CHAPTER 8
LOCKER GAMES
POV– Aiden Hart
The night air was crisp as I stepped out of the diner, the distant hum of streetlights casting elongated shadows on the pavement. The group lunch had ended, but the awkward tension lingered, wrapping around me like an unwelcome cloak. I was sitting in my car outside the diner, about to drive off, when I reached into my jacket pocket for my phone. A quick pat-down confirmed it was missing.
Frustration bubbled up. Maddie had driven separately, thankfully. The thought of enduring a silent ride with her after her passive-aggressive jabs at the diner was unbearable. I turned back toward the diner, hoping my phone was still at our booth.
As I approached the side entrance, muffled voices halted my steps. I recognized Kieran's voice, low and tense. He was speaking to someone.
"She shouldn't have spoken to you like that," Kieran said, his voice edged with anger.
She responded gently, "Kieran, no. I'm okay. Please, don't do anything rash. I don't want to lose you again, okay?"
"You won't," he assured her.
"I mean it. This town, this time, it's supposed to be different. Let it go. For me."
Peering around the corner, I saw them embrace under the dim light. The raw emotion between them was palpable. Feeling like an intruder, I slipped quietly into the diner.
Inside, the diner was nearly empty. I scanned our booth, no phone. Mike, the owner, emerged from the back, holding my phone.
"You're lucky someone turned this in," he said, handing it over. "Lotta things get lost in here…."
"Thanks," I replied, pocketing the device.
Mike gave me a once-over look, a smirk playing on his lips. "I see it now."
I frowned. "See what?"
He chuckled, walking away without another word, leaving me puzzled.
Stepping outside, I was met with Kieran leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
"Did you enjoy the show?" he asked, eyes narrowing.
I froze. "What?"
"The conversation. With my mom. You heard it."
Caught, I sighed. It was his mom. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was coming back for my phone. Sorry."
Turning to leave, guilt gnawed at me. I stopped and looked back.
"Your mom didn't deserve that. What Maddie said… it was wrong. I'm sorry."
Kieran raised an eyebrow. "Did you say anything at the table?"
"No."
"Did you personally do anything to my mom?"
"…No."
"Then why are you apologizing?"
I had no answer. He shook his head slightly, disappointment evident, and disappeared inside.
Driving home, his words echoed in my mind. Why did I apologize for something I didn't do? Because that's what I always do: apologize, smooth things over, keep the peace. It's the price of being the perfect son.
At home, I called Caleb, apologizing for missing our Saturday plans. This apology felt different and earned. We rescheduled for next weekend.
Sunday passed quietly. I caught up on homework, stayed in my room, and avoided Maddie.
Monday morning, I felt a semblance of clarity. At school, I hung out with Maddie and the crew, trying to focus. But I started noticing things: Maddie's subtle digs, how she dominated conversations, how she never apologized.
In English class, Kieran acknowledged me with a nod. A small gesture, but it felt like a truce.
Before gym, Ty and I headed to the lockers. I entered my combination, but nothing. Ty tried nothing.
"That's weird, man," he said.
A hush fell over the hallway. "Uh… why is he coming over?" someone whispered.
Kieran approached, calm and confident. He entered the combination, and the locker opened.
"This is mine now," he said casually. "Everyone knows the top locker goes to the top dog."
"Wait, what?" I stammered.
He patted my cheek condescendingly. "Don't worry, Hart. I moved your stuff. It's safe… back in your old spot."
Speechless, I watched as he grabbed his bag, slammed the locker shut, and vanished into the crowd.
Whispers erupted around me. "Guess there's a new king," someone said.
And all I could think was…
How the hell did he know my combination?