Stella
I could feel my body aching before I even opened my eyes. I let out a soft groan as the light shone through my blinds, burning my eyelids already. Lifting my body up, slowly, I open my eyes, running a hand through my hair. As I gazed around my room, I look up at my wall, checking the digital clock.
9:26
My body shoots up from my bed as I run to start getting myself ready. I normally don't care about being late, but I knew if I was late one more time, it would call for another parent meeting. Something I just didn't need.
I pretty much took most of my time, showering off last night's party. When I hit the shower, everything came back to me. Everything except the bathroom. I remember being in there for a god-awful long time. Then Beck was there and so was Chase. I just know I got my Lyft and made it home safely. I would love to know what went on though.
To add injury to insult, it was pouring down rain on my way to school. Not to mention my phone was completely dead when I woke up and I have no idea what time it is. Luckily I arrived at the bus stop, just in time for the next bus. Probably the only luck I'll have all day.
It was a long journey. When I arrived, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled. I made my way through the crowded halls, looking to find my locker. I noticed, on my way, I couldn't keep people's eyes off of me. People I don't know at all, stare me up and down, giving me disgusted looks and comments underneath their breath. It made me pretty much run to my locker. I collected what I needed from there, quickly and in a hurry before making my way to one of the bathrooms nearby.
A couple of girls in the bathroom, shoved past me, laughing to themselves. I took a look at them before rushing to the mirror and taking a look at myself. I looked fine. Presentable at the least. I shook my head, sighing to myself as I reached into my bag, took my phone and charger out, and plugged it in.
Just as I did, a perky Dani, walked in, her eyes rolling as she saw me.
"Thank god, you're fine. I've been texting you all morning. I started to settle for the fact that you weren't gonna show up." she says, shrugging as she approaches me.
"Yeah, well I know I was pretty far gone last night, but I wouldn't miss an opportunity to get out of my house," I say, smiling as I look at her and let out a light giggle.
"I know, but after what Chase posted on Facebook last night, I guess I figured you wouldn't want to come here and see everyone," she says, walking towards the mirror, and beginning to fix her hair.
She looked at me, continuing, "I thought you weren't into him, but I guess I was wrong. Either way, I would so report him to the police."
I furrow my brows, standing up straight, "Posted what? What are you talking about Dani?"
She stops in place, still looking at me as her voice became softer, "Oh my god, you really have no idea what I'm talking about?"
I shrug, starting to become frustrated. My phone then turned on, making us both look at it. It began to ring, repeatedly, giving me multiple notifications from the Facebook app. I look at Danielle before picking it up, quickly unlocking it, and tapping a random notification.
A video came up, clearly showing me in Craig's bathroom, plastered as I was letting Chase do things to me. I covered my mouth, watching it.
"No..." I uttered, shaking my head.
"Stella, don't freak out, we can fix this—" Dani began.
I ignored her, shoving my things in my back, and running out of the bathroom. I had to find Chase and end this now. I knew exactly where to find him. The recreation gym.
It didn't take me long to get there. As I watched him through the glass, I could see he was having a good time. Lifting with his friends, probably talking about me. He was happy. It was already, so unfair.
I barged in, the door flying open as I marched over to Chase, tapping his arm.
"Hey. We need to talk." I say, sternly.
His tall, broad shoulders, swing around as he runs a hand through his dark blonde hair as he set his weight down. He smiled at me, satisfied with himself as he eyed my body up and down.
"Oh, hey Stella. I guess you couldn't stay away, huh?" he laughs, deeply as his friends chime in, menacingly.
I try to avoid eye contact with them and look directly at Chase, "Take the video down, Chase. It's not funny."
He crosses his arms and continues to smile at me, "Or what." he states.
I feel my stomach begin to become uneasy. I couldn't find any words to say, but I balled my fists up, wanting to really hurt him.
He sighed, placing a hand on my back as he walked me over to a corner.
"Tell you what. I'll take it down, on one condition." he stands in front of me, looking down at me.
I look away, "What." I say.
"You have to be my girlfriend," he says, taking a step closer to me, making me look at him.
"What? Absolutely not. You're crazy, Chase, just take it down." I say, making my town a bit louder.
