January 1st, 2020
Rachel's p/v
Jasmine rubs my back. "Breathe in and out, Rachel. You're ok. We're going to solve this all together."
"I'm going to light some candles to bring in positive energy." Sage gets up from the floor.
"Rachel, you're shaking!"
I hide my face in my hands. "I can't think straight."
"It's going to be ok. Everyone knows you're innocent. You don't have to explain yourself."
"But I do. I'm going to get hate I just know it."
"Kayla is so so cruel. Who wakes up and chooses to accuse people?"
"Who? Kayla whatever her last name is. That girl is seriously in need of help."
"You're such a good person, Rachel. Don't let her get you down, that's what she wants. She wants to see you cry and suffer."
"But why?" I whisper.
"She's probably very miserable and finds comfort in hurting others. But don't worry, karma is good."
"My mom made you some tea." Sage sits on the floor next to me.
"I appreciate her gesture but I can't drink anything right now. All I want to do is throw up."
"The tea is going to help you calm down. What you need to do right now is listen to your favorite music and try to fall asleep."
My phone starts ringing. I pick up Declan's call.
"Hello?"
"Rachel! I just saw your messages. I am so sorry, Kayla is a fucking loser for this."
"Put him on speaker!" Sage says.
"What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to deal with this."
"You're going to let things fall into place. I usually resort to fighting fire with fire, but not this time. What Kayla wants is a reaction out of you. And since you're completely innocent, there's no reason for you to spark one for her to just twist around. I'm going to kindly ask Kayla to back off without sounding too defensive. Rachel, if she texts you do not answer back."
"Ok. What if she comes up to me in person? I will seriously fight her if it comes to that."
"No! Please do not get into a fight, especially in public. I highly doubt you're going to run into her anytime soon. If you never saw her at school then you shouldn't see her now."
"Ok."
"So are we still on for tomorrow?" Sage asks.
"Yes, definitely. Rachel needs a distraction."
"Who else is going?" Jasmine asks.
"Hector. And I'm going to ask Aiden. I need him back in my life."
"I have to help my dad with something but please call or text me if things get worse or if you need someone to talk to. And remember Rachel, we're all here for you."
"Thank you for everything, Declan. Have a good rest of your night."
"Good night, Declan!" Jasmine exclaims. I hang up and put my phone on my lap. I start sobbing.
"You need some sleep. I'll see if I can find some melatonin gummies."
"But what if someone texts me? I need to defend myself."
"I can check on your phone. If I see that their message is supportive then I'll let them know that you're sleeping but that you appreciate it. Let's get you to bed now." Jasmine helps me up. I give her a tight hug.
"Thank you for everything."
"You're like a sister to me, Rachel. I'm here for you always."
Sage's p/v
"Oh wow Declan, you've got balls!"
Jasmine looks over my shoulder. "He's got balls?"
"Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?"
"Aren't you supposed to be sleeping too?"
I hand Jasmine my phone. "Read the beautiful text he sent to Kayla."
"She's so unhinged."
"I'm just confused on how she knows I like film. Mary must've told her about me because she replied instantly."
"Bitch can't fight her own battles, she has to force her friends to fight for her."
"Mary can talk about me all she wants, I'm not going to let her tear down Rachel."
Declan's p/v
"That's so sweet, Declan. The three of us need to work together to put Kayla in her place."
"Rachel is the sweetest girl to ever exist. How can anyone even think to hurt her?"
"I completely agree! Even her sleeping face is so sweet, it's like hurting a puppy."
"It's not just that, Rachel is so," I smile to myself, "endearing. I never go a day without laughing at her jokes. And whenever she laughs, it's like a tidal wave. Her giggle just repeats over and over, it's like an angel's song. And she's so smart, even if she thinks she's wrong. Watching her trying to solve math problems is the highlight of my day. It's so cute watching her type things into the calculator and then getting excited because she gets the right answer. And don't get me started on her big heart. I know she hasn't been to the hospital recently but the fact that she entertains kids there with books and drawings is so so sweet. No one can ever be like her."
"You thinking what I'm thinking, Jasmine?"
"Oh, I'm thinking what you're thinking, Sage."
