Rodney fidgeted with the corner of a cream-coloured napkin, as he watched Matt's extended family chat with each other. The laughter and warmth around him felt like a distant hum as he sat by himself at one of the corner tables. He could have been at Hunter's party tonight, but the thought of seeing him so soon after there everything twisted his stomach into knots.

  "Hey, man." Matt slid into the chair opposite Rodney, disrupting his train of thought. "Sorry about that. Sarah had a bit of a wine mishap with her dress. We're postponing the games till she’s back."

  Rodney offered a half-smile. "No sweat. This place is really nice. And everyone seems to really get along in your family..." He trailed off, not wanting to dredge up details about his own extended family.

  Matt's brow creased in mild concern. "You good though? Not regretting coming to my cousin's engagement instead of, you know, gaming or something?"

  "Oh yeah, I'm having fun," Rodney said, doing his best to smile. "Thanks for letting me come with you." His eyes shifted, searching for a way out of the conversation. "Sorry, Matt I really need to use the bathroom,"

  "Sure, it's down the hall, to your left. Can't miss it," Matt directed with a casual gesture.

  "Be right back."

  The men's room was empty, with a small basket of toiletries by the sink for guests to use. Rodney made quick work of his business and was zipping up when the door creaked open. A woman's tearful voice pierced the silence, as she threw open the doors and paced the tile floors. Rodney froze in place; he knew that voice, it was Matt's cousin, Sarah.

  "Please, you're supposed to be here tonight, it's harder to go through with this if you're not here," Sarah pleaded into her phone. Rodney stood motionless, ears burning with every word. "I just needed you here with me tonight. I love you,"

  As the words settled into Rodney's mind, his pulse hammered against his temples. She was talking to someone other than her fiancé? Not only that but she told them she loved them. While his mind wandered to the worst explanation, Sarah left the bathroom.

  Noticing the coast was clear, Rodney bolted out of the stall and back to the party, searching for Matt amongst the guests. He found him by the chocolate fountain, laughing with a group of his cousins.

  "Matt," Rodney breathed, pulling him aside. "We've got a situation. Sarah... she was in the bathroom crying. But that's not the weird part, the weird part is she was talking to some guy on the phone and she said she loved him."

  Matt's expression turned skeptical. "Are you sure you heard right?"

  "Positive," Rodney insisted, not breaking for even a moment under Matt's scrutinizing gaze.

  "Okay, why don't we get to the bottom of this? We can just ask her,"

  "Just ask her, Matt are you nuts? Why would she tell us about a secret affair?" Rodney began to protest but Matt was already making his move.

  He approached Sarah with Rodney trailing behind him. She had just returned to the party in a new dress and with a fresh smile painted over her face.

  "Sarah," Matt began, "My friend here has something he wanted to talk to you about—"

  She tilted her head, as she looked over to Rodney. "Oh, what can I help you with?"

  "Um, well, I kind of overheard your call. In the bathroom." Rodney braced himself for the negative reaction. "It kind of sounded like you were talking to a guy. And you seemed kind of into him..."

  Her laugh, light and genuine, caught him off guard. "Oh, Rodney," she said, touching his arm reassuringly. "That was my brother. He's stationed overseas and can't make it. But thank you for looking out for my fiance. It's sweet to know you care so much about people you hardly know."

  A hot wave of embarrassment flushed Rodney's cheeks, but her kind words eased the sting.

  "I'm sorry, I jumped to conclusions," he muttered.

  "Come on," she encouraged, flashing an understanding smile. "I think we're all guilty of doing that from time to time.” She gave him a pat on the back before returning to her table.

  For the rest of the evening, Rodney found himself drawn into the spirit of the games and lively conversations, almost forgetting what Hunter had told him. Matt was as competitive as always, going all out for each game, even when the prize was a set of wine glasses. For the first time in a while, Rodney felt at ease.

  ---

  That Monday Rodney found himself back in Mr. Rogo's small office. The walls were lined with student thank-you notes and inspirational quotes. The guidance counsellor's desk was more cluttered than usual, as the time to accept offers to universities drew nearer.

  "Rodney," Mr. Rogo greeted, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "How was your weekend?"