His face drops as he speaks, "Oh well." He then began to turn away.
"Wait, Chase, why are you doing this?" I say, grabbing his arm now.
He turned back to me, slowly, speaking in a low voice, "Because. I said so. It's simple. I want you, and you're available. In fact, you're the most available girl in our class. I know what kind of girl you are, Stella." he says, very close to me now.
As we're inches away, I lower my tone, "You have no idea who I am, Chase." my voice whimpered a bit.
He shoots me a confident, half smile, leaning down to me to speak, "Oh yeah? I know you're the girl that has a video proving she just hooks up with anyone in random bathrooms. Hm?" he chuckles softly.
I could feel myself getting emotional. But I held it together. I tried.
"I was drunk. I don't remember." I whispered, feeling embarrassed.
"That's too bad. You were really good until your funny-looking friend ruined it." he sighs, standing up straight now, "So. Are you done bitching, or what? I need to finish my reps." he says.
I look down, my eyes filling up with tears, "I'll do it." I whisper.
Immediately, I feel his large hand, grasp my face, making me look up at him, "Good girl." he flashed a quick smile that didn't stay, "I'll take it down. Save you any more embarrassment. But if you tell anyone about this conversation, I'll make sure you wish we never went in the bathroom, for real." he growled, squeezing my face slightly.
I closed my eyes, holding my breath as I trembled in pain, nodding. He looked at me, biting his lip. He leaned in, smashing his lips into mine, beginning to kiss me, deeply. I waited for it to be over. It was wet and sloppy. It was violating.
When he pulled away, he let me go, "You're mine now. So I don't wanna see you giving any other guys any attention, got it?" he says.
I just wrap my arms around myself, looking down as I nod, "Okay." I say.
He then walks away, leaving me there alone. I walk out of the gym, heading to some lockers around the corner. The bell rings, and the halls start to become empty, leaving me all by myself now. I lean against some locker, sliding down them as I let myself cry.
I'm all out of fighting.
———
Later in my day, it seemed like things just couldn't get any better. With Chase following me around everywhere, it felt like my dad was at school with me now. He makes me feel like some prostitute or something. Kissing me and touching me in ways I would never just let anyone.
Unfortunately, being late caught up to me. Now the principal needs to see me in his office. It really was only a matter of time but I couldn't help but still feel nervous. Nothing good ever comes from going to the office. The only thing saving me was that my mom went to school with the principal so he knows my family kinda well.
When I got to the office, I saw the school counselor, Miss Sipho, sitting in a chair next to Principal Lewis. I sighed, seeing them both as I plopped down in the chair in front of his desk.
"Stella. You know Miss Sipho," he says, gesturing to her.
I give a small wave and smile, "Yep. We've met." I say.
"Stella. How are you doing?" she asks, endearingly.
I shrug, "I'm fine. Is this about me being late? Because It won't happen anymore, I just have trouble getting up sometimes." I say, placing a soft hand on the desk.
"No, Stella, it's not about you being late. Although that is a concern, something else has been brought to my attention that is more of a bigger concern." Principal Lewis says.
Oh no. I knew exactly what he was talking about.
"You're aware of a video being talked about in school? A very, inappropriate and concerning one." he continued.
I sigh, "Look, Mr. Lewis, it's just a misunderstanding. You see, my boyfriend and I... we just had a disagreement, that's all." I say, trying to force a smile.
They both exchanged a look before looking at me again.
"A misunderstanding? Stella, you do realize that you can take this to the authorities? I'm only looking out for your safety. Seeing as I'm only your principal, I can't force you to do anything of that nature. But I will encourage it." he says.
I shake my head quickly, "No, no, that's not necessary. He took it down now, it's fine." I say.
"Stella, that video is forever." Miss Sipho says.
"It's fine. Is that all you wanted to talk about?" I say, starting to feel overwhelmed.
"Actually, there's just one more thing..." Principal Lewis says, looking concerned.
I groan softly, "Okay. What is it?"
