Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 21

Dylan's POV

     It was a fluke. I've learned that doing coke twice in a few hours is more than my nose can handle. I have no intention of repeating the incident. especially after bleeding directly into Jackie's mouth while we were making out. Definitely lands in my top ten most humiliating moments. There's no cool way to recover from "sorry I got blood in your mouth." Lucky for me, it was Jackie. She cared more about me being okay than how disgusting that was. Which makes me feel...worse, somehow.

I haven't touched coke since. It's been over a week, which means I'm good. It doesn't have a grip on me. The rest is stashed away in a Buzz Lightyear PEZ dispenser back in my room. For emergencies. Just in case.

"Dylan!" Jackie's voice cuts through the hallway noise. I can't help but chuckle at the sight of her running towards me.

"Something important?" I ask, cocking a brow. 

"Your sister is forcing me to go to Lockwell's party tonight." She says huffing, trying to catch her breath. 

"You unfortunate soul." I retort.

She glares. "Come with." 

I laugh under my breath, assuming she's joking. But the way she keeps looking at me- serious, expectant -makes it clear she isn't.

"Absolutely not." 

"Oh come on," she groans, "don't make me third wheel her and Jayden all night."

"Make Theo go." I suggest.

"I can't." 

"Why not?" I ask. 

"For reasons I can't disclose," she says cryptically. "He just can't."

I roll my eyes. "Why do you think you can make me go but not him?"

"Because, as I recall, I've been helping you a lot through your breakup. And as your friend, I feel like I'm owed this one outing." She steps closer. 

She's clearly feeling confident today.

A smirk tugs at my mouth. She's bold today. Fine.

"Alright, I'll go." I lean in, close enough for only her to hear. "Better make it worth my while."

She blushes, but covers it with a playful eye roll. "You're the reason we shouldn't talk at school."

"And yet you want me to join your hangout with my sister tonight."

I wink as I walk off.

Theo's POV

We haven't talked. Barely made eye contact. I think she's scared to, honestly. It's not like I left on a good note after all. She's probably waiting for me to make the first move- text her, call her, walk up and pretend everything's fine. But I can't. Not after that night. 

She pulled me back in just to shove me away again. Why does she only come to me when Jayden lets her down? And why do I always let her?

I can't keep playing the safety net. As long as I'm around, she'll never really see the cracks in her perfect little relationship. She'll just keep using me as emotional backup. And I'll keep letting her, because I'm an idiot.

I've been going back and forth all day. Do I go to Lockwell's party? It's right on the beach- his parties are legendary. Jackie will undoubtedly be with Avery and Jayden. So even if I do, it won't be with my friends.

I'd hangout with Haley and her group, but After that double date disaster? I doubt I'll be welcomed. So, do I go and risk standing around like a loser, or skip it and miss what might be the party of the year?