Zain’s phone started buzzing just as he was halfway through one of Theo’s brother’s leftover sodas.
He glanced at the screen. Mom.
“Uh oh,” Theo said, raising an eyebrow. “Busted?”
Zain sighed and hit accept. “Hey, Mom.”
“Where are you?” Her voice was sharp, tight. She didn’t sound just annoyed, she sounded angry.
Zain sat up straighter. “At Theo’s. Why?”
There was a long pause.
“You were supposed to be home. Ella’s here.”
Zain winced. “Oh… right. Sorry, I forgot.”
“She’s been waiting for almost an hour, Zain.” His mom’s voice dropped to that dangerous, disappointed tone. “She was excited to see you. I had to sit and keep her company.”
Zain rubbed the back of his neck, feeling Theo watching him from the couch.
“Can you just tell her I’ll call her later?” Zain asked, trying to keep his voice calm.
“She’s here now, Zain. She wanted to help you study.”
“I don’t need help studying.”
“Maybe you would if you actually showed up to class on time,” his mom snapped. “Ella told me you’ve been missing first period.”
Zain shot Theo a glare. Theo raised his hands in mock surrender, clearly holding back a laugh.
“I’ve just been tired,” Zain mumbled.
“Zain.” His mom’s voice softened just a little, but not enough to mean he was off the hook. “We talked about this. I know Theo’s your friend, but—”
“Can you stop blaming Theo for everything?!” Zain snapped, louder than he meant to.
There was silence.
Zain immediately regretted it.
“I’ll be home soon,” he said quickly.
“Don’t bother,” his mom replied coldly. “Ella’s leaving. We’ll talk when you get home.”
The call ended before Zain could say anything else.
Theo whistled low as Zain slumped back against the couch.
“That bad?” Theo asked.
“She’s pissed,” Zain muttered.
Theo stretched out, crossing his arms behind his head. “You could stay here forever. We have chips.”
Zain snorted, but the knot in his stomach didn’t loosen.
It wasn’t just about Ella. His parents didn’t get it. They didn’t see how much easier it was to just hang out with Theo and avoid the awkward dinners and forced conversations with Ella.
“Maybe I should go home,” Zain said, even though he really didn’t want to.
Theo shrugged but didn’t look at him. “Do whatever you want.”
Zain stood up, grabbing his bag.
Before he could leave, Theo’s voice cut through the quiet.
“For what it’s worth,” Theo said, eyes still glued to the TV, “I wouldn’t wanna hang out with Ella either.”
Zain froze for half a second, but then he smiled, just a little.
“Yeah,” Zain replied. “I figured.”
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