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Me:Are you okay?
Only one question mark, because I don’t want to appear too hasty. I don’t want him to know how important it is that he’s alright. I should have messaged him days ago; he could have fallen down the stairs and died, or been murdered.
He doesn’t answer for another two hours.
Archer:yeah
And that’s it. That’s all he says. What the hell am I supposed to say to that? I want to talk to him; I want to ask him what I’ve done, but his evasiveness makes me think he doesn’t truly wish to speak to me at all.
Chase catches up to me as I walk across the car park.
For a moment I completely forget about Archer, because Chase wears football shorts and he’s sweating. Like, he’s sweating a lot. It’s not even unattractive; if anything, it makes him look… hot. Like he’s just had sex.
Now I’m thinking about him naked.
‘You’re doing it again,’ he says.
‘Whaaaa?’ I’m half-dazed.
‘Staring at me like I’m Jesus.’ He gives me a concerned look. ‘I thought you’d be happier about it.’
‘But you’re not Jesus.’
He rolls his eyes. ‘Did you even hear anything I just said?’
I shake my head.
‘Mr. Benjamin’s agreed to introduce more vegetarian options in the cafeteria,’ Chase says. ‘And he seems open to forming a partnership with the RSPB for conservation work, like litter picking and shit. It’s not bees, but…’ He shrugs. ‘It’s a start. You did it, Frankie.’
I don’t care who sees; I jump and squeal and flail and I throw my arms around him. His neck is wet against my cheek, but it doesn’t matter because I did it!
I feel slightly dramatic now after having properly dyed my hair Monday night in an act of defiance.
Chase hesitates before he wraps his strong arms around me and gives me a quick squeeze.
Just then my bus arrives and I run for it, but before I jump on, I spin and flip off Mr. Benjamin’s office.
Chase shakes his head with a grin.
It’s not until my excitement ebbs that I realise something: why would Mr. Benjamin tell Chase? Surely it would be announced in a letter to parents?
Unless…
No. Why would he? Why would Chase go out of his way to ask the headmaster for the changes himself?
I didn’t do this at all; Chase did.
But I hadn’t told him Mr. Benjamin refused my proposals.
I haven’t told anyone at school.
???
Me:real answers only.
Me:how do you know you’re in love with someone?
Kai:when I imagined the moment you’d profess your undying love for me, Cucumber, I’d hoped it would be in person. Over text is a little shallow, even for you.
