Unmasked

Apology Accepted. - Chapter VI

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[January 30]

The end of the month was near approaching. Around two weeks ago, Sal gave in (due to Larry's persistence) and delivered what could be known as the world's most vague apology ever.

☞ ꜰʟᴀꜱʜʙᴀᴄᴋ

Knock, knock, knock.
...
Knock, knock, knock, knock.

You almost didn't answer, internally aggravated with whoever might be stopping by since you were in the middle of doing chores— specifically cleaning the bathroom. It was at times like these you truly mourned being an only child. Placing the brush back in the toilet bowl you headed to the living room. You took off both your gloves and set them on the table. Your hair was a mess, your clothes were nothing less than disgusting, and you haven't showered in four days. Eager to get this over with you swung open the door.

"Listen, I can't even buy what you're selling. I'm broke as he— oh. Sal, Larry?"

Biting your cheek from embarrassment, you quickly nodded your chin upwards as to say hello. The only thing you could do to save yourself right now in front of Sal was to play it cool. Except it wasn't working...the pair stood in absolute shock. You could see Larry blink a few times probably trying to figure out if this was you or Charley Mansfield.

"Uh... Caught you on a bad day, I guess," he smiled pitifully. "What's with the apron and funky goggles? I mean, it's kinda dope in a way. You look like a scientist."

Whoops. I forgot I was wearing those.

You ripped them off, tossing them behind you.

"What goggles?"

"Hah...okay. Well if it won't take up too much of your time, Sal has something he'd like to tell you— er, should've told you a long time ago. I'll be over there or whatever..." Larry said, patting Sal on the shoulder. He leaned over and whispered to him through clenched teeth. "Don't chicken out."

...And then there were two.

"About the road trip," Sal began, hesitance overwhelming his voice. "I'm sorry for acting weird. I was just..."

You felt your heartbeat quicken.

"Coming down with a cold. Can you forgive me? I'd like us to go back to how we were."

Are you serious?

"Bro," Larry mumbled, "that's not—"

"Larry, mind your business," he hissed.

Your eyes widened subconsciously.

Composing himself, Sal continued. "I would have told you sooner but I was busy, uhm, recovering," he defended with a twinkle in his eye.

It was safe to assume all three of you knew Sal was lying, but for the sake of preserving your friendship, you pretended to be convinced. Although you were a bit jarred by the whole situation you honestly did appreciate the sentiment. Things could be semi-normal again.

"Thank you, Sal. Of course, I can forgive you," you grinned, "but I'll need twenty bucks first to make up for it."

You both laughed together for the first time in three weeks and to your relief, it didn't feel unnatural. If Sal was keeping a secret, you supposed that maybe it was better to remain blissfully ignorant.

◥✥◤
[10:43 AM]

After having breakfast together at a local restaurant, you, Larry, and Sal were walking back to Addison Apartments. By letting go of your curiosity, and Sal of his pride, the equilibrium was maintained. You all leisurely enjoyed the scenery until a black sports car rolled up to the right.

Wait, a sports car? They must be lost and in need of directions, surely. I'm happy to oblige.

"You guys!" the driver exclaimed, honking his horn lightly.

Instantly you recognized that same smooth voice and raven-colored hair.

"Erik, what's up?" you asked, pulling the sides of your jacket in.

"(Y/n), Larry! And is that Susie in the back?"

You saw Sal's eyelid visibly twitch.

"It's Sal," he muttered.

"Right on, Sam!" Erik enthusiastically replied, leaning out of the window. "You three better not be busy later 'cause I'm throwing a party at my friend's house up north. It's gonna be huge. Invite your friends Todd and Ash, too. Give me your number, (y/n), and I'll send the details."

You exchanged contact information. Erik put a ":)" next to his name.

Is he flirting?

"Great, see you there," he said patting the door of his car before speeding off.

"Did any of us even say yes?" you questioned.

"I think Erik said yes for us," Larry shrugged. "Up north is where the rich folk lives. We could either have the worst or best time of our life."

"Or we could stay home and watch a movie," Sal suggested.

"Sally Face," you frowned, "let's live a little. You've partied with the college kids here before, right? So you like to have a good time."

"Well, can't argue with that," he sighed. "Fine, you got me. It's one night, I'll survive."

"I knew you'd come through!" you cheered, hugging Sal as you walked. He wrapped a hand around your forearm lightly, repaying the affection. "Besides, there will be more people there than just us and Erik to talk to since you don't like him very much."

"It's not that I don't like him, I just don't like the way he looks at—" he choked, "the way he looks. Haha, erm, he has a weird face."

"No, he doesn't. Actually, he's pretty cute."

You leaned your head against Sal's before letting go completely.

What was it about crushes that made you want to see them jealous so badly? You needed the validation, the proof that they cared.

Just something, anything, Sal. If not, I'll move on and stop causing problems, I promise.

"...Maybe you two will end up dating," he responded coldly, shoving his hands into his pockets and accelerating his pace to walk ahead of you and Larry.

You held back a smile.

After about 15 minutes you finally saw Addison Apartments peeking out from behind the trees. The group separated and agreed to meet up later at the party. As you entered your apartment, you realized the weight of this predicament.

Am I seriously about to attend the biggest party in Nockfell? New task: find a terrific excuse to tell mom and dad.