20 days.

three.

[ play song at the top for this chapter <3 ]

I sat down on the bench outside where Johnny had told me to wait. School got out at 2:30 and it's 2:45. I sighed deeply looking past bodies of students rush out of the building.

I looked down at my phone, 2:46. I rolled my eyes and grabbed my bag. Standing up I heard his voice "Kenz! Wait, I'm here!" He yelled.

I shifted my weight to my left hip crossing my arms. "School got done 20 minutes ago, what were you doing?" He furrowed his eyebrows. "So what are you my mom now?" He lets out a laugh.

"Whatever, why do you want me here?" I asked impatient. "Just walk with me and I'll explain." I followed behind him.

+

I'm normally not a very social person, but something about Johnny didn't really make me that nervous to be around him.

Do I trust him?

No.

Am I curious about what's about to happen?

Yes.

+
"So Kenz, about your journal-.." he started. "My names Mackenzie, Johnny." His eyes widened a little, "I just thought a nickname would be cute but I, um, okay."

I felt a little bad. "Nevermind, Kenz works too.." I slightly smiled. He looked up at me and smiled a little as well. "But um, What about my journal?"

He looked at the ground.

"I wanted to make a deal with you." He sighed. My face scrunched up. "What kind of deal?"

"Mackenzie. If you give me just twenty days, can I change your mind?" He said softly.

"Why would you want to save me Johnny? I don't even know you like that.." He tilted his head. "You're a human, a pretty cool one. You deserve a chance.." he replied.

I shook my head, "You don't get it, do you?"

"Well.. if I'm gonna be honest? No... but, that doesn't stop me from wanting you to stay.."

I looked away.

"Just twenty days Mackenzie. That's all I need, okay? Just twenty days to show you why you need to be here." He said desperately. "Please?"

"Fine." I sighed.
+
"Do you want a ride home?" He said walking to the parking lot.

If I was being honest, I didn't have a ride today, the bus is horrid, and the walks even more painful.. so a ride wouldn't hurt. right?

"Sure, um thanks?"
He smiled.
+

He played "Sunset Lover by Petite Biscuit." It's one of my favorite songs. It always helped me the day before a stressful test.

I looked at him. "You listen to Petite Biscuit?"
He looked at me like I was crazy, "Hell yes." He said smiling.

Johnny wasn't that bad. Yeah he took my journal and read it like a dickhead, but overall he's pretty chill, and he listens to good music so, I guess he's okay?

"I really hope what I have in mind works. I don't want you to do this to yourself Kenz. I know we just met but I care about you. Being that we've been in middle school all 3 years and now high school."

I shifted in my seat.

"Did you plan to do it during the summer. Did you map all of this out?"

He kept asking me questions.

"I'll explain within these twenty days Johnny. Just lets enjoy some music for now?" I spoke.

He nodded, "Yep, okay sorry."

+

We reached my house. I got out of the car and closed the door lightly. He got out too.

"What are you doing?" I asked him. "Walking you to your porch?" He said as if I was stupid. "Um you don't have to do that."

"But I want to right?" He said walking beside me. I smiled to myself.

We reached my door then.

He turned to me. "What time should I pick you up tomorrow for our first day?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Um I don't know? I'm always awake." I said looking down.

"Um here's my number." He held out a paper. "I was planning on giving it to you in class the first time I saw you."

Hm, cute.

"Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow."

He walked off with a light wave.

+
I sat my backpack on the kitchen table.

"Who was that?" My sister Maddie asked. I shook my head, "Just some guy Johnny from my school, and no he's not my boyfriend." I explained.

"Okay, whatever u say little sis. Bye!" She says as she leaves the kitchen.

+
I get ready for bed.

Johnny sends me a text.

Johnny: I hope you're sleeping well. Big day tomorrow.

Me: Don't text me and maybe I'll rest?

Johnny: Goodnight;)

Me: mhm, night.