N a s h

3 days had passed. And I had no jobs.

Nobody called. I tried to contact Mr. Clyde but he told me he was trying. Xian and I argued late into the night and I found Bree out like a light in my bed.

Then the other days felt bleak. They went by fast, and I couldn't stop them.

It makes me anxious to watch the clock ticking down. I haven't wanted to talk, so Bree and Coal were hanging out usually. Xian gave me space, which was probably best.

But, today is a new day. Maybe I'll get a job.

I can't afford to be so positive though...

I rolled over in the bed, Bree cuddled close to the wall. 4 AM.

What am I going to do..?

I placed my hands on my face and groaned.

Bree's foot nudged me as she rolled over to face me.

"You okay..?" She asked, her brown eyes prying open. I nodded, sighing. She started to get closer to me, making me hold my breath.

Goodness...

"You know, if you want to talk, we can?" She suggested as I raised my hand to my mouth. I bit my nail again, another one too far.

I winced and Bree sighed.

"Come on." She leaned up, motioning me out of bed. I stared at her in confusion.

She motioned again, but still, I was not getting what she was saying. Why does she want me to get up, we can talk here?-

"Alright, hold on." Bree leaned over top of me, smiling as she put her hands on the bed right next to me,

My heart started to race a bit as my face heated up, but she moved so fast I couldn't process it. By the time I realized what she was doing, she was already out of the bed

She grabbed my arm and tugged at me."I'm going to put bandages on your nails. You're bleeding."

"Uh... Okay." I got up, letting her drag me. I'm still half asleep, too tired to even process.

But her hands are so soft...

She opened the door and started to the bathroom, flicking on the light. I squinted and looked away, covering my eyes with my other hand.

"So, you are a chronic nail-biter..?" She asked in a hushed tone, looking around the bathroom.

"It's the anxiety..." I replied, pinching my fingers together. I wonder who else can I contact for jobs.,?

"Well... We gotta get you to stop. How are you going to shoot that gun if you are bloodied up?" She giggled, reaching into the cabinets.

Does she really get how serious this is..?

I know I asked Mich if he would be willing to take her and she told me no, but... Gosh, why do I feel guilty but kinda relieved?

Ugh, I'm such a bad person.

I looked up at her as she smiled, holding the found bandaids.

"This might make me look weird, Bree.." I slurred my words, blinking. She shook her head, grabbing a couple.

"I notice how it hurts when you touch things." She unraveled the first one, gesturing my hand up to hers.

Her nails had chipped black nail polish. It was almost all gone.

I stared at it for a moment, yawning. Her skin is so gentle compared to mine. But... Maybe I shouldn't let her do this.

I shouldn't be letting her get so close.

I yawned, clearing my mind. Jeez, I'm sleepy... I blinked a few more times, before she sighed, fixing her black shirt.

"Come on, give your hand here." She leaned against the counter, rubbing her eye.

I hesitated before lifting it to her, letting her take it. They were warm as they were on my arm, but much more gentle holding my fingers.

She wrapped the bandaid around my finger, careful to not ruin any of the stickiness.

"There you go." She kept my hand in hers, grabbing the next one.

"You'll be better soon I'm sure. Just keep them on for at least today and tomorrow to stop your biting." Her voice was so warm right now, the sleepy tone leaving it just a bit scratchy.

I nodded, glancing back toward her face. Her makeup was still a bit smeared, she didn't get all the eye makeup off I suppose.

She began to wrap the next one, careful and quick. She wasn't hurting me. But she hadn't gotten to the worst one yet...

My thumb was cracked, I bit the skin and ended up cracking my already dry area. My cheeks began to heat up again.

This is honestly a bit embarrassing.

"Just two more." She reassured, already moving on to the third one. I glanced toward the mirror, seeing my tired reflection.

The hair dye in my hair was still there, leaving it a midnight blue. Right as I was sleeping a little better, it got ruined by the worry of jobs.

And my bags have returned. My lips were a bit dry, but that just may be dehydration in the early morning. I ruffled my hair back with my free hand, trying to look better.

