Broken Lines || sequel • discontinued •

Chapter 12 ( Memories )

• Stella's POV •

The past few days have been hard for me to handle. It's been a long time since I've talked to Luke and the sudden sound of his voice through the phone surprised me. I had a hard time to breathe when I talked to Luke that night. I don't even know what's happening to his life right now.

I didn't want to do it but I guess we're all just people and I was already having a hard time with what was happening then there's Hunter. I don't know if he really likes me but Natalie says he does.

Zee hasn't contacted Kian is days and he told me whenever he goes to her house, she doesn't come out. What is it with people and relationships?

"Stella?" Natalie said, opening the door to my room.

"Hey, Natalie," I said, patting the space of the bed beside me. "Come hang out."

Just before she could close the door, Hunter came in. I looked at him with my eyes slightly wide. He rubbed a hand through his hair and sighed.

"Hey," he said. "How are you?"

"Uh, I'm fine I guess."

The both of them sat on my bed and we all stayed silent, only the sound of my air conditioner was filling up the room.

"Hey, there's a party tonight at my friend's house," Natalie said, breaking the silence. "Do both of you want to come?"

"I'm in," Hunter immediately said. "It's been so long since I've been to a party. Stell, you should go too."

Natalie shot him a look and I wasn't sure what she meant by it. "I don't know, guys," I said. "There's so much paperwork and stress and school and—"

"Luke," Natalie said. "Stella, listen to me. You have to lighten up. Come on, you finished almost all your requirements the past few nights. One night of letting loose won't kill you. Please, come with us."

I looked at Hunter who was smiling sadly at me. It was like his eyes were telling me that his heart would break if I didn't come with them. I like Hunter, but I guess in a way that doesn't involve romance and stuff. I like him because Natalie was right, he respects girls, he's kind hearted and trustworthy.

"Okay then," I groaned. "But please, no drinking too much. I don't want to be responsible for you two later."

"No worries, Stellartsy," Natalie said, giving me a thumbs up. "And it isn't like we're going to die. It's just a regular college party."

*

The "regular" party turned out to be a big one. It was Natalie's high school best friend's boyfriend's birthday. It was a house party too. And literally a lot of college students from Norwest were there.

"Nastunter!" someone yelled over the loud music as we went in the living room. We all turned around to see a guy with striking blonde hair and blue eyes. Of course, it was Dan Gray, the birthday boy.

Natalie stepped in front and slapped his arm. "What the fuck is 'Nastunter'!?" she said.

"Natalie, Stella and Hunter, of course!" Dan laughed. He was already in the middle of getting drunk. His fair skin was already red. I had to cover my nose to keep the alcohol from infecting me.

"Bro, no offense but you suck at giving group names," Hunter said, patting Dan on the back. "Happy birthday, man."

"Happy birthday, Daniel!" I shouted.

"Alright, let's go meet Shania at the backyard," Natalie said, pulling both me and Hunter close behind her.

Everyone was practically dancing like tonight was their last night of living on earth. Thank goodness I decided to wear jeans rather than a dress, just like Natalie told me to. We stumbled into the backyard, catching our breaths.