In the Last Chapter: 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvy8XcNrh9
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCxZYnnIm2
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVPAgso0Ta
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkv9O4DoPC
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2coatd9vLu
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtaF04Bgrm
Delcan:
Can we talk? 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUo7uLlvf1
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdzVS8dPiQ
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfbSvLePXx
Evvie:
Other things like..? 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSG26WtY87
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOssgErz57
Me:
The dance?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKDA9SQtyQ
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiMcsrPVTU
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirJwJXWeJl
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7akBS1ROt
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoxGSVcOMF
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyvbjy98qy
Me:
I told you!788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3u8uEfODo
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT9CHtH6mc
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fhhHrDTLO
Evvie:
Oh, great. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4BRpY5LqJ
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfeuNpBQYI
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSE3YMOCJx
Evvie:
Ha, with who?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYPOMcZSCM
Me:788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfWROz5XVl
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTq9bTVxCT
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRv3eBlG1a
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCAQT1UCAq
Me:
Yeah, of course. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4sCXH3bfW
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wSxcOoSIh
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefcPRisdoN
Evvie:788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzYB0p4GfA
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoRitOgFXz
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZsjwASek9
Evvie:
Spill it.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DDWVp3cP2
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.”788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRM59TJtzT
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgEuwF5YSo
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AzPSMN8Eo
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS2BBxvh5m
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiSCrFlt5E
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWOGR2Dz0u
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQyvNw66nN
Me:
Now guess the watch.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfAI7m1lDF
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2eh5Lfo91
Me:
Correct.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG48nlawK12
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezF7WqIeQn
Me:788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkh1pUUyrV
I couldn’t tell, really. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCemrHn15ui
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8Xx0L0RQE
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgBWCtkyNE
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPpyPLg7e8
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKUGDyLnDN
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4ipOsHtGx
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXBGSxXV5Q
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fosRJNhPD
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMTmkN4cZc
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpR5n1NMYo
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8icx6xq86
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQszBWAU3G
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2lLBp3XUs
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ceJ2HBaNs
Me:
Why should I help you?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKCmmX2SRd
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? 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RZOnopF03
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wgiUZca8b
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhMjB1LOvI
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmHXXUebtD
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mzFZIp9Vy
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBJUAAEHYi
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA2QzWH9Y4
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERNN74KWIh
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHkgRUkbKc
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uBqMdymDq
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW0ezPPhIy
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ghwOjXQul
Me:
Do we have to make out?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmhdUcdo2l
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzBHRF9i45
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. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6TQmPPtAO
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJxiFgJMhM
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?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b72RyQxYh
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCYkZ0b0Fd
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRvGUs2RKO
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69wQejiV7j
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1Fnplf4hY
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQyxYoItob
Any guy would kill to be dating you.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9CqzICVvN
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX5YBkBCYL
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcTYVboslZ
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBAbSkitBr
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nDsF5DJZE
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXVaGNyiQ2
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKJm2lzQzN
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOl3UW4kwM
Me:
Love you too.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pmFAnTdzD
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.788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaeRfH1fn1
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacxgGmfoyH
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M7thmRvlx
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 788Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiKJFi4r73
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.
ns18.118.122.239da2
