Pannel & Hook

Chapter 10: Like Woah

         I spent the rest of the day in In-School-Suspension with a bunch of girls whose 'clothes were too revealing' and some guys who just didn't care about school in general. What work they brought from my classes was as easy as usual so I just took a nap then I got them done unless the teacher in the room 'decide' that I couldn't.

        By the grace of God, the last bell finally rang and I made my way to the front of the school and suppressed my anger when the people in front of me dragged their feet like they couldn't walk.

        The sun was leaning today for no reason but underneath the heat, I spotted Manny's car instead of Nate's.

"Get in bro, I'm taking you home".

"Where's Nate?"

      "He has some stuff to take care of-". Manny messed with the hair under his chin and fixed his rearview mirror.

     "Manny, can we please get something to eat? I'm fucking starving bro". Kimi was in the back and wearing what looked like my hoodie but it makes sense since she was in just a bra last, I saw her.

"I'm not complaining but, why's she here?" I asked knowing what she's capable of with a piece.

      "Nate didn't want her stealing nothing at the house and he told me to tell you that she might be staying wit y'all until he figures out what to do with her."

I hope he takes his time with that.

      "Alright, but can we get food though? I'm hungry too" I tilt my head and try to stare him into submission.

     "Fine but dollar menu only, none of that extra shi". Manny said looking at both of us so we understood as he pulled off out of the parking lot.

We stopped at Bold Burger and went to dine in.

     Manny got us a booth in the back with a clear view of outside for obvious reasons and got up to use the bathroom after we ordered leaving me and her alone.

     "I hope it's okay I borrowed your clothes, I didn't have anything of my own to really wear out". Kimi said lightly with a small but gorgeous smile.

     "....Oh that's fine, you can wear whatever you want, just don't crease anything". I said with a chuckle trying to focus on her words and not get tranced by her eyes again.

     "Thanks, and If it makes it any better, all your stuff is really comfortable and we even have the same shoe size".

      Not gonna lie, she looks way better than I do in my stuff even though it's just a hoodie, joggers, and Vanz but I swear if she keeps looking at me like this then shits gonna get wicked.

"That's nice to, FUCK". I was looking at Kimi but in the corner of my eyes, I saw Darlin' walking towards me.

"Hey Pete, can we talk for a sec?". Darlin' spoke and my heart started to punch against my chest.

"Yeah, sure, excuse me for a sec". I said to Darlin then to Kimi as I got up.

      We walked outside and she leaned against the building while I stared at the ground on a parking bumper, trying to avoid eye contact.

"So, you're not gonna say anything?". She said after taking a deep breath.

     "What do you want me to say, Wendy? I got a text and you clearly said how you felt so I'm not gonna force either of us to be where they don't feel wanted".

I looked off towards the road imagining I was anywhere but here.

"I did it for another reason but I can't tell you it just yet, I'm sorry, and also for...this".

"Mmhm". I disregarded it and tried my hardest to contain myself. "Pete, can you just look at me, please?!"

      "I mean it". Looking up at her felt like seeing her for the first time over again except it was one of those times when every part of your body says 'cry' or 'breakdown' but you just don't.

"I know...". I noticed the reddish-pink leather jacket she had on.

"So, who's your friend? Couldn't wait a day could ya?" It sounded like a shit attempt at humor but hidden in genuine interest.

"Doesn't matter, since when were you a member of the Lost Boys?"

"It's complicated".

"Of course, it is.".

I got up and assumed we would conclude whatever that was and made my way back to the booth.

"You good bro?". Manny asked holding his burger.

"Yeah, I'm fine". I crack a small smile, obviously lying.

"Pete man, I'm not stupid, you don't gotta tell me what's going on but just keep it real with me".

"Thank you and I'll be fine, just not now". Manny shook his head in acknowledgment and kept eating.

     Minutes passed by and I barely touched my food until I felt a soft hand above my own under the table and without hesitation, I let it lock with mine as I squeezed back.

    I turned to Kimi and she just smiled, making my heart flutter, and motioned to my food with her head telling me to eat.

    On the way home, I gave Kimi my phone and buds to listen to music so I just put my hood on and put my head against the window.

"Manny, can I ask you somethin?".

"Wassup?"

"Are you allowed to custom your jackets? Like for the 'group'"

"Umm, no, that's something only Captains do to make themselves stand out, why?"

"No reason".

      They say that sometimes it's the aftershocks that are worse than the earthquakes but I'm guessing whatever I was trying not to feel at the food joint just hit and hit hard, shook even.