I glanced at Bree's reflection, which she turned and met my eyes through the mirror. She smiled, holding up the last bandaid.

"Oh, we both look so sleepy.." She chuckled, returning to patching up my thumb.

Please be gentle... I bit my cheek, taking note of her every movement. But I didn't feel a thing.

"There. Done." She let go of my hand, smiling.

"Now, do you want to talk?" She asked, leaning across the counter to me.

I stared into her eyes, turning my head to the side. What am I doing..?

Light brown, swirling into darker shades, she has such gentle eyes. Interesting...

"Oh.." I yawned, fixing my chain. What am I going to do today..?

Maybe I need to call Mr. Clyde again, and then Mich, and then whoever else I can find...

I blinked, returning to reality. Bree still remained there, smiling.

"I need to find a job.." I groaned, rubbing my eyes.

"You will. No matter what, we'll be fine." Still, she puts herself in my mess. That's where I feel guilty because I don't know if she realizes how bad this is.

"I hope so." I sighed, standing up. She leaned up, throwing away all the papers from the bandaids.

"Let's just go back to bed and figure it out at a decent hour." She comforted, flicking off the light in the bathroom and starting out.

I followed her, rubbing my eyes.

I have to admit, the bandaids do help a bit. I don't want to chew my nails yet...

I glanced toward Xian's room, thinking of everything we talked about.

What am I going to do..?

Bree jumped into the bed, returning to her side and bundling up. I laid down on my respective side and tried to force my body to relax.

Though, I'm so tired so it wasn't hard.

Bree's foot pressed against mine and I closed my eyes.

Ugh, I hate how torn I am.

-

"What?" I heard Bree's laughter as I woke up, it echoed from the living room. My eyes fluttered open, I still didn't feel very good...

What is the time?

12 PM. Ugh..

I don't even want to get up.

"I mean, listen, it's not the worst." Xian's southern accent peaked as he slid something.

His voice alone made my eyes widen.

Now I'm awake. I got out of my bed, stretching my arms, and starting to the living room.

I adjusted my black tank top, glancing down the hallway as I walked.

Bree laid on the loveseat, her feet propped up on the end as Xian sat on the floor, in front of her torso. He ran his hand through his ginger hair, looking at her.

Coal was writing down prices at the kitchen table next to a few bags. I didn't expect anything less. But maybe he'll have something I can do.

"Good morning." Bree smiled, rolling onto her side. Xian gave me a gentle smile. I bit my cheek and sat down on the couch.

"Morning.." I replied, rubbing my eyes."How did you sleep?" She placed her chin into her hand, Xian taking a bite of his cereal.

"Rough." I shrugged, clearing my throat. Xian's eyes lingered on me a little too long. I want to ask him what he wants but he doesn't look aggressive. He looks a little sad.

Guess I'm going to try to talk to him finally. I gathered all the pride in my chest, disposing of it the best I could. Well, instead I pushed it down.

I kept eye contact, sighing as I pointed to the seat next to me."Don't sit on the floor.." I pushed out, Xian's eyes widening before he nodded.

"You never sleep too well anymore." He laughed, standing up. He flopped down next to me, shoving another bite of cereal into his mouth."Oh-!" He blurted, gaining a huge grin on his face.

"I think I got you a job." He set down the bowl, making me raise my brow."Xian, I don't know if I trust any jobs I get from you." I shook my head, glancing toward the TV.

They were watching racing together. Hm... I scratched my arm, the bandage's nails felt so off-putting. Bree kept her attention glued to the TV, fiddling with her necklaces.

"It's not... It's not bad. I was talking to Mr. Clyde about it this time..." Xian scoffed, crossing his arms.

"It will probably have to happen in sections though." He admitted, tapping his fingers."And how big would the score even be?"

"I'm not sure exactly, but it could cover more than half." He smirked, nudging me with his shoulder. I held my breath, closing my eyes.

"Tell me the entire thing before I agree." I'm not going to play stupid again.

