'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button girl,
So cradle your head in you hands
And breathe, just breathe,
Whoa breathe, just breathe
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"Alex is going to kill us." I hummed to myself as I stood with Zach in the hallway at school the next morning.
"He'll love it," Zach insisted as we looked up at the banner we'd hung up earlier this morning to celebrate the Standall boy's birthday. I had stayed up late for almost a week to make sure it was perfect, not wanting to give my friend anything less than it for his birthday.
"You're just saying that." I rolled my eyes as he reached over and grabbed my hand. I couldn't help but smile at the simple gesture, it instantly bringing our kiss from last night to the forefront of my mind.
"I would never lie to you," Zach promised.
"I know," I nodded as he pulled me closer. He spun me around so my back was pressed against his chest and his arms were wrapped around me. I couldn't but laugh at his goofiness as we caught sight of Alex and Jessica coming around the corner.
"Why are Zach and Penny waiting for us?" Alex frowned at the sight of us, only making our smiles grow. "And why are they smiling like that? What?"
"Wait, is it your birthday?" Zach asked as he directed Alex's attention to the banner.
"What? You guys got a banner made?" Alex asked in disbelief.
"It was a group project," I shrugged.
"Meaning Penny slaved over it by herself for a week to make sure it was perfect before she let Zach and I help her put it up." Jessica rolled her eyes.
"Wow, that's... that's really, really nice, you guys." Alex said as he looked up at the banner, clearly surprised by the effort we had all put in. "It looks great, Penny."
"I'm glad you like it," I settled for shooting him a smile rather than giving him a hug since I was still wrapped up in Zach's arms.
"Aw." Our smiles all vanished at the sound of Bryce's voice. I could feel Zach's arms tighten around me slightly as the Walker boy came down the hall with his friend Scott, eyeing the banner as he wrapped an arm around Alex's shoulders. "Happy birthday, buddy."
"Oh, sweet banner. Is your mom bringing cupcakes?" Scott teased Alex.
"I hope she brings enough for the whole class," Bryce joked.
"Maybe get a new cane this year too, huh?" Scott patted Alex on the back before he and Bryce finally walked away. "And some new friends."
"Fuck you! You fucking rapist!" Alex shouted after them, making everyone in the hallway freeze at the sudden outburst. Scott glanced back over at us but Bryce never turned around, he only paused for a moment before he continued on his way. Trying to act as though nothing had happened.
