Project Moonlark: A Fanfiction

14. SAFE AND SOUND

"What did you do?" I asked tiredly, already dreading their story. Dex put a hand over his mouth, trying to contain his laughter as Taylor told "the story".

"So last night, Dex, me, and Rob were at the exam afterparty until super late," Taylor started, grinning when she saw my horrified expression. I turned to Dex.

"Really?" I asked, feeling betrayed. Dex shrugged. "I made out with her."

"No way," I said, the weight of his words sinking in. "You? Am I talking to Dex Dizznee?"

"Yes, Kristen," Dex said proudly. "I figured that since I wasn't going to find another girl who actually loved me, I should go for it." He and Taylor exchanged smiles, and she pulled him in for a hug.

"He's literally so cute," Taylor told me, and for a second I thought I was dreaming. Taylor Vacker and Dex Dizznee? What world was I living in?

"That doesn't sound like you," I said, still not believing it.

"Well, I hate to break it to you, Kris, but it so is," Dex said dramatically. "It was like my eyes could finally open, and I was seeing an angel face-to-face. If only you had a boyfriend, Kristen. Then you'd understand."

"I thought you hated parties." I didn't want to let him see how deep his words had cut into the last pillar of my heart. I didn't want to let him know that my castles were crumbling down. If only I had a boyfriend. Then I'd understand.

"Yeah, when I'm alone and standing awkwardly in the corner," Dex said, grinning. "But I'm not alone anymore, because I've got Taylor!" Taylor blushed, grabbing Dex's hand.

"Anyway, we added this really hot liquid called Sweet Heat—Dex's dad knows a lot about elixirs—into one of Rob's drinks. Obviously when he drank it the effects weren't immediate. He wasn't suspicious of it at all. But a few moments later he was literally burning." Taylor's eyes twinkled as she described the scene. "His hair was on fire. His face, too. Everywhere. It was amazing. You should've seen it, Kristen. Dad had to take him home early because he was a hazard to everyone else! Imagine that! Oh, and today he's still really sick and the burning hasn't really gone away completely yet. Isn't Kesler Dizznee the best?"

I couldn't say anything. All I could think was that he didn't deserve this. Any of this. Dex and Taylor laughed again.

"My dad's got balding elixirs, too," Dex whispered to me. "Anytime you need something, he's got you covered. I'd love to see your ex go bald, too, though. That would be really—"

"No, no, no. Stop," I muttered, fury taking over my rational mind. "He's not my ex, no one's going bald, and you and Taylor should run away now if you don't want to get beaten in your asses!"

"Asses isn't a word," Dex informed me, which was unnecessary, because I was too angry to care.

"3..." I counted down, despite how stupid I sounded.

"2..."

Dex and Taylor knew better than to stay. They were gone before I could say 1....

"Your friends are so mean," Emma winced, giving me a pained expression.

"They're not my friends," I hissed. "Now do you girls know where my crush cuffs are?"

"What?" Jenna and Emma both asked at the same time.

"Who's your crush?" Emma asked politely.

"Isn't it obvious?" Jenna whispered into her ear. Then Emma covered her mouth to hide her smile, but I could see she was trying her best not to giggle.