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“We need to have a serious talk.”

She sat down behind her desk. I sat across from her.

“What’s going on?”

“Asher, your grades are dropping.”

My nose twitched. Not this again.

“I know.”

“You’re in your senior year, Asher.” She said. “You can’t afford to let your GPA slip now.”

I shrugged.

“It’s not like I’m going to college.”

Her eyes widened as if I’d just confessed to a murder.

“What happened to UBC?”

“I changed my mind.”

She sighed and took off her glasses before massaging her temples. She always did this when I was in her office.

“Asher, I understand last year was a lot for you, but-”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

I grew weary of people mentioning it, longing to forget that time and move on. Unfortunately, this town served as a constant reminder.

“You can’t avoid it forever.”

“Watch me.” I said with more aggression than intended.

“Asher, please-”

“Are we done here?”

She nodded her head, and I motored out of there. Our interaction left a foul taste in my mouth. I needed a smoke.

The moment I stepped onto the football field; the expanse of manicured, vibrant green grass hit me. I hid under the bleachers. The designated smoking spot.

I brought the slender cylinder to my lips. The tip of the cigarette ignited, releasing an obscure, harsh scent that mingled with the morning air. I savoured the smoke filling my lungs.

“Are you planning on sharing?”

Ava approached me with her hands behind her back. Her hair flowed behind her as she skipped her way over. Confidence radiated with every step.

I offered her the cigarette, and she accepted.

“What’s with the pout?”

“I don’t pout.”

She drew the nicotine into her lungs.

“Sure, Asher.”