in reverse-adam banks(1)

chapter 23 - summer fades

Layla's POV

Last year had been nothing short of chaotic.

Between the blowup (again) with Adrianna and the ducks, it was nonstop. But I was forever grateful to Adam. Yes, obviously, Scooter and Riley were always there for me and always would be, but Adam just seemed to get me in a way that they didn't. I never felt more comfortable than when I was with him, just talking about absolutely everything.

I was starting to get better too, mentally.

I guess.

Sometimes I really didn't know how much of it was just trying to support Adam and keep him from worrying but, I think, I was happier. Life was so much more enjoyable when the two hockey teams weren't constantly fighting. Riley still had his reserves about a few of the ducks, but they all got along for the most part.

Adam and I had spent the majority of our summer just trying to figure us out. But I absolutely loved being around him, I know that for a fact. The feelings I thought I pushed away mid-season were coming back and so much stronger. He was becoming this light in my darkness and I couldn't keep myself from embracing it.

Not surprisingly, Scooter and Riley had definitely noticed the fact that I spent every second that wasn't with them, with Adam. At first, Riley was offended, but then Scooter was more or less able to convince him that Adam wasn't their replacement, and then he was just happy that I was happy.

But now summer was fading and the hellscape that was high school was about to start. Riley, Scooter, and I were starting our junior years. The ducks were all going to be sophomores, and the rest of varsity was split in about half; half had graduated last year and the remaining 5 or so were seniors. I wondered what would happen with hockey, considering we had most likely 5 open spots. I didn't doubt that they would move Adam up, and maybe Charlie, but I didn't know if any of the other ducks were varsity material. Not to be mean or anything, it had just been a while since I had seen them play. Plus who knows how many of them actually practiced over the summer, besides Adam and I and Charlie's occasional appearance. 

So with the summer coming to an end, I sat in the auditorium listening to Dean Buckley droll on and on about who knows what with the previous year's varsity team on my left, Adam on my right, and the remaining ducks in front of us. From their team of 13 at the end of last season, all had decided to renew their scholarships for the next school year. Even Dean decided it was worth it.

After the varsity fiasco game where Dean made an intermission appearance, I got the chance to talk to him a few times. He was honestly a really cool guy. Chicago was somewhere I had visited as a kid and absolutely loves, so hearing all about that was nice. Within a few weeks, we became good friends. I was honestly a bit surprised he didn't make a move on me, considering I watched him approach every girl with a heartbeat over the summer, but I suspected that might have had something to do with the look I saw Adam give him the first time he came to talk to me. 

Making peace with the ducks was honestly the best choice we could've made. They adopted me, Scooter,  and Riley into their group in a way and we spent a lot of the summer hanging out with them. I don't think Riley will ever quite get over that loss, but at least he's trying. 

Julie and Scooter were getting closer and closer, that we could all see. But I could never get either of them to admit any feelings, both of them claiming they were 'just friends'. Just friends my ass. They absolutely screamed sexual tension and at this point, we were all just waiting for something to push them over the edge of friendship and into something more. It made me so happy that Scooter has found someone like Julie, she was absolutely perfect for him.

Riley had promptly broken up with Mindy after he caught her kissing Luis. He was furious with the younger boy for a solid month, while Luis and Mindy dated. But after a lot of convincing, and several apologies from a newly heartbroken Luis who had learned just how horrible Mindy could be, he decided to forgive him. Now, it was a rare sight to see one of them without the other somewhere nearby. They were more alike than either of them had realized and struck up a fast friendship.

As far as I know, nothing ever happened with Charlie and Linda. I talked to him a few times over the summer when we were playing hockey and Adam had to leave early. What I knew was she came to the game, they kissed, and went on a couple of dates, but nothing ever became of them. They still talk and are friends now but I don't think they have anything romantic in store. Charlie was actually a pretty cool guy once you got to know him and he wasn't breaking hockey sticks in your face. Adam and I loved to mess with him and throw that moment in his face. 

I jumped a bit out of my daze as I felt Adam tapping my shoulder softly. He laughed quietly at my reaction before pointing to the stage and whispering, "He's starting". I sighed. Here we go again.

author's note: YOUR PROMISED UPDATE! this is a bit of a filler, just to kind of give you an idea of where we're at. i honestly feel like this act is going to be so much better than the first. also, I decided that I will, at some point, go back and edit/rewrite a few of the earlier chapters. but for now, ENJOY!!! and please let me know what you think so far!! <3