Letting Him In

Chapter-34

"My loneliness
Is killing me and I
I must confess
I still believe, still believe
When I'm not with you I lose my mind
Give me a sign
Hit me, baby, one more time"

-Britney Spears, Baby One More Time
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Kaeden

Kaeden looked at the texts Elijah had sent him, bewildered by his antics. He was almost sure his best friend had lost his mind.

Elijah (7:25 pm): I'm being put on a goddamn lockdown... I thought they were kidding about the whole lockdown thing

Elijah (7:27 pm): they're getting on my nerves

Elijah (7:28 pm): this is enough... I stay here longer and they'll drive me INSANE... the carnival started last night... meet me by the entrance around 11.

You're being a dumbass

Kaeden knew his warning message would have no effect on Elijah if he had already made up his mind, but it was a reckless thing to do.

Elijah (7:29 pm): I promised lils and leo I'd take em

I'm sure they don't expect you to sneak out at 11 to take them there 😑

He knew it wouldn't be enough to stop Elijah, but he sent another text anyway.

Don't do this dude... not worth the risk, both with the low immunity and the chance of getting caught and grounded for life

Elijah (7:32 pm): r u coming or not?

Kaeden let out a sigh, casting his gaze toward the flickering streetlight over the bench he was sitting on. He pulled his jacket closer, the evening air biting into his skin. The weather was weird these days: it could be warm during the day, and by evening stepping out without a jacket would be like asking to freeze like a popsicle.

Are u gonna go anyway if i say no?

Elijah (7:35 pm): yep

Elijah (7:36 pm): wait... aren't u supposed to be with Laia rn?... or did she ghost u for Jackson again?

Kaeden scoffed. He knew Elijah didn't exactly like Laia after everything he had told him, but he could be less of an ass in showing his dislike.

Kaeden supposed a single emoji reply would suffice for now.

🖕

Elijah (7:38 pm): already cursing your bestfriend for a girl who's been throwing u away like a used tissue for months? Damn, I'm hurt

Elijah (7:40): meet me by the gate of the carnival

Kaeden rolled his eyes at Elijah's dramatics. But he was glad Elijah seemed to be in better spirits since his gloom and doom mood earlier in the day.

That's because you're being an ass about the girl I like without even meeting her

I'll be there... try not to get caught or we're both dead

He tucked his phone into his pocket, rubbing his hands together. His fingers felt numb from being exposed in the cold for so long.