BAD CUPID

Created By; Snow Marisvega

Chapter 113

Dylan's P.O.V

"First day of school," Jaxton cooed. "Feelings everybody?" He asked as we got out of Raven's car.

"I feel like I should just die." Raven said as she took out her brown bag and locked her car. "I've been thinking about college so much I forgot I had few months left in this dump." She said tiredly and I laughed.

"What about you?" Jaxton asked, looking at me as we made our way into the school.

"Well, I'm excited about it."

"Really?" Jaxton asked, looking surprised.

"I mean, we only have what? Four to five months before we graduate? I guess I'm just super excited about it all, we'll be out of here soon." I replied. "Although I'd rather spend more time with Davina."

"That makes sense, i meant the first thing you said and also the second, not like Davina isn't important." Raven said and sighed heavily. We suddenly heard a horrifying noise that made us cringe, it was terrible and sounded like screeching. "What the fuck is that?" Raven asked as we all turned to the parking lot to see Jon driving and trying to park his jeep.

"Is that....is that sound coming from Velma?" Jaxton asked, scrunching his nose.

"I guess so." I said and shivered as Velma made another move.

"What the hell?" A student yelled, we definitely weren't the only ones disturbed by the noise.

"This is embarrassing." I muttered.

"I guess she really is dying." Jaxton said softly.

Jon reversed, making the jeep let out a terrifying sound and finally he parked. "Guys, let's all disappear so people don't know we are friends with Jon." Raven whispered, jokingly.

I elbowed her softly and held back a laugh, Jon got out of his jeep and made his way towards us, ignoring the students laughing and insulting Velma.

"Wow, such confidence." Raven said sarcastically.

"Hello, loves!" He grinned.

"How could you bring her here? In such a state." Jaxton yelled.

"I told you all she was dying."

"Shouldn't you try fixing her?"

"I think she's tired." He sighed.

"You all talking like she's human, you need a new car, Jon, she's starting to embarrass you." Raven said and I nodded.

"In a way, I know you love her but don't bring her out again." I said and he chuckled.

"Alright. Alright." He said and threw his hand over my shoulder. "Let's go in, shall we?"

"Raven!" A girl called and rushed towards Raven, she flipped her hair backwards with a perfect smile. "Hey!"

"Cammy, hey." Raven replied. Cammy was also a cheerleader.

"OMG, you won't believe what happened two weeks ago." Cammy said and I rolled my eyes, looking at Jaxton who huffed.

"Did someone die?" Raven asked.

Cammy chuckled. "More like epic breakup between Samantha and Ty."

Raven gasped. "What?" She looked back at us. "I'll see you guys later," she said and turned back to Cammy. "Tell me everything." She said and walked away with her.

"Gossip girls." I said and Jon chuckled.

"Well then, hopefully this few months don't end up like the other years." Jaxton sighed.

"First thing you should do," Jon said, snapping his fingers. "Avoid the ex." He said, pointing at Henry.

I looked at the direction and saw Henry looking into a book with his locker open, he had an intrigued look on.

"Don't worry, I don't need you to tell me that much." I said and turned to face him. "I'm not going to run into his arms, I am still mad." I said and walked away, my arms folded.

***

"Welcome back to school, kids." Mr. Rowen said as he walked into the class. "I'm sure you enjoyed the holiday?"

"We would have enjoyed it the more if school just didn't resume." Raven said and the class laughed, she was sitting in the front row and at the left side.

"She's got a point." Someone said and Mr. Rowen smiled.

"Well, I see some of you don't wanna graduate then, you can just stop out miss frost." He said and she flashed him a fake smile.

"Anyways, it's good to see you all in good health and shape and I can't wait for you lovely kids to get the fuck out of this school." He said and we laughed.

"Are you supposed to use the F word, Mr. Rowen?" Jaxton asked from beside me and he shrugged.

"If you can use it then why can't I?"

"He's got a point, Olson." Zach said with a smirk.

It was a nice way to start the day, everything seemed to be going well and the air filled with laughter. Eastwood high was a shitty school, but maybe today wasn't gonna be so bad.

Ping.

Ping.

Ding

Beep. Beep.

Ping

Vrummm

I frowned as everyone's phone beeped in the class like some broadcasted text had been sent, everyone's phone except mine, which meant; that stupid gossip blog.

"Okay everyone, put your phones away, we're in class." He said but no one listened, everyone had their phone out, except Henry and I who looked confused.

A second later, there were gasps and murmurings. I wonder what Dan had posted on the gossip girl blog now.

"This is awful." Jaxton said, looking at his phone.

I turned to him. "What is?"

"It's that stupid blog, again." He said and handed me his phone.

I took it and read the gossip.

Hello, high schoolers.

Welcome back to Eastwood high, the school of so many secrets, so many hidden agendas, so many lies. It has been a while, hasn't it? Anyways, guess what? I have been able to gather up a lot of secrets in this short holiday, you wouldn't believe what I have found out, I can't wait to tell you all about everything.

Especially this one kid in our school, you all know him; Joshua.

Guess what I found out about him? His name is not actually Joshua, his real name is JOSIE. Lmfao. Yes! Josie. The boy you know as Joshua isn't actually a real boy, he was born a girl. He is actually a SHE. I was able to find out that she was a troubled girl who just didn't to remain a girl. So your dear Joshua is on pills and whatever they call it that these trans take in other to become the opposite sex and trick people.

You heard it from me first, Joshua is not a real boy, he is a trans.

I swallowed and looked up from my phone and at Jaxton. This was awful, whoever did this needed to burn. Below the entire outing speech was a photo of Joshua smiling and another photo of a girl beside his, they both did look alike which meant this was an old photo of Joshua and a recent one.

A boy jumped out of his seat and I turned to see the 'supposed Joshua' was actually in my class, he picked up his backpack and ran out of class, ignoring Mr. Rowen's calls.

I could only imagine how he felt, it was horrible when you get outed like that without your consent, without being ready, he felt ashamed and I knew that.

"Okay guys, put out your phone and let's begin." Mr. Rowen said and as the class did, I picked up my backpack. "I'll be right back." I said and stood up, I threw my backpack over my shoulder and ran out of class and after Joshua.

I knew where he would be, the boys bathroom.

I walked in and there he was, at the sink crying. Once he saw me, he quickly wiped off his tears, sniffing and trying to act like it was all normal.

"Hey,"

"Don't say anything," he said, his voice breaking. "Don't act like you care, if you are gonna make fun of me just get right to it."

"Joshua, I am not going to make fun of you." I said softly. "That's not why I'm here."

"What are you g-going to say?" He asked, turning to face me with a sniff. "Everybody knows my secret now and they are going to make fun of me."

"And what if they know your secret?" I asked as I walked over to him. "There is nothing wrong with being trans, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a boy. You don't need to be ashamed of who you are, Joshua." I said and placed my hands on his shoulders. "Whatever anyone thinks, you shouldn't care. You shouldn't give a damn if they like you or not, and so what? You're a boy! You are a boy and no one can change that so why do you have to be worried?"

