In the Last Chapter: 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkjDZNNIVU
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN2KgIcWoj
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE8t9tWemj
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MK5JcrcKv
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTeGI3AsKA
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4yIBtBZl7
Delcan:
Can we talk? 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlskdVMmOf
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZKJKfwDas
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoPnwHFJr6
Evvie:
Other things like..? 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacgXpWWZpm
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw1WWhbPLl
Me:
The dance?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsYazhBPdH
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PiZg9t7qK
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jPlvseG2i
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8EgqsWHBn
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPIeioDhFa
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuMQB2bq27
Me:
I told you!857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tVkVP6Tq5
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y9RdbyjXa
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtj498fSs5
Evvie:
Oh, great. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK58MSeEeA
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L957g69eX
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrAnICtRQ8
Evvie:
Ha, with who?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYX5elNcmp
Me:857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbj0d103Zn
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5s3ghFGDB
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDg6nBirTY
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yhQt0dXkK
Me:
Yeah, of course. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4MjXvsslG
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn26OZrc1b
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWoL3wHmRz
Evvie:857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y9lMoMKnr
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uDucrqnqa
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Fk3WyWC5
Evvie:
Spill it.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuffDYyg8mU
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.”857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hzO5EiWfI
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvVapV0AKH
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdpTGgdzgz
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzORYI4XkZl
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC3sYU154W
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJKvrVRm2z
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sVgmSmh3l
Me:
Now guess the watch.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsPvO7JmR5
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv3hoHUmfa
Me:
Correct.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6BxSLZKjc
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8olkm44JK
Me:857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjnIvL7yeY
I couldn’t tell, really. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gXuNznlLT
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXcypCKsBH
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWBtsQ5Iug
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSk8dUI6WH
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUgXhD3oyo
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdMm2kqdRP
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkJZTvVkhF
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpRFz4LKhc
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5S0AnbOtC
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSu2MOO3t0
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs4V1foTiE
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZYCxG45Jk
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5Ub8HVBqy
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqnXjpRp6U
Me:
Why should I help you?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkpOzfLYfn
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? 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXCawePrh9
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN4SSnIKv4
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLY1ttfU6u
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ1TQBb52F
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19k7ZQW27G
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklDo6ZIIvi
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlct38oZ6vG
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja3NYrs3bL
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvhChbrfdE
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FKor8JwNr
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96GwYZ8u6a
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG3f5XkGr6
Me:
Do we have to make out?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7SdS0CXXX
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhlEBsseAi
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. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWYpZr01yy
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJdCIOWJxg
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?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLX48Kf0oe
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbITrNnAyR
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmcCXgc4xS
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oiKfbWNL5
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrb8ZW4feM
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXG71ke7UL
Any guy would kill to be dating you.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiEeedaae1
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xAJ969xYi
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4csz6EYwrp
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik0YasU9o7
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aYBXPlqVJ
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlRUsHtOBo
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk2d1CHwxW
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k9Yybb4Bw
Me:
Love you too.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBIjYvV6T8
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.857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQuhWxhe0n
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zkYP14S6N
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4coMX5JIA
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 857Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B4q2n8tro
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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