There wasn't anything terribly wrong him. He had what they called 'swimmers shoulder'. It didn't help that he ignored the pain and overworked his shoulder until eventually, it led to us here in the hospital.

They told him he'd need to rest from swimming for a couple weeks. I knew deep down this hurt; it was our senior year and he was going to be out for a while. Luckily for him, he didn't tear anything, and it was just inflamed. Soon he'll be back in the water if he followed the doctors orders.

I paced in the waiting room. I probably looked crazy to everyone around me. My dress was wet and dirty. My makeup was smeared, and my hair was a mess.

Bella and Vince were on their way here. She didn't read my text until thirty minutes later. I managed to call Dulce to update her on what was going on before my phone's battery died.

​​"Let's go," I heard Axel say. I turned and looked at him. He looked so much better, and he didn't seem to be in as much pain.

"Did they say you can go?"

Axel nodded and walked towards the exit. "We should wait for Bella and Vince."

I looked out the window, the rain wasn't as bad, but it still made me nervous. My hands got clammy at the thought of having to drive again. I glanced at Axel who was now situated on one of the lounge chairs.

I sat next to him and closed my eyes in thought for a bit. My brain was in fumbles, too much had happened. I was still mad at Niko since he hadn't shown up. For a split second I thought maybe something had happened to him but something told me that was not the case.

"Everything okay?" Axel asked after a few seconds.

"No. Niko stood me up." I sat up a little straighter now getting heated. "I mean he was the one who offered himself up! I can't believe this; I won't forgive him. He better have a good explanation."

"I'm going to beat his ass."

I laughed lightly. "You know with you being in pain and all, you danced perfectly." I nudged him carefully. "You still have it in you."

"Gave it my all for you. Did we win at least?"

I frowned and covered my face. "We left before it was announced. Gosh this is such a terrible day."

After a couple minutes of silence and me moping in misery he spoke up. "You drove in the rain. For me."

I was still covering my face. All the emotions were overwhelming, I just wanted to cry under my pillow.

"I can't believe you faced your fear just to get me here. You're stupid sometimes I can't believe you got the guts to do it."

I looked up at him and frowned. "I wouldn't have done for anyone else. Plus, you would have done the same for me."

He stared at me with a small smile on his face.

"Mari! Oh my god Axel are you okay?" Bella came rushing in with Vince walking behind her.

"Yeah I'm fine. Might be out for a month or two."

"Mari!" Bella hugged me. "Why was Axel up on stage and not Niko?"

My eye twitched at the mention of the name. "Did you bring my bags?"

"Oh yeah here. You can go change." She handed me my backpack. I started making my way towards the restrooms with Bella trailing behind me.

"What happened?" She asked as soon as we went in.

"Can you help me with the zipper?"

"So what happened and why didn't you call Vince and I? We could've driven Axel."

"I didn't think about that and just drove myself," I said sheepishly. Everything was a blur and I was not thinking rationally in the moment.

"You drove? In this weather? For Axel?" Bella seemed shocked.

I nodded and changed into more comfortable clothes.

"Niko stood me up and didn't show," I changed the subject.

Bella laughed. "You're lying."

I gave her a look. "Nope. He did not show up. Never picked up or answered my texts."

"I swear I'm going to beat his a-"

"Bella can we just head home. It's a long drive and I feel disgusting."

She nodded and waited patiently for me to finish up. We walked out and over to the boys.

"You looked great Mari! You and Axel still have that chemistry," Vince said giving me a hug.

"Thanks," I muttered and tossed him the keys to Axel's car. "You should drive his car. I'll go with Bella if that's alright."

Vince nodded and motioned for us to head out. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and followed them out. The drive home was still an hour, and it was already pretty late out.

We all rushed to get into the cars. I waved goodbye at Vince and Axel.

"Drive safe," I said.

"We'll be behind you two."

Bella started the engine and put some music on.

"So," Bella said after we were on the road for a couple of minutes.

"Hmm?"

"What did todays action mean? You know putting that fear of yours aside for the sake of Axel."