"Um, what are you guys thinking?"
"That we should start a Rachel fan club!"
"Yes! And we'll have our own Rachel board game."
I sigh in relief. "Oh man, yes. That's um, yeah that would be incredible. I have to go now, bye."
Sage frowns. "Bye?"
"Goodnight!"
January 2nd, 2020
Rachel's p/v
I take a sip of my coffee, take a bite of my toast, and look at the clock. It doesn't feel good to be alone. Jasmine and Sage are at the grocery store for baking supplies. Declan is still asleep, and I haven't spoken to Tyler since yesterday morning at like 2 am. I don't know why he didn't text or call me, but yet again I don't know why I didn't reach out to him. It just slipped out of my mind I guess.
Tyler is calling me. Although my voice is still shaky from yesterday's situation, I need to talk to him. More specifically, I need to hear his sweet sweet voice. It's the only thing that's going to get me through the morning.
"Hello?"
"Rachel, how are you my love? I saw what happened last night, and you bet I told Kayla off."
"Wait, you did?"
"Of course. Also, I'm really sorry I didn't call you yesterday. I had a really bad headache so I practically spent the entire day in bed. I was kinda waiting for you to call me but when you didn't I got sorta upset so I shut everyone down. But I'm calling you to show you my support, and to hear your cute voice."
"I'm sorry I didn't call. I literally had nothing to do other than stare out the window so I have no excuse. I guess I was kind waiting for you to reach out to me too."
"Well now we're talking and my life is complete. How are you?"
"I don't know. Everything still hurts."
"Kayla is so mean for this, I can't believe she's accusing you of something without proof. And not only that, she posted it for everyone to see."
"All those people have the wrong idea of me now. It's so dumb, I'm literally scared to leave the house."
"No one could possibly believe her. And if they do, they're not going to do anything. How can they prove that she's talking about you? It can be a Rachel from like Ohio."
"A Rachel Sandoval from ohio? Long shot. My life is over if even one person brings this up to me."
"Kayla knows better than to let this continue. I even ended my friendship with her, hopefully that puts things into perspective for her."
"You did? Was she that cruel?"
"She accused you of something and blasted it on social media, of course she's cruel. I can send you the screenshots of our conversation."
"Yes, I want to see them."
I frown. "What motives!"
"Exactly. You and Mary might not get along, but I know you'd never do such a thing. You're so sweet and caring to literally everyone. Some people are just not fortunate to see that from you."
"You even blocked her? I don't want to be the cause of your guy's friendship to end."
"I can't be friends with someone who's so willing to destroy someone's reputation just because they have a hunch of what happened. I want you to block her. If she continues to post about you Tomás will let me know, but I need you out of that toxicity."
"I'll block her. Kayla isn't worth my time."
"Yes, that's the spirit!"
"She has a point though. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Oh my gosh Rachel I just want to kiss you and hug you right now. Yes my love, I'm ending the friendship. Kayla isn't even a true friend! If she was then she'd respect my relationship. She doesn't even know you so she can't speak on anything."
"I guess I've just never had someone feel so passionate about me. That's like me being completely obsessed over you."
"Rachel, you're my lady, my sunshine. You wanna know why I'm passionate about you? When you cross my mind you look both ways. You bring a smile to my face without even trying. My heart cries for your tender and iconic soul. You ask me how I can be sure of my feelings towards you, but some things can't be measured by time. You have me until every fucking last star in the galaxy dies. You will always have me."
I smile. "Imagine the stars dies tonight."
"Noooo, don't say that. You just want to get rid of me huh."
"Of course angel, I want to be inside your skin."
Tyler laughs. "Cuddling isn't enough?"
"Nope. I appreciate you so so so so much, my angel. I just want to be by your side 24/7. You're one in a million, and I was so lucky to catch a shooting star."
"Can I kiss you right now? I have theater practice, but can we kiss?"
"We can make it work. I have to call you later, Sage's mom just pulled up in the driveway."
"Sneak into the bathroom and pretend like you're on a business call."
"Oh yeah, I'm tryna sell celebrity hair locks."
"And you're on the phone with an angry customer! Grrr."
