In the Last Chapter: 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JPxVYBH5Z
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBafVvdfZ8
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQEqj6Qfzn
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHpn22rEv0
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3zLwmM3Xz
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGUvjdYAjA
Delcan:
Can we talk? 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2hRFf7I3S
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8hEhUk3q3
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9S2sin0Yc
Evvie:
Other things like..? 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2djF0lmxJo
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNdoqvOVkG
Me:
The dance?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSV6OgB2nw
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1bdeyTpnI
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZMtioxjl0
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Roxieqa99
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z3GpJs9T4
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yiMcPCozW
Me:
I told you!771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtvN9TDKGX
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe60CwhWj6
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvBL7O7qds
Evvie:
Oh, great. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB9jGFIDgC
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ePD4Q5EHS
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK1MAQWGOU
Evvie:
Ha, with who?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYvG9AOYLg
Me:771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvZuPc2ZrR
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk27vqsFLi
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrQFbunSfi
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfdBaNodCb
Me:
Yeah, of course. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoERDhSgJEd
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKLeuA27Gr
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTtMclwyOG
Evvie:771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcHzmylmKH
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAjkskGF7m
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6r7Zqo6qC
Evvie:
Spill it.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMelzzWXIlX
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.”771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBPUPCshEb
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxr1rSVShj
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j0bFEpbkH
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklb7CcH24D
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KX4eGHObr
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4pEq1SUAP
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVGJJA7JZT
Me:
Now guess the watch.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvG9omzn8I
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SHsTXtFwU
Me:
Correct.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2VmEjBmtk
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshsOc9S9e1
Me:771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDz0fq1IDX
I couldn’t tell, really. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XQ8L5ZnbG
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8eCXgJOzh
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk4hc6p354
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYIogeKXlS
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZsUitK9n2
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1EUkwuD1H
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg9KyrWoBT
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKky97rAKE
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVVaMoAZsh
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS7JNMO6Qe
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGymvO1T3g
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXBwY6boqB
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi7LUf6nL5
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD90afaUdH0
Me:
Why should I help you?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGfVT5It6h
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? 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrXhn2AJBK
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVuHl4OQud
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJKiBsRzMs
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcaZo4jom0
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMAkItdLRa
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJQCiSks0V
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLVAmfo3Bn
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH8T8tD6Qt
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmZjp75eel
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uVySQnm9F
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6DKaMBT47
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtCE2bgZJQ
Me:
Do we have to make out?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplGPoF9j6E
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvvi79l447
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. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS21WPvjHQM
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheKwlaFO3O
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?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAQrdLWCOD
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEjXzd6zbP
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZMhuEhrrb
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdetfc1rHxq
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJWQ5oCEsG
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa2mai2pLx
Any guy would kill to be dating you.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76JXDO3xAT
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq3PFk4Y2d
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR48VnWnDJh
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3JN8q16mz
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXjSNduClK
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzyDEsXVBo
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ216wo4FM80
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp1Df4ExMD
Me:
Love you too.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBt8ANpgqj
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.771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFrcGs0pu0
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W5qfsHjjc
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE16vjWcRX
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 771Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC5ew4BY8Q
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.
ns52.15.95.169da2
