Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 26

Jackie's POV

Forty-five minutes have passed. The credits are rolling. Dylan is still gone.

"Where did he say he was going?" Avery asks as we leave the dark theater.

"Bathroom, but I doubt he's been in there this long." I snap, more annoyed than I want to sound. It was his idea to go to the movies in the first place and what he ditches us? Because I was mad at him at the party? Or because I told him he might be getting too close to me? Either way, it's a shitty move.

As we walk into the lobby, we notice a crowd packed into the arcade, all clustered around a single machine.

"Guys- I think I found him." Theo says, pointing to the center of the crowd.

Sure enough, Dylan's there. Playing a damn game. Laughing.

"I'm gonna kill him." Avery marches ahead without hesitation. I'm right behind her, Theo trailing. She doesn't even hesitate- just shoves him hard into the arcade machine. 

Heads snap up. The crowd starts to thin out fast. I recognize a few of them: Haley Savellini, Bryn Knox, Andrew James. Less recognizable are the new transfer student, and Andrew's little sister. 

 Dylan whips around, hand on his stomach from where the machine hit. "What's your deal?" 

Then notices me.

"The movie's over, dipshit," Avery snaps. "You ditched us."

Dylan's eyes stay on me. "Shit, I'm sorry. I lost track of time. I meant to come back."

I don't say anything. And I don't look away.

"Yeah, but you didn't, asshole." Avery says coldly. Without another word, she grabs my arm and tugs me through the lobby. Theo follows, slower.

"Need a ride home?" Theo asks once we're outside.

"Or food," I say quickly. Avery doesn't want to go home, and I know it.

Before either can answer, Dylan bursts through the doors.

"Hey, seriously, I'm sorry about the movie." he says, eyes locked on mine, but Avery doesn't notice. 

"This is exactly why I didn't want you around Jackie," Avery fires. "If I hadn't practically invited myself, she'd have been sitting alone for half the film."

"I wouldn't have done that," Dylan shoots back, his gaze flicking to her for the first time.

"Oh so just when it's both of my friends and your sister- it's fine to dip? Got it." She retorts. 

He exhales sharply. "Just shut up, Avery. If you want to fight, go deal with your fucking boyfriend. I'm so tired of hearing you whine." 

He brushes past her and heads straight for me. "Come hang out with me. Just me," he says, quieter this time, trying to keep it between us."

I stare at him. His eyes are red. He's breathing hard. There's this dazed, wired look to him.

Ignorance really was bliss wasn't it?

Avery's POV

I'll admit my anger wasn't entirely caused by Dylan. Last night still clings to me like smoke. Arguing with Theo didn't help. Dylan ditching us only made it worse.

And, maybe I overreacted. But he was rude, not just to me, but to my friends. And now he's cornering Jackie, whispering God knows what to her. And I'm over it. This trial friendship thing they've been doing is only going to end up with her hurt and I know it.