T H I R T Y

With a swallow, I shoved my shaking hands into my pockets, shoving out the thoughts of my mother dying in a matter of weeks, to the back of my mind. The only thing that mattered right now, was finding out what could have been Jessica and Kira drugging me with Haxcist. I had no idea if it were them or not, seeing as how friendly Jessica had been to me since the beginning of my time here at Westfield Academy.

But if what Reeve said was true, then everything changed.

I wouldn't be skeptical about Reeve. He wouldn't be on the top of my list of suspects for the people who could have drugged me. Coming to think of it, he was the only one on the list. Caleb would never do that to me. He was off the list anyway. Jen? What would Jen have against me? Nothing. Lola? Lola and Kira were sisters. The difference between them was a large gap but what if deep down, they were really nothing more than just sisters? Lola could be just as sketchy as her sister.

I took my phone out, standing outside of The Benevolent, checking the time. It was quarter-past ten. He should be out here, any minute now. He had been avoiding my calls, my frustrated questions and pretending I didn't exist in school-- all because he probably didn't want to discuss about Kira and Jessica possibly being the girls to drug me and put me in the hospital. Maybe he didn't want to give out false information? Or maybe he just really didn't want to see me.

The door pushed open, making the cute basket of plants dangle side to side. The first thing I saw was a large black hoodie-- hood on-- and hands in pockets. He turned around, letting the door close slowly, and turned around, his eyes landing on me. His hoodie was awkwardly shoved on, so his BENEVOLENT shirt was peeking out at the collars. God, was I glad to be out of that restaurant.

His expression screamed annoyance mixed with confusion and a little trace of fear, making me feel a little satisfied that I had that effect on my ex-boyfriend that wasn't what he seemed. He quickly turned around and walked down the pavement the other way, but I raced to catch up with him, dodging the streetlights and bins.

"Reeve, wait. Please. The questions I have to ask are actually important. They can involve the police if I wanted," I called out firmly. He stopped and turned around, his eyes looking angry.

"I don't know if it's certain, Stella. It could put me in trouble if I tell you the wrong information," Reeve muttered frustratedly, turning back around.

I reached my hand out and touched his arm, desperate for him to tell me more. It needed to be answered. This subject was a serious thing. Not only that but I needed to prove to my parents that I couldn't be capable of such. I needed to let my mum know before she died that I would never put myself in a position where I would most likely forget her.

"Please, Reeve."

He let out a small sigh and stopped, gritting his teeth. "All I saw was Kira coming to the table. She stood there weirdly, looking at us and indicating that she wanted to talk to Jessica. So I went to find you," he mumbled. "I came back, and I could've sworn they did something to your drink. But if they aren't guilty, don't blame me. Just be careful around your friends."

He was the one who abandoned his friends after they stopped him from possibly overdosing.

"Are you completely sure?"

"No."

I dropped my shoulders, shivering in the coldness. Even in the darkness, his eyelashes were so long and evident, probably thanks to the street lights.

A few voices were heard from behind and we turned around to see Becky and new male worker, laughing at something. They stopped when they saw us, Becky raising her eyebrow.

"Bye, Reeve," she called out. Reeve nodded at her. She looked at me and left with the guy.

"You know what? Forget it," I muttered, turning around. I spoke as I walked away from him, looking back. "For all I know you're setting them up. You're probably the one who drugged me."

Reeve opened his mouth but nothing came out. He closed it and did something with his jaw before walking off down the street.

→←

I shuffled through the hallways, ignoring everybody's gaze. Lola and Jen had been telling me about Andrew's new girlfriend. Andrew was dead to me.

Jessica stood at her locker, pulling some books out with a glum look on her face. She turned when she saw me coming, her face lighting up.

"Stella! Hey," she greeted me, squeezing my arm. "How are ya feeling?"

I pulled away but not too hastily. I smiled at her, looking at her hair that was pulled tightly into a bun. "Good," I said, pushing a grin onto my face. I crossed my arms and leaned against the lockers, making awkward eye contacts with passing pupils whose eyes were filled with judgement. Mine, very much filled with the exact amount of judgement, focused on Jessica Johns in front of me.

"So--" she started. I cut her off.

"I'm failing Chem," I lied. She looked a little taken back but she frowned then raised a curious eyebrow.

"Oh, you are?"

I nodded eagerly. "I was hoping you would help me. You know, things haven't been great for me. I think I might have actually forgotten about somethings from the incident," I babbled smoothly. I was hoping I hadn't forgotten anything. Doctors confirmed I had forgotten nothing. Their word was to be trusted.

"Oh, me help you?" Jessica asked, looking a little skeptical.

"Yeah," I said, biting my lip. "Is that a problem?"

"No! It's just... I heard a lot of people talking about you. Your Chemisty grades are on point, if I'm not mistaken," Jessica said, frowning.

"Yeah, but things have changed since the incident," I said, forcefully hiding my frustration.

"Oh! Right. So, I tutor you?"

"Please?"

"Yeah, sure then. Um--"

"Your house, tomorrow night?" I asked.

Jessica nodded. "Um, okay."

//
i haven't updated in a while. school just started for me!
wattpad is annoying atm. my notifs are messed up.

anyhow, how was this chapter?