I need you, I need you, I need you

chapter 69-old memories

January 13th, 2020
Rachel's p/v
Love? Love isn't my middle name, it's born to be ready. I have everything planned out. My outfits are going to rock, I'm going to try extra on my Insta feed, and my grades are going to rise. The world needs to know that there's a new Rachel in town. And today's outfit is going to be the start. I mean business.

I'm wearing my black/white plaid cropped button up, black leather jacket, dark blue flared jeans, black docs, and my black mini bag. This year is going to be the year everyone compliments me in the halls. I just know it.

Mary's p/v
I was up all night trying to come up with the perfect outfit. I don't have it yet. Looking my absolute best is my #1 priority. For Darry? For me. Last semester I was in the shadows. This semester everything is going to change. I'm going to glow up. My photography is going to be better, my grades are going to improve, and my fashion sense is going to expand. I'm going to try out new things and talk to new people. This semester is my time to shine.

My room is filled with pieces of clothing. I think I have a cute outfit on, I THINK. I have on a vintage 90s yellow "I love muscles" cropped fitted tee with a car graphic vintage, dark blue high rise flared jeans, dark red platform boots, matching vintage dark red leather jacket, and a dark blue denim long strap shoulder bag. Thank you father for the top!

Rachel's p/v
I can't wait to see Declan. The past two in a half weeks were so empty without him. I missed hearing about what films he watched or how Billy Joel saved his life. And I'm sure he missed listening to my Britney Spears speeches or any small inconvenience that ruined my day. We rely on each other too much.

Darry turns off the car. "Alright, I'm gonna drop off some books. You're like 15 minutes early for class, do you wanna accompany me?"
"I would but I'm gonna wait for Declan at the lockers.
"Well wait no more, there's our favorite white boy."
I look out the window. There he is! My favorite white boy!
"Rachel!"
"Declan!"
I get out of the car and start running towards him. In my head we're running in slow-mo with some dramatic music. I haven't seen this loser since the first day of the new year!

We wrap our arms around each other tightly. He smells like coffee. I wonder what I smell like.
"I've missed you, Rachel!"
"I've missed you too, Declan."
"How have you been? What have you been up to?"
"Dude winter break was so fucking miserable. This time Darry abused of his power."
"On our call you said you studied a lot. So on the positive note, you're ready for school, unlike the rest
of us. All I did was play with my camera."
"You better show me some of your work."
"I will, they just need to be approved by my mentor."
"Who's your mentor?"
"My online friend. His name is Dean."
"Dean. I like the name."
"That's funny because he hates it."
"You know what name I hate? Nancy."
"Nancy? That's a random name."
"Nancy is the name of the girl who my brother is seeing."
"No way! Is she nice?"
"That's the thing, I haven't met her yet. I only know of her because I listened to their call."
"So she's the person who keeps calling Declan?"
"I think, but this morning I overheard their call and Nancy sounded a lot like Mary. I'm not even exaggerating, she sounded exactly like Mary."
"You don't think..."

Declan and I gasp. Of course, it all makes sense now!
"Oh that little rat! All I get are lies from him."
"We don't have proof that it's Mary though. I think we should investigate further."
"You think so? I was thinking of asking Darry upfront."
"Yeah, like he wouldn't lie to you again. There's literally no reason for him to not have Nancy saved as a contact."
"Right! Darry said he wants his relationships to be private, but if the girl he's seeing really interests him then he would at least give her like a nickname or something."
"Definitely. We just need to prove that it's Mary."
"Yup."
Declan looks at me with worry in his eyes.
"What's up? You're looking at me weirdly."
"Let's just say that it was Mary. Would you be ok with it?"
I quickly shake my head. "Absolutely not. Darry is aware that Mary and I can't stand each other. If he's dating her then that's him betraying me. I gave him my trust, he knew I was scared to tell him anything. I'm willing to never talk to Darry in my entire life if it turned out to be Mary."
"Well you better start preparing yourself for the worst."
"I believe in Darry. After all, he is my brother. He would never betray me. Darry doesn't like Tyler because he hurt me. Mary hurt me so I expect Darry to have the same attitude."
"I'm going to pray that it's not Mary. She is so self absorbed. Those two will never work out."
"I agree, it just doesn't seem right."
"I'm tired of talking about Mary. Shall we get some yogurt m'am?" Declan lifts his arm.
I link my arm with his. "We shall."