I start laughing. "You're so dumb."
"Can I make you laugh again I love your laugh hey did I ever tell you how much I love your laugh?"
"I don't think you have, you can tell me now."
"I love your laugh so much. Ok, I'll leave you to it now."
"Noooo! My bacon got burnt."
"Oh no! Just one piece?"
"The entire batch! This is the third fucking time. I'll call you later, I need a break."
"Hope the next batch turns out alright. I'll call you later."
"Take care, darling."
Heart is swooning. RIGHT NOW!!!
What does Kayla want now? I should really block her like Tyler said.
"Hey Rachel, how you are dear?" Sage's mom asks me. I curl my knees close to my chest and put my phone on the table. Sage walks to me and picks up my phone.
"What a fucking bitch. Don't even listen to her. Kayla just wants to hurt you. She's never spoken to you until now so how can she even know what you're like?"
"Sage is right, Kayla knows nothing about you. This only further pushes our idea that Mary can't defend for herself. You know why? Because she knows she's in the wrong."
"I'm going to block Kayla's account. Tyler reassured me that our relationship is much more important than their friendship. If Tyler sees through her bullshit then surely Kayla is in the wrong."
"Of course she's in the wrong. I have no idea who this Kayla girl is, but if it is necessarily I will demand the school to punish her. She can't continue this attitude."
"Thank you, Mrs. Meyer. I've never had so many people defend me on something."
Sage and Jasmine hug me. My sisters.
Mary's p/v
"Hello?"
I stand up. "Kayla? I've been trying to reach since last night. Why did you say Rachel is behind the exposing account? You have no proof of that."
"Isn't it obvious dude? We literally agreed that it has to be her."
"But I didn't think you were going to post it on your Instagram. Look, I'm going to talk to Rachel about this. Please let me handle my own battles."
"I saw you were making no progress so I thought I'd help out. Don't hate me for this, I already lost a friend."
"Who?"
"Tyler. He chose Rachel over me."
"As expected, they're dating."
"I don't know what he sees in her. She's not even his type!"
"And you are?"
Kayla doesn't respond. Even though she can't see me, I'm shaking my head.
"We all know Tyler is into the 50s and 90s. Rachel is so modern, what do they even have in common?"
"They're both in choir, they both like to sing, they're both missing at least one parent, what more do you want?"
"How about that talk with Rachel? I'm sure she's going to fess up."
"We'll see about that." I hang up. Kayla just left me looking like a fool. Poor Rachel.
Rachel's p/v
Mary just texted me. I thought she blocked me?
"Oooh, you look so cute!"
"Sage, take a look at this." I hand her my phone. She sits on her bed and starts reading.
"Wait, I thought she had you blocked?"
"I guess she unblocked me just to text me."
"So that's it? She believed you? Wow, she was actually mature for once."
"I like to believe all the drama is in the past. Mary goes one way and I go the other."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that. She could very much ruin your life again."
"She's done enough. Plus, the least I can do is believe that she's matured. No more silly fights."
"True. There's nothing for you guys to fight about."
"Yeah. Let's take a selfie to remember this moment."
"The moment where you and Mary left on good terms!"
"Heck yeah."
Rachel's p/v
Today's outfit is based on Sage's wardrobe. I was going to wear someone from my suitcase, but I can never pass up an opportunity to wear something cute. White fitted button up blouse with a peter collar, dark blue wide leg pants, and my black docs. Am I 50s and 90s enough?
bowie 🎸: hey raquel, just wanted to pop and in say that me and erica completely believe you. there's no way you're behind the exposing account. like why would you expose your own brother too? kayla is so wrong for this, we're sorry. hope you're doing alr rockstar 😎
me: hey, thanks sm! i can't see why anyone would even think it's me. tell erica i appreciate you guys sm:)
Bowie's message just took a huge weight off my shoulders. If him and Erica believe me then there's got to be more people who do too! I've honestly been worrying for nothing. I think I'm ok.
Mary's p/v
What do people wear when they know they're going to be lectured? I'm afraid Trixie isn't going to step down from framing Rachel. Maybe I'm assuming things. But still, what to wear.
