Not Like Before

Chapter 5

Mature language *

Third Person POV

Laura, Zay and Parker were on their way to their sixth period, drama class. Laura wasn't too happy about having to see Chandler for the second time today. She still can't get his horrified expression from earlier out of her head.

He looked so different; his bright blue eyes used to be full of wonder and despite everything, joy. Now they were cold and angry. His hair used to be longer, hanging in his eyes and barely brushing his shoulders and now it was short, parted to the side and barely touching his ears. He looked older, more mature, his shoulders had broadened and he was taller.

Laura would have found him attractive, if she weren't so scared of who he's become.

"It's okay Laura, he goes out back and smokes remember?" Parker reminded her. Laura sighed.

"Yeah I know. I'm gonna talk to him." She declared. Zay and Parker were both shocked, but excited to hear how this played out nonetheless.

"Are you now? Let me know how that goes." Parker smiled. "Won't have to. You're coming with me. Both of you." Laura said back and they both sighed.

"Great. So all of us will get in trouble." Parker rolled his eyes and followed Laura. They snuck out the back door, thankful that the drama teacher was distracted looking for props for the upcoming play.

When they got outside, Chandler wasn't hard to find. He was leaned against the wall, his ripped black jeans, faded nirvana shirt, and dark hair gave him away.

Laura marched up to him and took the cigarette out of his hand, putting it out and throwing it on the ground.

"What the hell are you doing? You think you can just go around taking peoples things?" Chandler exclaimed angrily. He'd seemed to have pushed any feelings he once had towards Laura away.

"That 'thing' is gonna give you cancer." Laura shouted louder.

"Good!" Chandler yelled. Parker rolled his eyes and Zay sighed. "Your first conversation in two years and you're arguing over a cigarette?" He asked. Chandler rolled his eyes and looked at Laura.

"Why are you here?" He asked coldly, seemingly bothered by her existence. Laura didn't show how the question hurt her.

"Am I not allowed to go to school here?" She asked defensively.

"I didn't say that. Just don't get why you show up out of the blue after two years." He shrugged and lit another cigarette.

"Ohio sucked and my dad went back to his old job. I went by to see you but apparently you were in kid jail." Laura answered, crossing her arms.

Chandler scoffed. "Yeah, apparently bud light and adderall is illegal." He said, shaking his head. Laura did not recognize this boy at all.

"For a seventeen year old to be selling them? Obviously that's illegal!" She said loudly.

"Calm down." He huffed, taking a long drag from his newly lit cigarette. But Laura was not in the "calming down" mood.

"Oh yeah I forgot, one of your gang members or whatever asked us where you were because you owe them." She rolled her eyes.

Chandler scoffed. "Gang member? Really?" He smirked and shook his head.

Then the door opened and Chandler put out his cigarette hastily.

"Really? Cutting class on your first day? Detention, all four of you." The drama teacher, Mrs. Grell shook her head, disappointed.

"Andy's gonna kill me." Chandler mumbled.