Two of a Kind {JJ Maybank}

5

I open the door to Tony's room. The door creaks as it swings open.

"Oh god." I hear Tony moan.

"Still that bad?" I question. I close the door behind me then make my way to Tony's bed and sit on the end.

"I'm no longer sick, my head ache has gotten worse."

"When was the last time you had some water?"

"Our parents have been gone all day so not since you left.

"Seriously?" I jump from the bed and run to Tony's bathroom, instantly filling up a cup with water. "Sit up," I say with a stern voice, not giving Tony any room to argue. She does as she is told and takes the water and starts to sip. "You are probably so dehydrated." I shake my head, wondering how she is even still alive to be honest.

"Shh, stop nagging. It doesn't help anything." Tony finishes her cup and hands the glass back to me, "Looks like you got some sun today." Tony says glancing at my face and shoulders. "Did you really just sit out all day and draw?"

"Actually no, I hung out with a local." I cross a leg over the other and interlock my fingers to cup the knee on top, causing my shoulders to hunch inwards. I can't help the goofy smile that grows on my face. "Maybe even a guy from the party last night." I add.

Tony shoots up with a disbelief look on her face. "Who? Was it the guy you were slightly rude to when he said you didn't look rich?"

"What the fuck? Ew no, I would never try to hangout with him." I pull both legs up to my chest, feeling disgusted even the thought of hanging out with that guy. "The one who I smoked with." I say, Tony's disbelief turns into confusion. "The one we ran into at the coolers? His name is JJ." I can almost see the wheels turning in Tony's head, then the light bulb goes off.

"No," Tony's tone takes me by surprise, it's almost angry.

"What do you mean 'no'?" I feel my defensive walls start to come up.

"Mae, he's a pogue and-"

"What the fuck Tony? Who are you judging someone for their social class?" I cut her off, the air between us instantly thickens. Tony's face turns red. "I know both of our parents have always taught us to be humble, and it has never been an issue in Chicago. What the hell has gotten into your head?" I don't mean to be harsh, but this isn't like her. Tony looks down at her hands then back up to me, I notice that tears have started to form.

"I'm sorry, you're right. This isn't me." I tear escapes and Tony is quick to wipe it away. "I've been struggling to make friends here, you know this." I nod remembering all the phone calls of Tony just wishing to come back to Chicago. "And I've just been starting to get close to some people, and they all look down on the pogues. So I guess," Tony lets out a deep breath. I pull her into a hug.

"I get it." I assure her. And I do, I know how rough these past two years have been on her. Moving at the beginning of your sophomore year has to be hard, everyone almost already has their friend groups for the rest of high school.I hear Tony sniffle, "You know that emotions are super gross right?" I ask trying to lighten the mood. Tony's laughs and hugs me tighter. "But honestly you should be a little more grateful for the pogues. It was them who helped me get you home last night." Tony pulls away quick.

"What?"

"Yeah, Pope even had to carry you up the stairs." I state. Tony's face flushes with red again and throws herself onto her back.

"Fuck me." Tony says under her breath, I begin laughing uncontrollably.

~

A week has past since I hung out with JJ on the boat. I've had to fight the urge to text him, Tony has noticed and has been teasing me.