Wicked (I Know I'm Bad Sequel)

Wicked: The Second Time Around, Part Two

Dear amazing people who read this stupid story, Part Three this week! :)

Hugs and kisses, Princess.

*

"Did you tell anyone?"

He shook his head as he tossed my luggage at the backseat of his black Yaris, his chocolaty messy brown hair ruffling in the air as he was. They had gone longer, slightly curling at the ends than when I saw im last, which was two weeks ago. "No, I know you wanted to surprise everyone."

I sighed in relief, chuckling a little. "I just don't want to make a big deal of it."

"Well, it's already a big deal since you've already been missing school for a week."

Dennis opened the passenger's door for me, and I sent him a small smile before sliding in.

"I'm actually quite surprised you called me." He commented. "I expected Sam would know before anyone else."

"Well, sorry for the trouble but I could always call a cab if you mind." I replied as I watched him get into the driver's.

"Aw come on Louise, you know I've missed you." He said in a sarcastic tone, causing me to roll my eyes.

With a soft chuckle, he put the keys into the ignition and pulled away from the airport. It was almost a two-hour drive home, which I didn't mind. I had a lot of catching up to do. Ditching my friends for two weeks without any communication was a pretty selfish and bitchy thing to do but I was sure they managed well without me.

"Thanks for picking me up, Dens." I said, watching the rays of the setting sun hit his skin. I noticed the tan he's acquired in Boracay was already wearing off.

"I'd appreciate coffee this time of the day." He poked.

I laughed. "Fine, fine. Let's stop by The Beanery later. So, how's everybody doing?"

Dennis figure went rigid and I didn't fail to notice his fingers flexing over the wheel. He immediately recomposed himself and glanced at me for a while before bringing his gaze back to the road.

"Everybody's missed you." He said. "Sam would be psyched once she finds out you're already back."

"Main reason why I didn't call her..." I muttered with an eye roll.

"Well why me?" He asked. "I'm psyched by your arrival too."

I looked out the window before responding. "Eh, you know. Everyone's busy."

"I'm busy too." Dennis deadpanned.

"Alright, I get your point." I said. "You want to know why I called you to pick me up when I have a long list of pick-up candidates."

Dennis eyed me wearily. "I believe I've pointed that out since the beginning."

"I know I just... it's just that you're the least dramatic of them all, you get what I mean." I whined. "No more big deals for me... at least not soon."

He glanced at me ominously, like he wanted to say something but just couldn't blurt it out. Something wasn't right.

"A lot has happened while you were gone, Louise." He mentioned, directing his sight to the road ahead. It was starting to get dark.

"Like what?" I probed.

"You're just gonna have to see for yourself." He muttered and I sensed the immense worry he had wrapped up in his voice. What has happened?

We stayed quiet for quite a time, just taking in the presence of each other. It would've been awkward, if the one sitting here was the Louise two weeks ago, the one post-Boracay/pre-Santorini, but now, I figured they wouldn't do me any good.