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

by her side, but…”

“I was here instead.”

posture stiff. I glance over at

his eyes, something telling me

cards for him; not today, and maybe

“I’m dropping out.”

words hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m at a loss for words, my eyes

my mouth agape.

up, his usually jovial demeanor masked by a

and urgency. “We’re very sorry to see you

free

what about the contest?” Daniel blurts out, that

apparent.

hands clasped behind his back, a sure sign that

mode. “The

two, Abby and

eyes narrow.

the second round will not be taken into account,”

Daniel a warning look. “Regardless of scores,

the two remaining finalists.”

a moment where I feel a bitter sense of relief mingled

bitter tiramisu. But I push

Bryan, whose

steps toward him, my

small now. “I…

slightly as I speak, and I can’t just stand

if I’m moving on autopilot, I step forward and wrap my arms

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

I know

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

relax. His arms tentatively wrap around my shoulders, hiding

in his embrace, as he was

hug from one

stand here for a few moments, locked in this embrace. The room is

holes into the back of my

anything, I can feel Bryan’s shoulders