"But- e-everyone, they-"

"I know, I know how you feel. But if your parents support you then why should you bother if any of these people who don't even know where their lives are headed think? It's okay, I'll be by your side, after all, my job is to hold your hand and lead you. Whosoever tries to make fun of you or dares to touch you, I will put them in their place immediately." I said and he began to sob.

"It is not fair, getting o-outted like that, I just-" he trailed off as he began to cry. I pulled him into a hug and all he did was sob.

"It's okay. I'll just do the same."

"What?" He asked as he pulled back, confused.

"The person behind that stupid blog, I'll find out who he is and out him or her myself, it's only fair. Whoever it is needs to be stopped, this is the height of it."

Joshua smiled softly. "I guess I was right to vote for you." He said with a small chuckle as he wiped his tests.

"Well, as the school body president, I'm supposed to deal with such assholes and protect you." I smiled.

I had won the election, I got the highest votes even though Raven stepped down and instead competed for the vice president. We both worked best as a team than individual and I felt bad about how I had behaved with her. I had unintentionally given a heartfelt speech which got me more votes and yeah, here I am.

"Just get that bastard."

"Oh, I will."

****

"Hi." I greeted and sat across the lovebirds who were giggling about God knows what at the cafeteria.

"Dylan." Christian called, both boys still smiling.

"Hey, class president." Tyler teasingly greeted.

"Hello, secretary." I replied with furrowed brows. "I need your boyfriend's help."

"What's up?" Christian asked.

"You all saw the blog this morning?"

Their expression suddenly became that of sadness and a mix of disgust. "Everybody saw." Tyler sighed. "That was really awful."

"It was." Christian said, rubbing Tyler's back. "Outing him like that, I am disgusted."

"This is why I need you Christian," I said and their brows knitted in confusion, they exchanged looks for a second.

"What's up?" Christian asked.

"I need your skills, I need you to try track whosoever it is, and when you do, I want you to hack them, find whatsoever implicating shit you can on them and I'll take it from there." I explained.

"But what if they are like....super protected, you know? What if whosoever knows that they'd try to hack him?" Tyler asked.

I smirked. "The only computer genius in this entire school is your boyfriend, Tyler. I need him, the school needs him so we can find whosoever this person is and put an end to this hurting of people's feelings, I am angry and I want to use this anger."

Christian nodded. "Okay, I should have your answer tomorrow."

Tyler nodded. "I'll try to help as much as I can."

I smiled. "Thank you both, it means a lot."

Tyler smiled back. "You made us happen, I think we owe you forever." He chuckled.

"Oh shit." Christian said, looking elsewhere. I followed his gaze and saw Joshua standing in the middle of the cafeteria with Bruce and two other boys in front of him.

"So, you are not actually a boy?" Bruce chuckled. "How did we not see that coming, Josie."

"My name's Joshua, not Josie." Joshua replied, staring down at the ground.

"Well maybe during PE, we can see how much of a boy you are down there." Another jock said with a laugh.

"Why change yourself when you could collect all the dicks in the world," Bruce said and groped his junk. "Instead of getting one on yourself? You really are a pretty girl."

"I a-am not a girl." Joshua stuttered and I clenched my fists.

"A girl can't be a boy, get that into your thick, stupid skull." The blonde jock at Bruce's left said and slapped the side of Joshua's head, not too hard but not too gentle either.

"Hey!!" I yelled, slamming my hands on the table angrily and getting up. "Fuckfaces!" I called and approached them. "What the hell do you think you are doing?"

"We were only giving him some advice, what's it to you?" The blonde jock said.

I stood beside Joshua and glared daggers at the boys. "Aren't you ashamed of yourselves? What was that you said? That he wasn't a boy? Joshua is more a boy than any of you assholes acting all high and mighty when you have nothing upstairs."

"What does bullying do for your skin?" Christian asked, standing beside Joshua. "It doesn't make your skin glow or make you look less younger, so what exactly does it do for you? You keep attacking people just for your own happiness? Talk about being a sadist."

"No one asked for your opinion, Tate, so fuck off." The black haired one said.

"That's funny, Tom." Zach said with a chuckle, appearing by my side. "I don't remember Joshua here asking for any of your opinions either." He said, his hands in his pockets.

"The sooner you realize you are nothing but a liability, the better." Jon said, standing beside Christian and Gwen beside him.

"Oh, what is this?" Bruce laughed. "Power ranger assemble?"

"Even your jokes is as lame as you, you dimwit." I frowned and turned to the voice to see Quinn, she folded her arms and threw her hair back. She noticed we were all staring at her and shrugged. "What? Can't a girl support her fellow girl? I-I mean, guy."

I rolled my eyes and looked back at the jocks who still tried to stand mighty.

"You all are sick! She's a fucking girl!"

"Didn't he tell you boys that he would like to be referred to as a boy or are you boys just playing dumb?" Tyler asked, walking towards us and standing in front of his boyfriend.

"Why you-" one of them reached for him but before he could touch Tyler, Christian gripped his arm and pushed him backwards, standing in front of him protectively.

"If you as to dare try to touch him, I will make a barbecue sauce out of you." He threatened angrily.

"Wow, wow, I see you boys have refused to grow and to think the holiday would have helped your brains." Jaxton said with a sigh.

"Like anyone would support a half boy-half girl, you all just pity him." Bruce said and I laughed.

"That is where you are wrong, we support him and his decision, we all do, so fuck you and your theory, you dumb robot." I said and one by one the students in the cafeteria stood up, saying how much they support Joshua who looked surprised as hell.

"You see, they all support him." I took a step towards them. "Nobody gives a damn about your stupid idea, this just shows that your bullying is full of shit and that you are full of shit." I took another step towards them, the final step. "When I decided to take power, I promised to get rid off the likes of you, remember?" I asked with a smirk. "You should probably pack your stuffs, you'll be getting suspended for a complete month for such attitude of yours, whatever I say stands." I smiled. "So, all I need to do is go talk to principal Evans and have him call your parents."

"What?" Tom's eyes bulged out in shock. "O-One month? N-No."

"I will not tolerate this bullshit, I will not tolerate bullying in this school. If anyone wants to be anything, it is their business, their choice, not yours, so how about you all stop, especially you." I said to Bruce, looking him in the eye. "I did warn you before, didn't I? I hate to repeat myself, stop stepping on my toes." I said and he swallowed nervously. "Get out." I said but they remained still. "I said get out now, head straight to the principal's office and I will meet you there."

The boys gulped nervously. "I'm sure you do not want him to repeat himself, do you?" Jaxton asked.

"You do know he's above power and if you keep standing there, he might just increase your suspension to two months, graduation isn't so far away, you'll miss your games and no one would accept you in schools, you'll probably end up fixing cars or something like that, actually suits you guys." Zach said, grinning mockingly.