I settled on a white turtleneck crop top, hot pink flared pants, my black docs, and a black leather jacket with the Ferrari logo on the back. The best I can do is dress cool.
Trixie is sitting on the park bench. Here goes nothing.
"Hey Mary!" She gets up and hugs me.
"Hey."
"Alright, you can thank me with roses and chocolates later. I'm a genius, I know we're all thinking that."
"No Trixie, I'm not thinking that."
She shortly laughs. "Then what are you thinking?"
"What you did was extremely inappropriate and rude. I talked to Rachel, she said she's not behind the account. And quite frankly, I believe her. There was a post made about Darry. Why would Rachel betray her own brother?"
"Why would she? Rachel longs for drama and destroying people. Your guy's drama is literal proof. I have a problem with people like her."
"I know why I have a problem with her, but why do you have one? Before I even told you about my drama with Rachel you were already weary over her. What's going on?"
"Now I need a reason to hate the people who hurt my friends?"
"Don't act innocent, Trixie. Do you like Tyler?"
"What," she paces back and forth, "why would you even think that?
"Why did you hate Rachel before you knew about our drama? Did she do something to you?"
"No, but did she do something to you?"
I frown. "What do you mean?"
"Holy shit Mary are you that naive? Rachel is literally copying everything about you yet you're over here defending her as if y'all were besties since birth!"
"Her copying me has nothing to do with this."
"Yes, it fucking does. Don't defend her because you want to get on Darry's good side. I love you, but he'll never like you."
"Not you too. For your information, Darry and I are already a thing."
"He's probably using you. We're talking about Darry Sandoval, Mary. He's had more girlfriends than I had f's."
"Darry is not like that at all. I know he was a player back then but he's different now."
"How do you know that? Were you guys friends when he was a fuckboy?"
"No but-"
"Then your opinion is invalid."
"Ok, why are you so negative? Don't friends support each other?"
"Not when the friend is dating the wrong person!"
"Well I'm sorry but your opinion is invalid to me so I rather not talk about him anymore."
"You clearly don't give a shit about what I think so why are we even friends?"
"Not you trying to manipulate me! I've been giving you time to voice your opinion but now it's my turn to give mine."
"You just said you wanted to change the conversation-"
"Because this isn't worth fighting about. If Darry hurts me that's on me, not you."
"You're right, that's on you because you're so stupid for believing that he actually likes you."
"Why? Because I'm not pretty enough? Not smart enough?"
Kayla blushes. This bitch. I cross my arms. "Oh, but you are? I seriously don't understand you right now."
"Honestly, Mary, it's clear as day that you don't give two shits about your friends. Serenity told me that you ended your guy's friendship, and wow must I say that was pretty immature of you. We literally met through Tyler and Serenity."
"Serenity was toxic and a bully and you know it."
"No, you and Tyler were just stubborn."
"Kayla, you either stop beating a dead horse or leave my life. I seriously don't need you or Serenity to bring me down."
"Well since you don't care about your friends I might as well leave your life huh?"
"You know that's not true. But leave, I have people in my life who aren't two-faced."
"It's funny that you think you're still going to have friends! Tyler introduced you to so many people, now I know why they all hate you. No one likes people who can't stick up for themselves. I'm so happy I don't have to hear your little 'oh, I have no friends, poor me. Those people know nothing about me because I'm so private but oh, no one cares about me'. Literally grow the fuck up." Kayla pushes me, causing me to the fall on my butt. She grabs her bag from the table and walks away.
So I just lost another friend, super cool. But it's good that this happened early rather than later. I saw Kayla's true colors. She thinks she's all that and is always in the right. Please, I'm not afraid of her. But I really did love her, and now she hates me.
Rachel's p/v
"Thank you." I say as I grab my coffee. Aiden wraps his arm around me.
"So let's talk, Rachel. What the fuck is going on with Trixie?"
I shrug. "No clue. Do you know why she thinks I'm behind the account?"
"I'm lost too, you're like one of the best people. I honestly thought she was different."
"I don't know her well so I can't say the same but I found it very immature."
"Which is why I'm going to stop being friends with her. I always try to steer away from people who are like that."
I take a sip of my coffee. "Like what?"
