It Started With A Concussion ✔️

Chapter 22

I shook my head before walking into the water.

I sank until the water was above my shoulders, closed my eyes and thought about the rest of summer. The routine of going to the beach, getting sand in my hair, sunkissed cheeks, salty skin, tan lines, going home to shower, heading out with friends, all just to wake up and do it again the next day.

God it sounded amazing.

The spur of my imagination was abruptly interrupted when my shoulders were pushed below the surface. I held my breath before standing back up, hearing Kayla's laugh.

"Dude, I was having a relaxing moment!" I giggled, wiping my hair out of my face.

We continued to laugh until I spotted Hannah moping in front of us. My face dropped as my laughter faded out. "Hey Han, you okay?" I ask genuinely.

"Yeah-it's just, uhm..." she trailed off playing with her fingers nervously.

Her small but noticeable frown made me a little upset. Looking past her head I could understand why. "Why don't you call him over here?" I ask.

She's quick to shake her head. "No, it's fine."

I gave her a look. "I'm serious Hannah. Get him over here." I try persuading her to draw Finn away from the group.

Again she shuts me down. "Really, it's fine Em. Plus it would be kinda awkward." she shrugged.

"Why?" Kayla butts in.

"I don't know...we haven't really spoken since-you know...that." She beats around the bush about what she's trying to get at. "I'm just really confused, that's all."

"Hannah." Kayla gave her a stern stare. "Tell us what happened."

"Well, it's what hasn't happened, really. I mean, after that kiss it's like nothing went anywhere. We joked about it at the diner, but nothing between us changed. At least that's what I've noticed." she explained, a weary look painting her face.

"You guys know I like him-after that kiss I thought maybe he did too, but now...I-I don't know." She lets out an exhausted breath. "I'm starting to think I was just a rebound kiss because Summer cheated on him."

"Don't say that." I blurt. She gave me a tight lipped frown, but I tried to think of anything to reassure her. "I'm sure that's not true Hannah."

"Well what am I supposed to think?" she asked. "Even in the car I felt like I was the only one freaking out. Maybe the only one thinking about it."

I looked at Kayla and she was just as upset as I was about this. Hannah's defeated demeanor really set the both of us off. She's usually the joyous person out of the three of us.

"Alright, c'mon." Kayla pipes up. "We're taking a walk."

She personally drags Hannah out of the water as I follow behind them. We pass the entire group and my heart feels a little heavy as I glance at Finn.

My eyes darted to Jackson who gave me a confused look as we walked by. I turn my head and catch up to the two of them.

"We're all officially mad at Finn." Kayla declares.

"Why?" Hannah asks as Kayla puts her arm around her shoulder.

"Because he doesn't just get to kiss my bestfriend and act like nothing happened!" she reasons and I agree.

Though I just can't come around to thinking he would do that. Forget it all just like that.

I'm sure there's another reason. There has to be.

~~~~~

I'm on my way back from the shower when I hear voices in a room I recognize, the one with the spinny chair.

I crack the door open and see someone I really need to talk to. "Finley. Samuels." I space out his name as I shut the door behind me.

"Oh god. What did I do now?" he lets out a sarcastic breath as JJ laughs next to him.

I roll my eyes and slap him on the shoulder.

"Ow."

"Are you an idiot!?" I ask him.

"What? What are you talking about?" he asks, confused.

"I'm talking about Hannah you dimwit. Why are you being an idiot with her?" I stress.

"And that's my cue. You guys know me, I'm a hit it and quit it type of guy. I don't do that emotional shit." he shivers in disgust before getting out of the chair.

I roll my eyes again. "You're never going to get in a relationship."

"And I don't want to. I like being a single, droolworthy man, thank you very much." His words are sarcastic as he holds a hand up to his chest.

"JJ." We say in unison.

"Get out." Finn deadpans.

With a shrug and a cheeky salute he leaves the room.

"How am I being an idiot with Hannah?" he asked, taking the chair JJ was just sitting in.

"You're making her upset."

"Why am I making her upset?" he asks.

"Because you're acting a little clueless here Finn. How can you just forget that you kissed her?" I press him.

"I didn't forget." he answers.

"So then why are you acting like nothing happened?" I genuinely question him.

He stays silent for a moment and I raise a brow at him to get him to speak.

"I don't want to act like nothing happened, I just...don't know what else to do." he shrugs.

My heart kind of dropped. "Do you...regret it?" The bitter words came out of my mouth and he looked surprised I even said that.

"No. I don't regret it at all. I actually think I'm nervous." he said with a laugh that confirmed his feelings.

He was nervous.

"Why are you nervous?"

"Well, no one's ever dated in this group besides Kayla and your brother. It feels like it's risky to even do that with someone else. You know, once you kiss someone in this group there's no going back from that." he explains.

My heart rose from the depths and then plummeted again.

There's no going back. Those were the words that repeated in my head. Shit.

I cleared my throat and continued. "So do you like her...like that?"

His lips tugged back and forth as he tried to come up with an answer. "I do, but I'm worried I might mess up what we already have if I go any further."

I sighed. "Well by sitting back and doing nothing, you're kinda messing things up." I give it to him straight.

He groans and runs a hand over his face. "So then what, just go for it?"

"Yes. God Finn, she has the biggest crush on you, it's embarrassing." I laugh.

A smile breaks across his face as he sits back in accomplishment.

I turn around and put my hand on the doorknob. "But break her heart and Kayla and I will never speak to you again." I point at him.

"Thanks for the warning." He throws his hands up in defense.

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Not really sure how I feel about this chapter. It's kinda filler.

But the next...god ;)))

Thoughts???

Don't forget to comment and vote!!