Bruce looked angry but of course he couldn't do anything and left in shame with his stupid minions. I turned to Joshua with a big smile. "You see, everybody supports and loves you, they know if they don't, they'll end up suspended." I said and he laughed tearfully.

"I just...I didn't expect-"

"I told you, if your parents and everyone standing here supports you then you shouldn't care about what any other dimwit thinks, you're amazing and handsome and a boy, so fuck everyone else." I said and he nodded. He wiped off his tears and smiled cheerfully.

"Thank you, Dylan. T-Thank you guys for standing up for me."

"Of course, we love you no matter what, Joshua." Gwen said with a smile.

"And you can join whatever team you want." Zach said and threw an arm over him, pulling him close. "I'll speak to coach if you want."

Joshua laughed, he looked relived, happy. "Thank you guys."

"You really are the best class president." Jaxton said, suddenly standing beside me as the others talked to Joshua.

"Not yet," I replied. "I need to find the anonymous blogger as soon as possible, when I've done that, then I can be called that."

"For any idea?" Jaxton asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do." I answered.

***

"Hell,  class." A lady greeted as she walked into our class, dressed in an office-like black dress and red heels, her blonde her packed in a bun. She was young, in her mid twenties i believe, and beautiful.

Beside her was Principal Evans with a smile on his face and his hands clasped together. "Good day, class. This is Zoey," he said, referring to her.

"That just brings blackish flashbacks." Zach said and some people laughed.

Principal Evans rolled his eyes. "Zoey is from C.M.F and she's here to pass a message to you all."

"What is CMF?" Christian asked.

"Crowen Medical Facility." Jaxton answered and Zoey smiled at him.

"Yes, I am from Crowen Medical Facility and I am here to lecture you all about protective sex."

The glass went into an uproar. "I think we know enough about protective sex." Raven said and Zoey looked at her.

"Do you? Because some of you still have unprotective sex which increases the case of unwanted pregnancies and if you haven't noticed, there has been a large number of STI's and HIV, so how come that number still increases if you all know about it, sweetie?" Zoey asked.

"Don't call me sweetie." Raven said and relaxed her back against her seat

"Sexually transmitted diseases as you all know are infections that spread from person to person through sexual activities." Zoey said as she walked over to the desk and rested on it. "Ways in which you can get this are through the vaginal, oral or anal sex."

"I think we know that." Zach chuckled. "We are not kids."

"Yet, about sixty person of you don't use condoms." She flashed him a smile. "HIV is also an STD, if you didn't know. Other types of STDs are syphilis, papillomavirus."

"Papilloma- what now?" A student asked and the others laughed.

"Any sort of virus that causes warts." She explained. "There is also gonorrhea."

"Something half the jocks in this school has." Quinn said and I chuckled.

"And Chlamydia." Zoey finished and my smile disappeared.

I could feel some eyes on me and when I looked I saw Jaxton, Raven and a few of my friends looking at me, I flashed them a weak smile.

"Chlamydia," Raven sighed. "Often asymptotic sexually transmitted disease."

Zoey smiled. "Correct. You see, having an STD can make it easier to get HIV and when one has HIV and a sort of STD, increases the risk of HIV transmission."

"How can HIV get in through STD? I gotta ask." One of the students asked.

"Would someone like to answer that?" Zoey asked.

"It's simple." Jaxton sighed. "An STD can cause a break or some sort of sore in the skin, which makes it easier for HIV to get into the body." He answered.

"Exactly." The woman nodded. "And to prevent such, you have to choose less risky sexual behaviors and should know how to use a condom correctly."

"You should teach me." A student said and licked his bottom lip. "I haven't learned how to use one." The jock said and the class laughed.

I rolled my eyes. "Your parents didn't also learn too, did they?" I asked, turning to look at him. "Because if they did then they would have avoided such sacrilege from being brought into this would, so shut the fuck up before I stick my foot up your ass! And pay attention so you don't make the same mistake as your unlucky parents. " I snarled and he gulped, clenching his fists while the class cooed and laughed.

"Okay, let's not...do that, and pay attention." Principal Evans said.

"Thank you...?" Zoey looked at me, her brows furrowed and I smiled.

"Dylan."

She nodded. "Dylan. Anyways, as I was saying, according to W.H.O and common sense, the behaviors that could put you all in higher risk for HIV and every kind of STDs are; having used with many partners, especially when you don't even know them. So, how about you stick to making your life better and living long than being a whore?" She asked and looked at the jock who had asked her to teach him how to use a condom.

"Oooohhhhh,"

"That shout hit right in the heart, sorry bro." Zach said with a laugh.

"Having sex without a condom is another way of being infected." She stated. "Also, having sex while using alcohol and drugs, if you know you do that, try to boost your sexual urge or go longer than you do, you should stop. Because such things, especially alcohol could affect a person's judgment and can lead to a risky behavior."

"So, you need to reduce the number of people you sleep with if you can't abstain from it. Don't use drugs or drink alcohol before and during sex, and use a condom, correctly." She stated with a smile.

"Today, I will be giving all of you a good amount of condoms to take home in case your hormones take over or you see yourself in a situation were you can't get one. There are a lot of teenagers out there who get infected and we want to help," she said and a man walked in with a carton, dropping it on the desk she was resting on.

"'Can anyone tell me what this is?" She asked as she took out a white bottle filled with pills.

"PrEp." Christian answered and I smiled once I saw the bottle, getting major flashbacks. I looked at Henry stylishly and he seemed to be thinking the same thing I was cause he smiled.

Few months ago.

"Hey," I called and jumped on the bed, my hands behind my back. Henry looked away from the book he was reading and at me with a frown.

"Why are you smiling like that?" He asked as he sat up. "What trick do you have up your sleeve now, you evil genius?"

I smirked. "You don't sound like you missed me."

"I did." He said and pulled me on top of him. "Where were you? I was bored without you."

"You will live."

"You know I can't breathe if you aren't here." He jokingly said and I laughed.

"You are crazy."

He kissed me. "Where'd you go?"

"I went out with Jaxton."

"Dominic drive you guys?" He questioned.

"No, Tom drove us, and besides we are in Westbrick, I can't take you everywhere."

Henry gasped. "Wow."

I chuckled. "No, no, I don't mean it that way, silly. I mean, you were clearly tired and I didn't want to disturb you, baby." I said and kissed him.

"You're just covering this up with a kiss, aren't you?"

"Mmhmm." I nodded, smiling.

"Okay, what do you have behind you? Your hands have been at your back for long? What do you have?" He asked.

"Well," I showed him the prep.

He frowned, confused. "What is it?"

"Prep." I answered and it didn't seem to answer his question still cause he was confused. "This is a drug for people like us to avoid STDs and HIV since we had unprotected sex, so we can use this just to be safe. It doesn't mean we shouldn't use condoms but, you know what I mean."

Henry pouted as he stared at the bottle and back at me. "Wait, you are not clean? Dylan, you promised."

I chuckled. "Oh ho ho, I am very clean, I just don't know about you and besides I'd like to be careful.

