In the Last Chapter: 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYnPU0qk9w
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6sIDBdnJb
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB1t1VbplT
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX3Mb1Xnz5
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQTow9vVRt
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtVSZJrBUX
Delcan:
Can we talk? 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xqsn5MRg7
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbUeTAkZ4M
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgzB5IYu6t
Evvie:
Other things like..? 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ5uwHFC2P
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl6Egs4cRp
Me:
The dance?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0DHjNucNK
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UJiuZfXT8
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0iOuoryfi
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lS4HkeWRE
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPT0BEesHi
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZBCTFPYyA
Me:
I told you!855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4c6HUL7kV
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmNwJmvjMJ
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDoknLabpw
Evvie:
Oh, great. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55kQhB6t7e
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBjDwzj2hW
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x3isPCB5J
Evvie:
Ha, with who?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsUuZr3yce
Me:855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1KUfr82cD
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdYUZ38Umu
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhOJJDKHfK
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYY9vEpZNp
Me:
Yeah, of course. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9KDZv1SbF
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjTKOrorKq
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWng51zFDFu
Evvie:855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9TiU5YJCG
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStWuZRixUG
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseNNOFmzvb
Evvie:
Spill it.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCjmvCrAps
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.”855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmatNP3bsz9
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU2SyhfAJW
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcREyX9IZm
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqsKBaf78r
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhxBD0xtHG
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuLhsphasy
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAXoIJXa35
Me:
Now guess the watch.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuocs5l6eTB
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNIDKV1dE6
Me:
Correct.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLzfP1fM1I
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI3LZvnrmL
Me:855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOkh8z6VHP
I couldn’t tell, really. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVNrG2H8cR
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtei0TsPlTs
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjJdR3P4Cy
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmwmmYXCsk
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKdDthXyy1
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAiyCouEzS
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gvculd4AU
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1SPHOBc1m
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ejADiGcuQ
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlROZJkDvm
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZbmRxoaS7
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkcxowOHwb
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZgy6OX9Rf
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOjkchLLbr
Me:
Why should I help you?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAIbPGZ9hO
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? 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBa9K7O2mI
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34cHg4QtWN
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWIqLH1qUg
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHEzIPYzde
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ENR4w0ZGh
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0w3IYa8Th
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfC2x6BS5N
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0ZoPoVqaE
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ735WllB1El
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl15iu6XuI
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFxNkVPgRC
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLLUi1gbWJ
Me:
Do we have to make out?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ouPXS6LnB
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox2ct6umfu
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. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOZljxder0
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW25xiYbmQr
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?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthcu6Rt2wM
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke89TiSgT3
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWk65fuOu1
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zQ08O53qy
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOztut26dju
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7RUBXXzM3
Any guy would kill to be dating you.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvrdHlWg33
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcDEiqRNdF
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomzR1LF1FH
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEAHjjiPOc
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEhuyFpu5m
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LW37Vbo13
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E0hy0j1ew
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoXLwstaut
Me:
Love you too.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNkxNYveD
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.855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TP4fD9YKG
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV829qtfsg
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuX3XD6mcW
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 855Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DhHxmz7NL
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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