"Your grades. I remember last year, you were one of the top students in your class. It seems now you've been skipping, you're late, nearly every day, and you're more disobedient than ever in classes." he says before sighing softly and continuing, "I've got to say, I'm really concerned that your performance may interfere with your ability to move on to senior year if you don't act fast." he says.
I look at him, unable to make an excuse. He was right. All of it was right, but I really just gave up on trying, a long time ago. I felt like I was on trial for my mental health problems.
He started to speak again, "Listen. We're going to move forward with mandatory tutoring and mandatory visits with Miss Sipho, twice a week for each. You can handle that, right?"
I sit forward, getting worked up, "Mr, Lewis, I can't afford tutoring. Can't we just do this some other way? I'll do detention or something? I really think you're reading into this a bit too deeply." I say.
He shakes his head, "I'm afraid I can't help any other way, Stella. My concern has been an ongoing one for some time now. What I can do is set up tutoring with Beckett Montgomery. I understand you two are fond of each other. Maybe that'll make it easier on you." he says, smiling sweetly.
I can't say that I wouldn't really love to get to spend time with Beck that much. It's just that now, Chase is really gonna be on my ass about everything. Especially Beck. The last thing I want to do is involve him in something like this. I was happy with our distance. At least I can pretend to like Penelope from afar. I surely can't do that up close.
I sigh, accepting my fate as I nod, "Sure. Why not." I say, unsatisfied.
"Stella, I promise things will work out. You can come to me for anything." Miss Sipho says.
I continue nodding, my body begging to disassociate at this point. "Is that all, now?" I say, finally looking at both of them.
Mr. Lewis gives a small smile and nods. I flash one back before getting up and dragging my body out of the office. I kept my head low, feeling like the world was watching me as soon as I walked out.
I didn't make it far down the hallway before almost knocking myself out, bumping into a familiar torso.
I look up to see a fresh-faced, Beck. He smiles, longingly, as if he'd been looking for me or waiting to see me.
"Hey," I say, giving a nervous but hopeful smile.
"Hey," he says, licking his lips, "I was hoping I'd see you. You dipped out so quickly last night. I wanted to see how you were doing."
I give a quick eyebrow flash before speaking, "I'm shocked you don't already know, like everyone else."
He looked down, briefly, nodding, "I know what happened, but I wouldn't treat you any differently. You just didn't seem like yourself before you left." he says, looking down at me again as he towered above me.
I half smile, "I'm fine. I just had a disagreement with Chase. We made up, obviously. We're dating now, so..." I say, clutching the straps of my bag, hating that statement.
Beck's face seemed to drop as I said that. Taken aback, he scratched the back of his neck, letting out a soft, "Oh. I see..."
The moment becomes oddly tense.
"Well, I guess I just didn't think he was your type," Beck says. I avoid eye contact. He was truly so right.
He continued to speak, "I mean, either way, Stell, he shouldn't be doing that shit. That was really foul of him." he says softly.
I quickly shake my head, looking at him directly now, "I told you, Beck, it's cool. I appreciate you, but I really do have it under control." I say, trying to sound confident.
He looked at me for a second before slowly nodding, unsatisfied. I needed to change the subject, and quickly.
"So, anyways, Principal Lewis is making me tutor with you. Guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other, huh?" I say, smirking a bit as I giggle softly.
He smiles again, showing a bit of teeth this time, "Really? Sweet, I really think that's a good idea. Y'know Stella, I really wanna see you make it to senior year."
I purse my lips into an unconvincing smile, "I'm only doing this because he's making me, Beck." I shake my head.
He shrugs, chuckling, "Whatever you're doing it for. It's good."
We smile at each other for a moment, silence filling the air.
"Beck, could you meet me in here in a moment?!" we both hear Principal Lewis, calling him from down the hall, as he sees us.
We each look at him and then back at each other.
"Guess I'll see you around then?" Beck says, smiling from ear to ear.
I couldn't help but return the same energy, nodding, "Yeah. See you around."
He shakes his head, letting out a deep chuckle as he walked away. I smile to myself, sighing as I walk the opposite way.
Craig
I honestly couldn't bare being at Ashland any longer, today. Between comments about Lily and her pool incident, rumors about Stella, and people asking multiple questions about me hosting, I was all worn out. I just wanted silence, and maybe some friends.