Henry blinked. "You think I am infected?"

"Hey, you said it not me."

"Okay, I am going to kill you." He said and with a small scream, I jumped off him. Henry didn't waste no time in coming after me, I picked up a book from the table and threw it at his face, he didn't see it coming and it hit him.

"Ow! Fuck! My face!" He cried and I ran back to him.

"Oh my God, I am so sorry, I thought you'd dodge it. I am so so sorry." I apologised and he quickly grabbed me by the arm and pulled me closer.

I gasped, startled and he threw us on the bed, him laying on top of me. I laughed hysterically while apologizing. "Oh my God, your face is so red."

"Fuck you, Dylan."

"Yeah, use a condom." I replied and he snickered.

Flashback ends.

I just smiled, reliving the crazy day again.

"Full name for prEp?" She questioned and the class remained silent. "No one?"

"Pre-exposure prophylaxis." I answered and she looked at me.

"Very good. Tell me what you know about it, Dylan."

"Uh, it is a drug used to prevent diseases or infections in people, and I mean sexual kind, to people who have not yet been exposed to a disease-causing agent usually the virus." I answered, remembering the exact definition I saw on Google millions of years ago.

"It is one of the drugs that helps prevent HIV for people who don't have HIV yet but have a higher risk or well, average risk of being infected, including sexually active people."

"Very good, Dylan." Zoey smiled at me and I smiled back. "And so, we'll hand these to every one of you with a pack of condom." She said and I sighed, turning to Jaxton who was seated beside me.

"I wonder what I'll do with mine."

"You could give me, I don't think a pack would be enough for Dominic and I." He said and I elbowed him, laughing afterwards.

***

"

I can't believe Bruce and his dogs got suspended, can't believe you made that happen." Jaxton chuckled.

"I had to do something, and maybe when they return, they'd have learned their lessons." I said and Raven rose her smoothie.

"As they should!" She said and we laughed.

We were all at H.O.Es and having a little treat, Zach couldn't come along, I mean his best friend was back anyways.

"I don't see Dominic anywhere." Gwen said and Jaxton shrugged.

"It's his off today, he's probably still asleep since he had to work double shifts yesterday covering for his coworker who had to go for her daughter's musical."

"Aw, that's sweet." Raven said, a smile fixed on her face.

"And can we talk about how Quinn stood up for Joshua?" Jon said and we all began to talk at the same time.

"I was shocked, I won't lie." Jax said and I scoffed.

"It still feels like a dream."

"I guess she has a heart after all." Gwen scoffed.

"Anyways," I stood up. "I'll be right back, I'll go order a smoothie now, anyone need anything?"

"Nah, we good." Jax said before taking a bite from his hamburger.

I nodded and walked over to the counter, smiling at the waitress. "Hi, please, can I have a raspberry smoothie?" I asked. "No wait, scratch that, I'll have a lemonade instead, do you have that?"

The waitress grinned. "Of course, uh one sec." She said and I nodded.

Lemonade in January. Tsk.

I took out my phone and began to text my mom, she had gone to check out some places.

My mom had told me she had a surprise for me last week and it turned out she was gonna be opening her own restaurant here in Eastwood. It was an amazing idea, she was the greatest cook which was why no matter how many days leave she'd take, her boss never could fire her. It was because if she ever got employed elsewhere, she would help them become an empire, so instead of doing that, why not do it for herself?

I was happy for her, she was finally doing something she really wanted, something that was good for her. Dad was proud of her as well and was gonna support her although and now all she needed was a place she had to buy, a place with the spark as she called it. Now instead of working for people, she was gonna have people work for her.

Talk about upgrade.

"Here you go." The waitress said and I paid her.

"Thank you." I said and took it, I turned and began walking back to our booth while texting mom when I bumped into someone and spilled my lemonade on his clothes. "Shit, I am so so sorry." I apologized.

The male sighed. "Shit, uh, it's....it's fine." He said and I bit my bottom lip, feeling sorry.

He was dressed in a black tux, he was dark skinned and had curly hair. He wasn't that much older than me, he looked up at me and just stared. I had to admit, he was handsome, pretty handsome and had really smooth skin and a fucking awesome jawline, he was definitely ripped.

"Do you always bump into people?" He asked and I chuckled nervously.

"I think so, it happens a lot." I answered. "I am really sorry."

He smiled. "It's fine, I uh, I guess I got my official welcome to Eastwood."

"You mean no one officially welcomed you? Um, rude."

He laughed softly and so did I. "I'm Trevor." He said and stretched his hand out to me.

I took it, shaking him. "Dylan. Nice to meet you."

"You too." He said, smiling. "I mean, this isn't exactly how anyone should meet, spilling lemonade on the other's shirt."

"I agree and I am s-"

"If you apologize, I will slap you." He said and I shut up.

"No apology, then."

He chuckled. "How about you make it up to me?"

"Really? How?" I asked, cocking my head to the side with a big smile.

"Well, how about a-"

"Trevor?" A guy called from the door and we both turned to him, he was also dressed in a suit. "We gotta now, he's on the phone and wants to speak with you."

"One sec." Trevor said but the guy wasn't having it, his hand covering the cellphone.

"Now."

Trevor sighed and dived his hand into his pocket, he took out a card and handed it to me. "Call me?"

I nodded, looking at the card. "Trevor Nnannah? Nnannah?" I asked him.

"It's Nigerian." He said with a smirk as he walked back to the guy. "I'll be expecting that call."

"Sure." I replied as I watched him leave, taking the phone from the guy and disappearing.

I walked back to the table and they were all looking at me.

"What?" I asked, taking a seat.

"Uh, who is that hottie?" Jaxton asked.

"Trevor." I answered.

"Well, he is hot and you were both literally eye fucking each other." Raven said and I scoffed.

"What?"

"True." Jon nodded.

"Okay, first of all, we were not eye fucking each other and secondly, fuck you guys." I said and they laughed.

"Well, what did Trevor say?" Gwen asked, wiggling her brows at me.

"Nothing important."

"But you both spent a decade talking." Raven said with a frown.

"And why come back with a half glass lemonade?" Jaxton asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry, the rest was on his shirt." I answered.

"Is that his card?" Jon asked and took it from me. "Trevor Nna...Nna what?"

"Nnannah." I pronounced and took it from him. "It's Nigerian."

"Oooooh, an African hottie. Did he ask you out on a date?" Raven asked and I rolled my eyes.

"You know what? You guys need therapy."

"Y'all leave my baby alone." Jon said and threw his hand over my shoulder. "He's not ready for anything."

"And what makes you think that?" Raven asked with a chuckle. "Because I know Dylan's not gonna call him."

"Okay, you know what? I think I'm gonna go now," I said and picked up my backpack. "You guys are crazy and I don't wanna contact the crazy from you."

"Are you kidding? You are next level crazy, psycho." Raven said and I flashed her a smile.

"Y'all be nice." Jaxton said.

