The Past Between Us novel Chapter 4

|Present|

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'd skipped breakfast because I didn't want to run into my father. We hadn't spoken ever since the incident two days ago where he'd told me about his fiancé.

I walked into the coffee parlor. I didn't want to start my first day of college with an empty stomach. My father had gotten me enrolled a few weeks ago.

I sighed.

I miss you mom.

I feel so alone.

I wish you were still here with me.

I tried to swallow the growing lump in my throat.

I thanked the man behind the counter as he handed me my coffee and croissant and started to make my way out.

I hadn't been watching where I was going and the next thing I knew I bumped into someone. The steaming coffee spilled from my cup onto the person's shirt. A pair of arms wrapped around my waist to steady me.

Just perfect.

"Shit!" I cursed "I'm so sorry" I started but the words died down in my throat when I saw who it was.

Hunter Adams.

Our eyes locked and I suddenly didn't know how to breathe.

When I'd run into him two days ago I'd completely panicked and fled. I didn't have time to take in his appearance.

He was different now but at the same time he was still the same.

His features were still chiseled to perfection but his deep-set grey eyes weren't bright anymore, they seemed empty. He had grown out his hair and a slight stubble dusted along his jaw. I could see tattoos covering his arms and the ones on his chest peeping out from under his button down shirt.

"Scarlett?" He finally breathed out, breaking the silence.

My mouth suddenly felt like sandpaper.

I realized that he still had his arms around me. I was surprised at how good it felt.

I snapped out of whatever trance I was in and stepped away from him. His arms went limply to his sides.

I kept my face blank.

"Watch where you're going bitch!" A voice suddenly broke in.

My heart leapt.

It was her.

"Nichole." I gritted out through clenched teeth.

I couldn't forget her face even if I tried.

Three years ago she had made my life a living hell.

She had tormented and bullied me throughout my freshman year.

Just looking at her right now made my blood boil.

Her hands snaked around Hunters arm and I felt a pang in my chest.

This isn't supposed to hurt.

He already made his choice.

Hunter's eyes were still fixated on me, he seemed to be in shock.

Her eyes finally flashed with recognition. Her lips twisted into a sardonic smirk. "Well well, look who's back. Scarlett Hudson." She sneered, "Why don't you crawl back into the hole you'd been hiding in for the past three years."

My eyes narrowed into slits.

"Why don't you shut your mouth Nichole? It would make you look a lot smarter." I growled.

Her eyes widened in shock. "You little-" she started but I cut her off with a quick gesture of my hand.

"I'm done wasting my time listening to your crap. If you think you can mess with me then think again. I'm not the same pathetic person I was three years ago." My eyes snapped towards Hunter and I noticed that his hands were clenched and that his gaze was fixated on the ground.

I strode outside not bothering to give either of them another glance.

~~~~~~~~~

I stepped inside the daunting college building.

Students scurried around, the sound of laughter and gym room lockers slamming could be heard.

It was a lot like my first day in high-school, except then I'd had Megan and Danielle with me.

My chest constricted when I thought about the two of them.

When I'd left town three years ago I'd done everything I needed to get away from my past. The only thing I regretted was ending my friendship with Danielle and Megan.

For months the two of them had kept calling, texting and emailing me, begging me to talk to them, tell them where I'd gone so they could come and meet me but I'd ignored them. I was in too much pain. I wanted to leave everything behind and start fresh.