Time And I

Nineteen

On the way to the mall, Darcy asked Devon some basic questions. She asked about his family, to which he gave a simplified version of how he lived with his aunt and uncle and how he spent a lot of time with his cousins. She asked about what he was doing for school, if he had a job, just basic questions anyone would ask when you first meet someone.

But this was different for Devon. He wasn't used to new people asking him questions unless they were interrogating him. He was waiting for her to ask him about his fighting and all the things someone nicknamed the man, the myth, the legend would expect to be asked. A part of me also worried she would ask something like that, but I knew she wouldn't ask until they were far more comfortable with each other. Then she wouldn't hold back.

As Devon talked about the Bio class we all shared, going over the test we took last week, he grabbed my hand and clasped it. His fingers trembled and his hand sweat. but I refused to let go. I told him I didn't care if he held my hand or not, and while that was still true, I didn't want to let go. Not while he was desperately hanging onto me. Tonight, I was his landline. I intended to hold on tight.

We pulled up to the movie theatre parking lot section, and it was when we went to open the car doors that he let go of my hand. The moment I stood by his side, I grabbed hold of his hand again. He was still talking to Darcy, but he glanced at me in relief.

We walked behind the two inside, and I let go of his hand for a second to grab my phone from my purse. I pre-purchased the tickets for everyone, and Darcy already paid me back for her and Amber's tickets. Devon placed his hand on my lower back and leaned in to whisper, "How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing." I smirked. "Just buy me dinner, and we'll call it even."

"Deal," he said, smirking right back.

I didn't know what movie we were seeing, but the theatre had a Studio Ghibli event, each weekend showing a different movie. Based on Amber's excitement, I could tell Darcy specifically chose it for her. Staring up at Devon, I noticed he was excited about the movie as well. He and Amber seemed really excited about it, so we sent them into the theatre while Darcy and I bought popcorn and drinks. Devon seemed like he was going to be alright on his own. I was a bit worried, but Darcy trusted Amber with him, so I knew she would make a great ally for him as well.

"You seem like a concerned mother right now," Darcy teased as we stood in line.

I scoffed. "Excuse me for being worried. It's not like people see him as anything but a dangerous badass. He wants to make a good impression." I smiled and stared down at the carpet. "You should have seen him before you picked us up. He was so nervous about making a good impression."

"He's always made a good impression. Even when he punched Jett, I had a feeling Jett deserved it. And when you said the whole defense and protection thing, I knew I was right. Devon is a sweet guy. When he comes back to school, I'll stick up for him. Thankfully we share a class I don't have with either you or Buddy."

"Yeah. He's got classes with at least one of us in them." I sighed. "I just want him to come back to school."

"And show off your new boo?" she puckered.

"No."

"It's okay to like him. I know you have your band, but I'm sure he'll understand your busy schedule."

"It's not that simple. I will date someone if I have the time for him. If I don't, why should I bother? I am looking for a band above all else right now, and I know that once I find them, I'm going to be so fucking busy," I groaned. "Having a relationship will just be more stress, because I'll need to spend time with them, talk with them. I'll barely have time for my friends. Why would a boyfriend be any better?"