"We should probably steer clear of Robert right now, he said he hopes I crash my truck one of these nights... But you know Rodger? His best friend?"He started, already making my alarm bells ring.

"He is counterfeiting money, right? He's washing it, with Cyrus." Xian laughed, grabbing his phone. I haven't heard of Rodger in a long time.

"Xian, what if he finds out it's us?" I asked, to which he sighed, typing Cyrus Griffin into his phone. Could it be the one I'm thinking of?

"You know, anyone could realize it's us. That's the chance you take, but you've never been caught- besides now."

He pulled up a photo, showing me him.

Oh gosh, it is.

Cyrus wasn't very tall. You wouldn't bat an eye if he walked by, he wasn't different, he wasn't rough, he wasn't loud, he was modest, quiet, and artistic.

His hair was always the same, same cut, same light brown. And he had dark blue eyes, almost so dark you wouldn't realize they were blue unless close.

No wonder Rodger got him...

"Now, this is the last thing of him in any art competition. April 23rd, 2023." He snickered, zooming into the image."And look, Rodger, standing in the crowd."

I furrowed my brows as he closed his phone, setting it on the coffee table. "Now, why would Rodger, this party animal, go to Cyrus's quiet art competition?"

I shrugged my shoulders, waiting for him to finish connecting the dots that I'd drawn together.

"He was recruiting him to help replicate that cash..." He poked me, making me glance toward Bree. She had her ear tucked into her arms, still not paying attention.

"All we have to do is figure out their operation, get the information we need, and take some of the cash." Xian simplified, almost ignorantly so. Is this a good idea..?

"What did Mr. Clyde say about it?" I asked, trying to put together how Rodger even found Cyrus...

They had no social circle connections I could even think of. I knew him through Coal because he came up to us asking to buy some drugs and was in tears. We didn't let him. He looked about 16.

But that was 2 years ago.

"He thinks it's a good idea. You can call him and ask, I'm serious. Let him set it up." Xian suggested, standing up."We can even go down there and talk to him about it."

I just nodded, sinking into my thoughts.

Should I take this job..?-

"Hey, do you want to go get something to eat?" Xian asked Bree, making my eyes flicker up. She looked up, laying back down on her back.

Them going out to eat..?

Did they ever hang out before I met her?

"Uhm, right now or later?" She asked, resting her hands against her stomach."Whenever. Just could be fun." He smiled as I tightened my fist, flicking at the band-aid.

"Let's go." I interjected, making both Bree and Xian turn to me."Wait huh?" Xian furrowed his brows and I stood up."To Mr. Clyde, let's go. Let's go talk to him."

Bree looked at me with some surprise, before glancing back at Xian.

"Uhm, okay yeah, do you want to call him?" He furrowed his brows and I shook my head."No, phone's dead, but maybe you could?" I motioned him toward his phone. He nodded, grabbing it and walking toward the kitchen.

I looked down at Bree, her smiling at me."Well, that's good news, isn't it?" She asked, making me sigh. Her naivety concerns, but I also envy it.

"Yeah, I guess.." I bit my lip, her curling her legs up."Here. Sit." She motioned, the longer pieces of her hair curling up just a little bit. She was in the same shirt she wore when I met, black with skulls, and the same black shorts as well.

I sat down, glancing at the TV."You ever watch racing?" She asked, resting her legs on my lap. I tensed up, holding my hands still. I'm not sure where to set them or what to even do with them.

I didn't expect her to do that. "No- I don't really find it interesting." I leaned back, gulping. She studied me for a moment, before leaning up on her elbows.

"Do you want me to move?"

"No- You're fine... Just a short seat.." I cleared my throat, looking to the side. Bree nodded, looking at my hands."You can relax then." She reassured, twirling her hair around her finger.

I nodded, resting them at my sides. She furrowed her brows before returning her focus to the TV.

"So, who's Cyrus?" She questioned. I guess she overheard that."He's just some artist kid."

"Is he painting fake money..?" She whispered, her eyes widening.

