“Thanks, but I’ll be fine,”

“The entire neighbourhood knows what bullshit that is,” I remarked.

“She’s just such a –“

“Bitch?” I interjected. “Yeah, well, the entire town knows that.”

He let out a sigh, dropping his eyes to the pavement as he bit his bottom lip. He ran his hand through his dark hair and then let out a shaky breath, turned away and faced his back to me.

“I’m fine, Oliver,” he spoke with a stern tone but I could tell he was just trying to keep his composure.

He dug into his pocket and then pulled out a packet of cigarettes.

“You don’t have to sweat it,” I said, watching his back as he lit his cigarette. “I’m literally going to the same place.”

With an exhale of smoke, he looked over at me with glassy eyes. He took another drag and then looked down at his feet as if they held the answer to his problems.

“You know, I think I should just ride this year out solo,” Jules replied, wearing a troubled expression. “Thank you for trying to be a nice friend and all, I just-”

“Just shut up and get in my car,” I frowned at him. “I’ll let you finish your smoke, but don’t take too long, okay?”

Before Jules had a chance to protest, I walked off toward Elliot, where he stood in the same spot with his arms crossed. Elliot was trying to look like a serious and concerned adult but I could see the curiosity all over him.

“What’s going on?” he asked me the second I reached him, looking over at Jules.

“Uh,” I glanced back over at the Jules, seeing him take a drag from his smoke, and then looked back at Elliot. “Honestly, I have no idea why they fought, but I’m taking Jules to school.”

“Now?” Elliot asked.

“Once he finishes that smoke, yeah,” I replied.

“Hold up-” Elliot rubbed his temples, trying to process this. “You, Oliver Evern, are actually waiting for somebody?”

“So?!”

“Guess things are getting serious with the new guy,” he replied smugly.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Just go away.”

“Come on~, it’s weird for you to be like this,” he pointed out. “You’re only nice to your friends and even then, you wouldn’t hesitate to abandon Max or Oscar for that parking spot.”

I sighed, realising that Elliot was right. Normally, if I saw Abby on her way out to school, I would be in my car in an instant and speed all the way to that spot. Yet I didn’t even think about that spot when I saw her and Jules.

“I feel sorry for him, alright.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Abby just ripped into him over something, and even went as far as to say that no one wants him here.”

And maybe my dream subconsciously affected me more than I thought.

“Jeez, what even happened to make her like that?” Elliot shook his head. “She used to be pretty cool.”

“Wanna know my theory?” I said. “Abby died and now we are stuck with a demonic replacement from hell.”

Elliot laughed as I spotted Jules making his way over. Elliot stopped instantly the moment he noticed Jules, raising his eyebrow up as he looked him up and down.

He smirked, nudging me in the side. “He’s kinda cute, isn’t he?”

I elbowed him back into the ribs, disregarding his comment as I flashed a smile at Jules.

“Feeling better?” I asked Jules.

“Yeah, thanks,” Jules said. “Is your offer still on the table?”

“Of course it is,” I replied. “I just gotta grab my stuff and then we can go. Elliot, introduce yourself.”

I went back inside to grab my things. I found Chirps playing with the strap of my bag, trilling at me as I stroked her soft fur. I scratched under her chin as he purred away.

“I’m sorry, puss, I gotta go,” I said glumly. “I’ll be back later, okay? Then we can play and have lots of cuddles.”

She just kept purring.

I took my things, gave her one last pat, and then went back outside. Elliot and Jules were laughing over something - well mostly Elliot. But Jules had a big grin plastered on his face. I felt a little jealous, feeling left out on whatever it was that they found so amusing.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Just talking about how crazy girls are,” Elliot replied, but I wasn’t convinced. “Alright, hurry to school before you’re even later.”

I whined in response.

“It was nice meeting you,” Jules said to Elliot.

“Likewise,” Elliot smiled. “Don’t be stranger, alright?”

He patted Jules on the shoulder and then ruffled my hair.

“Have fun at school, nerds.”

“Have fun with your essay, nerd,” I remarked, gaining satisfaction as he let out a loud groan that didn’t stop until he was inside.

Jules and I got into the car, and once trapped in a small space with him, I noticed he was wearing deodorant. As much as I love good deodorant, this particular one was the exact one I hated. It was the deodorant that Cole wears.

Inhaling that scent, I was instantly reminded of the late night text. I tried to push it to the back of my mind.

“Sorry if I stink,” Jules said.

I wonder what I looked like to make him say that.

“No, you’re fine,” I replied. “You don’t smell like smoke, so that’s a good thing.”

“Yeah, I was kinda hoping not to,” Jules said.

“I still can’t believe you smoke.” I started the car. “I would’ve never guessed it.”

“I don’t do it all the time,” he commented.

“You just smoke whenever you get stressed out?” I questioned him, driving off down the street and heading towards school.

“Pretty much, yeah,” Jules replied.

“You see, when I get stressed out, I go partying.” I smiled at him.

“So instead of ruining my lungs, I should ruin my liver?” he questioned with a sly grin.

“You don’t need to drink to have a good time.”

“Are you telling me you don’t drink at parties?”

“This isn’t about me, this is about you!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jules chuckled. “Hey, what were you talking about with Abs before?”

Shit.

“What do you mean?” I questioned him.

“You said something about her ‘feats’,” he finger quoted, “with Max.”

“Did I now?” I wondered.

“Don’t be an ass, you know you did,” Jules said. “Look, I’m just curious. You shut her up real good.”

“It really isn’t my place to say, Jules,” I replied. “I know I said those things to her in front of you, but really, there are some things about Abby that I can’t just share to anyone - even if you are her cousin.”

“You don’t like her though,” Jules said. "Why do you care about sharing stuff about her?"

“I hate her, but still.” I shrugged. “She might be a bitch but there are certain things I won’t do.”

Jules stayed silent, pondering on his thoughts while I got closer and closer to the school. Dread washed over me as I thought about Abby taking my spot, and I began to wonder if going to school would be worth it now. 

Maybe instead, I could drop Jules off and go elsewhere, plan my revenge so she will never go near my rightful spot ever again. 

Yes, I can already see it. Torture.

Nothing but sweet, ol' torture.