  Rodney settled into the seat, the memory of the weekend bringing a smirk to his face. "It was... interesting," he admitted, recounting the bathroom eavesdropping. "I'm just glad Matt let me tag along to his cousin's engagement party."

  "Oh, that does sound like fun," Mr. Rogo said with a chuckle. "You have some good friends, Rodney. They care about you, which is more than many can say." He eyed Rodney over his glasses. "And how are you doing, personally? Anything bothering you recently?"

  "Actually no, I'm doing great," Rodney answered, leaning back into the soft chair. "Keeping busy helps."

  "I agree, keeping yourself busy can be an excellent way to stay focused on the positives," Mr. Rogo leaned forward, "have you thought about joining a club? It could be a great way to connect more with your peers and find some more great friends."

  "Isn't it too late to join anything?" Rodney asked, doubtful. "I mean school is over in a few months,"

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  "Rodney, there are no rules saying you can't join a club late," assured Mr. Rogo. "You've shown tremendous growth. You deserve to explore your interests. I'd like you to find something that interests you at our school."

  "Okay, Mr. Rogo. I'll think about it," Rodney said, standing up to leave.

  "Excellent, Rodney, that's what I like to hear. If you do find something you want to join let me know and I'll make it happen."

  Rodney nodded, processing Mr. Rogo's words as he exited the room.

  ---

  At lunch, Rodney's usual spot at the table was sandwiched between Derek's messy tray and Madison's perfectly organized one. As he unfolded his story about the counselling session, five pairs of eyes honed in on him.

  "Join a club now? How is that therapeutic?" Matt remarked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

  "Well if it is fun, it could lift Rodney's spirits," Jordan chimed in, their voice tinged with encouragement.

  Madison leaned across the table, her dark hair falling over her shoulder. "You should totally join Jazz Band. With your guitar skills? You'd kill it."

  "Jazz Band reminds me too much of Dad," Rodney replied, the weight of his words causing a moment of silence amongst his friends.

  "Science club then," Derek suggested. "You've got a brain that won't quit, Rod."

  "I don't Mr. Shwarts is kind of crazy. He acts like a fish sometimes, I think I'll pass." Rodney shook his head.

  Jordan perked up. "What about the student council? You only need a teacher's recommendation and the council votes to let you in."

  "Votes?" Rodney raised an eyebrow skeptically.

  "Everyone gets in," Jordan promised. "It's basically for show."

  "Plus, you won't be alone dude," Luke added, pouring his soda into a juice box. "Jordan will be there, so you'll have someone looking out for you."

  Rodney mulled over the idea, the gears in his mind turning. He glanced around the table at his friends' faces, his support system. Maybe student council wasn't such a bad idea, after all, Jordan seemed to like it.

  "Alright," Rodney declared, setting down his own sandwich. "Let's do it, I'll join the student council"

  "Great!" Jordan clapped their hands together. "I'll even help you with the teacher recommendation form for grade reps."

  "Thanks," Rodney said, feeling a rare sense of excitement. He hadn't really been a part of school events before. As the bell rang Rodney followed Jordan to the student council office.

  ---

  As the final bell rang, Rodney's fingers gripped the crisp paper with the official seal of the student council stamped at the top. His eyes flicked up to Mr. Rogo's encouraging smile. "I have to say, Rodney," the counsellor said as he signed his name with a flourish. "I think you made an excellent choice here."

  "Thanks, Mr. Rogo," Rodney replied. "I'm actually looking forward to it."

  "Remember," Mr. Rogo leaned back in his chair, "As a grade rep, use your voice to make a difference. Don't just fill a chair."

  Nodding, Rodney folded the paper neatly and tucked it into his backpack. He felt a buzz of nerves as he headed toward the student council office to submit the forms.

  The room was already buzzing when he arrived, clusters of students chatting animatedly around the large oval table. Spotting Jordan, Rodney made a beeline toward them, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

  "Got your form?" Jordan asked, with a big grin on their face.

  "Signed and ready," Rodney confirmed, sliding into the chair beside them. He scanned the room, noting the various faces until his gaze landed on the empty president's chair.

  "Hey, you okay?" Jordan nudged him gently, picking up on his sudden tension.

  "Fine. Just remember who the president of Student Council is." Rodney nodded toward the head of the table.