Truly, I want my parents. It seems like with their jobs, all my life they were pretty absent. They seem to think that by spoiling me when they are around. When really I just want to see and be a family for once. Sometimes I wonder why they even had me in the first place.
Because of what happened to Lily, Jack was able to come in on a flight overnight. He'd spent all night listening to his parents complain about their awful decisions so we planned to meet up at my place.
When I pulled up into my driveway, I saw a tall, Jack, awaiting me at his car. I smile, parking, and hop out. We approach each other with a handshake hug, already letting out some laughs.
We pull away and begin to walk into the house, "Long time no see, right?" he says.
"Well yeah, if you don't count the past week or so that we saw each other." I laugh.
"Let's face it. I miss Oregon too much to stay away for more than two weeks at a time." he chuckles.
We head to the kitchen, setting our things down. I grab the orange juice out of the refrigerator, setting it down before grabbing two small glasses.
"So you know I'm gonna ask, bro. How is she?" I say, beginning to pour ourselves some of the juice.
He sits in one of the chairs at the island, sighing, "She's fine. Up and awake, just not up and about. My parents really tore her a new one. She finally was starting to feel a bit better when I left though."
I thought about their parents for a moment before talking. Just talking about them made me uneasy. I passed Jack his glass of juice and picked up mine.
"I just wanna say, I'm really sorry. About this whole thing. It could've been prevented, had I just paid a little more attention." I say, feeling especially guilty.
He gives a friendly smile and shrugs, "Aw c'mon, you and I both know it was an accident, man. Besides, it's not like you pushed her or something." he says.
I exhale, still feeling unsure of the situation. It really just made me so uneasy, what his dad said. Not to mention, I couldn't even see Lily if I wanted to. I just feel so bad.
Jack continues, "Look, my sister tends to make a lot of weird or stupid decisions, but this one wasn't one of them. Lily got roofied. Neither of you did anything wrong, okay? If I were you, I would just be happy I was there to save her." he nods, standing up before stretching and leaning on the back of the chair.
I nod, listening to his words. He wasn't wrong. "I just can't help but feel like we all could have done more. Paid more attention..." I say.
"Any luck on who it actually might be? The person who might've had the drug? Danielle told me about Stella too." he says.
I walk to a cupboard and open it, grabbing a protein bar as I respond, "Yeah. That Chase kid from the junior class. Well, we think. Beck mentioned him and Stella in the bathroom together." I say, then turning to face him as I lean back on the counter.
I let out a small breath, "Then this morning, or sometime last night, he posted a really inappropriate video of her on Facebook. I think they were in the middle of having sex maybe?" I say, tearing the protein bar open.
Jack's face turned to disgust.
"You're kidding. That's so foul. Poor Stella." he says, sounding disappointed.
I nod, taking a bite, then speaking, "Yeah, I mean, I hope she reports him. Or does something."
We both nod at each other and become silent for a moment. I couldn't hold in what I really wanted to know anymore.
"So, your parents hate me now, huh?" I blurt.
Jack lets out a short laugh, "Well they definitely don't like you now, so..."
I groan, throwing my head back for a moment, "Lily probably wants nothing to do with me. She was so upset last night." I mutter.
"Actually, you were the first person she asked about when she woke up. I wouldn't be so hard on yourself." Jack emphasized.
I can't keep myself from grinning. That's all I needed to hear. Jack begins to laugh at me.
"Why can't you guys just go back to how things were? I know how my parents are and all, but you gotta admit, you were a lot happier. So was she. I would definitely keep it going. My parents don't need to know everything, man." he says, finishing off his drink.
I gaze off, thinking about it for a moment. I would date her in secret forever if it meant being together.
"Honestly, the ball is in her hands now," I say, pursing my lips.
Jack walks over and gives a light pat on my back before grabbing a banana from the fruit bowl.
"So what about you? Any flings in New York?" I say, teasing him.
Jack looks at me, sort of seeming not enthused, "Nah. It's just a little different there and harder, I guess. I never really mastered how to explain to people that I' genetically..." He begins to gesture to his crotch as he talks.