I shrugged and looked out the window. "Driving still scares me, I just had an adrenaline rush."

The drive back would only take about an hour and a half. I just wanted to hop in a hot shower and snuggle into my sheets.

"You sure you don't like him?"

"And if I do? What is that supposed to do?"

Bella stayed silent for a few seconds. "So, you do like him. I knew it."

"I never said that!" I said defensively.

"You didn't deny it either. I can tell by the way you look at him."

"Well how do I look at him?" I asked confused.

"You look at him differently than you did with Niko."

I gave her a look. "How do I look at him?"

"This sounds cliché as hell but your eyes sparkle. It sounds strange but there's such admiration when you lay eyes on him."

I laughed.

"I'm serious Mari." When I didn't answer her she continued. "When did you come to realization you like him?"

"I didn't because I don't," I lied.

"You're a terrible liar."

I sighed and contemplated telling her the truth. She was my best friend, she knew everything about me and vise versa. Maybe telling her would mean she'd help me.

"How do I know you won't tell anyone? Since I don't want to bring up a certain scenario that happened in the past."

"I'm sorry Mari, I really am."

"I think I might be falling for him," I said after a while. 

"See, was that so hard to confess?" she teased.

"Yes, it was actually. You can't let Charity know!"

"I know and she won't find out."

"It seems her and Axel are going smoothly right now," I sighed.

"So? That doesn't matter, they aren't dating so it's all an even playing field. You just need to get closer to Axel."

I gave her a look that read 'are you serious right now?'

"Bella, how much closer? Axel and I are like always together."

"Yeah but start making subtle moves."

"I don't want to ruin my friendship with him," I frowned. Not only that but I've never had a boyfriend, I've never actually kissed someone. How did she expect me to flirt with Axel.

"Mari, you're such an overthinker. We're graduating in a few months. If you do somehow mess things up, which you won't, you two probably won't go to the same college. Just go for it. I have a feeling he has feelings for you too."

I thought about her words. "Should I go for it?"

"Yes, I'll be rooting for you."

"But you can't help Charity," I said and glared at her.

"I haven't but okay."

A small smile made its way onto my face. "I can't believe Niko didn't show up."

Bella gripped the steering wheel. "We can go and confront him."

I shook my head. "I don't want to see his stupid face; I just want to take a hot shower and snuggle under my blankets."

"Only thirty more minutes until we reach Cromerth. Did your parents call?"

"Nope, not even my siblings," I said sadly.

"I'm sure they were really busy and couldn't get to it," Bella said trying to reassure me.

"I don't know. I thought Lilly for sure would at least text. I mean I always went to her stupid piano recitals."

"True."

I sat a bit straighter. "Wait, do you know who won?"

Bella shook her head. "No, we left before they got to the awards."

"The team will probably blame me if we lost."

"Not the team but maybe Val. She's evil. I don't know why Charity hangs out with her so much."

"Agreed but then again Charity seems evil too."

"She's not that bad when you actually get to know her."

"I don't want to get to know her."

Bella chuckled and turned up the volume. We didn't speak for the rest of the drive except for the occasional singing.

When we pulled into the driveway all the houses were lit except mine. I frowned and mentally prepared for a lonely night.

Bella quickly dropped me off at my house and then drove to Vince's across the street. I gingerly made my way up to the porch. The rain was nothing but a drizzle by now.

I started reaching for my keys when something caught my attention. By the door was a vase full of carnations with a little note. I picked up the vase with my free hand and tried to unlock the door with another.

I pushed the door open and was engulfed by that silence I'm used to. Either my parents weren't coming home, or they were coming home late.

I made my way up to my room, turning on the lights as I went since I didn't want to be in the dark. I threw my bags down on the floor and set the vase on my desk. I plucked the note and carefully unfolded it.

'Sorry I couldn't make it to your waltz competition! I'm sure you guys won and I know for a fact you danced flawlessly! I figured this would be better than a text. Can't wait to see you soon!

