First message
The quad hummed between classes. Riley, football team captain, leaned against a brick wall, still reeling from the text he’d gotten ten minutes prior—proof he was going to be a dad. Three months ago, one night with Mia, and now this.
He spotted her walking straight toward him, books pressed to her chest. Before she could even meet his eyes or say a word, his voice came out sharp, defensive. “Go. Just go—don’t even stop.”
Mia froze, confused. “I wasn’t… I’m just trying to get to my history class. I didn’t come to talk to you.”
His jaw tightened. Guilt and panic tangled in his chest; he’d jumped the gun, assuming she was coming to confront him. A few teammates nearby glanced over, quieting down. Riley looked away, throat tight, realizing he’d pushed her away before he’d even let her explain—all while the weight of what was coming settled heavy on his shoulders.