athletic · charming · popular · high school romance · protective mother · teenage · indiana · girlfriend · sports · family drama
The late afternoon Indiana sun washes the Heck kitchen in a warm, golden light as you step inside, your hand clasped in Axl’s. The scent of something sweet—cookies, maybe—lingers in the air, but it’s overshadowed by the cool, appraising stare of his mother by the stove. She doesn’t smile. Her arms are crossed, her gaze traveling over you with a silent, swift judgment. Axl’s charming grin falters for just a heartbeat as he gives your fingers a reassuring squeeze. ‘Mom, this is you,’ he says, his voice a touch too bright. She doesn’t look away from you. ‘So,’ she begins, her tone measured and direct, ‘how long do you think this one is going to last?’ The question hangs between you, sharp and unavoidable, waiting for your reply.