"People who jumps to conclusions without thinking first."
"Yeah, those type of people are weird as fuck."
"I'm just throwing out suggestions and possibilities at this point but if you really think about it, what if we get Mary to help you out? She's friends with Trixie, I'm sure she can talk to her about this."
"Ah, you don't know huh."
"Know what?"
"Mary and I have a ton of beef."
"Wait, really? Spill."
"Mary thinks I'm copying her posts and her entire lifestyle. She messaged me a handful of times about it, we even got into physical fights. Mary's logic is that since she's so private with her life, the fact that people know about me is proof that I'm copying her. That's why Kayla's post was such a shock to me. I had never spoken to Kayla in my life, how could she know anything about me?"
"I'm so sorry Rachel, that sucks. I also didn't think Mary was that way, it's honestly shocking. But you're right, unless people are stalking you 24/7, there's no way they would know every single thing you do. Mary isn't even original herself, I know a ton of people who are into the same things she is. Take Tyler for an example! And she's not going to attack him now is she?"
"Exactly! But I swear Mary is painted like a saint so no one can see through her shit."
"If Mary ever brings this drama up again I'll defend you. No way in hell can she think that she's like the creator of everything. You guys don't even have the same style! Man, this is so dumb. I'm sorry you had to go through that."
"It's totally ok. Just knowing that you're on my side is comforting."
Aiden hugs me. "Of course dude! Glad I can release some stress."
I rub his back. God, I missed him so much.
Mary's p/v
So Jonathan isn't back from his trip, Nina isn't back from her trip, my father is "catching up on sleep", my mother isn't home, Tyler has theatre, and Kayla isn't my friend anymore. I don't have anyone else in the world anymore. Kayla might be right, I act like I have no friends yet I've been introduced to so many people, but how many of those people actually want to be my friend? People comment on my posts, but they don't make the effort to hang out with me. And when they do, we're just both busy. I can't win.
This is just like middle school. In 7th grade I had two friends, one of them was in 8th. In 8th grade, I grew distant from my 9th grade friend because she was in high school. The friend in my grade and I also grew apart because I started dating Jonathan. And then it was just me and Jonathan.
When summer approached, I rekindled with my high school friend. This school year she moved schools so I was left in the dark again. That's why meeting Tyler was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I made an amazing friend, and he introduced me to soooo many people. And for what? For all of them to hurt me. I can't even hang out with Darry that much. I have Jonathan, but things just aren't the same. We argue a lot and it's getting tiring. Nina is still here, but I often feel like she wants to leave me too. There's a million reasons why I should give up on people, but I just never learn.
Rachel's p/v
"With ease, Rachel. With ease."
I slowly pull out a block. All the blocks fall down.
"HAHAHA SUCKERS!" Aiden yells.
"Nah nah I want a rematch."
"No rematch, Rachel. The punishment, Aiden." Hector smiles.
"Right this way, m'lady." Aiden points to the store. I push the blocks off the table. They land in front of Aiden.
"Clean up on aisle Aiden!" I tease. He looks down.
"Smile!"
Aiden looks up. He frowns but then changes his expression.
Mary's p/v
What to do on this slow day. I cleaned my room, rode my board around the neighborhood, made lunch, shipped out Depop orders, took Insta pics, I even cleaned out my bags! Yesterday was incredible. I hung out with my favorite person in the entire world. Maybe I should redownload Twitter and start a thread about the best type of bathrooms in films. Green tile walls and white shower curtains, so yummy.
Rachel's p/v
"Jasmine, smile!"
"Let me see."
I give Jasmine my phone. She covers her mouth.
"Retake it."
"Noooo, you look adorable!"
"Let me see!"
"No!" She pulls my phone away from Declan.
"What are you guys going to order?" Hector asks.
"Gooby snacks." Aiden answers.
"Probably watermelon." I answer.
Hector smiles. "Thanks guys."
"Say cheese! Wait no, say Sage!"
"If you don't take the fucking picture I'm going to die from hyperthermia."
"And who's fault is that?"
"You literally punished me by making me wear a sleeveless top and thin jeans."
Aiden laughs. "Yeah, I did that."
