In the Last Chapter: 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6f8BMVLpi
In the middle of the night, I realized I still hadn't texted Callie back, nor did I feel the need to. We never really talked too much in the first place, anyway, so it made no sense for me to have a meaningless conversation with her. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pVHiLtLXO
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mOaUXJCrY
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3tCgWKMtL
Shoot. I hope that didn’t sound too rude. All I wanted was to be a better friend than what I had been in the past. Maybe she won’t think of it as anything bad. I finished up the last bit of my homework when I got a message from both Evvie and Delcan at the same time. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycXBPn7mQb
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPKcd32KpJ
Delcan:
Can we talk? 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4nJ8zmPdb
Why do I have to be faced with a hard choice? Of course, I wanted to talk to Delcan. The entire day some part of my mind as begging to know what was wrong with him today. He seemed angry like there was something that had happened before school started. Whatever it was, I wanted to make sure he was okay. But at the same time, Evvie had just told me a huge secret, and she probably needed support from me. I also had a duty to fill - becoming a better friend for her.
Then again, Delcan…
Why does life have to be so hard?
I responded to Evvie first, hoping Delcan would be okay if I didn’t respond immediately. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsuOyNiSbc
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DellLvb40
Evvie:
Other things like..? 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn7dXAqBLP
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiCYfwAird
Me:
The dance?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGqHz9gla2
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS3czCKJ35
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn0r9xgJbB
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrahbwhB7Cc
Me:
Tell her I said hi back.
Speaking of dancing, how are the dance squad and everything? I know Haven is the captain, but I’m sure it isn’t that bad.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JKGGa6pLu
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqQWDqIItJ
Me:
I told you!695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph491CZugI
Evvie:
Lol, you did.
Speaking of extracurricular activities, how have Adam and Thomas been? I’ve hardly been able to see them that much anymore. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8bVt17Jne
Me:
I’d hate to admit that it’s kind of the same with me.
Adam has been pretty busy lately, and Thomas is acting pretty weird. He probably has a crush on someone.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwyXJ6JHRk
Evvie:
Oh, great. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzmxENbe4P
She sent an emoji that was rolling her eyes, which I actually understood. Thomas was probably one of the only guys I knew who ignored everyone else when he had a crush on someone. He acts pretty paranoid, and also always tries to enter that person in a conversation. I haven’t been paying attention at lunch well enough to know who it could possibly be, though I’m sure it wasn’t too big of a surprise.
But on the contrary, Thomas always had more crushes than he did dates.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fCTeq9uHz
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgrOEymPKL
Evvie:
Ha, with who?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPrZfUs2DA
Me:695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ng4wNt0Ex
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPzmUExbxf
Evvie:
I think I’ll pass. Dress shopping can be so many hours. And trust me, Ez. When it’s a group, it could be an entire day. Going by myself would just be better.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk02tPB1pDQ
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG4wgqX8yj
Me:
Yeah, of course. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnZkywxkjW
He didn’t even read the message I sent him.
Great.
I went back into Evvie’s contact and began texting her again, sending a laughing emoji before changing the subject.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaiLodCoqj
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJLOgozpEm
Evvie:695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC89J4Cz1t
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL26JN5z8bc
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrSq87qMPd
Evvie:
Spill it.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ3EcPzv7Q
Me:
She said, and I quote “If there’s anything you feel like you can’t say, I wouldn’t judge you. Nobody’s perfect, Ezra, and I don’t expect you to be either. Regardless, sweetheart, I’m still going to love you the same.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgJZfcUvLy
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPLWSr3DiD
I read both of her texts like she was shouting, which she probably was right now, or at least she would be smiling or jumping up and down. Evvie never let something like what my mom had just told me to go down. To be honest, though, it made me feel good to know she thought that was good.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQO194rlMK
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocZsHQdNU
Evvie sent three emojis with a heart that was cracked.
Evvie:
Aww. Well, you tell her when you wanna.
I still think that’s ADORABLE.
And that card? Really, dude? I’m sure she already knows.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzefvSwyLz
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAQc9cD9vH
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEoteDFHhJ
Me:
Now guess the watch.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTXNZW4j0S
Evvie:
Oh! The Oyster Perpetual?? I heard that the watch cost a lotta money.
I wasn’t ungrateful for the things my dad bought me, but I didn’t like the way he did it. For instance, there was this one time I got rewarded with a 2,000 dollar jacket after making a comment on a woman who was kissing an African American guy in public. I was really thankful, and fortunate that I was able to have such nice things - but it came at a price that made me feel like a horrible person. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFaq2iYhoD
Me:
Correct.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GDOoem508
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8KFOryUlr
Me:695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDav1EQJtE
I couldn’t tell, really. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tGnWaV6Nz
While I was texting the second text, Delcan responded. It had been seven minutes I had sent the message, which was exactly how long it took me to text him back. Actually, I wasn’t too mad about it.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShgOVeG9kp
Delcan:
I’m not apologizing for what happened at school today, but I do wanna talk.
Plus, I’m bored.
He wasn’t going to explain whatever the issue was this morning, which I was actually okay with. That didn’t bother me too much, but I was confused about him being bored and wanting to talk to me.
Typically, bored for Delcan meant posting a shirtless picture online with him doing something wildly inappropriate for his age. The last time he was “bored,” he posted a picture of him wearing black jeans and white underwear, which were pulled down to the point where you could almost see some type of mark he had on him. I looked at it for 30 minutes straight before giving up and going to sleep, never bothering to ask what it was.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApIcMJiyzY
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYeSi0ICqk
I sent the rest of the text to Evvie, deciding I really didn’t wanna stop texting to her and just focus on Delcan, who would probably ignore my message for a few minutes before he started talking again. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvBJUFgBTq
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeeBsPxgtH
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToLaaZVV2p
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszBG2vIUqp
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlQXe6UIDA
What does that even mean?
