Setting
Default Location for The Devil You Know
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Roseville is a part of 
The Devil You Know.
8 Characters Here
Willow Henderson [44] "This thing could get the better of us if we let it."
Lee Romero [44] "We're just strangers with the same damn hunger to be loved."
Lincoln Cole [44] these words are knives, and often leave scars.
Rebecca Cruze [41] "Let's just have some fun and forget the world."
Benjamin Thomas [26] "There's only so far we can bend before we break"
Heather Swan [24] Real? What is real? I don't think I know the difference anymore.
Tallulah Ashmore [22] "Don't threaten me with a good time."
Lateefah Hart [15] "First of all, you don't know me."
Start Character Here »
- 73 posts here • Page 2 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xlocation: heather's placexxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow didn't have the most peaceful awakening. She was asleep in an armchair, her legs slung over the arm of it. Which meant that when she went to roll over, only just starting to wake up, she rolled straight off the chair and onto the floor. It woke her up pretty quickly. She groaned and sat up, brushing herself down and looking around. She was still in her clothes from the night before, and could remember suggesting that they all went to Heather's for a party of their own. She'd obviously had a few drinks after that, because things got a little blurry after that. But it had been a good night, that much she could remember. She grabbed her phone from where it was abandoned on the floor, and breathed a sigh of relief as she noticed it still had plenty of battery.
She yawned and ran a hand through her hair as she wandered out to the kitchen in search of food. Raiding their host's fridge probably wasn't the best manners, but she was hungry and wanted to at least get a snack. To her surprise, Benji and Rebecca were already there. She couldn't really remember Rebecca being there- or had Lateefah texted her something about bringing her around? Either way, she was there now.
"Hey, guys. Good night last night, huh?" She remarked, stretching a little. She wasn't going to pretend that things weren't a little awkward between her and Rebecca. When you hooked up with somebody after- well, after everything that had happened to Willow- and then never really spoke to the other person, it did tend to get a little awkward. But embracing that awkwardness was only going to make it worse.
"Does anyone else want pancakes? I find pancakes are great after a night partying," she mused, unlocking her phone and googling pancake recipes.
She yawned and ran a hand through her hair as she wandered out to the kitchen in search of food. Raiding their host's fridge probably wasn't the best manners, but she was hungry and wanted to at least get a snack. To her surprise, Benji and Rebecca were already there. She couldn't really remember Rebecca being there- or had Lateefah texted her something about bringing her around? Either way, she was there now.
"Hey, guys. Good night last night, huh?" She remarked, stretching a little. She wasn't going to pretend that things weren't a little awkward between her and Rebecca. When you hooked up with somebody after- well, after everything that had happened to Willow- and then never really spoke to the other person, it did tend to get a little awkward. But embracing that awkwardness was only going to make it worse.
"Does anyone else want pancakes? I find pancakes are great after a night partying," she mused, unlocking her phone and googling pancake recipes.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee heard a voice, making a casual joke about how he'd had too much to drink. It took a few seconds too long for the voice to register in his head, and by that point, he'd already turned around and glared at them. At Link. And then shock took over as Link walked over to check his phone. He was so casual, so relaxed about it all, and that just sent Lee's anxiety into a downward spiral.
"Link. What the fuck happened last night? I can remember one drink. One. I don't make a habit of getting blackout drunk." Perhaps if his mood had been better, perhaps if his anxiety hadn't decided to express itself in the form of anger, he could have made a joke or something. But he couldn't remember what had happened or how he had ended up here. He wasn't even totally sure where here was. And not knowing what had happened was driving him crazy. He'd had too many nights when he'd gotten so drunk that he didn't care what was happening to him.
"I- how- what-" He had to stop himself and give himself a chance to breathe and formulate the questions in his head. He had to stay calm. He couldn't get angry until he had a better idea of what exactly had happened, and he sure as hell couldn't lose a grip on his anxiety. He wasn't going to humiliate himself like that.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to ask the question that was at the forefront of his mind. "I can't remember anything after your apology, so you're going to have to fill me in. Concise version, please, if I threw up on you or anything I don't want to remember. And... did anything happen? Between us, I mean?" He asked. He hated himself for asking it. As far as he knew, Link hadn't thought about him like that since that one night. It was probably a
completely ridiculous question, but his mind wasn't going to shut up until he asked it. "I need you to be honest with me."
