Chapter Text
I arrived at school and hurriedly shoved my things in my locker. I had a change of clothes in a plastic bag, just in case. I was worried it could be fancy or something so I had to make sure I had a good outfit. I had my best polo on and my khaki pants were ironed for once, I even put some gel in my hair! “Yo, someone got a date with Zoe Murphy’s Instagram page?” I sighed and turned around, Jared.
“No, I just felt good today! I thought, maybe, I should make myself presentable since I have the energy.” I gave a little smile and Jared smiled back at me. I haven’t really been ‘presentable’ a lot. The only time I was was when I was at his Bar Mitzvah like, years ago. I really don’t go out much. I shook my head a little to get out of my pit of ‘wow I'm lonely!’ just as the bell rang.
“Well, let’s go, ‘The Fancy Hansen’!” I laughed, it was a dumb nickname, but at least he’s being nice, he knows it’s hard for me. We got to our English class and sat down in our regular seats, as I was getting my space sorted I saw Connor Murphy sit down in the seat next to mine. Holy shit. I tried not to stare as obviously as Jared was. Jared was literally wide eyed, mouth open, STARING US DOWN. I wanted to curl up into a ball and stop existing-
“Hey. That’s what you’re gonna wear?” I nodded, then there was just silence. Not a word spoken as he seemed to take me in with his eyes, I gulped. “My parents will like it at least.” He turned back to his phone and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had held. I relaxed my body as class began, I just don’t want to cause problems. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, I tried not to pay attention, I knew it was Jared. I was trying to ignore his messages. I know he was going to be asking about Connor talking to me, but I do not want to talk to him about it.
I just anxiously worked on my English project. The end of the day was something I used to want, but right now I would rather be in school. I’m starting to regret agreeing, but he did say he would pay me and I could use some money…Sigh, why is this so difficult. I was tapping my pen on my desk, shaking my leg and picking at my cast - stop it. I sneak some glances over to Connor every once in a while, hoping he doesn’t think I’m creepy again. I try to focus on class, but my thoughts are racing about this afternoon and I can’t keep my brain from making up a billion scenarios where everything goes wrong.
When the class finally ends I feel so relieved. I normally love English, but today, nothing is going to make me feel better until I finish the day. I feel someone wrap their arm around my neck/shoulder. I can tell it’s Jared, no one else would do that, at least not in a friendly way. “DUDE! Why was Connor Murphy talking to you?” I freeze up a little, should I lie? I mean, it’s not like we’re doing anything…dirty. I just let out an awkward chuckle. “Come on, tell me! Or is it…sex? ARE YOU HAVING-” I cover his mouth before he yells that out for everybody to hear.
“NO! I mean…no, it’s not that, he just made a comment about me staring at him yesterday. Told me to stop, that’s all.” I try to speed walk to my next class after getting out of his grip. I feel so embarrassed, I just want to curl up into a ball until the end of the day. I let out a sigh and sat down in class.
It was finally the end of day. That meant that I had to go over to Connor’s…Scary, but I’ve been prepared all day for this, kind of. I sit out by the front entrance of the school grounds, I text Connor where I am. A few minutes later a car rolls up and the window slowly goes down. “Get in.” I hop into the passenger seat, the back seat has a bunch of clothes thrown around and the car smells disgusting, I cough a bit and let out a little ‘sorry’. He waves my ‘sorry’ off and we drive in silence for a while. I start picking at my cast - stop it. “So,” I jumped a little as he started to talk, “why did you agree to this? Going to the ‘crazy guy’s’ house is dangerous you know, I could be lying about an event happening. Could just be us alone.” When he said that I froze, holy shit, he’s right, but why would he tell me that if he was planning on hurting me? I can’t tell if he’s threatening me or pulling my leg…
“Um, well, you seem genuine, I guess? Like, you were desperate for someone to just…listen? I get that feeling, I mean, who doesn’t? Anyway, uh, I just trusted you, I guess? It’s a weird thing to lie about.” I was looking in my lap the whole time I talked. He probably thinks I’m lame or a dumbass or something like that, but I think everyone thinks that. He doesn’t speak for a bit and when I glance over it seems like he’s in deep thought, probably thinking of what I said…I probably just upset him, but that’s fine…
“You have way too much trust in people.” He says that and pulls up to a big fancy house. I feel very stupid being here, everyone is going to know I’m poor, I look poor. That’s what Jared says at least. I follow closely behind Connor, feeling that if I didn’t I would get hurt, I don’t know how, but I could. He opens up the front door and I see the Murphy family inside. I gulp, I’ve seen Zoe around and I’ve seen their parents at school conferences and stuff, but I’ve never spoken to any of them. I feel my stomach doing somersaults as everyone stares. “Hey.” Connor waves and just stands there, me beside him.
“Is this your friend, honey?” Mrs. Murphy gives me a small smile. “So nice to meet you…?” She pauses, waiting for me to introduce myself.
“I-It’s Evan, ma’am.” I stick my hand out and we shake as she gives a soft laugh.
“You can just call me, Cynthia, Evan!” I feel a bit at ease, his family seems nice or at least his mum does. His dad is sitting on the couch, he scoffs and keeps reading a newspaper. He probably doubts we’re friends. It seems like his ‘event’ was just a family thing? Probably was forced to bring a friend, I’m glad my mum doesn’t do that.