As It Was (COMPLETED) (wattys2023)

Crawling In My Skin

"She's not going to mind. It's only a few months." Garrett reassured, leaning into the locker beside mine. "Plus, she really likes you. Told me if I do anything to you, she'll string me up by my feet herself."

I wanted to smile at that but caught sight of someone passing behind him in my peripheral and completely hyper fixated on him. I could feel my palms growing sweaty with his very presence; I felt as though the place I'd managed to adjust too had just been invaded.

Drew Hamilton was standing at the front doors, one of his hands rubbing the light fuzz on his head, eyes scanning the room. When they found my own, I watched his entire body straighten from the slight slouch it was in and he crossed the crowded hallway to where I stood beside Garrett. It was strange, seeing the hesitation and anxiety in every step he took. He would look over his shoulder every couple seconds, then around him and back at his feet.

He was like me. I had been so lost in myself these last few months that I hadn't realized there were other kids out there that were living exactly as I was. Constantly having to look over their shoulder in fear of someone stepping out with a gun.

"Everly, hey." Drew greeted, slowing to a stop a few steps behind Garrett.

Hearing the voice, Garrett pushed off the locker and turned so his back was against it, tossing another piece of his Mandarin in his mouth as his blue eyes flickered between Drew and me.

I didn't like this. He shouldn't be here. It felt as though he was bringing everything from Lincoln here.

"I texted you, but I don't know if you saw it." Drew continued once he came to the obvious conclusion I wasn't going to respond. "I was wondering if maybe you wanted to grab a coffee or something. I think there's a lot we need to talk about."

Garrett's eyes flickered from Drew to me, curious and encouraging. He liked that idea as much as Drew did.

"Sure, yeah." I agreed quietly. "Does tonight at seven work? I have to help my dad pack, but can meet you at Camilla's afterward."

Drew noticeably deflated in relief. "Yes, that's perfect. Sorry for intruding, by the way. My parents are at an appointment across the street, and I knew you went to school here. Thought I'd drop in and check on you."

"Thanks." I shifted on my feet, shutting my locker. "I'll see you later tonight then?"

Thankfully he took the hint that his being here was making me uneasy and started to back away with a small half smile tugging at the right side of his mouth. "Yeah, see ya."

Garrett finished the last slice of his orange as we watched him exit the school, jumping a few feet in the air when one of the jocks on their way in hit a trash can.

"Who was that?" Garrett asked in curiosity, dark brows shooting to his hairline. "I don't think you've mentioned that guy before."

"That's Drew." I whispered, "He was Brady's friend. On the team with Miles. We weren't ever that close."

Garrett didn't push or pry further but shrugged as the first bell sounded and nudged my shoulder with a supportive smile. "Well, clearly, he wants to change that. I think you should let you're guard down a little with him, Ev. You might be surprised with how much you have in common."

*

There was something bittersweet about seeing this huge house vacant again. The furniture had been loaded into the U-Haul by Uncle Micah and Dad a couple hours ago, and since Mom had cleared half the house already, there wasn't much for Dad to pack up. A few boxes of his, one of mine, and the two that'd belonged to Frankie and Clark.