"Link. What the fuck happened last night? I can remember one drink. One. I don't make a habit of getting blackout drunk." Perhaps if his mood had been better, perhaps if his anxiety hadn't decided to express itself in the form of anger, he could have made a joke or something. But he couldn't remember what had happened or how he had ended up here. He wasn't even totally sure where here was. And not knowing what had happened was driving him crazy. He'd had too many nights when he'd gotten so drunk that he didn't care what was happening to him.
"I- how- what-" He had to stop himself and give himself a chance to breathe and formulate the questions in his head. He had to stay calm. He couldn't get angry until he had a better idea of what exactly had happened, and he sure as hell couldn't lose a grip on his anxiety. He wasn't going to humiliate himself like that.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to ask the question that was at the forefront of his mind. "I can't remember anything after your apology, so you're going to have to fill me in. Concise version, please, if I threw up on you or anything I don't want to remember. And... did anything happen? Between us, I mean?" He asked. He hated himself for asking it. As far as he knew, Link hadn't thought about him like that since that one night. It was probably a
completely ridiculous question, but his mind wasn't going to shut up until he asked it. "I need you to be honest with me."
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xLocation: Heatherβs Place |xOutfit: Here
xxxOh, what a shame that you came here with someone
xxxSo while you're here in my arms
xxxI Let's make the most of the night
xxxLike weβre gonna die young
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Rebecca spotted the bottles of water rather quickly in the fridge, but just had so move some items out of the way so she could get to them. Just as she grabbed a bottle and was about to step back, a maleβs voice made her jump a little as she backed out of the fridge. Whoever it was, they were right. Rebecca was just rummaging through someoneβs fridge without even asking, a little rude, but necessary with her wanting to get rehydrated and loose the headache. As she looked where the voice came from she immediately recognized who it was. Benji.
βBenjI! Waitβ¦β Rebecca paused for a second βDid we sleep together last night?β Rebecca asked. She couldnβt remember anything from last night but wouldnβt be surprised if she did. Benji was cute, and she wouldnβt mind it. Before Rebecca knew it, Willow had walked in behind Benji. Where the hell are you Rebecca, and who else is all here? Rebecca and Willow knew each other pretty well before all that happened, happened. Rebecca only knew something about Willow breaking up with her ex, and Rebecca was there to comfort her. One thing led to another and after the morning after, they never really talked.
Rebecca was brought back to reality when Willow asked about if they had a good night, then pancakes. βWhat happened last night? I canβt recall anything at all. I just remember talking to Tallulah, and something about Lee. Oh, and pancakes sound great! What can I do to help?β Rebecca said walking by Willow, drinking about half her water. βDoes anyone have a spare pair of shorts, want to get out of these jeans. Unless you want me walking around in my boyshorts.β Rebecca said giving a wink to the rest of the room.
βBenjI! Waitβ¦β Rebecca paused for a second βDid we sleep together last night?β Rebecca asked. She couldnβt remember anything from last night but wouldnβt be surprised if she did. Benji was cute, and she wouldnβt mind it. Before Rebecca knew it, Willow had walked in behind Benji. Where the hell are you Rebecca, and who else is all here? Rebecca and Willow knew each other pretty well before all that happened, happened. Rebecca only knew something about Willow breaking up with her ex, and Rebecca was there to comfort her. One thing led to another and after the morning after, they never really talked.
Rebecca was brought back to reality when Willow asked about if they had a good night, then pancakes. βWhat happened last night? I canβt recall anything at all. I just remember talking to Tallulah, and something about Lee. Oh, and pancakes sound great! What can I do to help?β Rebecca said walking by Willow, drinking about half her water. βDoes anyone have a spare pair of shorts, want to get out of these jeans. Unless you want me walking around in my boyshorts.β Rebecca said giving a wink to the rest of the room.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: heather's place xxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
Benji stared in disbelief as Rebecca emerged from the fridge. Heat crawled up his neck as she asked if they had slept together. "What!? No!" He shook his head, bangs flying out of his face. "No we were here to celebrate Sarah the way she would've wanted us to." He paused. "What are you doing here? I don't even remember you being at the party."
When Willow entered the kitchen, Benji practically jumped two feet in the air. "Jesus..." He whispered. "Willow you scared the crap out me." He rubbed at his eyes and ran his hands through his hair. Both girls from his past were here. In one room. One who made him care, kissed him and then moved on to the next... mark. And the other he cared for, but never reached for. She was so in love with her guy at one time that he... didn't want to get in the way.