Looking at him, I immediately understood. It also made me feel really bad though.
"I get that. But with the right girl, I feel like all that won't matter, bro." I say, finishing my protein bar.
Jack sighs, "Being Trans is like a part of me. An extended part, but it's a part I have to explain before getting with most women. I can't just hook up like you guys. I can, but it's weird with some people."
I nod, as I listened. "Well, I really think you'll find someone in no time. It's barely been a year. Look at Beck. Seems like just yesterday he was bitching about being single and Heather at every waking moment." I say, starting to chuckle.
Jack laughs along with me before continuing the conversation, "So how are they? Beck and Penelope?" he says.
I smile at the thought of them. It really made me happy that Beck was finding his way. Just a year ago he was really unstable.
"They're great. Beck seems really happy, and I really like Penny. She's sweet, silly, and very insightful. Very much like Beck in a way. She seems a lot more chill than Heather." I say, inhaling as I bring up his ex.
I look at him, reflecting, "You know I really couldn't stand Heather. But this? This is nice. We get to double-date, and Lily has a new friend. When Danielle met Stella, it kinda changed everything for her." I suggest.
I take a step up, sitting on the counter now as I talk, "She's also from New York. Which is quite the coincidence." I let out a small snicker.
Jack smiles in amusement, "Yeah, she mentioned that. I think that is really sweet. Beck got really lucky this time. I hope it works out." he says earnestly.
I raised an eyebrow, holding back my laughter, "You're still digging her, aren't you?"
He begins to wave his hands in denial, "No. It's not like that, dude. I know what happened with Heather would never happen again. Actually it never happened. I think Penelope is really cool and awesome and I hope he treats her well." he says, starting to belly laugh.
I lean back, letting out a deep breath as I finish laughing, "Jack, man I know you didn't literally cheat with Heather. But Beck is convinced you did, and he's like my brother. I'm not taking sides. You just have to admit, it was kinda suspicious when you guys made it official like a week later if that." I say, raising my hands in surrender.
Jack shrugs, "I know. It was, but we didn't last for a reason. I'm not holding anything against him. I just think things shouldn't be so hostile anymore between us." he shakes his head, tossing his banana peel in the garbage.
I nod slowly in agreement.
"Beck likes you, man. He just doesn't trust you anymore. It's nothing personal at this point." I say, trying to reassure him.
Jack raises his brows, seemingly disagreeing, "Unfortunately, it's personal for me. How are we supposed to move on as a band? Or even make it to this homecoming gig?" he says, sounding frustrated.
I couldn't argue with that. He was kind of right. I just really was out of answers for everyone else at this point.
I shrug, "I dunno. But you should try and figure it out soon. We don't need any more drama in this friend group as of right now." I say, smiling as I found myself slightly comical there.
Jack gives me a side eye, unable to hold back his chuckle.
"What about Olivia?" I say, remembering that she's coming later this week. "Since you had to come back early this week, I'm assuming you're just gonna stay. Is she coming sooner than later now?" I say.
He nods, "No, she'll be back the day before the dance to rehearse. She has a lot of work to catch up on." he says.
Just then we stopped talking, hearing the sound of footsteps coming towards the kitchen.
"Hello?!" I hear a deep voice from the hallway. It's Beck.
"Kitchen!" I yell, watching as Beck walked in, followed by Penelope, holding his hand.
"What's up? What a nice surprise." I say, smiling.
They both wave and smile, "Thought we'd see what you were up to." Beck says.
"I'll be back. Bathroom break." Penny says, kissing Beck on the cheek before rushing out of the room.
Beck's face transformed into a complete flush that crept across his entire face. He began to clear his throat. I couldn't help but tease him.
"You're such a smitten idiot," I say, laughing with Jack.
Beck begins to mock me, becoming redder as he shoves me.
"So listen. You guys seen the video?" Beck says, lowering his voice.
I shake my head, "Nope. Couldn't bring myself to watch it. I respect Stella too much." I say.
Jack shakes his head also, "All of this is new news to me today." he says.
Beck sighs, "Me either. But Stella told me the strangest thing today..." he says, sounding disappointed.
"And?" I say.