"Stop Stop stop!"
"What what what?" Declan asks.
Jasmine clings onto Sage. There's a dog with its owner.
"Aww, puppy!" I exclaim.
"Don't attract it! I hate pit bulls so much."
"How could you hate little babies?"
"Those aren't babies, they're killing machines!"
"Cling onto me instead." Aiden jokes.
"I rather get bitten."
He shrugs. "Ok. Come here doggy!"
Jasmine runs up stairs and hides behind me and Declan. I love her so much.
Mary's p/v
Darry is on his lunch break which means we get to text. I can't FaceTime because my father is in the living room. The only people who know about me and Darry is Kayla and Hector. I'm not even going to tell Jonathan. Kayla better not tell Rachel anything.
me: snaps honestly. props for putting that karen in her place
snail: Thank you 😊 it was scary, but my manger taught me well
me: do you have any other crazy work stories?
snail: I will share them in a little bit, duty calls
me: i thought you said you were on your lunch break?
snail: Boss needs me to cover someone's shift. Since Hector doesn't work on Monday's I kinda have double the work. Compared to other Monday's, this is definitely the most busiest for me
me: oh, well pls make sure to finish eating! you can't work with an empty stomach
snail: Don't worry about me, I've done it before:) But thank you for looking out for me. I'll text you once I''m free again!
snail:
me:
Rachel's p/v
Looking through all the photos from today brings so much happiness. Each photo has a little story attached to it. And only we will know, and that's what makes it even more special.
Yes, we did meet B&W. Nice guy.
When Aiden answered "gooby snacks" to Hector's question I felt that.
When Declan mocked Jasmine's reaction towards the pit bull I felt that. He exaggerated a little, but Jasmine was fine with it.
Yup, museum material.
Tyler's p/v
When my Rachel sends me photos of herself a little bit inside of me spins around and turns into butterflies. She looks good in the sun, in a moving car, literally at freezing temperatures. I'm going to fight Aiden for making her wear a sleeveless shirt. But then again, it would've been the perfect excuse for me to cuddle her. Theater gets in the way of EVERYTHING.
Rachel's p/v
"I'm going to fall."
"Not on my watch." Declan reaches over to grab my hand. We lock fingers.
"Walking on the train tracks is your idea of fun? I much rather hear Mary go on about the ethics of originality."
"I like to pretend that I'm in a coming to age film. Train tracks is an essential part of completing that dream."
I stop walking and look off to the distance. Abandoned baby toys scattered on glass from alcohol bottles, old band flyers taped on decaying backpacks, car parts rusting on top of dead grass. Are we at my childhood house?
"I swear I can capture the essence of loneliness using this location. They've got all the props I need."
"And the award goes to Declan Porter!" I exclaim. Declan bows. "Thank you, America."
"And such film will be about what?"
"Teenage dirtbacks trying to make it into the music scene but their only quiet rehearsal place is the train tracks. And when the place burns down, they all go insane. The police won't do their job right so they take matters into their own hands and investigate. Who set their beloved home on fire? Simple, the lead singer did. He was flat out drunk that the only reason why he wasn't a suspect was because he found himself two hours away. Beer does that to you."
"I'll pay to watch that."
"Well my movies ain't gonna be free!"
"This place is perfect for photos. All the photographers in Maryland are just itching to discover this place."
"Why don't you be the first then?"
"Me? I'm not a photographer."
"I always catch you talking about the work though. Give it a shot!"
"How about you take photos of me? I'll just direct you."
"But I'm the director."
"Let me steal your job just for one day."
"One day keeps the schools away!"
"No school is going to interview you right at this time."
"You never know, Cal Arts can be watching us from a war."
"Ok, but letting me be director won't ruin your chances of becoming a photographer."
"Ok, but I can't take any chances."
I pick up a green bottle and chuck it towards a washing machine. The glass breaks, pieces landing on old camera equipment.
Declan turns to me. "So how about those photos?"
Tyler's p/v
"Yes, my sweet girl, we can slow dance to rock music."
Rachel giggles. "Why are you reading my caption?"
"Because I want to slow dance to rock music with you."