"See you guys tomorrow, and see you at home, Jaxton." I said and stood up. "Text me if anything important comes up." I said as I walked towards the door.

"Dylan, come on!" Jon called but I didn't respond and just waved.

***

I had been up in my room reading a lot about law and crimes, I had been finding myself getting more into it before I even got into college. I needed to have all the knowledge I could but I ended up enjoying reading such. I got thirsty and left my room, only to see my mom at the dinning typing away on her laptop.

"Hey,"

"Hey sweetie."

"When did you get home?"

"Uh, about ten minutes ago." She answered, looking up from her laptop and at me.

"Oh, I didn't know you were back." I said as I made my way to the kitchen. "And Davina?"

"She's asleep."

"And Sofía?"

"Jaxton asked me to please drop her off at Dominic's after I pick her from school, said he was heading there later."

"Oh, so how's the....well place hunting going?"

"That's what you're calling it?" She asked with a chuckle.

"Well, are you gonna answer?" I asked as I poured myself a glass of water and walked back to the dinning, sipping from it.

"I've been shown a lot of beautiful places to buy but I just....haven't found the place yet. I don't know, I'm still searching, this is a lot of work."

"You want me to ask Raven's mom for help?"

"Do you want us to go broke?"

I chuckled. "Never mind that idea. Oh, why don't you go with Astrid?"

"Isn't she working now?"

"Yeah, uh, I think she's a waitress at um, shit I forgot the diner."

"Mmhmm, isn't she your friend's mother?"

I arched my brow at her. "Isn't she your friend? What is the name of the diner she works at?" I asked and mom said nothing.

"I know where it is but I keep forgetting the name so fuck you." She said and I gave a nod.

"Sure."

Mom and Astrid had become close since Christmas, Astrid came over for Christmas since Jaxton lived with us and mom invited Dominic his boyfriend over and his entirely family. It turns out, Astrid and mom had a lot in common and they hit it off from there, exchanged numbers and paid each other visits most of the time. Mom would take Astrid to the mall and when I'd watch them I'd just be surprised because it felt like I was watching Jaxton and me.

Astrid was more like Jaxton, a little shy, not outgoing, she laughed a lot and I don't know, I just saw Jaxton and saw mom as me. Taking Jaxton out, trying to get her to open up more and have fun and it made me smile, they even started having 'girls night out' like they called it. Mom was spoiling her.

I had been seeing Meghan often, she came over most of the time and we started hanging out more, she wouldn't talk to me at first because I didn't visit her much but it didn't even last because she saw I had lots of novels and needed to borrow some.

So yeah, that was the story.

"I'll get her on the phone, ASAP." Mom said and picked up her phone from the table, standing up as she dialed Astrid's number. She waited for a couple of seconds before speaking. "Hey, Astri- oh," mom turned to me. "It's dine and drive, you succubus!"

I frowned, confused. "What?"

"The name of the diner she works at."

I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, it's just that dumb son of mine." She said to Astrid and began walking away. "Yeah, you know how he is? Anyways, how are you?"

I sighed, shaking my head as I stood up. "Silly woman." I said and made my way back to Jaxton and my room.

When I walked in, I heard my phone ringing and I quickly made my way towards it, picking it up from the bed and answering.

"Hello."

"Hey, fuck face." Zach spoke.

"What do you want, dickward?" I asked, sitting on my bed.

"How are you?"

"Don't act like you care. What's up?"

"My dad's inviting you over for dinner tonight."

"Me? Why?"

"Because you were rude to him and mended our relationship?" He answered, in a question-like way.

"I thought he was going to Italy?"

"Were you deaf when he said he postponed it?"

"You know, I don't appreciate you answering my questions with questions and insulting me, you infected beast."

"Whatever, dumb fuck. See you at eight?"

"Uh, sure. Is it just gonna be us?"

"Nah, Raven's coming too."

"Oh, thank God. Alright then, seven it is. There better be a lot of meat, I am no vegetarian."

Zach chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You eat a lot, I'll make sure they have your specialities."

"You know sometimes you are the best."

"I know."

"Alright then, get off my phone." I said and hung up.

"Hey hey!"

I turned to see Jaxton walking in, I flashed him a smile as he dropped his backpack and collapsed on the bed.

"I am so tired."

"Where is Sofía?"

"She fell asleep on our way back, she's in her room."

"Oh. So, Dominic's?" I asked.

"Yeah, today's his off like I told you earlier and he was super tired plus Astrid's working, so I had to go over to see him. He had been sleeping for hours, he didn't even go get the groceries his mom asked him to before she left. So, I went with him while Sofía and Meghan played together at home and uh when we got back, we made dinner together and yeah, that explains my lateness." He shrugged.

I almost regretted asking because I got a little jealous. Raven and Zach were the IT couple in school, they were always acting like a married couple half the time and the other times were when they were horny, and Daxton? They were the cutest couple I knew and they could make a single person jump off a bridge for being single, it felt like an abomination. They were so in love it was beautiful.

"You guys are the cutest."

Jaxton smiled. "Yeah, yeah."

"And mom's on the phone with Astrid."

"She told me she needed Astrid's help. Anyways," Jaxton sat up and took off his shoes before turning to me. "Have you called Trev yet?"

"I'm not calling him because I don't want to."

"Are you freaking kidding?"

"No, I'm not. I'm not calling him and even if I wanted to, it wouldn't be your business."

"Yeah, right." He snorted. "I knew you were not gonna call him."

"No, you didn't."

"Yes I did, I'm your fucking best friend and brother." Jaxton said. "I know you more than you know yourself. Seriously, I actually know you more than you know yourself."

I rolled my eyes. "In an hour and thirty minutes, I will be leaving the house because Mr. Alexander Pratt invited me over for dinner."

Jaxton gasped. "For real?"

I nodded. "Yup, Raven too."

"That's insane. Why didn't I get invited?" He pouted.

"Because, you are not dating his son and neither did you restore the father-son relationship, so in conclusion, you are not important." I said and he gasped dramatically.

"You murdered me brutally." He said and dramatically fell off the bed. "Ow!!" He screamed. "I hit my head too hard on the floor." He cried and I laughed.

"You're crazy."

***

"You know, I thought your father would send a car to come pick me." I said as I walked into the house with Zach by my side.

"Don't be silly, who would do that?"

"Raven's dad did, a couple of times actually." I answered and Zach scoffed.

"You are really dressed like you depressed." Zach said and I stopped walking, looking down at my outfit.

"What?"

Zach turned to look at me. "You look like a woman with three kids who got dumped by her husband for a supermodel."

I gasped. "I'm literally wearing a grey sweater and blue jeans."

"My point exactly." He said and I pouted, looking at his own outfit. Zach was dressed in black office pants, a black shirt as well that had two loosened buttons, he didn't even dress like this was this house.

Shit. I looked poor.

"But this is what I've been wearing for a while now and you never complained till now, it's like I'm meeting my father in-law." I said as we continued walking.

Zach chuckled softly. "You're crazy."

