song: Johnny Balik--- Honey
x
That night, when I log onto Facebook, I see that Tyler has sent me a friend request, which I promptly accept.
Three minutes later, he messages me.
Tyler: Today was fun.
Me: Not as much if you had jumped in the fountain.
He doesn't respond. I wait for thirty-eight seconds before moving on to stalk David Mahajan's page. I've seen this dude's Facebook page evolve from posts of how people with green and blue eyes are kind and misinterpreted quotes from the Bible condemning homosexuality to pictures of him partying and misinterpreted quotes from the Bible condemning homosexuality.
Another message pops up.
Tyler: Poor kid ruined it
Me: I keep thinking about it. If you would have jumped a few seconds sooner, things would've been different.
Tyler: I would probably hate you forever
Me: And also be covered in another kid's puke.
Tyler: I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing.
Me: Hilarious.
Tyler: THIS is hilarious.
I wait, confused, until the next message comes in a minute later. It's the photo of me with my ice-cream and a smile that looks as though someone has ordered it with a gun pressed to my back.
I scowl at the screen.
Tyler: Looking at this very delightful photo of yourself, how do you feel? A) Angry B) Angry C) Angry or D) All of the above
Me: I'll go with C) Angry
Tyler: Never would've guessed. I thought you would've gone for the D.
I don't respond.
Tyler: Come on, that was funny.
Tyler: Neil.
Tyler: Neil.
Tyler: Okay, I feel like I'm getting too clingy. Goodnight.
I stare at the screen, pressing keys and then the backspace. Finally, I send a message.
Me: Goodnight, asshole.
He responds immediately.
Tyler: :")
I shut down my laptop with clammy hands.
x
The locker room is filled with hyper and sweaty teenage boys when I enter. I pinch my nose at the smell of dirt and sweat and mold. God, it makes me nauseous.
I move to my bench and start peeling off my damp shirt when Tobias appears from my left, smiling, and says, "Hey, Neil! You on the track team?"
"Hey." I pull the shirt over my head and twist it into a ball before pushing it into my gym bag. "Yeah. I saw you with Coach on the field. Just finished try-outs?"
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Teen FictionSometimes, Neil Graham doesn't hate Tyler Beckett. Sometimes, Neil Graham isn't scared of his own home. Sometimes, Neil Graham can be a bit of a walking contradiction. And sometimes, Neil Graham doesn't think his father's murderer will ever be fou...