"She said that they're dating. Her and Chase," he says, looking at us both.
My jaw slightly drops, confused by the situation. Jack is speechless also.
"And now, I have to start tutoring her and I'm not sure how to tell Penny. She like, despises her. Also, I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm like talking to her behind her back or something." he says, plopping into a chair at the counter.
I hop down from the counter, scoffing, "First off, did you tell her about what happened or are you still being a pussy?" I say. What really wanted him to be honest with her. Especially after Heather. It would just be hypocritical of him.
He struggled to answer, obviously feeling guilty.
"Bro, I'm not being a pussy. I just haven't found the right time." Beck says, looking at me.
"Tell her what?" Jack says.
Both Beck's and I's heads snapped toward him. "Nothing," we say in unison.
Penny then walks into the room, making us all avert our attention to her. She slows down, beginning to giggle, "Why are you guys being creepy?" she says.
We all relax our bodies, acting normal now. "No reason," I say, flashing a smile as I lean on the counter.
Penny walks to Beck, standing close beside him. "Well, I really just thought we should come by because I thought you might need a friend after last night. Everyone seems so melancholy today," she says softly.
I smile, "Thanks Pen. I just wish I could visit Lily. But it's official, her parents think I suck." I sigh.
"Hey," Beck says, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, "As long as Lily is fine, you guys will be fine. Just think, a couple more months and you guys can be together, judgment-free till your heart's content." he smiles, suggestively.
I nod, hopefully, "Yeah. That's the only positive thought getting me by right now." I say.
It was quite literally all I could think about now.
Lily
As I lay in the hospital bed, I couldn't stop thinking about how embarrassed I was. I don't even want to begin showing my face at school any time soon. I also felt bad for Craig. I publicly made such a fool of him, I bet.
My mom was sweet enough to run home, make me soup, and bring it back for me. I always could count on her to make me feel better. I just wish I could count on her to be on my side for once.
I had listened to my dad lectures me for the past hour that I had been awake. It was just starting to be repetitive. Just as I was beginning to tune him out, he started to talk about things that I actually cared about.
"I hope you also know, Lillian, you will not be seeing that boy anymore. He's become more of a bad influence than anything else in your life. It seems like ever since you met him, it's all you care about." my dad says, sternly.
I wanted to jump up from bed and scream. All I could do was feel emotional.
"Dad, that's not true. C'mon, I can do better. He did nothing wrong, this is all me, I promise you." I say, trying to raise my voice to match his.
"Lillian, you have shown me multiple times now that Craig is indeed the problem." he fumes, turning to me.
I sit my body up, now becoming more alert, "I chose to go to that party. Me, myself, and I. You can't keep controlling me! I'm eighteen!" I yell, balling my fists up as I try to hold back my tears.
I then look to my mom, internally pleasing for her to stick up for me for once. Again, a useless thing to hope for. She looked at me, clearly fearful to step in. I look back at my dad now. He just looked as though he didn't care at all. And he didn't.
"This is final, Lily. For the rest of the year, you will be focusing on your studies. That means only student council meetings after school, otherwise you are to come straight home. The fun comes last now." he snaps, turning back around, and grabbing his jacket to put it on.
He then continued, "And as for dating? You have shown me that you cannot handle that responsibility. I am very disappointed in you. I don't know if I can trust you anymore." he says, softly as he shakes his head.
The disappointment in his voice pained me.
"Let's go, Wen," he says, gesturing to my mom.
With that, they both left, leaving me finally alone. I wanted to cry, but honestly, I couldn't get it out now. I really just wanted them to be gone. I missed my friends and Jack at this moment more than any other.
I reach over to my side table, grabbing my laptop. My dad said I couldn't see Craig. He didn't say I couldn't FaceTime him or text him. I smile to myself, eager to try and call him.
I don't know if the universe was listening or if I jinxed myself, but it worked out because I was greeted by a soft knock on the door.
When I looked up, it was Dani.
"Hey..." she says, smiling as she slowly walks in, sitting beside me.
I was more shocked than anything. Not in a bad way, though.
"Danielle. What a surprise." I smile, lowering my laptop screen.
