𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝑽𝑬𝑺 | 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Evelyn Banks

Three months later

"Guys this is my last one" I huff as I squeeze the empty cup and lazily throw it into the makeshift trash can. I hear JJ mutter a sure and if my head wasn't already throbbing and my vision somewhat hazy, I would've had a rebuttal ready.

I'm still waiting for his call, my phone sitting on my lap, screen facing up, as my eyes glance at it every few minutes. Still as I turn my phone on and off, I'm met by the sight of my lockscreen and instagram notifications from hours ago.

"He'll call later, he's probably busy in a group activity or something" Sarah reassures me as she prompts me to put my phone away.

"I don't wanna miss it. I've missed two of his before and he has limited time" I say, fingers still toying with my phone. She persists, and after a few minutes I finally give in and put my phone in my bag.

"Fine, one more" I sigh as she hands me another red cup.

I lose track of time, we all do, as one drink turns into way more than I can remember. Pope, who's the sober driver for tonight gives in to our pressuring and agrees to drive us all to a lookout in the twinky.

"The sky is so pretty at night" I hum, babbling more in my drunken state than I usually do. Unfortunately for John B, he's the closest to me so he cops most of it. He listens anyway, pointing out the stars and making up his own shapes.

I don't say it out loud but I can't help but think it as I sit up and quietly observe all of my friends. Pope and JJ are having an argument with Kie about something to do with the environment and John B and Sarah are now in the twinkie having a private conversation. I love that I'm spending more time with them and that they're here with me on my weekends off from visiting my dad. But I wish that Rafe were here with me.

I'm sitting with my knees tucked up to my chest as I stare off at the lights in the far distance, humming a song to myself as I enjoy the quiet. It's almost time to pack it up and leave when Sarah comes stumbling toward me.

"Your boyfriend's calling" She snorts as she holds out her phone, Rafe's name on the screen causing me to sit up.

I flip her off as she teases me, making kissy faces as I pull the phone up to my ear, trying to steady myself as I talk to him.

"Hi, Rafe"

"There you are pretty girl, your phone's off so I had to call Sarah. Figured she'd be with you" The sound of Rafe's voice causes a smile to grow on my face.

"Sorry it probably died, it's in my bag"

"That's okay. You just had me worried for a sec, thought I wouldn't get to talk to you tonight" He hums before asking me about my day.

"It was meh"

"Just meh? Why's that" He chuckles, the sound making my face warm for some reason.

"I don't know. Just one of those boring days" I wouldn't mention the fact I had been watching over my phone all day waiting for this call.

"Enough about me, how was yours?"

He gives me a brief overview of what they did today and how much progress he's been making. He mentions a new friend he's made and how hearing their story has made him think about a few things.