After the Ink [PUBLISHED]

Chapter Thirteen

We walk in silence to the library where the librarian graciously lets me put them on his desk. He starts reading over it and tells me know how excited he is to see students writing about school issues and blah blah blah. I feel bad for barely listening, but he gives me an idea. Seeing his reaction makes me stop by some of the English teacher's classrooms, where I put a few in each.

With the bundles gone, I turn to Dylan as we walk out of a freshman English class. "Thanks for carrying my stuff." I hold out my hands so he isn't carrying my things everywhere.

"No problem," he says, handing my stuff back to me.

I look at my phone and I find it strange that Casey hasn't blown up it up with messages asking me where I am. "What are you doing for lunch?" I ask him. If Casey isn't insisting on hanging out for lunch, then I have to turn to my other lunch buddy.

"Just gonna meet up with the guys in the cafeteria."

"Can I tag along? Maybe Casey is in there," I say. Things only feel a little awkward between us, but not unbearably awkward to the point where I can't be around him. I'm glad we aren't too weird about it, but the conversation will come up eventually and I don't think I'll be ready.

"Yeah, c'mon," he says. As we start to walk, he speaks up again, "Ethan say he likes you."

That makes me smile. "I've only met him once though." I must've made a good impression on him.

"Well, he seems to really like you."

"I guess my natural charm got him," I say, shrugging. Kids are super judgmental, so if Ethan likes me then it's a huge accomplishment in my books.

Dylan laughs and shoves his hands in his pockets. "I guess so."

In the cafeteria Casey sitting with the other boys.

"Guess we're having lunch together," Dylan nudges my arm.

As we approach the table, Anthony grins. "Well, look who finally decided to show up."

I sit next to Casey, who gives me the 'where have you two been' look. I ignore her look and instead focus on the fact that Carlos is sitting next to her. Dylan, Reece, and Anthony sit opposite of us.

"You two seem very secretive," Carlos says, leaning forward against the table.

"I was just delivering newspapers and Dylan was helping me," I say. I don't want any more awkwardness between me and Dylan.

Reece puts his arm around Dylan and smirked. "Is that what they call it nowadays?"

Dylan rolls his eyes and shrugs off Reece's arm. "Shut up." He doesn't meet my eyes, so I look away.

Should I tell Casey about our kiss? She's always suggesting that Dylan likes me and that we should go out. Telling her about the kiss will only add fuel to the fire.

"Someone's on edge," Anthony says, shoving fries into his mouth. "I would say we should head to Raven's after school, but," he shrugs instead of finishing his sentence.

I'm intrigued. "Why can't you guys go?"

"We can," Reece starts. "Derrick and Jared's next show there isn't until next Wednesday."

Next Wednesday?

That's my birthday.

"Are you serious?" Casey asks them before looking at me. "That's perfect."

Before I can speak up about next Wednesday being my birthday, Anthony cuts in.

"I'm lost," he frowns.