Delcan seemed to have a desire to be right, but if the online homework said that the answers were wrong, clearly, they were. I’m sure he was talking about the science class I had to take last year, which was highly consisting of online work that would take hours to finish - regardless of your knowledge.
I smiled while texting him back, feeling better that I was smarter. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEdxi8Hcyi
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nSuwa7my2
Delcan:
No, they aren’t! I think the program is shutting down or something. It’s an old technology programing, anyways.
Me:
That’ll be a new excuse for Mr. Forkmart. He’ll believe you.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx8v1yHLaM
Delcan:
I’m not lying! The programing is seriously 34 years old. Our parents probably used this ↹.
But...my dad kinda wants me to get good grades, so...help me.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvLS5mWFrn
I wanted to ask how on Earth he knew how old the computer programing was, and also if that number was simply random or something - but it didn’t seem like a time to ask. On top of that, I was trying to decide if I was upset that he was asking for my help, or happy about it. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5ZzrOEH4D
Me:
Why should I help you?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPRZnVApFc
Delcan:
Oh, don’t be petty about things, Ezra. I make out with you whenever you want and the second I want something, you’ve gotta be upset? 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRhDVxGGIE
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaossgxnEXU
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcCV39lQWP
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjkv93Z272
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvspEwyE5YQ
See what he can do? What does that even mean?
I had already decided that I was going to help him. It would suck if he was unable to get into a college, though it was also confusing. Considering how odd he was acting - it was reminding me of Haven. She would always change her mood before I even had time to catch up with the glare she had given me 20 seconds ago.
For two minutes, I had to find the homework from last year and sent the screenshots to Delcan. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z9FZBoDXv
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19tyydjhfx
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75b3hn9PDi
Delcan:
Pretty much.
And in return...
My sister has some type of casting for I don’t know what. My parents (stupidly) went with her. I say you have another 2 hours if you’re interested.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NzU1QU6Uw
I wanted to say yes and no at the same time.
On one side, I did like making out with Delcan. It was exciting, and it seriously got my blood pumping. But at the same time, I wasn’t sure if I was comfortable with just having a relationship that was only making out. If I ever told Adam or Thomas that, they’d probably slap me in the face.
I had a good..person I was dating. He looked much better than I did, and he was experienced enough to know how to make out with someone better than adults do. But, I didn’t want Delcan to think I wanted him for his body as others do. I did want to know him better since I was really getting confused about how desperate I have been feeling. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnBPrU3sx7
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQMh3D3def
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAWJKzBOnZ
Me:
Do we have to make out?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxrh4RmRlz
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzVc9JDh5I
I scrunch my nose up, feeling my cheeks get red. The good thing is, he isn’t able to see it. I laid down on my bed, watching my hands shake as I texted back. That isn’t what I meant, I texted. You know, talking really helps relationships. He read the message but didn’t respond. Sighing, I texted Evvie back. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rAiFhl6o9
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cjUZvJbhE
Evvie:
Lol, I’m not thinking about dating for a LONG time.
Trouble in paradise?
Me:
I think there always is.
Do you think it’s bad that he just wants to make out?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QukCB3Mym
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlHY3FYR8z
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqTJBelllB
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs7ABqxWEN
Me:
Evvie!
I meant just talking or something. Going out on a date.
(sorry for mentioning, but it needs to be relatable) I’m sure Rio took you out on dates a lot before things got more serious. We haven’t had a first date.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMSMKFXNtZ
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyj2cnawDS
Any guy would kill to be dating you.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMOund4WFg
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmoNJFq2p7
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJZiNN2G2j
Me:
I was thinking we could spend some time together. It’d be nice to forget about boys for a while and just go back to us in 7th grade.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VICJhhhr8
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7ObIPbfY3
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgIotO2J31
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ2ReIsYyM
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUoHl2CwUB
Me:
Love you too.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1KewhcXAx
If I didn’t keep my relationship with Delcan, at least Evvie and I were still friends. It made me feel better that neither one of us were hiding too many secrets from each other anymore.
Now to deal with Delcan.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClCKMcSVD7
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39fEW9c3qL
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14HIoAIAPj
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuTTDn4hrh
I didn’t respond, but I really wanted to tell him that I wouldn’t mind the two of us just talking with each other. But I knew that he probably wouldn’t listen - or care. I really hoped we weren’t fighting or something. With Haven, it was obvious to know when we're fighting (her friends would always glare at me in class before leaning into each other and talking about how horrible I was) before Haven finally told me she was angry. But with Delcan, there were hardly any hints. It was just there, and I had to try overcoming it.
Then again, I’m sure it’s not exactly great for the few hours I stay mad at him sometimes.
I stood up to put my phone on the charger, but then Delcan posted something online. He wasn’t exactly shirtless or showing his underwear lining, but there was a sense of teasing in the photo. He had taken the picture in the bathroom, his body turned so you could see how slim he was. The caption simply said “what to do…” with an emoji of a dead rose with it.
The picture isn’t what made my heart stop. Well, not exactly. It was the comment from Grayson Williams. What a beautiful burn you have, he commented, along with an emoji that was smirking and then one of those water ones. I straightened my back, feeling my breathing change.
When I looked back at the picture (which already had 2,030 views), I noticed the medium-sized burn he had on his left wrist.
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