Chapter 4

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Hunter's P.O.V.

I was so not in the mood for anything. Not in the mood for going out, or getting drinks, and so wasn't in the mood for that girl two tables ahead ogling my body with her drunk eyes.

I didn't hit the gym everyday for her to eye fuck me.

My friends were going at it. Dante and Melissa were losing it on the dance floor, Ryan and Lenny doing shots, Rosanne on her phone, probably catfishing someone.

And there was me, forcing a mojito down my throat, ignoring the burn it gave. I wasn't big on drinking, but I needed it. Hated it, didn't want it, but needed it.

It was just one guy.

I reminded myself that I stumble across all sorts of hookups and casual sex. But none of the people I was with hung on my skin like Jack did.

I saw him everywhere.

I saw his green eyes in the colour of the mojito.

I saw his European complexion in the dance floor lights.

I saw his elfin smile when I closed my eyes.

I needed more drinks.

---
Jack's P.O.V.

"Jack" He slurred hoarsely. Nothing like his voice; warm and husky. I blushed remembering how he groaned my name as he finished off our steamy game of Uno.

"Hunter? Are you alright?" I tried not to show concern but failed miserably. Jessy perked up when she knew it was him.

"Ja-Jack" he said again, sounding like he was choking on his tongue.

He drunk dialed me.

I was furious at him, with all my feelings merging into one giant flame of anger.

"You motherfuckinbitchassratshithole." I cursed him over and over again. The more I heard laughter around him, the angrier I got.

After I was done wiping asses with his dignity, I hung up and looked at the end of my bed to notice that Jessy was gonna fall off if she moved further away. Her eyes held fear and I had a feeling she no longer cared about selfies.

I took a sip of my coffee which tasted cold because of how hot I became.

"I hate boys." I spat.

"You me both." she agreed and left my room.

-
Ten days after that call, and I was so over Hunter.

He was dead to me. Poof. Doesn't exist. Diminished. Fwooshed out of my life.

Except for the fact that we had been texting for five days straight.

Before you hang me from my balls, allow me to explain.

As it turned out, he was a mess without me. I know I know, everyone says that. But he meant it. He called me drunk and out with his friends because he wanted to forget me. I was pissed at first but I kinda saw where he was coming from. It was hard enough to be with someone from a distance, but it was harder if you were someone wanting to find love without any free time on your hands.

Since it was Saturday, I decided to go out. Something I've always enjoyed doing on Saturdays. No studying or being with my own friends. Just strangers and me. Sometimes I'd meet new people, sometimes I'd cross paths with people I won't ever see again, and sometimes I'd just have fun by myself.

This day was the first option.

I was sitting on a park bench when this frustrated looking guy plummeted next to me, sighing and nearly in tears. I was scared to ask him what's wrong. After living here for a good few years, I learned that unlike Germany, most people here get annoyed when strangers talk to them.

He was wearing a long grey shirt and black pants, which was exactly his hair colour: Black with streaks of dyed grey. He looked like a punk rock bassist minus the scary makeup and wild piercings.

His phone rang and he answered it too quickly.

"Did you find anything?" He asked, out of breath and holding on to a small drop of hope. I tried not to eavesdrop on his conversation as much as possible, but we were literally a few inches apart. I figured if he wanted his conversation to be private, he would've talked somewhere that is not the public park.

"I looked everywhere, Nab. She's nowhere to be found." He seemed to calm down after a few words with the person he was talking to.
Abiding by my meeting strangers rule, I decided to ask him about that thing he lost.

"It's my cat." He said, getting sadder again. "She ran away when my dumbfuck brother left the door open, and now I can't find her anywhere." He put his head in his hands, which messed up his hair.
"I'm sorry. I hope you find your cat soon." I sincerely apologized. Must've felt like shit.

He stood up and thanked me, said he was gonna look some more before he decides to put up Missing Cat flyers. The cat meant a lot to him.
I checked my phone for any texts from Hunter, and when I saw none, I told the guy I'd help him.

His name was Theodore and he ran a pet shelter for a living. Doesn't make much money, but is enough to keep him alive. A lot of people donate to help him, and he was morally responsible to not abuse that money. That and Hilltown Municipality helps the shelter with some funds as it was the only pet shelter in town.

"Hazel is my personal cat, though." He explained as we walked around the park, trying to cover as much ground as possible and calling Hazel's name repeatedly.

"That must suck man, I'm sorry."

Eventually he gave up, and dropped to the floor next to the public trashcan.

I could tell he was welling up but forcing it in. He wasn't the type of guy who cried in public, and that was okay.

I gave him my hand and he thankfully took it.

"What do you say I treat you for a cold milkshake?"

"I'm lactose intolerant."

"coffee it is." I smiled.

We walked towards Crusty's diner.

I didn't check my phone not once. Even though deep down, I just wanted to talk to Hunter. It felt unfair to Theodore to be all focused on someone who's away, while he was right in front of me. Hearts man.

We got two crusty coffees and I got a crusty crab sandwich.

It was supposed to be Spencer's shift but he wasn't there, which got me worried. I made a mental note to call him.

The diner was empty save for a couple sitting in the back. It's usually more crowded by night.

He kept stirring his cup even though it was starting to get cold. Usually I'm good at talking to people but he was too distant.

"I'm sorry, if you don't want to be here it's okay. I get that don't worry." I apologised. I didn't think this through. He was all about his cat, which I hoped could've helped more.

"what?" he seemingly woke up from his daze. "Oh no. No no it's fine. I'm just I really loved her, you know."

"Yeah, I know what's it like." I said, chancing a glance at my phone, to find no texts from him, pondering what my cat Hunter is doing right now.

"Other than that, I'm really enjoying the company." his dark eyes glimmered for a second.

Just when I thought things could not get any better, he did what most people in my life always do.

He abruptly left me sitting there and left.

More to come soon! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @ rivertownaiden. Have a great day!

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