Nonexistent

~Chapter Twenty-Seven~

Logan stood with his arm slightly wrapped around Harper's shoulders, resting on the car behind them as he eyed Hunter with a small smirk. Oliver was on their other side, his hand intertwined with Skylar's as he swung them back and forth like the inner child he was. I snorted slightly at the sight, and Skylar looked over, looked down at her moving hand, and laughed herself, rolling her eyes fondly at her childish boyfriend.

My smile settled upon my face at the sight, and I sighed lightly at the entire group around me. It felt like years had passed between us, but it had only been just a few months since Oliver had dragged me over to his lunch table and introduced Harper and I to the group of boys whom had quickly become a part of my life I couldn't exactly get rid of. Hunter especially.

The boy had attached himself to me, and my heart, like a leech that couldn't be scraped off. He had made me smile even when I felt like my world was dark, and I couldn't be bothered to try and keep him away after that. Not after he had picked me up late at night to go driving for who knows how long just to make me feel better.

It was Oliver who broke the smaller conversations off, calling out to all of us, "Alright, so plan is Hunter's the 23rd, and then we figure out something for New Years maybe?" I gave a small nod, although I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to get out after Christmas, my mother would likely be sick for most of the time after, and I didn't want to just leave her alone, not after Christmas.

As everyone else affirmed Oliver's proposal, the group began saying their goodbyes, starting with the people closest to them. Having already given Hunter a hug, I stepped away from him, giving Oliver a light fist bump and a small hug to Skylar who squeezed me tightly. Glancing over my shoulder, I took a step backwards, waiting patiently for Harper to be done with her more.. personal goodbye to Logan.

Also known as not wanting to be right next to my best friend while she kisses her boyfriend goodbye.

I wasn't alone though, Hunter had come to stand next to me once more, scrunching up his nose in mock disgust at the two couples on either side of us. I nudged his shoulder with my own. "I feel like we should've ditched them when we had the chance, now they're too busy attaching to each other's faces. I'm not sure they'd notice if we left now," I snarked, raising my voice towards the end of my sentence, blatantly pointing out that we had yet to leave and the parking lot was already diminishing as people began speeding home to start their break as quickly as possible.

Hunter chuckled, nudging my shoulder back. "You're probably right, but I have to drop Oliver off before I can pick up Jason so, I guess this is goodbye for now. I'll see you in a few days?" He turned towards me, a hopeful look in his eyes. I nodded.

"Yeah, I'll be there. Goodbye for now," I laughed at the absurdness of our so heartfelt goodbyes, even though we would be seeing each other in a matter of days. I shook my head softly, "C'mon Harp, let's go! Me and the couch need some much needed quality time!" The whole group laughed, and I grinned as I stepped into Harper's car, slamming the door with a satisfying thud.

***

Harper rang the doorbell of Hunter's house, notifying the inhabitants that we had arrived. Hunter's mother opened it, a bright smile upon her face that almost seemed to grow as she looked the two of us up and down. "Hello, dears! So nice to see you again, I love your outfits!" I gave her a shy smile before accepting her enthusiastic hug, moving the small bag of gifts I carried out of the way as I returned it.

Her embrace was warm and comforting, something I had missed. The last time I had hugged my mother, a hug like this, had been so long ago. It was nice, just to have her arms wrapped around me. I sighed into the hug, relishing in the feeling longer than I probably should have.