"No, that's Raven and Jaxton." I replied. "Speaking of crazy, is Raven here?"

"Yeah."

"I didn't know you had like gardeners and all that."

Zach chuckled. "We do, but when my parents are out of town, I let them go home or whatever and yeah, they still receive their salary and stuff and when Dad or Mom returns, they all come back."

"And how do they know if you yourself don't know."

"One of the maids is married to my father's driver and when he's coming home, he tells his wife and his wife tells everybody and they return before he does. Sometimes I don't even know because I somehow end up passed out the day before he returns, every time."

I snickered. "Typical Zach."

He scoffed. "Yeah right."

We both got to the dinning and I sighed frustratedly once I saw Raven dressed in a blue short dreads that literally had no back at all, the skin was all out there and Mr. Pratt was dressed in black pants and a blue plain shirt.

I turned to Zach with a scowl. "Really? You had to do me dirty? Y'all dressed up like you heading to the VMAs and here I am looking like....I'm poor."

Zach chuckled. "But you are."

"Financially stable doesn't mean poor, Zach, how are you gonna graduate if you keep thinking like that?" I retorted despite wanting to gasp at first.

"Dylan." Mr. Pratt called, smiling softly. "Good to see you're finally here."

"Yeah, I am sorry, I'm late, I uh...I have no excuse." I said and took a seat at the dinning. I turned to Raven and smiled. "You cleaned up nicely."

She grinned. "Thanks. Why are you dressed like that?"

"Because I don't need to impress anyone." I answered. "And because Zach didn't tell me this was a...formal thing."

Zach sat across Raven and beside his father while I sat next to Raven.

"Where is he?" Mr. Pratt asked and I frowned.

"Are we expecting someone?" I asked, curiously.

"Hey, sorry I'm late." I heard behind me and my eyes widen, I turned to see Henry and when he saw me his jaw dropped slightly.

I turned back to the table and closed my eyes, sighing tiredly. "You have got to be fucking kidding me." I muttered.

"I swear I had no idea he was gonna be here." Raven whispered.

"Henry," Mr. Pratt smiled widely at him. "I thought you weren't gonna make it to dinner, where's your mom?"

My heart stopped.

"Uh, she couldn't make it."

Oh, thank God.

"She's busy."

"I understand." He nodded. "Please, sit." He said, pointing beside me.

My frown deepened. Sit here? Beside me?

"Uh, sure sir." He replied and the dick face actually sat beside me. Even him was dressed nicely, I was the only one dressed like I didn't belong here, like I didn't deserve to sit on this glorious chair.

And I didn't care.

But I will still kill Zach.

"Now shall we begin?" Mr. Pratt asked with a smile.

Ah, fuck.

***

"So, what exactly do you wanna do after school? What are you studying?" Mr. Pratt asked Raven as we ate.

"Well, I actually wanted to be a designer and that has been my dream since I was a little girl but now I'm grown up, and I've been thinking, maybe I can do two things, you know?" Raven answered as we ate.

"Two things, how?" I asked as I chewed.

"I'll be a designer, one of the best actually but I will also manage my father's company." She said and I choked on my food. "I will take over and Nixon can join the board members on that google sh- stuff." She said, stopping herself from swearing.

I leaned closer to her. "You are not just saying that to impress him, right?" I asked in a whisper and she shook her head.

"No, I have actually given it much thought. I wanna be a boss of my own, so why not do it in two different companies?" She asked, smiling.

"Impressive." Mr. Pratt said, smiling.

"Wow. I am uh, shocked." I chuckled. "But proud of you."

"I guess I didn't want to do it before because I was always compared and my dreams were always pushed aside and stuff but, my father has only two kids and if he'll needs us more than ever in like six years time or ten." She shrugged.

"You have grown up." I patted her shoulder and she laughed.

"That is amazing, I like a girl who can choose for herself and wants to be independent instead of depending on a man." Mr. Pratt said and I rose my glass.

"Preach!"

"And Henry, how's football? Zach tells me you guys have a game in a month."

Henry nodded. "Yes, and uh, we are very prepared."

"You boys make me proud." Mr. Pratt said, smiling at both of them.

I went back to eating silently when I heard him call my name and I looked up from my plate and at him.

"Why do you wanna be a lawyer?" He asked and I shrugged.

"I'm always for justice, and there's been one to many injustice everywhere. I am just gonna set things right, put the people who needs to be put behind bars in there, save those who needs saving and have been wrongly accused. I guess, to make the world a little better."

Mr. Pratt gave a small nod. "Not a bad answer. Another question; if you were to choose between saving a criminal, a rapist or you die, which would you pick."

"It's simple, I jump off a bridge and fake my death." I answered. "Kill those rascals and keep the rapist in jail, but that is if I survive. If I don't, then it's better I die in that water than help a rapist. I hate them more than I hate anything in the world."

"You are too smart for your age." Mr. Pratt said and I chuckled.

"I am seventeen."

"Really? I thought you'd be fourteen."

"Sarcasm? Really?" I furrowed my frowns at Zach's father.

"Anyways, please tell me how you started Phoenix and why you decided to do that." Raven insisted and Mr. Pratt smiled.

"Well, I-" and I zoned out, I just ate while he spoke, pretending to listen. I reached for the salad plate and so did Henry and when our hands touched, I quickly pulled back and it turned to a staring contest.

"You okay?" Zach asked and I quickly turned back to my food.

"Yeah, I uh," I swallowed. "I need to use the bathroom." I said and carefully stood up, I excused myself and walked into one of the guest rooms. I closed the door behind me and sat on the bed with a sigh, I took out my phone and texted Jaxton.

Henry's here.

I waited as I saw it get delivered and then read, I let out another sigh as he typed away.

Wait, for real?!

Yes, for real.

Just act normal, don't say too much.
Are you texting at the dinning?

No, I said I needed to use the bathroom

Well go back there and act normal.

Okay, I wish you came along.

Nah, I need some me time.

Whatever, later.

Yeah, bye.

I got up and left the room, I returned to the dinning with a forced smile. "So, what did i miss?" I asked as I sat down.

"Oh, Mr. Pratt was just telling me about his company." Raven answered.

"Great then, thank God I missed that." I muttered the last part.

Dinner went on longer filled with conversations and small laughter with a little bit of awkwardness since Henry was seated beside me, but thankfully Dinner was over. Mr. Pratt spoke to Raven some more and they said their farewells before he returned to his room.

"Well, I have to go home now." Raven said with a sigh.

Zach slid his arms around Raven's waist and kissed her cheek. "I'll take you home."

Raven smiled. "As you should." She said and looked at me. "I'll see you tomorrow, sunshine?" She asked as she pulled me into a hug.

"Yes, killer frost."

Raven chuckled and pulled away. "See you later, Henry Ashcrotch."

"You too, Raven fuckoff." Henry replied and she giggled.

"Good one." She said as she began leaving with Zach.

"You're sleeping over, right?" Zach asked me and I nodded.

