Train Tracks // Nick Wilkins x OC

croutons

Unpausing the video, the clip looked like it was about to come to a close, opening to the next clip: inevitably a camera in the car.

I watched as it looped itself instead of showing that clip. It wasn't there. I checked his Instagram for the longer version. Still nothing.

Was it not a joke after all?

My reaction was probably not good enough. Of course, I ruined his video. That was just like me.

The next morning I checked my phone and saw I had 2 new text notifications. Both were from Casey.

Basket Case 🧺

Yo I saw ur stream last night it was great, congrats on ur newfound fame

Also I finally found Nick's journal

Attached to the message were two photos which I reluctantly opened. I didn't want to snitch.

2/14

Today I didn't have a Valentine so I third-wheeled Oliver and his girlfriend. I wish I had the courage to ask her out for V-Day but she probably already had someone.

I wasn't sure who "she" was but my Valentine's day was spent hiding in fear from Casey. I hope he had a better day than me.

2/18

I'm pretty sure Olivia hates me because I was stupid and didn't think. I almost tried to kiss her which was dumb of me because she doesn't like me. She ran away. I bet she never wants to talk to me again.

She also streamed for the first time tonight. I didn't even realize the video she was in had so many views. It's my most viewed video. So she had many fans on her live.

I watched it but didn't chat much. Even if she doesn't like me I hope she finds someone she likes. She needs someone to tell her how amazing she really is.

Nick

I texted back a quick "thanks" and proceeded to die in my sheets. I kissed the video once more before deciding to text every girl I knew for a true "girl's night."

Two of them responded immediately: Millie texted back that she'd be here at 8:00pm, the time I set. Scarlett said she could probably get someone to do her shift for her.

Brushing the bird's nest out of my hair and grabbing a protein bar from my mostly empty pantry, I stared down my reflection in the back-door window and vowed, "I will not throw up the snacks tonight. I will not throw up the snacks tonight."

To make up for this fact, I biked instead of riding my car to the grocery store. I clutched multiple bags of potato, tortilla, and corn chips, and telling myself I didn't care if I became fat or ugly or anything, I also bagged two cartons of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes and two vegetable plates for good measure.

Letting out a sigh of relief I crossed the store away from the food section and to the party section, where I bought some simple lights and other accessories. Another text buzzed my phone in my pocket from Casey letting me know she'd be there too.

I paid, unlocked my bike, and whizzed down the street again. It was almost noon by the time I got home.

All of the food was set in its own place before I grabbed my sketchbook and waded into the grass in my backyard. The photo I took was of me, giving my biggest grin, and posted with the caption "Thnx for coming to my first live last night :)"

Following this, I finally sat on my lounge chair and sketched the lone oak tree in my backyard. It wasn't a particularly large tree, and I made sure to carefully outline the branches. Though my head spun from a lack of energy, I told myself I would be eating well tonight.