Tangled Loyalties

📍 Brooklyn, New York — Wednesday Morning, 7:30 AM “SAMMY! SAMMY!” Mom’s voice exploded through the floor like she was auditioning for a fire alarm. I groaned and buried my face deeper into the pillow. “Five more minutes, Mom! Or better yet, cancel school forever!” Of course, the universe didn’t care. My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I cracked one eye open, and the name on the screen nearly made me choke on thin air. Danny. My best friend. My secret crush. The walking, talking, six-foot heart attack. The message was short. Be there in 20. Translation: If you’re not ready, I’ll drag your lazy butt out in pajamas. I shot up like my bed was on fire. Danny didn’t joke about things like that. He would do it. And knowing my luck, Noah would film it and turn it into a t****k. By the time I stumbled into the kitchen, Mom was already waiting with a plate of toast and her patented Mom-glare. “You’ll be late on your first week back. Honestly, Samuel, you act like waking up is the hardest thing in the world.” “It is,” I mumbled, grabbing a slice. “Scientists should study me. I could be a medical mystery—‘boy allergic to mornings.’” Mom rolled her eyes but kissed my forehead anyway. “Eat fast. And remember, smile. It’s your last year—make it count.” I didn’t have time to answer because, right on cue, a honk echoed outside. My heart did a dramatic thump-thump because of course it was him. Danny. Leaning against his car like he was in a movie, hoodie pulled low, looking way too good for someone who had probably woken up ten minutes ago. I sighed. My best friend. My crush. The reason my GPA was in constant danger. Danny raised an eyebrow as I jogged up. “Took you long enough, Sleeping Beauty.” “Sorry, I was busy being a medical marvel,” I said, panting. “Turns out, I’m allergic to mornings.” He smirked, opening the passenger side door for me like some rom-com gentleman. “Yeah, well, I’m allergic to excuses. Get in.” I rolled my eyes but slipped into the seat, heart doing that annoying fluttery thing again. As he started the car, I tried to act casual, like I wasn’t hyper-aware of how close his hand was to the gear shift. The ride to school was the usual mix of Danny’s broody silence and my nonstop chatter. I filled him in on last night’s dream (involving Beyoncé, a horse, and pizza—don’t ask), and he responded with the occasional grunt or smirk. Classic Danny. When we pulled into the school lot, the rest of our crew was already waiting by the steps. Noah was balancing a basketball on one finger, Ricky and Nick were arguing about some video game, and Henry had his arm draped lazily around Jane, who was scrolling through her phone. “Finally!” Ricky called out, throwing his arms wide. “We thought you two died in a tragic toast accident.” “Wouldn’t be the worst way to go,” I shot back, hopping out of the car. “Depends on the bread,” Nick added, totally serious. Danny shook his head. “You’re all idiots.” Henry, who usually kept it cool, finally looked up from Jane. “Not wrong.” Jane smirked, tucking her phone away. “Good morning to you too, boys.” I waved dramatically. “Morning, Jane! You look like you stepped out of a shampoo commercial.” “Always,” she said with a wink. Noah clapped his hands together. “Okay, but more importantly—party prep. Danny, your house. Friday night. Don’t try to say no again.” It's a ritual every new school year kicked off with party among us—this year looks like danny's home. Danny groaned. “No.” “Yes,” I corrected quickly, giving him my best puppy eyes. “Come on, Danny, it's our rituals did you forget it and it’ll be good. For all of us. Especially Noah.” For a second, the mood shifted. Noah’s grin wobbled, just slightly. We all knew what it was about—his grandma. She’d been sick for a few weeks now, and even though Noah tried to laugh it off, the shadows under his eyes gave him away. Danny sighed, rubbing his jaw. “Fine. Friday. But Noah—you’re cleaning every single cup and plate after.” “Deal!” Noah said instantly, beaming. “See? This is why I love you, man.” Danny rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth twitched. “Save the love declarations for the actual party.” I laughed, linking my arm with Danny’s as we all started walking toward the building. “Oh, trust me—it’s going to be legendary.” . . . . . . . . ———————————————————————————