He couldn’t keep his promise. But why? It’s so obvious that he’s head over heels in love with her. He needs to wake up before it’s too late… I get it though. How do you tell your best friend that you’ve been sleeping with his sister behind his back, when he’s specifically forbidden you to?

Kassidy’s eyes lift to Will. Then, she looks at the ground, pain coloring her traits, and walks out. Next thing we know, a car’s screeching down the street. I receive a message shortly after that. It’s Haze. He texted me back. Well, that’s a first.

Haze: I’m so sorry, sweetie. I can explain. Please come over to my place.

Sweetie? Since when does Haze call me sweetie?

Winter: Where have you been?

Haze: I’ll tell you everything in person, I promise. I love you. Can you come over?

I stare at the screen for a few seconds, uncertainty growing inside me, and decide I owe him a chance to explain himself.

Winter: I’m on my way.

“Thanks again.” I unbuckle my seat belt and climb out of Will’s car. He was nice enough to drive me.

“No problem, Canada. You good to get back home?”

“Yes, don’t worry. Haze will drive me, or I’ll get a cab.”

Will nods and I slam the door. He drives off in a roar as I make my way to the entrance of the alluring brick-built building with my backpack hanging off my arm. I thought I’d bring Haze the assignments and notes he missed from the classes we have together. I notice two guys that look my age smoking next to the building and watching me but don’t think much of it.

I text Haze to buzz me in since I can never remember his apartment number. The familiar sound quickly resonates in the wide entrance hall, and I pull the heavy door open with a million thoughts swirling around my brain. He texts me to come in without knocking.

I have no idea what I could possibly say to him at this point. Every time I think we’re making progress, he takes us back to square one. The elevator ride isn’t long enough. I need more time. More silence. I need another chance to figure out how to casually bring up that I’ll be on a plane taking me to another country in a few days. The ding indicating that I’ve reached his floor only accentuates my panic. The painful lump in my throat makes itself known as I count every step I take religiously. I haven’t been able to get rid of the doubts cutting through my stomach since earlier. What Bianca said stayed with me. I can’t shake her. What if it’s true? What if he did sleep with her?

I suck in a breath, lay an uncertain and shaky hand on the handle, and turn it. As soon as I walk in and close the door, I’m struck by a darkness I did not expect. All lights are off. Engulfed in gloom, I let my hands explore the walls in search of a light switch.

“Haze?” I call.

No reply.

At first, I think maybe he’s pulling a prank on me. But I quickly realize I couldn’t be more wrong. The lamp comes on and I see him.