"Bree, that's not how it works..." I glanced toward the remote, honestly a bit bored of this.

"Well, I have no clue.." She adjusted, her ankle bone stabbing into my thigh. I picked her ankle up, moving it to the other leg. She watched me before smirking.

"Hey, how do you do it then?" She sat up, wiggling her feet. I'm surprised she's asking, but I guess I am her guide to this world in a way.

On second thought, that doesn't make me feel very good.

"Print them. But, you have to get someone with a good eye. An attention to detail, colors, everything needed. Like Cyrus." I gestured, finally reaching for the remote.

"So, Cyrus is an artist?" She pulled her legs to her chest, my legs felt colder without her.

"Yeah, I don't know what he's doing with something like Rodger..." Shoot, she doesn't know that is. I changed the channel to the news, listening to her soft hmph.

"Rodger... Is that the guy who drugged me?" She turned toward the TV, an obvious shift in her tone.

"No, that was Robert. They are friends though..." I relaxed my hands, placing them back on my lap.

"Oh. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop," Bree sheepishly laughed."Just accidentally did some parts..." Her voice fell into a mumble as she pushed her hair back.

"You're fine." I smiled, but Bree perked up, glancing back at me the same way she did before I taught her to use the gun.

"Hey, am I coming with you to Mr. Clyde's?" She relaxed her legs, tapping her thighs with her hands.

All her movements can be so silly at times.

"Sure," Xian answered, leaning in the kitchen's door frame.

Of course, he answers before I can... I grumbled under my breath.

"Awesome." Bree began to get a bit ahead of herself, standing up with a soft bounce. But, I haven't even answered...

I suppose I wasn't exactly going to say no.

"Are you sure you want to go back there? Last time, you seemed nervous." I stood up as well, instinctively reaching toward her.

She nodded, looking at my hand. I dropped it back to my side, sighing. Why did I do that?

"Okay. Let's get ready..."

-

I told Xian to drive his own truck there in case Mr. Clyde told us to go get something and we needed to be separated.

He listened pretty calm with no arguing at least. Now, I'm just sitting in the car with Bree watching the rain begin.

I don't know how he is late if we left at the same time, but it's annoying...

Bree was stuck inside her head, I'm not sure why. But she kept glancing at me here and there.

I'm about to go inside and forget Xian if he doesn't show up in 2 minutes.

"Today is July 19th," Bree inhaled, fixing her shirt.

"I have a little under 3 weeks." I bit the bandaid, feeling a hand on my wrist. I glanced over as Bree pulled my hand away, frowning.

"It's okay. We'll be fine." She smiled, pulling my wrist to the center console.

I pulled my hand away, taking the keys out of the car.

"Let's go. I'm not waiting anymore." I hurried out of the car, shutting the door as the rain began to pour.

Bree followed and rushed to my side, covering her head. Maybe I should've got an umbrella...

I started rushing to the house and up the steps, each one creaking a familiar moan.

Nobody was on the porch this time, it honestly felt empty here. I opened the door for Bree.

I curled my nose as the weed smell returned.

"Gosh... Someone just smoked." Bree stuck out her tongue, crossing her arms. I nodded, hearing laughter come from the kitchen area.

Bree glanced that way, but I wshook my head.

"Don't go that way, trust me," I warned, starting up the stairs. I'm sure he's upstairs, I don't think he'd be doing anything any of them are down there.

"Why are you always here when I am?" Zayda hissed as I reached the top, but I just gave her a very sarcastic smile.

She was dressed down, in a dark sweatshirt and jeans. She's probably up to something.

"You must've been missing me." I put my hands out to the side, making her fake gag."You wish."

"Dreams come true." I mocked. Zayda grew more annoyed, putting up her middle finger at me as she walked down the stairs past Bree.

"Do yourself a favor and dump him." She scoffed, making Bree laugh.

"Do you want anything?" She slowed, her eyes more on Bree than me.

"Uhm, no I don't.." Her frame stiffened at the question. She's probably still affected by what happened at Robert's.

