Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 20

Theo's POV

"I need you."  

Those three words were the first thing out of her mouth when she answered the phone. I called her back once I got in the car, against all better judgment. She was crying—something about a fight with Jayden, how he wouldn't talk to her. I told her to go to him. She said he wouldn't listen. And then she said it again: "I need you." 

So I caved. Drove to her house. Knocked on her door. The first thing I saw was her mascara stained cheeks and my nascar t-shirt. She threw her arms around me and I didn't think- I just hugged her back.

Upstairs, she curls into the edge of her bed, legs pulled in like she's trying to disappear.

"It's my fault," she murmurs. "I told him I'd start coming to his practices." 

"He could've been a little more understanding," I say, though it comes out flat. 

"I said one thing and attempted to do another. What does he have to understand?" 

I don't answer.

"I'm a bad girlfriend," she adds, fresh tears welling up. "A bad friend, too. Look at how I acted with you and Jackie last week."

"You're spiraling, Avery." I say gently.

She wipes her face but keeps going. "You should find better people to hang out with." 

"I'm not interested in other people," I say.

That makes her look at me- really look. Like she's just solved some puzzle she's been working on for years.

"Do you think... in another universe, maybe, you and I-"

Her phone rings.

We both watch as the name Jayden flashes on her phone screen.

She doesn't hesitate. "Hello?" Her face lights up. "Jayden, no- I'm so happy you called!"

She glances at me, pauses. "Hold that thought, you're breaking up a bit." Then she walks into the bathroom and shuts the door behind her.

Whether she left for my sake or hers is up for debate. I shouldn't be surprised. I know why I'm here.

When she comes back out, still on the phone, she says, "No, I'm not doing anything. Yes, come over. I love you."

She hangs up without looking at me.

Dylan's POV

Pez gave me a Buzz Lightyear dispenser this time. I didn't ask. He didn't explain. I got more than the last time, enough to last a while. I don't plan on making this a habit. He'll see that when I stop buying. 

I waited until I was home before snorting any. Figured it's best to not do it on school property and all. I did one line when I got home, and when I started to crash I did it one more time, and again when I started to crash. Right before Jackie texted me.

By the time I got to her place, I was riding high.

She's quiet, barely looking up from her phone while I flip through her cassette tapes. She throws out a few comments when I poke fun at some of her picks, but that's it. Finally, I choose one and slide it into the stereo. The soft wail of Janis Joplin fills the room. 

"Good choice." she approves without looking up. 

I roll my eyes and walk towards her. "What is so interesting on that damn screen?" 

She sets her phone down. "Sorry. Mindless scrolling." 

I sit beside her, our shoulders brushing. "Am I not entertaining enough?"