Love you,

Lillian'

A small smile made its way to my face, Lillian did think of me. I went into my bathroom and started a steaming shower. After doing my business and getting into my pajamas I threw myself on my bed.

The emotions from today started flooding in. I covered my face with my pillow and bit back the tears.

'It was only a bad day. Tomorrow will be better.'

I decided to watch a movie or something to distract me from my thoughts. While browsing, I heard the front door open and assumed it was my parents.

I heard heavy footsteps make their way up the stairs. I glanced at my door; it wasn't fully closed so I could still see a bit from the hallway.

Axel peeked in and I instantly sat up.

"What are you doing here?"

He closed the door as he walked in and carefully sat next to me.

"I felt like you needed company," he said as he made himself comfortable.

"You should be resting in bed," I chastised him.

"I am, just not on mine." He took the remote from me and started browsing.

"Your shoulder though." I looked down at it.

"It's fine if I don't use it. Let's watch this one."

I looked up to see his choice which was a classic Twilight.

"You were upset all day, you wanted to cry but you didn't cry. Don't bottle up your emotions," he said glancing at me. "You can cry on my shoulder but not this one since it's hurt."

I rolled my eyes and laid back down. He did the same while getting a little closer. I could feel my heartbeat speed up. This wasn't any different than past times, Axel and I slept over many times before; it was a common thing for us.

'Subtle moves.' Except I was completely clueless on what to do here.

"You don't like Twilight," I said.

"But you do."

After a couple minutes of us just watching the movie I spoke up. "Well at least now we can eat breakfast in the mornings."

He looked at me. "You're not going to dance?"

I looked up at my ceiling. "Maybe I should take a break. It's not like Val will care."

"You've never taken a break though."

"Maybe it's finally time to take one."

"Mari."

"Let's just watch the movie."

The more I tried to watch the movie, the drowsier I got. I snuggled closer to Axel for warmth of course and let his scent fill my nostrils. It was so comforting and made me give into the darkness that was about to consume me.

-

I was the first to wake up. I looked over at Axel who was snoring lightly. A smile made its way onto my face.

I carefully got up without waking him up. I did my morning business and tried to make myself a bit more presentable.

There was no sign of my parents which confirmed that they did sleep out and would probably be home later.

Scanning the fridge for something to eat, I decided to cook something. Making eggs and bacon shouldn't be too hard.

I turned on the stove and began the cooking process. Doing the best of my abilities, I surprisingly didn't burn the house but I did burn the toast.

"It smells awful," Axel said walking in.

"Sorry, it was the toast."

Axel looked down at the plates of food. "Please tell me you didn't."

I grinned and slid his plate. "Yes! I cooked us breakfast. I promise this time you won't get sick."

He eyed the food and reluctantly took a forkful.

"How's the shoulder?" I asked.

"Good, there's a little pain but I'll manage."

"Am I driving us to school then?"

Axel looked up at me. "We can ride with Bella and Vince."

"Soccer practice starts this week," I reminded him. "I can drive us on the days it's not raining."

"Mari, it rains every other day."

I shrugged.

"What do you want to do today?" he asked leaning back on his chair.

"I thought you were leaving after breakfast. Does Dulce know that you're here?"

"Nope and I'm sure she has an idea of where I'm at."

"We can watch movies, have a little spa day."

He nodded. "That works I guess."

"Let me invite Vince and Bella."

He frowned. "Oh, they're going to join us too."

I looked at him confused. "You don't want them to?"

He waved me off. "Nah go ahead. I'll clean our plates."

I gave him one last look and went back upstairs. I texted the group chat and let them know of our plans.

ara is bella: be there in an hour !

I looked out the window of my room. It was a gloomy day; my parents hated the days like this. It made me wonder why they chose this location knowing it was grey skies every day. I wanted to say that was also a part of their reasoning for being so absent in our lives. They were always on the move the moment we were at the age to be independent.

The sound of my ringtone blared through the silent room. I glanced down to see the caller ID. Niko's name and photo filled the screen. Yesterday's anger came rushing back in. I chose to ignore him and I turned off my phone so I wouldn't be constantly reminded that he stood me up.