That makes me feel bad again.

"Alright... You don't really look like you belong in this world." Zayda frowned, returning her gaze to me.

"Oh. Well.." Bree laughed and stood next to me at the top of the stairs, glancing around. She bit her lip.

"Hm.." Zayda left, her bobbed black hair bouncing as she did.

"She's real snarky to you." Bree snickered, her nose crinkling up.

"It's mutual, don't worry." I smiled, reaching Mr. Clyde's room. I knocked 3 times, before stepping back.

"Come in." Mr. Clyde called. I fixed the collar on my black button-up, sighing.

I'm kind of embarrassed about the last time I spoke to him now.

I opened the door and met his hazel eyes.

"Are you better?" Mr. Clyde's voice was stern as well as his gaze. I nodded, walking in.

"Where's Xian?" He asked, glancing at Bree.

"He's late." I groaned, going to bite my thumb, but the bandaid stopped me.

"I'm not surprised... And Bree is still with you?" He questioned as she sat down in one of the chairs. I sat down next to her, sighing.

"Yeah, she's staying." I shrugged, but he raised his brow.

"Okay. Is she going to help you do this?" He asked, making my heart drop.

"No." "I could..."

Our words overlapped and I shot my head in her direction."What??" Baffled, I furrowed my brows.

"No. No, she isn't, don't listen. Ugh." I shook my head, hearing her sigh.

"I'm a grown woman, I can make this decision."

"Apparently not. You want to steal??" I argued, hearing her huff.

"Alright, stop. Now." Mr. Clyde demanded, making us both shut up rather.

"I need you to search his car." He licked his finger and separated one of the pages.

"Here." He handed me it, yawning.

"Who's is this?" I asked, noticing how beat up it was. It was a red 2018 Chrysler 300. "Cyrus Griffin's."

"Is he not getting any of the cut from Rodger or something..?" I questioned and Mr. Clyde shrugged.

"Maybe he's just playing it safe. Saving it for a fancy college."

Bree's eyes saddened in the corner of my vision, but she covered her mouth with the side of her finger.

"Well... That's going to come back to bite him." I folded the paper, sticking it into my pocket.

"I had Zayda figure out when he'll be gone. He'll be at an art class from 7-9 tonight. He's going to have to park a bit away and walk because the parking lot is under construction." Mr. Clyde explained, handing me a few more papers with directions and the flyer for the class.

I clenched the paper and looked toward his clock.

1 PM.

"Just camp out around 5 and wait. Track his car from afar to see where he parks. I doubt he will park anywhere in the open." He laughed, looking up from all the papers.

"What should I do if somehow he sees me?" I asked, Mr. Clyde pursing his lips.

"He shouldn't, but on the off chance, just play it off, worst come to worse hit him." He said, ruffling his hair back.

"Hell, take him hostage if it got that bad.." He snickered, making Bree's eyes widen more.

"I doubt it would. From the picture Xian showed me, he doesn't seem to be a fighter." I replied, folding the papers and shoving them into my pocket.

"Okay, if Xian doesn't get here soon, go do it without him." He scoffed, glancing at Bree.

"Maybe she could be your lookout."

I looked at her as well, her skin flushing white.

"Uhm, sure..."

She can be so foolish...

Oh gosh. I stood up and dusted off my jeans."Let's go to eat and then watch out." I motioned her up."You can't be worse than Xian was at the last job."

"Isn't that right..." Mr. Clyde shook his head as I opened the door back up, letting Bree out.

I tried to warn her...

-

"Is that him?"

"No." I sighed, leaning against my car. Honestly, having Bree here made me look less suspicious.

We got here early, but it didn't matter cause Cyrus isn't here and it's already past 7. Mr. Clyde gave me an old spare phone to try and snap some pictures with. We were under the bridge a few blocks back from the art studio.

"Maybe he runs late like everyone else here." She laughed, leaning against my arm. I glanced down at her and tensed.

She noticed, looking back up at me.

