Axel

Chapter 11

Maya

Dear Joe,

You have no idea how happy I was to receive your latest letter. Like, for real. I don't think I've ever felt so

I pause, my pencil hovering over the notebook I use to draft my replies to Joe. I chew the end of the pencil, thinking on the best word. If I'm being completely honest, I felt relieved. But can I tell Joe that? Do I really wanna tell him I was glad to have complete confirmation that he isn't a certain someone from my past?

No, probably not.

Axel has never been a prominent feature in my correspondence with Joe, and I see no reason to change that now.

Just because he's out, wandering around North Bridge and inserting himself into my friend group like he belongs there. Ugh, whatever.

"Hey, girl. Did you hear?" Lyra dumps her bag down onto the table in front of me, swinging into the seat opposite. I'm sitting in the NBU library, procrastinating massively over my coursework. I should be finalising an English assignment right now, not obsessing over my reply to Joe.

"Hear what?" I ask as I tuck my notebook away into my bag. Lyra knows exactly what I use this notebook for, and she knows it's private. She smirks at my bag slightly before levelling her eyes with mine, getting down to business.

"Scar tattooed Axel last night." Her eyes widen and she looks absolutely delighted with this gossip. I frown and remain silent, knowing she'll fill me in. "Apparently she bumped into him and he asked her what he needs to do to make everything up to her, one thing lead to another and, well, he has some fresh ink now. Courtesy of Scar."

"Wow." I'm surprised by this. "What did she tattoo on him?" It can't be anything good, surely.

"Isaiah 43:25." Lyra informs as she pulls her phone out, swiping the screen to life. "I looked it up already, it means; 'I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more' or something along those lines. Deep, huh?"

I nod my head and bite my bottom lip. Deep, indeed. Sounds to me like even Scar is starting to accept Axel's place in our group. She's choosing to forgive him and move forward.

God damn. Why are all my friends so amazing?

I decide to change the subject, because I don't wanna get into a lengthy conversation about Axel, and because I need to make more of an effort with my best friend. She said she feels like a third wheel with me and Zak these days, and I'm not having that. I need to fix it.

"What are you doing tonight?" I ask with a bright smile. "I was thinking maybe we could drive out to South Bridge and hit the mall. Do some shopping, get some pumpkin spiced lattes, maybe see a movie or..."

I trail off at the look on her face. She looks sheepish. Coy, almost.

"Or, maybe you already have plans?" I offer with a half smile.

She shakes her head. "No, I'm free as a bird. It's just, Aaron gets home tonight and I wanna spend some time with him at the house or whatever before he leaves again."

"Oh, of course!" I exclaim quickly. Lyra barely ever sees her older brother, on account of his jet setting job. "We can hit the mall some other time, no problem."

"Come over if you want?" She asks. "I mean, if you aren't gonna be seeing Izaak anyway. Feel free to come annoy Aaron with me."

"Sounds good." I smile a warm smile, because it does sound good. I love Lyra's family dynamic. Being around the Evans clan is always a good time.