Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Abby

Daniel and I fall silent as Bryan and Mr. Thompson suddenly walk into the room,

Daniel’s earlier remarks still ringing in my ears.

But as my eyes flick from Bryan, whose eyes are red-rimmed and swollen, to

Mr. Thompson, whose face is somber, I suddenly find myself forgetting all about

my argument with Daniel.

“Bryan, are you okay?” I ask, taking a step forward.

He looks up, his eyes full of an emotion that strikes me instantly. Bryan has

been the quiet sort throughout this entire competition, focused entirely on his

Enter title…

work. But now, he suddenly appears as though his very soul is slipping out from

him, like the rug was just ripped from beneath his feet.

“It’s private, Abby—” Mr. Thompson begins, but Bryan cuts him off.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Bryan says. “It’s just… um…” His voice quivers, and there’s a

pause before he finally takes a deep breath and speaks. “It’s… It’s my mom,” he

whispers, the words catching in his throat. “She passed away. Just now.”

The room tilts a little, my heart dropping to my stomach. The competition, the

rivalry, the argument with Daniel—all of it suddenly seems to fade into

nothingness.

“Oh, Bryan… I’m so sorry,” I murmur.

He nods. “She wasn’t doing so well, and has been in the hospital for a while. I

her side, but…” He

“I was here instead.”

Daniel asks, his posture stiff. I glance over at him,

telling me that he’s only thinking

for him; not today,

“I’m dropping out.”

bricks. I’m at

my mouth agape.

Thompson speaks up, his usually jovial demeanor masked

urgency. “We’re very sorry to see you

choice. Feel free to

what about the contest?” Daniel blurts out, that glint in

apparent.

turns, his hands clasped behind his back, a sure

mode.

two, Abby and

eyes narrow.

of the second round will not be

look. “Regardless

the two remaining finalists.”

moment where I feel a bitter sense of relief mingled

that of my bitter tiramisu. But I

on Bryan, whose world has just

start, taking a few steps toward him, my own troubles feeling

“I…

slightly as I speak,

moving on autopilot, I step forward and wrap

in a hug. It’s awkward, unexpected—especially from me, to

know—but in an odd way, I know he needs this

he’s just been slapped. But then, after a few

to relax. His arms tentatively wrap around my shoulders,

embrace, as he was

one

few moments, locked in this

feel Daniel’s eyes boring holes into the back

Bryan’s shoulders tremble, a silent sob