Love, After Dark

Chapter 8

That night didn’t feel real. I stood in my room staring at half-packed boxes, posters already stripped from the walls, my bed looking smaller without the familiar clutter of clothes and books. Everything that mattered was either packed or about to be left behind. The air felt thick, heavy with endings. My phone buzzed. Kayla: Outside. No excuses. I smiled despite myself, grabbed my jacket, and headed downstairs. I’d had to beg my mom-actual begging-to let me take her car since I didn’t have one yet. She hesitated, then finally sighed and handed over the keys with a list of rules I half-listened to, promising I’d be careful, promising everything.

Outside, Kayla leaned against the curb, hands tucked into her jacket pockets. We didn’t say much at first as we drove, the streetlights casting long shadows across the pavement. Millburn at night was softer, somehow quiet and forgiving. This was the version of it I loved most. “So,” Kayla said eventually, glancing over at me. “Where to first?” I hesitated. “The arcade?” Her grin spread instantly. “Boy Blaster?” “I have unfinished business.”, I nodded.

The arcade smelled like nostalgia- fried food, old carpet, and electricity. We fed bills into the machines and played until our fingers ached, laughing like kids who didn’t know how to say goodbye yet. I didn’t beat the record, but I came closer than I ever had. “I’ll tell people I did,” Kayla said solemnly. “Please do.”

After that, we just… drove. No destination. Windows down, music loud, the cool night air tangling in my hair. Every street felt like a memory waiting to be replayed- first crushes, late-night walks, stupid fights, apologies whispered under streetlamps. We parked at the overlook near the edge of town, the one everyone pretended not to know about. Kayla leaned back against the hood. “I hate this,” she said quietly. “You’re supposed to be here.” “I know.”

We stood there for a while, shoulders touching, watching the town lights flicker below us. I thought about everything I was leaving, and everything I didn’t even know I was about to find. “I’m scared,” I admitted. She nudged me gently. “You’re brave. Even when you don’t feel like it.” Eventually, neither of us wanted the night to end. “Sleepover?” Kayla asked softly. “One last one?” I nodded immediately. “Please.”

Her house was warm and familiar, just like always. We stayed up way too late, talking about everything and nothing. Inside jokes, future plans, the things we were too afraid to say out loud. At some point, the conversation faded into quiet. When morning crept in through the curtains, reality waited. Tomorrow, everything would change. I didn’t know it yet, but Redhaven was already waiting for me.