In the Last Chapter: 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93FcsuhrEk
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWXCntyb8a
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1uECYH85Y
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qv6GwkcIA
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVhcJlRdSy
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsK3DddPeR
Delcan:
Can we talk? 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NH4ww6YiM
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA6Gerdyps
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpwvxmpW6G
Evvie:
Other things like..? 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZajg7N81r
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODY8lsjmUu
Me:
The dance?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAle9DxGlrp
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJdSFIycBh
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY2rJbHIbg
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm9EY2MOdN
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXdamMzTr9
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39dqMUBvJX
Me:
I told you!805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XOgIUGaQn
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J3tDkgQhX
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJULI9cOpRv
Evvie:
Oh, great. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5lGz3JkBo
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzQ3TFAF91
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKfxSJ8mNw
Evvie:
Ha, with who?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ultTcTrm
Me:805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgVvq1yLP0
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRgJDzXtKP
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWGS6xGYZ9
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs47QoqB42m
Me:
Yeah, of course. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBfegpRGtf
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMx9zEkVtR
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwZiAnSkRD
Evvie:805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcN7UfNtRp
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntqM9GBoBP
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPFSdIfKzG
Evvie:
Spill it.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4SpRiVl1w
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.”805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfglDfPoGyA
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7fXzgc3fB
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwPuKw4KVI
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8J0EBs3gn
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE075Na0wd
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8N8ljpqT3
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBzmJZoqdu
Me:
Now guess the watch.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiC5vutyWh
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fz5YBOq9L
Me:
Correct.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsVdQdqSiu
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBpOCs4RPe
Me:805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfKQbGjKiv
I couldn’t tell, really. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Bdi9t0t0
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvFzDzh0eA
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxBCtD0CbM
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyihw3mw49F
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t2ekfCaTH
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxv83zr2jI
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld0BAzfewd
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB7HMW28BM
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEToGUmKtt
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIIO2kkHx4
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNYOG5AxPh
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPtf1rueZF
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7aIteTVv1
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmop2Lmtr0o
Me:
Why should I help you?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl70tT1RJJ
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? 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTWPK2xDDK
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpOmSMjzCt
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMj15fh9na
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQF0Y4PisC
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCrk5uBNyQ
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHZqHo8Twz
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42rwSvSJ0j
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdqVkLSp1R
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rs2IHuTx8
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa0JM47Gbd
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rD0TY1gXD
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP83AaHNDH1
Me:
Do we have to make out?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2mcsmrGqF
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOcI1D9aR5
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. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI12xstFoiL
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvbaPwA075
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?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3czFbppBdf
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuE5Hlrcf2
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm6oXQQueW
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirfMm4IHcN
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrDJXdN6eW
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGCmS3uSit
Any guy would kill to be dating you.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwbOKp1Z1Z
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWAzQe71Ki
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MDBW08KCb
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0XyP74Y91
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G27Ayzk8W
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XaXuSnF2u
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fCHJDEt4W
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W88z6Kx9b
Me:
Love you too.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMkYT8KQvV
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.805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCaKRS0pRa
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMlLzdpvIg
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77mSDskv2J
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 805Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRv2MTygNp
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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