Axel came walking into my room. "Did Niko try cal-"

"Yep," I cut him off.

"Did you an-"

"Nope. Let's go get the movie room ready for Vince and Bella," I said trying to change the subject.

Luckily Axel got the hint right away and started making his way downstairs. I took a deep breath and followed after him.

"Are you parents coming home soon?" Axel asked as he turned on the giant TV.

I fluffed the couch pillows and set out some blankets. "I'm not sure. They don't usually say but I'm going to assume so.

His phone started ringing, he glanced down and turned it off. "I haven't seen your dad in forever."

"Me too. He keeps prioritizing work."

"My dad too and everyone in our friend group. Kind of sucks that all our parents are like nonexistent and probably don't know what's going in our lives."

"That's why I'm so grateful for Dulce. Your mom is like my second mother, I don't know what I'd do without her."

"She loves you. She wishes you and I would date though."

I stopped doing what I was doing. "She's still hoping for that?"

"Oh yeah, not a day when I'm not reminded."

"Oh." I paused and glanced at him. "I mean there's no-"

"I mean come on. You and me? That'll probably never happen right?" Axel forced a laughed.

I nervously laughed. Was I getting rejected without even making any moves?

"I mean if you say so," I responded and went back to making the couch look nice.

"I mean it's just absurd."

I didn't say anything.

Axel should shut up.

"You and me? Psh no way," he kept going.

"Okay Axel I get it," I said a little annoyed.

"I was telling my mom about Charity," Axel started carefully.

I glanced at him. "Oh, you're serious about her?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" He looked a little offended.

I shrugged. "I just thought you said you and Charity weren't going to become anything like that."

He crossed him arms. "No, I said I wanted to see where it went."

I stared at him. Why was he getting so worked up about this?

"Okay. You sure you can trust her Axel? She seems a bit sketchy, even Niko agreed."

He narrowed his eyes. "I can trust her Mari. Niko doesn't even get a say in this. He doesn't seem trustworthy; I mean look at what he did. He stood you up after her promised he'd be there. Don't tell me who I should trust."

I glared at him. The last thing I wanted was to have an argument with him but I couldn't help not talking back.

"Oh but when I was trying to hang with Greyson you kept telling me repeatedly not to trust him and that he was sketchy. I see how it is, you can control who I talk to and trust, but I can't even advise you to be careful." I started walking out of the room. Any other day I probably would have apologized for being dramatic but it was not a good day, especially with yesterday's events. I was getting more annoyed than I should be getting.

"Mari," Axel said behind me.

I kept walking to the front door.

"Mariposa!"

I ignored him and grabbed the umbrella on the rack. I turned to look at him, he looked confused. I shoved the umbrella a little too forcefully onto his chest.

"You need to go Axel. I can't do this today," I said opening the door. The chilly air sent goosebumps up my arms. "I'm just not in the mood and I don't want to make things bad with you. Please just go."

He opened his mouth to speak but said nothing. He slipped on his shoes and stepped outside. He gave me one last look. I closed the door on his face and took a shaky breath.

Finally letting the emotions roll back in, I broke down sobbing. The silent home was now filled with my loud crying. I wouldn't be surprised if Axel could hear me. Everything felt like it was somehow my fault, like the reason Axel got hurt was because of me. I was too afraid to ask Amelia who had won the competition, afraid that if we did lose then I wouldn't hear the end of it. It was me who trusted Niko and assumed he would do it for me.

I wiped away my tears and made my way upstairs. I plopped down on my bed and turned on my phone.

Valeria had texted me asking if I could go in and work. I replied with a sure and almost instantly she texted back.

Valeria: Great, Mariano will be there to pick you up.

I glanced up at my clock; I had half an hour to get ready. I texted Bella privately letting her know I'd have to go to work instead. I didn't wait for a response and started to get ready.

**

"Took you long enough," Mariano said as I go into his car.

"I couldn't find my shoes," I mumbled. He pulled out of the