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still beating - mac demarco

"Is the sauce in the bag?" Chris asks, chewing with his mouth open. He leans forward to Matt.

Matt, as the only brother with his license, was the automatic driver. Monica played passenger princess in order to hold her boyfriend's hand, something the rest of the car admired in awe of. Chris and AJ took the seats in the middle of the car, while Nate and Nick found themselves in the far back.

"Close your mouth before I close it for you" Matt rolls his eyes as he tosses the mild Taco Bell sauce at his brother

"Mr. Tough guy" Nick comments from the back "But he is right. Chew with your mouth closed"

"You guys are the only people it bothers" Chris frowns, turning towards AJ "Am I right?"

Monica twists her body to see AJ, as both girls exchange looks that show they were trying not to laugh. Failing, laughter erupts throughout the car.

Chris and AJ were finally off of the bench, and allowed to practice. So the group, after a long day of practice, decided to pile up in the iconic mini van and make a trip to Taco Bell together. Per usual, after grabbing the food, they found an empty spot in a parking lot.

The only lights illuminating the car was the blinking pole outside and the dash light. It was a quiet night, besides the laughter from the 6 friends, and minimal chewing.

"Everyone here is an asshole" Chris remarks, throwing his trash away in the bag

"Get ready to hear his loud ass chewing everyday for another year" Matt laughs directing his comment to Monica

Her smile slowly fades from her face as she begins to fiddle with her fingers. AJs smile turns into confusion, noticing her best friend's body language. She was visibly nervous. AJ could always tell when something was bothering Monica. They could read each other clearly.

In elementary school, Monica's parents split up. She did not mention this to nobody, not even AJ for weeks. But she was noticeably upset everyday. AJ understood this, and while she didn't know what exactly was going on, she knew to be there for Monica to support her. Since that moment, they have learned to understand each other and pick up on emotions.

"What does he mean another year? What is he talking about?" AJ asks slowly. The air in the car grows cold, and the atmosphere is silent

"You didn't tell her?" Matt whispers, obviously intending for only the two of them to hear. However, his voice is not as quiet as he believes.

"Tell me what?" AJ questions "Moni?"

Monica looks up at her with anxious eyes. It was not often that they kept secrets from each other, so a nauseating feeling lingered in both of their stomachs.

Matt had a concerned look wiped on his face, clearly upset at accidentally leaking classified information.

"Don't be upset" Monica starts

"I'm not going to be upset, just tell me" AJ stumbles

Monica looks at Matt, and everyone in the car before looking back at AJ. Everyone seemed confused, and nervous to speak up.

"I'm not going to Arlington for senior year..." Monica hesitates "I'm switching to Somerville"

AJ stares at her with shocked blinks. She did not expect to hear this.

"...What?" AJ asks quietly "What about hockey? What about graduating together? When were you planning on telling me?"

"I'm sorry, Avarie. I just... I don't know." Monica shakes her head "I'm not even playing hockey after the summer is over. You know I love you with my whole heart, but there's no passion in hockey for me. I'm sorry"

AJ lets out a confused and defeated sigh, breaking eye contact with Monica to look out the window. Gently, Chris places his hand on her thigh and rubs in an effort to comfort her.

Monica had every right to switch schools, and AJ knew that. It made sense to want to be closer to her boyfriend, and it made sense to quit playing a sport she did not love. But the only thoughts replaying in AJs head were the plans they made together. Graduating, their final game, painting their senior parking spots, one last prom, senior skip day, driving to homeroom together. They had made these plans for the last several years, but they can't do it at separate schools.

"Are you mad?" Monica asks softly

"You know I can't be mad at you" AJ shakes her head with a small smile. They interlock theirs fingers, a way to say everything will be okay. AJ points her finger at everyone in the car with a smirk, "And don't make me crawl to Somerville to kick everyone's asses, you guys better watch out for her"

"I promise to give her a great Somerville welcome" Nate laughs, holding his arms up in defense

After sharing more laughter and conversation, the car heads back to the dorms. Everyone says their goodnights, knowing that they will see the other again at practice tomorrow.

"Do you wanna go on a walk with me?" Chris asks to AJ once everyone was out of the car and at the entrance of the building "l know it's late ,but uh, i'm just not tired yet"

AJ nods at him with a smile, "Just say you can't get enough of me, that works too"

"You're annoying" Chris laughs as he rolls his eyes playfully

They begin to walk together on the sidewalk path. The area was dimly lit, as the cold air breathes in and out. The sound of leaves falling balanced out the noise of chatter. Slowly and hesitantly, Chris reaches for her hand to intertwine with his. He never wanted to make her feel uncomfortable, and he always wanted to be gentle with her.

Without having to use words, she accepts his gesture and swings their combined hands slowly. His hand was cold, and muscular. He had a tight grip.

"How are you feeling? You know, with Monica and all that?" Chris asks, turning his head to the right in order to look at AJ

"Eh...I'm okay. I'm really happy that she's happy. It's just going to take some getting used to" AJ nods at a leisure pace, as if she was unsure of her words "I just didn't expect it"

"You know..." Chris starts, gaining AJs full attention as he kicks rocks under his feet "You could always transfer, too"

"Like...to Somerville?" AJ laughs in a confused manner

"Well I mean, we have a really great hockey team. I would know, i'm on it. Plus you'd get to be with Monica everyday...and me. It isn't too far of a drive out of the way" Chris shrugs nonchalantly

He wanted to make sure he did not freak her out, or make her feel pressured and forced to agree. But, the thought had been on his mind.

If she did transfer to his school, that means he would get to continue to see her everyday. They would play on the same team, and have lunch together. Maybe even share some classes.

He would have someone there who actually sees him for who he is, other than Matt, Nick, and Nate.

"I don't know" She extends her words in a hesitant manner "It's crazy, right?"

"Yeah totally cra-" Chris starts, but is soon cut off by the girl next to him

"I love crazy. Let's do it" She slowly smiles

Chris stops walking and turns to look her face to face. She had an intrigued twinkle in her eye and a devilish smirk on her face.

Transferring schools would eliminate most of her worries, and give her a peace of mind. She decided there was more reasons to do it, rather than not to do it.

"Let's do it as in...yes?" Chris asks

AJ nods, causing Chris to erupt in a laughter. He picks her up in excitement and spins her around, before safely placing her feet back on the ground. He runs a hand through his hair before turning back to her.

"You are insane, kid. I love it"

@avyoung made a new post!

@avyoung: hi my names avarie june and i really like the color purple
liked by @monihayes @matthew.sturniolo, and 4640 others
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@user: i don't see the hype

@christophersturniolo: orange better
↳avyoung: ratio....

@user2: clout chaser

@matthew.sturniolo: really going to disrespect blue like that?
↳avyoung: indeed i am

@user3: she gets too much hate for no reason JUST because she's friends with the triplets. can everyone calm down???
↳avyoung: <3 <3

@monihayes: hi avarie june my name is monica
↳avyoung: hi monica

@nathandoe8: you had the opportunity to be cool
↳avyoung: instead i'm super awesome

@user4: you also really like home wrecking.

@user5: midddd

@nicolassturniolo: i fw purple too
↳avyoung: yoohooooo