The Good Twin | 13 reasons why

5. Talk That Talk

While Tyler was working things out with the new boy in town, Alex and Charlie continue to deal with their own life tasks; both with the future and their relationship. Alex's college tuition deadline was about a month from now. The nerd had no problems making money at work so far, but he had issues with writing his essays for scholarships. It's a good thing Charlie was there to be his helper, plus his parents already had the loan balances covered. As for Charlie, outside of work, he had been going to summer football practice at Liberty High to prepare himself for the next sports season this fall. The couple had arranged sleepovers at least twice a week, interchanging from Alex's to Charlie's place, and sometimes at Tyler's house. The boys were using these next two months wisely to spend as much time together as they can before shifting to the long-distance phase once Alex moves to college.

Alex Standall was currently inside the Crestmont Theater with his boyfriend, serving the long lines of customers from behind the concession stand. For a small-town theater, the demand was high. Locals seemed to love going to this place during this tropical season, which meant a huge benefit for each of the prom kings' currency. They couldn't wait to spend this cash on their vacation to Los Angeles next month. Tyler and Estela were coming as well, and they've been thinking about inviting Nathan. Charlie thought it would be a good idea that way they'll have the opportunity to possibly build a friendship with the twin, while Alex couldn't make an immediate decision since neither of them has met Nathan in person yet. Tyler had already talked with Alex over the phone about his bowling event with Nathan and Estela last night. Alex was proud to hear that his friend was making progress, which made him more captivated in meeting the twin for the first time; while remaining vigilant, of course.

   "Alex! What's up, dude."

After serving the previous customers, Alex notices that some of Tyler Down's old classmates were the next people in line. It was none other than Cyrus and Tyler's ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie. Even after high school, those siblings were still unapologetically dedicated to their punk and gothic image. Just looking at his classmates made Alex reminisce about the bleached-hair phase he once had during his sophomore year.

   "Hey, Cyrus! Mackenzie!" Alex waved. "How have you two been?"

   "Pretty good," Mackenzie said. "We will have the usual, please."

   "Extra butter on mine," Cyrus added.

While Alex takes their order, the siblings look over at Charlie; who was in charge of accepting tickets for today.

   "So that's your boo, Standall?" The punk asked.

   "Yup," Alex beamed. "That's Charles over there."

The nerd gazes at Charlie St. George from afar, bewitched by his charisma and athletic character.

   "You sure have a good taste in men!" Mackenzie nodded.

   "A-ha... Jocks usually disgust me, but he doesn't seem so bad." Cyrus shrugged.

   "Here you go," Alex said as he handed the snacks and beverages to them.

   "Thanks." Cyrus grinned.

   "How's Tyler, by the way?" Mackenzie asked. "You know... now that this Nathaniel is living in Evergreen. The whole town is talking about that man. My friends and their parents, to be precise."

The news of Nathaniel de la Cruz's arrival to town had reached beyond local television. It was broadcasted to the whole state of California. This was because of not only the report of Montgomery de la Cruz's death last winter, but the story of Tyler's assault had made it on the news along with stories of other survivors who stood up during the day of that school assembly. Like Alex and Charlie, Tyler had also been hearing whispers from citizens around Evergreen County about Monty and Nathan. Although some people like Winston and Monty's football teammates thought the death was undeserving, others agreed that karma had finally got to him. Because Nathan was Monty's twin brother, Tyler and his friends wondered how the twin will handle all this public opinion if he ever found out about the things Monty did. Considering how louder those voices were getting, Nathan might find out the truth sooner than expected.