"I figured I would come to see you. See how you were feeling? I feel like we haven't talked in forever..." she says, sounding remorseful.
I smile, feeling important.
"I'm glad you did. It feels like everything is starting to crash down on me. My parents are so mad. My dad doesn't want Craig around me like ever again." I say, sitting back.
Her smile slowly fades, "You're kidding me." she says, seriously.
"I wish." I say, looking at her again, "What am I gonna do Dani?"
She flashes a quick smile, "Well, you could always move out? They seem to do in the movies like nothing." she giggles.
I laugh, rolling my eyes, "Dani, I'm being serious."
She shrugs, laughing also. She then speaks softly and reassures me, "Everything will work itself out, Lily. You're the smartest person I know. I know you'll make a way." she says, placing a hand on mine. "It's only a couple of months, and then you're home free," she says.
I smile, holding her hand. She always had the best ways of looking at things.
She reaches into her bag, shuffling around for a moment before pulling out a bag of 'Hi-Chew' candies.
"I almost forgot. I brought your favorite." she smiles, handing them to me.
My face lights up, happier than ever.
"Oh my god, how did you even remember that?" I look at her, smiling wide.
"How could I forget our favorite sleepover snack? You've loved those since forever," she says, letting out a chortle.
I sigh, dropping my arms, "I miss you." I confess.
Danielle didn't hesitate to answer, "Me too."
"Why can't we just go back to how things were?" she added.
"Things are just too weird now. There's Stella. Now there's Penny, and they don't exactly get along. Everyone hates each other. Even Beck and Jack..." I say, saddened by the thought.
"Things were so simple a year ago. Now it's like the final countdown until we're all just parts of each other's memories..." Dani says, looking down.
I try to lighten the mood, perking up my tone, "Yeah... but we can try and change it before time is up, I guess. Somehow..." I twiddle my fingers together.
Danielle half smiles, "You're right." she then begins to stand up, "I figured I would stay a moment but, I'm gonna go grab something from a vending machine. You want anything?" she asks.
I shake my head, pointing to my soup, "Mom's soup." I smile.
She nods, "Be right back." she says, walking out.
I quickly open my laptop again, not wasting any more time. After small navigation, I click the Facetime icon, now waiting for Craig to pick up.
When he answered, he seems to be walking to a more quiet area.
"Lily," he says, sitting down in a room.
I give a warm smile and wave before getting straight to the point, "Craig, we need to talk." I say, hesitant at first.
"Yeah, is everything okay?" he says, openly concerned.
I look down, unable to make eye contact, "My dad doesn't want us together. At all. He's cracking down on me and I can't do anything really anymore. I don't know if we can see each other anymore." I say, shaking my head.
He stays quiet for a moment. He was clearly upset, but shadows it with a deep chuckle, "Damn. When it rains, it pours, huh?" he says.
I look at him, trying to save face and force a smile.
"I love you, Craig."
"So then be with me, Lily. I don't know how else to explain to you that I just want that. You." he says, beginning to bite his nails, anxious at the thought.
I let out a half-suppressed giggle, "My dad, Craig."
"Okay, What he doesn't know, won't hurt him. Why can't we just pretend that this isn't happening? At least until the school year is out. Then we can worry?" he says, hopefully.
I wanted to disagree, but he was so right. I couldn't stay away from him, no matter how hard I might try.
I sigh, complying, "We are gonna have to be so secretive—" I begin, immediately interrupted by his excitement.
"So secretive, I promise. Just school, I'll be so discreet," he says, speaking quickly.
He lets out a deep breath, "I wish I could kiss you, so badly."
I smile, "Me too..." I say softly.
"Can I call you later? Dani is here, but I just needed to get that off of my chest." I say, satisfied.
He nods, but raises a brow, "Dani? You guys haven't hung out alone in like months." he says, laughing nervously, "Is this good news?" he adds.
I nod, scoffing playfully as I giggle, "Yes. But if we don't hang up now, it's gonna be all three of us."
He smiles, "I love you." he says in a warm, loving tone.
"Love you," I say, ending the call.
I can have a little bit of closure at least. I owe that to myself. Especially with Craig.