  Before Jordan could reply, the door swung open and Hunter strolled in, his confident stride faltering for a split second as his eyes found Rodney. He quickly shifted his gaze and continued to the head of the table. "Vice president, I noticed you brought a guest today,"

  "Everyone, I'd like to introduce Rodney Thompson," Jordan's voice filled the space, strong and clear. "He's interested in becoming a grade eleven rep."

  Murmurs of approval rippled through the group, but Rodney couldn't peel his eyes away from Hunter's ticked-off expression. Hunter cleared his throat and regained his composure.

  "Alright, as usual, we'll hold the vote later in the meeting," Hunter said, his voice cool and controlled. "For now, let's focus on the spring formal."

  As the discussion turned to themes and decorations, Rodney could feel Hunter glaring at him the entire time. He decided they needed to talk about the weekend if things were going to change.

  "Hey, I heard your party was a hit," Rodney moved next to Hunter while the dance committee explained their vision for the formal.

  Hunter glanced sidelong at him, a guarded look in his eyes. "It was fine. Everyone was there, well... almost everyone."

  "I just thought it might be weird for me to go, you know, after everything," Rodney shrugged, not being specific in case anyone was listening.

  "Right, because being one of the few people who didn't show is far less weird," Hunter shot back, not even making eye contact with him.

  "Well I didn't to make things weirder," Rodney insisted, frustration creeping in. "It's not like you've tried to make things better, I never know what you want from me."

  Hunter's face reddened his usual smooth facade cracking. "Look you'll get on the council because everyone does," he spat out. "But don't expect me to back any of your ideas."

  "I don't need you to back me, Hunter. I need you to tell me why you are so hot and cold with me," Rodney whispered, but Hunter had already turned away, rejoining the group with a forced smile plastered on his face.

  Rodney returned to his seat next to Jordan, wishing the conversation had gone better. He drew in a deep breath, reminding himself why he was there: to make a change. He focused back on the meeting, determined to make a good impression with the other members of the council on his first day. After the dance committee finished it was time for the vote.

  The echo of clapping filled the student council room as the final tally was announced. Rodney felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth despite the fact the vote was just a formality. He still felt pride for making it onto the council.

  "Congrats, Rod!" Jordan beamed, their arms opening wide for an embrace that Rodney eagerly accepted. Other members of the council also moved in to congratulate him, but Hunter never moved from his seat.

  "Thanks, Jordan. I wouldn't have done this without you."

  As the council members dispersed with chatter about future plans and responsibilities, Rodney left the room alongside Jordan. They made their way through the halls toward the doors. Just as they got to the parking lot Rodney noticed he didn't have his backpack, "Sorry Jordan, I need to go back, I left my bag in there, does your mom mind waiting?"

  "No problem, I've done that plenty of times, we'll wait for you,"

  Rodney thanked him and took off toward the Student Council office. He spotted Hunter making his way to the lockers, with Chelsea walking with him. But before Rodney could get close, Hunter's lips met Chelsea's in a kiss that seemed to suspend time.

  Rodney ducked behind into a doorway, his heart pounding a rapid, chaotic rhythm. Confusion mingled with hurt, swirling around in his as he tried to breathe. Hunter seemed so mad about him turning him down just moments ago, now he was making out with Chelsea. How could he have been so upset with Rodney when clearly, he was the one who moved on?

  Once the coast was clear, Rodney raced to the office and grabbed his backpack, the kiss imprinted in his memory like an unwanted photograph. Coming out of the school, he got into the car and sat next to Jordan. He wondered if Jordan knew how long Hunter and Chelsea had been a thing.

  "Hey, did you know Hunter and Chelsea are together?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

  Jordan looked over at him, a little confused. "Yeah, rumour has it they got together at his party. Why?"

  "Oh, I just saw them making out in the hall and it kind of surprised me," Rodney replied, still feeling off about the whole situation.

  "Rod, are you okay? You seem..." Jordan struggled to finish their sentence, not wanting to accuse Rodney of anything.

  "Oh yeah, I'm good. I was just surprised is all," Rodney shook his head, "I never pictured Chelsea would go for someone like Hunter, she's just so down to earth you know?"

  "Oh yeah, I can't say I saw this relationship happening either," Jordan admitted, his suspicion lessening. "Sometimes love does some seriously weird things,"