I need you, I need you, I need you

chapter 96-a moment ago

February 7th, 2020
Rachel's p/v
"Farmers market over on Chimney road. What do you say?"
"I'll have to ask Darry. He's probably still mad about yesterday."
"Makes sense. Alright, well let me know what he says. I'm going to get ready. Bye, love."
"Bye, angel."
He hangs up. Let's hope Darry didn't wake up as the grouch and actually let's me see my boyfriend! Who am I kidding, I see Tyler no matter what. Darry says no, I find a way to sneak out. So why should I ask for permission? I need to play my cards right. They will be played right.

Darry's p/v
"Niall said he can pick up my shift. What time should I pick you up?"
Mary quickly puts her phone on her bed. "Yes, mom?"
"Where is your father? He isn't at his studio."
"Over at Mr. Grant's house."
"Are you sure? He would've told me."
"Did he tell you he was in his studio?"
"No-"
"Then yes, I'm sure."
"I'm not sure I like your attitude. And clean your room, it's a pig stink in here."
Mary lifts up her phone. "Sorry, my mom came into the room."
"I heard. She doesn't know where your dad is?"
"Just as shocked as you are. Anyway, you can pick me up at 10. My mom leaves for her yoga class in 20 minutes."
"Got it. What do you typically do at farmer markets? Are they like flea markets?"
"Farmer markets have a bunch of produce and food options. This one in particular sells the most juiciest honey. I want to get a jar for Jonathan. He's sick and in need of tea with honey."
"The cold is spreading alright. Nigel and Sage are both out."
"What a shame. Hopefully we don't get sick. I cannot wait for Tuesday's performance."
"Still on for today at 5?"
"Yup! What are you going to tell Rachel?"
"She doesn't know I don't have work. Hence why I'm FaceTiming you in my car."
"I think you should tell her the truth. Show her that there's communication and trust between you guys."
"And risk her ruining our perfect day? I've had enough with her messing with our dates. Rebranding myself as the sunshine protector."
"Because our chemistry is like the sunshine?"
"Precisely."
She smiles. "You're just like honey. I'll see you in an hour, dummy. Gotta get out of this Lana t-shirt and pick out an outfit."
"Wear your new heels. They'll match your nails!"
"Good observation. You're Mary's girl."
"I'm loving being Mary's girl. Do I get to send cute letters and seal them with a red rose wax stamp?"
"You got my letter, I thought it got lost in the mail."
"I wanted to answer like a true send letter, but it just got brought up. Expect a letter from me soon."
"Can't wait. Ok, I really have to go now. See you in a bit, Darry."
"See you!"
Sunshine protector. Who am I? No wonder I'm infatuated with this girl. She's got me blurring out poetic ass shit. I'm Mary's girl. What a blessing.

Rachel's p/v
I walk out of my room. Darry is going through the mail. Shouldn't he be at work?
"Oh, good morning." He says.
"Morning. Got a late shift?"
"Yup, I enter at 10."
"Cool. Um," I look away, "not sure if I have plans today. If something comes up, will you let me go?"
"I don't know. I guess it depends."
"Will you answer my text or call in time?"
"That's for future you to find out. I can't just go on my phone in the middle of work."
"Ok, so take this as a warning then. I might go out."
"Ok."
"So you have no problem with me going out."
"It's a weekend, I don't see the issue."
"Right. See you later." I turn around and go back to my room. He doesn't care. Good, I wanted it that way. No genuinely, I'm happy he's finally letting me be independent. But it feels weird? It's like he was trying to push me away, like he didn't want to talk to me. I get it, I don't want to talk to him either. The intention of asking for permission was so tiring and gross. I need to dye my hair or something, this is too much.

Declan's p/v
"You're in charge of the toons. Play the last song you heard." Aiden says.
"Got it." I walk over to the stereo. Well Tyler played Dedicated To The One I love for Rachel last night. It'll do.
"Bit dry for a post-party morning cleaning, but what a banger."
"You got something better?"
"Duh! Watch me." Bowie walks to the stereo. All the Young Dudes by David Bowie starts playing.
"Bangerrrr! Now we can clean."
"Erica loves this song. We jam out to it whenever she sleeps over."
"Was Erica at the party? I didn't see her."
Bowie looks down.
"See what you did, Aiden!"
"I ain't do nun!"
"No, he didn't do anything. I'm just going through it."
"What happened?"
He takes a deep breath. "Erica's father passed away yesterday morning. Her and her family flew to Canada to arrange the funeral. I tried raising money with my green shots to help pay, but everyone was selfish and didn't contribute. The money he gave her doesn't cost the expenses."
"Bowie, why didn't you tell anyone the reason you were selling? I would've bought in a heartbeat."
"Erica doesn't want anyone to know. She never got to talk to him in person, or even see him. Remember the letter she got last year? He never reached out again. She wrote him so many letters. I don't know why, but she feels embarrassed. You guys are close so I'm telling you guys this. Please don't tell anyone."
"It's safe with us. We should set up a go-fund me. Maybe we can convince her to say what happened? No one has to know he ghosted her." I suggest.
"That's a good idea! Let's set one up, Bowie."
"I'll ask her. Man, I feel so bad. She never got to reunite with him. You guys have no idea how much she fantasized seeing him again. Now she can see him, but in a casket? It's not fucking fair."
Aiden and I wrap our arms around Bowie. I draw circles on his back. That is just so depressing.