"Yup, I'm gonna wear your pyjamas."

"Don't you dare!" He snapped his fingers at me, I shrugged in response.

I watched them leave and then it dawned on me that Henry was right beside me and we were alone now.

"So," Henry spoke.

"So." I faked a smile.

"I guess I should better....uh, I should get going."

"Mmhmm." I nodded.

"Oh and uh, it was really amazing, what you did for Joshua today." He said and I looked at him, he was smiling down at me. He was a beautiful boy. "Pretty cool."

I smiled back. "Well, I'm amazing, and thank you."

Henry chuckled and began heading for the door. "I'll uh...I'll see you tomorrow?"

I nodded. "Goodnight, Henry."

"Goodnight, Dyl." He replied and left.

I watched as he leave, staring at the door with folded arms.

How did we get to this, Henry? How?

I sighed and turned, heading for Zach's room.

***

"Yup, mom finally found a place with Astrid's help." I told Raven as we walked down the hall.

"That's amazing, it only took two days?" She asked and Jaxton nodded.

"Anyways, how's Zach's dad?" I asked Raven.

"He left for Italy yesterday." She answered. "He wasn't as bad as I thought."

"I know, he's.....not completely evil." I agreed.

It had been three days since we had dinner with Zach's father, it had turned out great. Henry and I were still having the awkward smiles and all that shit but I tried not to pay much attention to it.

"Okay guys, I gotta go to the auditorium, something about Mrs. Wilder wanting to see me." Jaxton said with a sigh.

"Alrighty, see you after school then." I said to him with light wave as he took a left turn, heading to the auditorium.

"Later, boo." Raven said to him.

"So, uh, how have you been?" Raven asked and I frowned, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"You know, I mean...you okay?"

"Um, yeah? Why?"

"Nothing, I just worry." She said and nudged me.

I knew what she meant, she was asking me if I was officially over Henry, if I was completely over him or if I was still hurting because that was what I was expected to do, to keep hurting even after crying for weeks after our breakup.

"I'm fine, Raven."

"You never called, Trevor, did you?"

"Who?" I asked, frowning.

"The guy from HOEs?"

"Oh! Wow, you remember his name and I was the one with the card who bumped into him."

"You really forgot about him, huh?"

I shrugged. "Sorry."

Raven sighed frustratedly and stood in front of me. "You need to move on, Dylan." She finally said it.

"I have." I replied.

"Have you? Because you're still sulking and won't look at any other man in that way, you watched stranger things and you didn't think that guy was hot!"

"The hot boyfriend of the hot girl who is the sister to the boy who hid eleven?" I asked and she nodded.

"This is the first time you're acknowledging he's hot, Dylan. And as a matter of fact, typical Dylan would have screamed that about thirty times now!"

"You are overreacting, Raven."

"Am I? Because you haven't spoken about boys since your breakup, you watched that Korean boy band and you didn't gush about how they're hot."

"Which of them? BTS or EXO?"

"Both! And you love them!"

She had a point, she was right, but-

"Just because I don't compliment boys doesn't mean I am in sulking. I thought Trevor was hot when I saw him, his skin was glowing."

"See more reason why you should have called him."

"We both know he's looking for something, maybe a fuck buddy, a date or whatever but I'm not, I'm only focused on graduation."

"Isn't that fucking boring?!" Rhetorical. "When you were dating Henry, you still openly called a hot guy hot on the street and you don't need to be his fuck buddy, just go on a date with him, maybe that's all he wants, so you should probably call him and stop holding on and waiting because you think you shouldn't take a step further yet."

"Raven!" I called firmly. "I am not interested, I am fine and I am not sulking. I'm also not waiting on anyone and I have moved on."

"You sure about that?" She asked, furrowing her brows at me. "I know you are hurting and I understand, I know you feel you shouldn't take a step forward and forget everything but maybe you should also follow your ex's step." She said and I frowned, curiously.

"What?" I asked and she looked behind me. I turned and I spotted Henry talking with a girl who was resting against a locker, both of them smiling at each other, the girl laughed at something he said and I swallowed, gripping my backpack tightly.

What was this feeling?

I looked away from them with several blinks and back at Raven. "Still sure you aren't unconsciously waiting for anyone?" She asked with a shrug and turned her gaze back to them.

I sneaked a peak and faked a smile at Raven. "I'm not, and Henry can do whatever he wants, we are broken up." I said and walked past her.

My smile fell and I felt my throat tighten, I didn't think he'd move on that fast. I mean, maybe it wasn't what it was but, looking at that, it most certainly was what i thought it was.

Raven was right, I had been unconsciously waiting, hadn't I? I didn't think I needed to meet anyone or be with anyone after Henry, I had been blind to everything. Was I trying to heal? Or was I holding on to memories?

Fuck.

***

"So uh, we'll have a meeting tomorrow and talk about it." I said with a sigh as we walked out of school. Thankfully, the day was over and I just wanted to go home and read a book or sleep.

Thinking about it, this used to be my life before I came here and now it sounds boring even to me. I had more followers on Instagram and twitter, thanks to moving here. I had been a regular on the news for a couple of months, I'm on the internet for either bitch slapping someone or something of that sort. I started going out more thanks to my best friend and I used to barely stay home but now, I was slowly becoming old Dylan again and when I say what I wanna do out loud, it sounds boring even to my ears.

Fuck me.

"Alright then, I can't wait for a welcome back party!" Raven said, smiling widely.

"Do we really even need one?" I asked Raven and she scoffed.

"Duh! Gwen, tell him." She said and we all stopped walking, me turning to face Gwen.

"It's a tradition, every January we have a welcome to school party."

"Why?"

"So that we won't get depressed easily, with that, we know for the next two weeks, everybody will still be thinking about the party. You know how school can be." She said and I sighed.

"Who plans the welcome back party?" I inquired.

"Raven mostly." Jaxton answered. "She plans it and the cheerios and your community brings it to life."

"Well, awesome then. You'll just plan it like you always do."

"I said Raven mostly, I didn't say just Raven." Jaxton said and I frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"The class president has to join forces." Jon answered, his hands in his pockets.

"You're kidding."

Raven smiled. "And this time, you'll take the lead while I follow your command."

"Raven, don't do this to me."

"I already did. Everyone will want to see what Dylan can come up with, so you have to give that to them and show them, so I gotta back off."

I groaned frustratedly. "Does this welcome party happen in school?"

"Duh." She replied. "Anyways guys, I gotta go. I have to meet up with my mom's friend."

"Why?" Jaxton asked.

"I have some business to take care of for her, see you losers later." She said and walked away as we said our farewells.

"Where's Velma?" Jaxton asked. "No one talked about an earthquake today." He said and I chuckled while Jon gave him the middle finger.

"She's at home, getting fixed."

"Isn't she dying?" I asked.

"Well, doesn't mean they gotta stop her treatment." Gwen said and Jon nodded.

"Absolutely." He smiled while Gwen mouthed.

"She's so gone."

I held back a laugh.

