In the Last Chapter: 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycPYnv5TUk
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgyFfGwRQs
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLDnntfUeo
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVzGEVSSSy
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lQIWJWUGh
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYDl7aEDPP
Delcan:
Can we talk? 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUXVq0MLa7
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPJP1Pfm9y
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TJdna4P32
Evvie:
Other things like..? 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ151pFa8Unp
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT68wq0caUb
Me:
The dance?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVMolZmhB5
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli569JKKDZ
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpTchToFip
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzXpECMfcL
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrjIELimQi
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4gvkZQT9D
Me:
I told you!729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGGGY8gYbw
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQLgDyEpsh
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbYqSDy1ds
Evvie:
Oh, great. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPgxareMYQ
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiw5Q6HI0t
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruDnMPSl29
Evvie:
Ha, with who?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe5PfnCtHa
Me:729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdC1kycLDB
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePaldQujmn
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBovnidnIKD
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOBdgTixhz
Me:
Yeah, of course. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxkJaTMM3J
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gABJD4OjJ
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCQmh4bpzs
Evvie:729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYXwSyRqMI
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfFQBAjVHz
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYJWdyqviw
Evvie:
Spill it.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUibqRi99mT
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.”729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY2fmD1WF2
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpwz1zcqub
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47A07iF90t
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JtXNaXNlK
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC8Ai8lfre
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTMa3kZ4JV
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0SrXhxAeA
Me:
Now guess the watch.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfjgwkEDnT
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1JdjrqLmO
Me:
Correct.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPpYmNSeDL
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEW0U5RJSD
Me:729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpywCoWSdcv
I couldn’t tell, really. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cEYoCJqqp
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvH3Zb29UU
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5JfXYU06u
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM51EoC9v6M
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFLZKop9D6
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYyNzXat9a
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzSETJu3e9
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWh1DAlEr0
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqKqVlVQdX
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNNZM60UTW
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjGq0jhFes
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08s9AwcMQU
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFsh2CQDxr
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTPs9HkXMu
Me:
Why should I help you?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdAnDn10e3
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? 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVin5T3Umwb
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeYFtKk9kk
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACerHOeBuP
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAAFR1d6ic
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmshNxwu44H
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH7opQu4sg
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwhb5huhud
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DMsEzqK5b
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlrDStq7uI
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoFbFceaoH
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Ki01Et3a
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkSGMg6dDH
Me:
Do we have to make out?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMMXrOWChZ
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ83CExZD2m
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. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmREwAfboS
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvKozvSOa9
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?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRDgc7aNLz
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08xSaiBB9H
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJcCBM4UKN
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ijHifvwu
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKcxITz3sc
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd96burILw
Any guy would kill to be dating you.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzroL1KN8r
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLdHClrKli
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6YkeHt0Cw
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn794QUBxgQ
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPTV2S0uwf
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi49uDdlAM6
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqQaK6DfpZ
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr2ccxt6KU
Me:
Love you too.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC7cchwmSI
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.729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU66uDVhs7
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ6IlDIyzw
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcyH2cBzdh
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 729Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqwWJnqnpu
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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