Emily's POV
"Dad, I'm not made of glass, you know," I chuckled, rolling my eyes as he held the car door open like I was royalty.
"You were in a coma for a week, Emily. Humor me," Dad replied, a crooked smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
It was game day. Raymond Creek versus our school, an event that had taken over every conversation in the hallways for the past week.
Posters, chants, school colors everywhere. But none of it matched the excitement on my dad’s face.
"So, this Adam kid... he’s the golden boy, huh?" Dad asked, adjusting his Ray-Bans as we drove toward school.
I grinned. "He’s pretty amazing. But don’t let it get to his head."
"Too late. The moment I saw him serve, I knew he was special. Plus, anyone who can make you laugh that hard gets my vote."
My heart warmed. Ever since the accident, Dad and Adam had become inseparable. Like best friends from different generations.
Video games, barbecue nights, and now volleyball. They'd made it their mission to fill every corner of my life with warmth and laughter. And weirdly, they were doing a fantastic job.
We arrived just as the bleachers began filling. The school grounds buzzed with energy, cheerleaders practicing routines on the sidelines, the team already warming up.
"Let’s sit close. I want a front-row seat to this legendary spike Adam’s famous for," Dad said, tugging me gently by the hand as if I’d vanish if he let go.
I giggled. "Dad, I’m not a soap bubble. You can relax."
He shot me a mock stern look but said nothing. We found seats right in the middle of the cheering squad section. As I settled in, I saw Luca at a distance, waving with both hands like he was trying to signal an airplane.
"Luca!" I called back, waving.
He jogged over and leaned closer. "Hey, Emily. Can we talk? Privately?"
I hesitated. Dad raised a brow. "You okay?"
"Yeah. I’ll be right back. Luca just wants to talk," I reassured him.
Luca offered his hand. I sighed and took it. Ever since the accident, everyone treated me like I was made of eggshells. Honestly, I was fine. A bit bruised, maybe. But emotionally, I felt stronger than ever.
"You know I’m not going to break if you don’t cradle me like a newborn," I teased as we walked toward the parking lot.
Luca looked sheepish. "Sorry. Habit."
We reached the quiet shade of a parked van. He turned to me, rubbing the back of his neck like he always did when nervous.
"I’ve been meaning to say something for a while," he began.
I nodded, arms crossed. "Shoot."
"I was a jerk. At the party. And after. I lashed out at Adam. And you. I had no right. I was just... I don't know... surprised. Hurt, maybe. But mostly stupid."
My lips twitched. "You forgot 'dramatic.' You were definitely dramatic."
He chuckled. "Guilty. But seriously, I see it now. Adam’s a good guy. Really good. You two... you make sense."
I smiled. "Thanks, Luca. That means a lot."
He nodded. "Also... did you hear? Sebastian transferred schools."
I blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Yeah. Some big drama. Amanda said he and Tammy had a breakup so messy it probably made the school’s gossip wall explode."
I burst into laughter, clutching my side. "Oh my God, Amanda told me something about that! She mimicked Tammy’s crying face like she was auditioning for a soap opera."
Luca snorted. "That girl missed her calling as a comedian."
We walked back to the stands, still chuckling. Dad didn’t even look up. His eyes were glued to the court like it held the secret to life itself.
"He didn’t even miss me," I whispered dramatically.
"He’s in volleyball heaven," Luca replied.
Just then, the whistle blew and the game kicked off. The crowd roared to life. My heart thudded in rhythm with the cheers.
Adam was phenomenal. Every serve, every spike, every block, it was like watching a masterclass. I screamed so hard when he scored the first point, the woman beside me flinched.
"YES! THAT’S MY BOY!" I yelled, pumping my fist in the air.
I could feel the curious stares from classmates. Whispers. I knew what they were thinking.
Is that Emily cheering like a banshee?
Isn’t she the girl who almost died?
Doesn’t she know how to whisper?
I didn’t care. Not one bit.
Dad nudged me. "You’ve got pipes, kid."
"Runs in the family," I grinned.
Ten minutes later, Adam scored again. I was on my feet, screaming louder than ever. Dad followed, both of us clapping like maniacs.
"He’s on fire!" Dad shouted.
"He’s unstoppable!" I echoed.
The crowd buzzed louder as the final minutes approached. The tension was electric. Every eye was glued to the court. Except mine.
A gentle tap on my shoulder.
"Luca, what is—" I turned, expecting Luca.
And froze. "Sebastian?"