storms edge

collision

Chapter One: Collision

The scent of rain lingered in the air, clinging to the damp sidewalks of Riverton High. Grey clouds loomed overhead, making the afternoon feel later than it was. Students trickled out of the building, chatting and laughing as they dispersed toward buses and cars.

Caleb Bennett adjusted the straps of his backpack and tugged his hoodie tighter around himself. He hated rainy days—too cold, too dreary. As he walked toward the bike rack, he mentally scrolled through his after-school routine: ride home, avoid his mom's nosy questions, and disappear into his room with his guitar until dinner. Simple. Predictable.

Until it wasn't.

A sudden crash of metal against metal jolted him from his thoughts. Caleb whipped around just in time to see a tall figure wrestle a motorcycle back into balance near the curb. He recognized the leather jacket and tousled dark hair instantly—Aiden Cross.

Aiden was infamous around school. Brooding, reckless, and completely untouchable. He had a reputation for skipping class, riding that battered motorcycle like he was invincible, and staring down teachers without a flicker of fear. Caleb had no business watching him—yet he couldn't seem to look away.

Aiden kicked the bike's stand into place with practiced ease and pulled off his helmet, shaking out his hair like he was in a commercial or something. His sharp jawline caught the light just right, and Caleb silently cursed whatever cosmic force made someone look that good after nearly crashing.

As if sensing the intensity of Caleb's stare, Aiden's eyes snapped up. For a split second, their gazes locked—hazel meeting stormy gray. Caleb's breath hitched. He expected Aiden to sneer or roll his eyes like most people did. Instead, Aiden's expression softened into something unreadable.

Before Caleb could process what just happened, Aiden was striding toward him, every step radiating confidence. Caleb's pulse pounded in his ears. Was he in trouble? Had he stared too long?

"Hey," Aiden said, his voice rough but not unkind. "You got a spare phone charger?"

Caleb blinked. Out of all the things he expected, this wasn't it. "Uh...yeah, I think so." He fumbled with his backpack, fingers trembling slightly. He finally pulled out a slightly battered charger and held it out.

Aiden's fingers brushed Caleb's as he took it, lingering just a second too long. "Thanks. My phone's dead, and I'm stuck here till my friend shows."

"No problem." Caleb managed, heart still racing. He was sure Aiden could hear how loud it was.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them buzzed with something Caleb couldn't quite name.

"Caleb, right?" Aiden asked, tilting his head like he was genuinely curious.

"Yeah." Caleb tried to sound casual but failed miserably. "You, uh...know my name?"

Aiden smirked faintly, slipping the charger into his pocket. "I notice more than people think."

Before Caleb could respond, a loud honk echoed from the parking lot. Aiden glanced over his shoulder, then back at Caleb. "Thanks again. I owe you one."

He turned and walked away, leaving Caleb standing there, stunned. The rain started falling again, cool droplets prickling his skin—but he barely noticed.

For the first time in a long while, Caleb's routine felt a little less predictable. And maybe, just maybe, he didn't mind.