Existence 02 - Predestined

muttered and went to get a shower.

    * * *
    It felt like only yesterday I’d walked into this gym for the first time. Freshman orientation had been so exciting yet terrifying. Miranda and I had sat on the fourth row left side bleachers holding hands tightly as Principal Cagle welcomed us and read us our rights. Wyatt had sauntered in late and taken the spot beside me. We’d all been so young. I’d even met Jay that day. He was a sophomore and on the basketball team. He’d come up to us and introduced himself to Wyatt asking if he was planning on playing basketball. He’d seen Wyatt play in middle school. We’d won the state championship last year. Wyatt was just that good. Then Jay had asked if I was Wyatt’s girlfriend and we’d all laughed as if that was the funniest thing we’d ever heard. Two weeks later Jay had asked me out on our first date.
    Memories were thick as I gazed around at all my classmates. We all wore the same royal blue robes and we all wore the same expression. Relief, excitement, and just a touch of uncertainty. We’d walked into this building not knowing what groups we’d fit into, what teachers were the best, and what meals we should never eat in the cafeteria. Now we knew all those things and more.
    On my last day in this gym, I was sitting between two of the most important people in my world once again. Miranda held my right hand and Dank held my left hand. Although, Miranda was squeezing my right hand so tightly I was afraid of damage from blood loss and Dank was more caressing my left hand with the pad of his thumb. Even sitting between them I couldn’t help but feel a little bereft. We were missing one important piece of the puzzle. Wyatt should have been here too. I knew Miranda was thinking the same thing. That was why I didn’t mention the fact she was crushing the bones in my hand. I figured if my right hand would help her get through this then I’d gladly sacrifice it.
    “You okay?” Dank whispered in my ear.
    I nodded and laid my head over on his shoulder.
    The guest speaker finished his speech followed by the Valedictorian, Krissy Lots. Once she finished we went one at a time as our names were called to receive our diplomas. Whistles and catcalls erupted all over as different students took the stage.
    “Pagan Annabelle Moore”
    I got a squeeze from both Miranda and Dank’s hands as I went to the stage. Clapping followed by a whistle coming from Dank and a loud ‘woot’ coming from Miranda brought a smile to my face. As I took my diploma, I crossed the stage and another cheer from the back of the gym caught my attention. Glancing back I saw Jay leaning against the door clapping and smiling brightly. I wondered if he’d come back because he knew it would be difficult with Wyatt’s absence. Smiling in his direction I made my way off the stage and over to my seat.
    “You have a fan in the back,” Dank said in a cold unamused tone when I sat back down.
    “Oh no, it’s just Jay. I didn’t know he was going to be here today.”
    Dank’s jaw tensed and he turned to glare in Jay’s direction. Oh my, this wasn’t good. Jealous Dank could be dangerous. I pulled on Dank’s arm, “It’s okay. Really. I think he probably came because of Wyatt’s not being here. To, you know, show support. They were close.”
    Dank’s eyes went from angry to slightly surprised as his gaze stayed directed over my shoulder. Curious, I turned my head and saw a tall guy with shaggy light brown hair that curled up around the bottom and an orange UT polo shirt standing beside Jay. They were talking and Jay was smiling at whatever the guy was saying. He must have brought one of his frat brothers. Then the guy turned to look our way and a strange peace came over me. It was an odd thing. Not something I’d ever felt with a stranger before. His gaze met mine and he smiled. Then he turned his attention to Miranda who wasn’t even looking their way. He had an almost reverent expression on his face. I watched them a moment then turned back around in my seat.
    “Pagan,” Dank whispered beside me.
    “Hmm,” I replied leaning in so I could hear him better.
    “Remember when I told you Wyatt’s return would be unique?”
    “Yes.”
    “Well, he’s back.”
    Frowning I lifted my eyes to meet his, “Who’s back?”
    Dank’s eyes shifted over my shoulder back to the door where the boys were standing and then back to me. “Wyatt. His soul is back.”

He defied Heaven to keep her, he