"Sorry.." She backed up a little, returning to leaning on my car. Her lips tugged down, making my heart feel a little heavy.

"It's fine." I uncrossed my arms and bit my cheek. I brushed her shoulder.

She gave me a gentle smile before her eyes widened."Oh- Oh, it's him. His car..!" She exclaimed in a hush tone, pointing to the car.

I checked the license and the one on my sticky note, nodding.

"Okay, yeah, keep an eye on him," I instructed, rushing into the driver's seat. She hurried in the passenger and I started my car, keeping a safe distance.

He parked in a hidden spot, just as Mr. Clyde predicted. I pulled into a space a bit farther and waited for him to get out and leave.

Cyrus stepped out, and he didn't look like when I knew him; not even the picture. He was skinnier, heavy dark bags tugged under his eyes, and he was wearing just a simple grey shirt. He was clinging to his drawing book.

He glanced around, while I remained seated in the car. He doesn't know what my car looks like.

He started toward the building, a somewhat far walk away. I looked at Bree and she frowned.

"He looks so.."

"Scared." I finished her sentence, watching her nod.

"Are we sure we should be doing this?" She questioned and I gave her a stern look.

"Too far in to back out now." I groaned, leaning back and grabbing a few things to try and break into his car.

Bree flicked her hair out of her face and opened the door, stepping out.

I followed and started toward his car. Only a few other cars parked here, but they all walked to the art studio as well. At least this is a secluded spot...

I looked around before getting closer, peeking into the window.

"Oh, he left his keys." I cheered, opening the door. Bree watched with wide eyes and bit her cheek.

I leaned inside and opened his glove box, prepared to dig around. I don't want to make it look too out of place. He has so much stuff.

I feel like I'm rusty...

"Do you want me to do it?" She asked, cupping her hands against her stomach. I furrowed my brows and leaned out.

"What?" I gawked and she looked to the side."Listen... I can maybe maneuver more. I'm a bit smaller. And your fingers are sore and bandaged too so it could be a bit hard."

I got out. I can't believe I'm going to let her...

"... Be careful. Look for anything that can help us. Names, addresses, numbers, even receipts, etcetera..." I started, pulling the spare phone out of my pocket.

"And Mr. Clyde gave me this before we left. Take pictures of things if needed, this phone does have a bad camera." I instructed, handing her the spare phone before glancing up.

Cyrus, walking back this way. No no no!

"Oh— Shoot, Bree, go- I'll distract him..!" I pushed Bree in all the way.

"What??" She questioned before I rushed off, running around the other car and out of it.

He must've realized he forgot his keys. Oh my gosh, why didn't I think he'd come back??

I gulped and started rushing toward him. His eyes landed on me and he gained a fearful look.

"Hey- it's been so long, what are you doing here??" I asked, stopping in front of him as I struggled to catch my breath.

He stared at me before wiping his tired eyes.

"Uhm... I know I know you, but what's your name?" He questioned, rubbing his arm.

"It's Nash! You know, I'm sure you remember me more than that." I laughed, trying so hard to play up my friendly attitude.

This is not a pretty color on me.

"Nash? Like Coal and Xian's Nash?" He rubbed his fingers together, his eyes were rapidly inspecting me.

"Yeah! How are you?" I smiled, placing my hands on my hip.

"Uhm, I'm good. What are you doing here..?" He asked, making my eyes widen.

"You know, waiting for my group. I saw a familiar face and just had to come say hi. You look good, what are you up to nowadays?" How does this feel natural for some..?

"Are you high...?"

I forced a laugh, shaking my head. I have got to cool it...

"No, I'm sorry listen..." I lowered my guard, starting to look down.

"I'm really anxious right now, about something I have to do, and I just saw someone I recognized." I rubbed my arm, seeing Cyrus's eyes soften.

"Oh, no I understand that... I'm sorry, hey do you want to walk with me?" He asked, making my heart speed up.

"Uh no, I can't go back that way yet, can we please just talk for a second..?" I begged, seeing him gulp.

"Um.. My keys are in my car though." He admitted, before giving me a small smile.

