Stay. [Editing]

Chapter Three. The Lies.

I'm always careful of what I do and who I do it with. But most of the time I mess up and end up sitting in the dark corner of my room with my loud headphones on. I sit there crying and overthinking till Christopher finds me sleeping on the very same floor I have been crying on and tucks me in. My point is that I'm a really good liar.

Friday.

We sit in the cafeteria, eating our lunches, and minding our own business. Me, Charlie, Kristen, and Nick.

There's a sudden awkward silence.

Nick breaks the silence by coughing then sighing.

Kristen gets up and kisses Charlie's left cheek, dumps his lunch in the trash, and leaves the cafeteria.

"Did I sigh too loud?" Nick asks

"No babe, his just being a big baby again."

I slowly look up from my food to see Charlie trying to hold in a laugh.

"Well, I think he's just tired from studying." She says with her mouth full

"Wow! One of us is actually serious about school." I sigh

"Not exactly the most shocking news."

I giggle and the bell rings for math.

We dump our leftovers and walk out of the cafeteria. Charlie stops by her locker and I and Nick continue walking. He looks at me and asks.

"We still on for tomorrow right?"

"Of course, but you haven't told me where we going."

"Its a surprise."

"Nick you know I hate surprises."

"Well, you will love this one."

He kisses my forehead and walks into class. I ditch class and go to the garden on the roof. When I get there I slowly open the door and I see someone sitting on the bench. I walk towards it and see Tyler with his head down.

I stop and greet him.

He looks up at me, I scan his face for a black eye, but nothing. I put my hands on my waist and give him a sassy look.

"What are you doing up here?" I ask

"I needed to clear my mind."

"Mind if I sit?"

"No, go ahead, I need the company."

He moves his bag and places it at the side of the bench.

"So, What's troubling you?"

"You know I don't like talking bout my problems."

"And you know how I'm not gonna stop asking."

He leans back and sighs.

"And you know how I'm still not gonna tell you, how's Sammy?"

"He's great, he misses you sometimes."

"Sometimes? Why not always?"

I roll my eyes and respond.

"You wish."

He frowns and looks away from me.

"Heard you were dating Nick, always thought you'd date Christopher."

"Yeah. And uh. Why him?"

"Cause y'all are too damn close."

"It's not my fault he feels obligated to protect me." I shrug