THE SLOWEST BURN ~ wally clark x oc

~ hallways ~

[Author's note: this took extra time because I was having too much fun writing the next chapter :) also this is extra long! Stay with me, I'm excited about the next couple chapters!]

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WALLY

“Hey! Are you going to lunch today? It's pizza.”

I turn around in the mostly empty hallway and see Charley leaning out of the cafeteria doors, calling down to me. Third period is almost over, which means I dropped off the flower and note hours ago. I didn't want to hang around the theater waiting for her like a creep, so I've been walking the halls ever since, alternating between the first and second floor. I figure that way, if I run into Kaitlyn, it'll feel totally random and won't come off like I've set up a stalkery “accidental” meeting. I really have no idea if walking around hoping to bump into her is a good idea though. Shit. I'm feeling unusually anxious right now.

“No offense, Charley, but I have way more to worry about right now than pizza.” Like magically undoing any weird vibes between me and Kaitlyn.

“Okay, good point. But you could eat while you worry about stuff.” Charley smiles because he knows he got me. I join him in search of pizza. Based on the smell wafting through the cafeteria, it just came out of the oven.

“What's up, boys?” Rhonda pops up seemingly out of nowhere and throws her arm around Charley. “Ooh, they actually have veggie pizza for once.” She breaks away from us and goes to grab a tray. It's right before the first lunch period, which is the best time to get food because it hasn't been sitting under heat lamps, drying out. Charley and I each take a few slices of pepperoni and then join Rhonda at a table.

After I settle in, I notice Rhonda watching me with a curious expression as she chews a big bite.

“So?...” she says. 

“So what?” I mumble, my mouth full of pizza.

“So… where's little Miss Sunshine?”

“I don't actually know.” Saying that aloud now has me wondering if my hallway laps plan was the best idea. There's a decent chance she's been alone today.

“I figured you'd be glued to her side. First day dead during school sucks,” Rhonda grumbles.

I groan and lean forward on the table, my head in my hands. “I'm such a dumbass. I wasn't sure what to do. Ugh… I should have looked for her before school started.”

“Uhh, yeah you should have. What the hell happened this weekend anyway?” She peers at me more intently. “You kind of look like shit. And here I thought you'd be thrilled your crush is doomed to eternity with you.” I sigh, knowing she's right. I should've risked feeling awkward and just checked in with Kaitlyn early this morning.

“This weekend… Let's just say it had some highs and lows.” I toss my pizza slice on the tray, suddenly not interested anymore.

Rhonda glares at Charley and I exchanging a look. “Is this a boy's club kind of secret? Don't you realize that I have insight into the inner workings of fellow humans with XX chromosomes?” The fuck?

“I don't follow your sciencey shit, but okay fine I'll fill you in. Give me a break though because I already feel like shit about it.” I try to figure out where to begin.

“Kaitlyn tried to hook up with Wally on the roof!” Charley blurts out before I can say another word. “Sorry! It's been years since we had actual drama around here.” He gives me a sympathetic smile. “And I wouldn't be joking about it if I thought it was unfixable. I really think you guys will be fine.”