"Anyone need a ride?" Gwen asked and Jaxton nodded.

"Yes! I promised Sofía I'd help her with her homework today. I'm Thursdays, Dylan's mom is Monday to Wednesday and Dylan's Friday." Jaxton said.

"Wow, you guys shared it?" Gwen asked.

"Oh no, she did." I chuckled.

"What about you, Dylan? Need a ride?"

"Um, nah." I shook my head. "I need to stop by at a bookstore, so I'll just walk home."

"You'll be okay?" Jon asked.

Him too.

I faked a smile, nodding. "I think I can take care of myself. Now get out of here." I said and they chuckled.

"See you at home." Jaxton said and I nodded.

Jon pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead. "Be careful."

"Yes, pops, I will." I replied in a child-like tone and he laughed.

"Do what your father says." Gwen pointed me.

"Yes, mom, I will. And I will see you both tomorrow, bye."

With a chuckle, we all went our separate ways and I headed for the bookstore which was about a fifteen minutes walk from home and twenty from school. I had my earphones around my ears as I walked, ignoring everything and everyone around me. I had become a regular at the book store, she knew my name and I remembered hers, I guess that makes us friends, right?

I either know your name because you are important or you're a pest I want to get rid of, like the name Bruce or Eric.

"Hey, Mrs. Lawrence."

She grinned once she saw me, her face lightened up. "Dylan, don't tell me you finished that book already." She said and I chuckled as I walked over to her.

"I am. Finished last night."

"Wow, impressive. You took that book like two days ago and it has a lot of pages."

I shrugged. "I get bored easily."

"Of course you do." She chuckled.

Mrs. Lawrence was about fifty, she was short and chubby. She had four kids and her husband was sick, he had had an accident that left him in a coma for over five months now. She was still madly in love with her husband, her first son was married, second in college and the last two were in highschool.

She had told me about this since we turned from greeting buddies to conversation buddies, she had started with the fact that she hadn't seen me here before, on my fourth visit, and that conversation led to an introduction and well, I started staying and one day I was checking out a book and ended up spending an hour reading subconsciously, it was so good I forgot to pay and leave and she let me. I guess that was where we began, I asked her if she was the only one in charge and she told me about her family.

"Any new interesting one?"

"Well, yeah, we got some last weekend and there's one I think you'll enjoy because my son can't stop talking about it." She said, smiling. "It's called little Run Hope, run."

"Sounds intriguing, it horror?"

"Well, more like psychological thriller, a girl gets raped and well the world turns upside down for her. She starts seeing things that aren't there and stuff like that, I don't wanna spoil it for you."

"Sounds like something I'd like."

"I know." She chuckled.

"Who's the author?"

"His name is Maris and he is an amazing, sweet boy." She said as she walked over to the shelves.

I scoffed. "Yeah, right." I muttered.

She took out the book and handed it to me, I loved the cover, it seemed pretty cool but it was what was inside that mattered.

"Thank you." I said and took out some money from my pocket, I handed it to her but she didn't take it.

"This one's on the house." She said and gave me another book. "Just in case you finish that before you expect."

"Oh, Mrs. Lawrence, I couldn't."

"Take it." She insisted.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. And I'll see you next week or during the weekend."

I chuckled. "It's Thursday, how can finish this before Sunday?"

"I don't know, you speed read." She laughed.

"Thank you again."

"You're welcome."

"I'm gonna...go now, need to start these."

She nodded. "Take care, Dylan."

"You too, Mrs. Lawrence." I said and spun around, only to almost bump into someone but I stopped myself from causing an accident.

And guess what? It wasn't just anyone.

"Trevor?" I called, perplexed.

His brows furrowed in surprise once he looked up from his phone. "Dylan?" He slowly smiled. "Wow, is this how we're gonna be meeting?"

I chuckled.

What was he doing here? I didn't think I'd see him again, so why was he here? He was dressed in a wine colored the turtleneck and black office pants and damn, they did look good on him.

"Are you following me?" He asked, squinting his eyes.

I snorted. "I'm always wherever before you, so I think the question should be, are you following me?"

"Well, that is sort of true, but I promise I'm not following you." He said, raising his hands in surrender.

"Prove it."

He looked behind me and smiled. "Hey, Ms. Lawrence."

"Trevor sweetie, how are you?"

"I'm good, how's David and Jenny?":

"Home? I hope."

Trevor chuckled and looked back at me. "See." He shrugged. "I came here to get some books."

Of course he knew them.

"Uh, great then."

"So," he began. "I was expecting your call for the past three days, even though on the second day i knew you wouldn't call yet I hoped so." He shrugged. "Why didn't you?"

"Yeeeeah, I'm sorry, I lost the card that night and I don't...I didn't know how to contact you."

Trevor nodded. "That makes sense but even I know you're lying."

"Is it that obvious?"

"No, it isn't actually but I needed to be sure you weren't lying."

"Fuck you, Trevor."

He laughed. "I'm down for it."

I chuckled. "I'm on a virgin diet."

"Ah, makes sense." He nodded. "Let's...walk?"

"Uh, sure." I nodded. I waved at Mrs. Lawrence who winked at me in reply, making me frown.

"So, the real reason you didn't call me?" He asked, his hands in his pocket."

"Um, I don't know." I sighed.

"Hmm, understandable." He nodded.

"Is it?"

"Oh, of course. But you should know, i don't wanna have sex with you."

He frowned. "You don't?"

"No. I mean, if you're down then I'm down but no." He said and I chuckled. "So, I don't need a fuck buddy, I do believe I need a friend."

"Oh, well, I could do that."

"Great. So will you let me take you on a date?" He asked and I turned to him.

"What? A date? As friends? Not even like a....friendship dinner?"

"Whatever that is....no." He said and I laughed.

"I'm taking you on a date, not friendship....dinner. A date." He stated and I smiled.

"Um, I..." I was gonna say no, turn him down and say thanks for the offer but Raven's words kept ringing in my head. I needed to move on, I needed to live my life.

I smiled. "Sure. Uh, I'll give you my number and you call me tonight?"

He smiled. "Wait, seriously? I thought you were gonna turn me down and say thanks for the offer or something like that."

I blinked, surprised. "Me? Of course not." I fake laughed. "I mean, I was supposed to call you and I didn't, it's only fair."

"You are not gonna give me a wrong number, right?"

"Do you want a wrong number?"

"No, sir." He said and handed me his phone. I typed down my number and gave it back to him.

"I'll see you tonight then." I said as I walked away, a big smile on my face.

"No goodbyes?"

"That was a goodbye." I replied, turning to look at him and his pretty smile before leaving.

My phone rang seconds later and I answered the unknown number. "Hello?"

"I just wanted to be sure it wasn't a wrong number." Trevor said and I smiled.

"Satisfied?"

He nodded. "Very."

"Silly." I said and hung up, smiling as I relived the what just happened.

Silly.

Picture is Trevor Nnannah. 😍
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Graduation is close, guys. 😭

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