Days to Insanity

Chapter Nine

A/N: Yes, I listened to Last Friday Night on loop when writing this chapter (it'll make sense when you read the chapter). And I'm proud of this one. It's long, so good luck.

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Nate

"Wait up," I called out, trying my best to catch up to him. "Jules!"

He slowly came to a stop, trying to catch his breath. When I finally reached him, the two of us stood in silence for a minute, panting, before bursting into laughter. "We never tell another soul," he said, and I nodded. "A secret between us. Okay?"

"Okay," I replied. We both sat down against a large tree, the sunlight flooding through the gaps of some leaves. It was scorching and I hated summertime, but Julian made all of that go away. It all seemed to fade away into the background because he was so good at letting me forget everything around us. Crickets were chirping nearby and a slight breeze came along, the branches above us rustling.

Edging closer to him, I stopped when our bodies touched, leaning my head on his shoulder. "A secret between you and me."

"Jules and Natey," he whispered, getting out the watch from his pocket, putting it on his wrist. "Finally, I got back what's rightfully mine. Thanks, Nate. I owe you one."

"You don't owe me anything. Mr. Foley is an ass," I folded my arms, pursing my lips. I quickly put a hand to my mouth when he stared at me for a few moments, trying not to smile. "I didn't say that. Don't tell your mom. She'll kick me out again."

"I'll just sneak you back in," Julian said, running a hand through his blond hair, patting my head. "No one can get in the way of us. Now, come on." He stood up, dusting off his jeans then putting a hand out to me. I took it, grinning, letting him help me up. It was the first time I had grinned since my father left a few months ago.

"Avocado?" he finally asked, so quietly that I thought I imagined it. His eyes were now caring, empathetic. He was placing himself in my shoes, holding his breath as I stayed silent for a few moments. Then I smiled.

"Avocado."

Avocado. Our safe word.

I looked back at Mr. Foley's mansion that was in the distance, turning back to Julian when the gates opened. Both of us broke into a run, laughing along the way to his house.

My eyes flutter as I hear the familiar sound of my alarm beeping. By the time I turn it off, it's already three minutes past midnight. This is the first time I've dreamt during this day, especially of a memory. Or is it my subconscious going back to that day? The day Julian made everything feel right again. Like I had a place in the world.

I'm really mad at my past self for setting the alarm at midnight. I guess that Charlie's getting that phone call from Rye and Finn, though. Switching off my alarm, I lie back in my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Julian died last night too. Watching the light die in his eyes was more than enough to anger me. I couldn't bear another second to live through that day. I'm glad it's over. I'm glad he's okay now. I'm glad that Jules is alive.

I need to talk to Charlie about all of this, despite how I promised myself that I was going to do this alone.

I quickly go to Snapchat and send her a friend request, putting my phone away afterward. Alright, universe. You desperately want us to work together, it seems. Just before I shut my eyes, I see a notification from my phone. A smile creeps up my lips as my phone dims, and slowly, my room is dark again.

Charlie added you back!

***

I wake up with the sunlight in my eyes. Begrudgingly getting out of bed, I quickly get ready, wearing simple clothes. My phone buzzes and I see there's a message from Charlie.