In the Last Chapter: 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFqEKG1aEc
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIZG1NbaQJ
What I did do, though, was check up on Evvie. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83JAwVfDKV
Me:
Hey. Just checking up on you.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7qzD4nCr8
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1kugvwqMo
Evvie:
I’m okay, Ezie. You don’t need to be so worried.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun7ey8Jcoi
Delcan:
Can we talk? 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N9qQ2v8jS
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGf8yBE9sC
Me:
I know. But we don’t have to talk about that, of course. There are other things, too.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKDjiJ6xRf
Evvie:
Other things like..? 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZMLYDgT4y
Oh, great. Leave me with something to find out. I spent around five minutes thinking of a topic before texting my best friend back. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXv5RxEMpS
Me:
The dance?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5rgQUDLut
Evvie:
Oh, no. Gosh. That’s going to be so annoying! Ugh.
Hey, are you taking anyone specific?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KCXZ2VGck
Me:
No.
I don’t even think he’s into that stuff in the first place.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2t7FQaURD
Evvie:
Yeah...but I wanna see him in a tux. You’re lying if you don’t wanna.
Oh! My mom said hi.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAtSytd94B
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqha3zYHDy
Evvie:
No, it honestly isn’t. Haven’s not so bad when you get to know her.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUst9HuY58
Me:
I told you!680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoQqXCCttI
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpukYxv98yN
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICzgJ1fGFK
Evvie:
Oh, great. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH3vbF2n0d
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vi3jl0iVB
Me:
I guess I’ll find out later or something.
Are you gonna go dress shopping or something? 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZaaTZQNzC
Evvie:
Ha, with who?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43s8xCjs1s
Me:680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7g1XXwtM9
I think Evelyn is going with Callie. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you coming with them. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYizu8OeFv
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw24Wu9UGD8
It wasn’t like I could even relate to her. I went out of her contact and texted Delcan quickly, hoping he’d respond.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtASDAFWahq
Me:
Yeah, of course. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOVK3QedSM
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVWZzLKVjB
Me:
Yeah, that would be pretty crazy.
Have you finished your homework?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5322JWJ7kk
Evvie:680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQizuPplZO
Holy crap. You’re so annoying!
Of course, I haven’t! I’m guessing you have…680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbrt3dzb0M
Me:
Well...yeah.
But while I was doing my homework, my mom said something.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjGWmQmtVs
Evvie:
Spill it.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BZmFRzb8f
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.”680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN969imVmi7
Evvie:
….
THAT’S SO SWEET OMFG.
EZ THAT PROBABLY MEANS SHE DOESN’T CARE HOLY CRAP DID YOU TELL HER?!! 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7W3rjXdQG
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CqvA9ouz8
Me:
No, I didn’t.
Instead, I used the “I’m not a virgin” card on her.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXAXNiHvxD
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2onsMkcSa
Me:
She knows because Dad made a huge announcement about it and then bought me a watch.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7n9pwvX23
Evvie:
Lemme guess...Rolex.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw4IYVfwy1
Me:
Now guess the watch.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcUTEo9BW5
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWSbajt7U6
Me:
Correct.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvPeYCkBv1
Evvie:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Besides that, though...did she believe you?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeYr4gNWuU
Me:680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjizjabqUNd
I couldn’t tell, really. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfznjV1Dmth
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L4ZvK91CZ
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNBbR6shE6
Me:
Okay.
Whatever you wanna talk about is fine, I guess. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yji21NtnB
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBNiNJqFa1
Me:
It’s just weird, Eve. I don’t really know. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTUdm3tR0V
Evvie sent a heart emoji of the rainbow, then following with a laughing emoji. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAhQWaRcjf
Evvie:
I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
Seriously. Tonight, I might not get too much sleep.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwFkSgObpZ
Delcan:
Could you please explain the homework to me? I know that I’m right, but the computer doesn’t say that. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfsfS4Yqb5
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzaS6s7ZRb
Me:
Well...I don’t know. Maybe they’re wrong, Delcan.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2BEIIx1Cu
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjNCnln4rz
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI1qY27Ew9
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZcD6WPSTb
Me:
Why should I help you?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFD1EEyneA
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? 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Hk0SX5E1
Me:
You kissed me, just for memory.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgieW4YXU8
Delcan:
I will screenshot this.
Come on. I need your help. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxAJTcpdma
Me:
What do I get out of helping you get an A?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi585AJnr62
Delcan:
I’m already taking guesses, but ask something, and I’ll see what I can do.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrWOTFetLr
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHslVGZi1Qv
Delcan:
Thanks. I owe you.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4rSF4k3hH
Me:
Yeah, you do.
Is that seriously what you wanted to talk about? 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ysjDQfD1i
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3MemaOBMC
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8UadrCYwi
Me:
We’re having a family dinner.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B3MrE0VFx
Delcan:
I have some tips on how to get out of them. I’m very good at it.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9eqFfsgd1
Me:
Do we have to make out?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTwOoCa6QK
Delcan:
If you’re suggesting what I think you are, the answer is no. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5flg6gxToj
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. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeDj7gt1li
Me:
Stay out of relationships, Eve. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxr3xqg7NI
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?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrumPmdub4
Evvie:
…
You’re complaining about making out with Delcan Heslop? Why, bro? 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8HkIgbkW6
Me:
I’m not complaining! I just want something more. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW3iEjPamh
Evvie:
Then ask him! He’s done it before, Ezra. Just know that a height difference means...ya know. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE9N4Lm1eW
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiatdql4taI
Evvie:
Oh, okay.
What makes you think he doesn’t want a relationship, Ez?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk8H9RsXAr
Any guy would kill to be dating you.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPGFW4LNAC
Me:
No, sorry. I shouldn’t bring this stuff on you.
Do you still like edible cookie dough?680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFf7TCJrJd
Evvie:
Duh!! Ez, who doesn’t like cookie dough? Edible or not. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXt9HRzuHY
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZTgip0yV4
Evvie:
If that’s what you want, yeah. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKACYNkWdj
She sent me a heart emoji just as Delcan responded to my message. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2YsVFo2FQ
Evvie:
Let me see what days my mom is working.
Me:
Cool.
I gotta go.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEsp0WSL1J
Evvie:
Okay. Bye, Ez!
Good luck with your relationship. Love ya. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBinTrEPJxN
Me:
Love you too.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCTACKWa0s
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.680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrWKK4bdnC
Delcan:
You’re right. Family time seems pretty important. We could talk some other time. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO6BuQy4Qc
Me:
Are you sure? I don’t mind staying up and talking afterward. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuWqHtoE6h
Delcan:
Nope. I’m gonna finish this homework.
See you tomorrow. 680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNO1NtIAs5
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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