Page 24 of All Our Nevers

Great. I love that Owen’s here for this.

I’m eagerly anticipating his commentary as I crawl away from the vomit heap and roll onto my back, chest still heaving.

Andy crosses the street. Owen’s eyes dance from his brother to me, considering. I close my eyes again, but eventually he must make a decision because I hear footsteps approaching my vomit-free side, then a body lying down next to me in the grass.

“So, did it work?” he asks.

“What?” The word has almost no bite, the fight burned out of me.

“Whatever you were running from. Did this help?”

I turn my head to face him. “Why would you ask that?”

“You looked pretty freaked out before. Kind of pale and sweaty even before we started running. Not to mention the obvious fact that you’re here without being invited.”

“You just said I’m not wanted and I look bad, and you expect me to open up to you?”

“I never said you look bad. You always look incredible. Now will you tell me the truth?”

Frankly, I’m shocked. Shocked he’s attentive enough to realize I was running from something, and even more shocked he cared enough to ask. But even if I wanted to get into it, I’m too exhausted. All I can say is, “It’s not important.”

There’s a brief pause. But ultimately, since we’re not friends and he doesn’t truly care, Owen replies, “Okay.”

We lie side-by-side in silence until Andy gets back.

5

Lia

Nolan: Am I driving everyone to the cape

Lia: yeah but i want to go early to set up so we need 2 trips

Nolan: I’m not making two trips

Lia: youre the only one with a car

Nolan: Owen has a car

Lia: hes not gonna let me borrow it

Nolan: Just go early with him

Lia: no

Lia: im not gonna do that

Lia: answer me

Lia: NOLAN

Lia emphasized a message

Lia emphasized a message

Lia emphasized a message

Nolan: IDK what you want from me. Go with him or don’t but I’m not driving to the cape twice.