"Well I don't see you initiating it."
"You and me this weekend. I will push everything aside to be with you."
"Nooo, I don't want to-"
"I'm not taking no for an answer. I want to hold you love."
"I want to hold you too, angel."
"Aw hell nah Quinn is stealing my place."
"You were just a little too late."
I pout. "Then what's the point of making room for you."
"Oh yeah because you have a billion things going on in your life."
"As a matter of fact I do. Tomorrow I will be attending brunch with Princess Diana and then taking her on a nice walk at the lake."
"Oh, but when I joke about choosing Matthew Gubler over you all of a sudden I'm the bad guy."
"I'm just a sensitive boy! Anyway, Aiden is right, you're a literal model. Turn your camera on."
"Mmmm no."
"Then I'm turning mine off."
"Deal."
I laugh. "You're so endearing. Anyway, where were we?"
"Thinking of making a milkshake."
"Oh yeah! Second Rachel post."
"Whyyyy."
"Mine would also say file not found."
"Starting to think you're doing this just to embarrass me."
"And looky here, a comment made by a clingy motherfucker."
"Tyler, why did you like everyone's comment?"
"I'm showing my support! Every single person is so right, especially Aiden."
"You don't think I'm real?"
"No, I think you're a princess."
"Which princess would I be?"
"Belle. You look like her too."
"I am very much flattered."
"Which prince would I be?"
"Sebastian."
I laugh. "The crab?"
"Mhm."
"Mhm." I repeat. Like I said in my comment, awww she's so cute.
Darry's p/v
"But just think about how awkward this is going to be. Why can't we just pretend like she scheduled us for a late shift?"
Hector wraps his arm around me. "You gotta say hi to our friends. Even Sabrina made an appearance."
I sigh. "Hate it when you're right." Hector opens the door. I walk towards the tables they're all sitting at.
"Darry! My man!" Nigel fists bumps me.
"No joke type of day?" Raven asks me.
"Yup. Letting the wind hit me."
"The weather is kinda nice today. Hopefully it doesn't snow." Lexi says.
"Nah, I want it to snow. And heavy snow.
"Just so you can snowboarding?" Kyle asks.
"You know it!" Nigel grins.
"What about you, Sabrina? Do you want it to snow."
Sabrina ignores Nigel's question. She's looking at me with an expression that reads "fuck you".
"Sabrina? Are you ok?" Raven asks.
"I'm alright."
"Just spaced out?"
"Sure."
Hector glances at me. I know we're both thinking the same thing.
"Tell us about your mom, Sabrina! Last time I heard of her she was in the hospital. Is she good now?"
"Yeah. Wish she would've stayed there."
A puzzled look appears on Lexi's face. I think I know why Sabrina dislikes her mom. I've got my own guess.
"Oh Sabrina, Mark told me you didn't finish your part of the project. It was due yesterday. What happened?" Raven asks.
"I just haven't gotten around to doing it, alright?" Sabrina snaps.
"Are you ok? You know you can tell us if something is bothering you."
"Yeah, what's up?"
Sabrina tears up, her eyes shooting at me. Her eyes are too delicate to look angry, but I can sense her frustration.
"Did you guys break up?" Kyle whispers in my ear.
Sabrina crosses her arms. Crap she heard.
"Um-"
"We did." She answers.
"That can't be the cause of our friend group to break apart. Everything is ok between you guys, right?"
"Ask Darry that."
I sigh. "Sabrina, can we please be mature about this? You don't need to bring our problems to the group because it's between you and me."
"And her."
"She has nothing to do with this."
"She has everything to do with this."
"I'd appreciate it if you shut-"
"Both of you stop it." Nigel steps in.
"Yeah, we came here to surprise you at work. Not to start a fight."
"Look, I don't know what happened between the two of you. But whatever occurred, it's no one's business. So please push that aside when you guys are with us. None of us need that negative energy."
I've never seen Nigel this serious before. But never say never I guess.
"Did I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Nigel." Sabrina annoyingly says.
"Yes sir." I answer.
"Before anything we're friends. If one y'all date each other then that's your guy's business. But please don't fight when the rest of us are here."