"It's okay, what has you so anxious? What's going on?" He asked and I began to panic more.

What do I even say??-

"Nash? Hey! There you are!" Bree chimed, approaching me from behind.

"Oh-! Do you have a date? Is that why..?" He asked under his breath and my heart finally began to calm. She actually did it.

"Yes- that is my date and I am freaking out." I played it up, gulping as I turned around.

"Hi, you look great..!" I winced, meeting her eyes with a pleading expression.

She nodded subtly and smiled.

"Ready to go?" She asked, putting her hands behind her back as she peeked around me to Cyrus.

"Who's your friend?" She asked, Cyrus giving her a shy wave.

"Hi- sorry, we've known each other for a while and just were catching up. Have fun on your date, you'll do great." Cyrus smiled, starting to his car.

Did he just... Cover for me, while Bree covered for me too?

"Thanks, I'll see you soon." I waved, my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest.

He turned to me mid-walk and mouthed 'good luck'. Bree hurried to me and lost her smile.

"You pushed me in the car and ran..??" She whispered, gesturing her hands with each word.

"Well did you want me to let him catch you..? Where did you hide any of the papers..?" I asked and she smirked.

"In the bushes... Don't worry, I know where it is.." She said, grabbing my hand.

I glanced toward Cyrus as he grabbed his keys and locked the car. Close call...

We waited for him to walk away before Bree dug into the bush. She retrieved quite a few papers, a leaf now stuck in her hair.

I laughed and took them.

"Good job. You did good for a first-timer." I smirked, plucking the leaf out.

She grew flustered and looked away."I did my best. Are we going to celebrate my first heist..?" She giggled and I glanced around the papers.

"Yeah, you deserve it."

Her smile grew bigger before she went into thought."Wait you told him I was your date?"

"Yes, I panicked..."

-

Bree and I sorted all the papers and images into a folder. Now we were just sitting a bit from Mr. Clyde's safe house in the grass.

No one was here now. It was silent, just us and the sunset.

"You know... Cyrus seems really sweet and shy... And young." She frowned, fiddling with tape.

"He may be. But he is still committing a felony." I sighed, leaning back on my hands. The breeze brushed through my hair as she watched me, the sun glistening in her eyes.

I looked back into her eyes, setting down the folder.

"Were you like that?" She asked, curling her legs to the side.

"What?" I asked, her cheeks turning a bit pink.

"Were you like that when you started getting involved in all this stuff?" She repeated, her hair spiraling down her shoulder.

"No." I shook my head, laughing."I was the opposite... Total opposite."

"I was worse than I am now." I kept the eye contact, noticing the glisten in her eyes fade.

"I don't think you're bad now..." She whispered, her voice fading out.

She's too sweet.

Too kind.

Bree leaned closer, a bit too fast for me to comprehend again.

And then her lips pressed against mine.

My eyes widened and my heart fell as my entire body went still.

Bree pulled away, studying my face before she grew red. Mine heated up the same, even my ears growing hot.

"Oh, maybe I shouldn't have done that..." She gulped, looking away from me. I took a deep breath.

"Why did you do that..?" My voice lowered as I turned away from her.

She shouldn't have done that? Why did she do that? Why would she? Gosh, why did she do that??

"I.. I don't know? It was just a kiss." She shrugged and I scowled. "Just a kiss?? Why would you kiss me??"

She continued to look away from me, forcing a soft laugh."It wasn't even intimate it was like a celebratory peck.." She gulped and I scoffed.

"What does that even mean? Why do you keep getting closer to me, Bree?"

"I'm sorry..." She caved and apologized as I brought my hand to my lips.

"Gosh, why do you play with fire.." I closed my eyes, shaking my head."I don't understand..."

I don't understand at all.

I snatched up the folder and stood up.

"Wait, Nash, I'm sorry.." She whimpered, but I just turned away, trying to calm down my heart.

"It's fine. Just... Go wait in the car, I'll be out soon.."

I don't want to desire this.

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