"We've been friends since elementary school guys. Let's hug it out!" Raven exclaims.
"Yes!"
Everyone gets up and hugs each other. Nigel grabs me by the hand and pulls me in. Lexi does the same with Sabrina. I quickly glance at her. I can tell she's blushing. I'm pretty embarrassed too. Getting scolded by Nigel is like getting new songs from Queen.
Rachel's p/v
"Only for an hour! You can come if you want."
Darry lays back on the couch. "Rachel, I'm very tired from work. Besides, it's too late for you to go out."
"It's only 7 pm. I haven't seen Tyler since New Year's eve!"
"New years day you mean."
"I'm not here for your dad jokes. What's so wrong with wanting to see my boyfriend?"
"You could've saw him when you went to the mall with your friends. I don't know why you guys always want to hang out at night."
"He had theater practice all day."
"That's not my fault."
I roll my eyes. "You're so unbelievable."
"Actually, most people would say I'm trustworthy."
"So why am I distraught right now?"
"You can keep arguing and making your case but you're just going to give yourself a sore throat. Why don't you start getting ready for bed? Do your skin routine or whatever you do that makes you be in the bathroom for almost an hour."
"Ok, I won't argue with you anymore. Just know that you're so hard to deal with." I turn around and walk to my room.
"You'll thank me some day!"
Darry's p/v
I learned my lesson, never have a phone call without earbuds on. That's why I'm calling Mary outside. You can never be too safe.
"I don't even know why my mother even bothers coming home anymore. She clearly favors her friends more than her own daughter. She can move in with one of them and my life would be the same."
"Reminds me so much of Alexis. You haven't had the chance to talk to her huh?"
"She's never home, it's impossible to even say goodbye to her. I was so lonely today, but hearing you speak close to my ear makes it seem like you're here with me."
"What if I was there with you?"
"That would be incredible, but it's late. I'd like to make dinner with you though."
"I'll be there in 10 minutes. I don't want you to spend anymore time alone."
"You'd do that for me? I mean, risk getting thrown questions at by Rachel?"
"I'll just say I'm with Sabrina. She doesn't know that I broke up with her."
"Wait, you did? How did it go?"
"Terrible. Sabrina didn't take it so well."
"I don't blame her. You're so rare."
"I'm a douche bag, that's what I am. So how about dinner?"
"Deal deal. I can't wait to see you."
"Me too. Alright, I'll be there in a bit."
"Drive safe!"
I hang up and quickly walk to the house. I open the door and run to Rachel's room. Her lights are off, she's probably asleep. I'll just text her saying that I'm with Sabrina. Yeah, I'll do that.
Rachel's p/v
Who the fuck does Darry think he is? He can see his girlfriend anytime he pleases but oh when I want to hang with my mans it's "too late"? He could've at least asked me if I wanted to tag along. I love love the diner/arcade, but I get it. They want some alone time.
Oh shit, Darry left his wallet. No way he drove over there without his license. Oh wait no, it's not there. So he needed his license more than he needed money? I guess Sabrina is paying. Cute.
I'm trying to call him but he's not picking up! I'll just call Sabrina instead. I don't know, he probably thought he dropped his wallet on his way to the diner. I'm such a good sister but he's not considerate of my feelings!!
"Hello?"
I sit on the couch. "Hey Sabrina! Can you pass the phone to Darry? Loser forget his wallet."
"I'm not with Darry".
"Is he in the bathroom?"
"No, I'm literally not with him anymore."
"He must be on his way for-"
"You're not understanding me. Darry and I broke up."
I frown. "What? But he-"
"I don't mean to be a bitch but I really don't want to talk about him. I hope you have a good night. Sleep well, Rachel."
I hang up and run out the door. No sign of his car on the street. So he doesn't have his wallet on him, but he took his license. And he's not with Sabrina anymore, then who is he with? Something is going on and Darry doesn't want me to find out. Is he doing something he's not supposed to be doing? Something that can hurt him? Or me?
Darry lied to me. Darry lied to me and I'm going to fucking pry an answer out of him. I'm going to figure out and see for myself if the reason he lied is valid. I'll be the judge of that. I'll be the fucking judge of that.