Willow mentioned something about pancakes and he hesitated. Depending on how the pancakes were made, they tended to mess with him, but he didn't feel like making a big deal out of everything. He didn't feel like having so many judgemental eyes on him so early in the morning. So he nodded and moved to sit at the counter. Then he decided to help so he stood beside the stove with his hands in his pockets. "I'll help too. If you want, I mean."
While he was waiting, he remembered what had woken him up and looked at Rebecca. Concern wormed its way through him until he made his way over to her. "Are you okay? I heard you... earlier." He said in a low voice so Willow wouldn't hear. He figured she didn't want her business broadcast to the whole house.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xlocation: hotel room xxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
Link froze, he didn't need to tell Lee....just yet. His mind went back to the best part of the night before. The kiss had been the most important Link felt he had ever had. Even though it wasn't in the other boy's memory. His eyes lingered on the other's lips as he began to think. "Yeah, we I confessed my love for you while you were drugged. Did some sappy ass cliche romance movie shit, and pressed our foreheads together then we shared a wonderful kiss that took my everlasting breath away." He shook his head. His mind refusing to let those words escape his mouth. He simply shook his head before he began to speak.
"Uh, no. After I apologized we talked about the bedding situation, and we decided it'd be better for me to sleep next to you in case you had some urgency or something. Then we went to sleep, because of whatever today's events may be," he spoke fidgeting with his pant string, as he avoided looking into Lee's eyes. He couldn't bring himself to admit that he told Lee of his feelings last night. He was slightly ashamed, he took advantage of a poor situation. He didn't want to, but last night was the perfect oppurtunity to let all the burdens go. He still wanted to hold Lee, but he would have to suck it up, and hope Lee found someone who made him happy while they were in town. He looked at his phone immediately as he recieved a text.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo, heard ur back in town 4 a lil, come see me. i havent seen u in 4ever. plsssss ly bro.
His heart warmed, maybe he could see Henry, take Lee with him? Probably? Lee might actually hate him right now. His mind went into the zone it normally does when it came to his emotions. Ugh, why was light difficult.
"Uh, no. After I apologized we talked about the bedding situation, and we decided it'd be better for me to sleep next to you in case you had some urgency or something. Then we went to sleep, because of whatever today's events may be," he spoke fidgeting with his pant string, as he avoided looking into Lee's eyes. He couldn't bring himself to admit that he told Lee of his feelings last night. He was slightly ashamed, he took advantage of a poor situation. He didn't want to, but last night was the perfect oppurtunity to let all the burdens go. He still wanted to hold Lee, but he would have to suck it up, and hope Lee found someone who made him happy while they were in town. He looked at his phone immediately as he recieved a text.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo, heard ur back in town 4 a lil, come see me. i havent seen u in 4ever. plsssss ly bro.
His heart warmed, maybe he could see Henry, take Lee with him? Probably? Lee might actually hate him right now. His mind went into the zone it normally does when it came to his emotions. Ugh, why was light difficult.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow looked up as Rebecca asked what had happened. "Jesus, guess you were pretty out of it. We all went to the main party last night, then someone got thrown out for spiking drinks, then the atmosphere got a little weird so Heather invited us all around to hers for a bit. And then things get a little blurry but I think Tee brought you here? I'm not sure to be honest. We all just sat around, drank for a bit, and chatted, then fell asleep." Willow shrugged as Rebecca asked if she had shorts. "Nope, sorry. But get me some fabric and a sewing machine and I could mock you up some," she said, before blushing and staring intensely at her phone as Rebecca mentioned just wandering around in her underwear. She didn't feel that way about Rebecca any more, it had been a drunken, foolish decision. But given that it had happened, it seemed a little too close to the bone.
"And uh, if you guys could just find some flour, eggs, and milk, that would be a good start," she said, finally deciding on a recipe that sounded tasty but also wouldn't involve them having to raid all of Heather's cupboards in search of specific ingredients. It felt a little weird cooking in someone else's kitchen without their explicit permission, but she'd clean up after herself and make plenty to go around.
"So, how have you guys been? Seemed that none of us really stuck around here after senior year, huh?" She remarked.
"And uh, if you guys could just find some flour, eggs, and milk, that would be a good start," she said, finally deciding on a recipe that sounded tasty but also wouldn't involve them having to raid all of Heather's cupboards in search of specific ingredients. It felt a little weird cooking in someone else's kitchen without their explicit permission, but she'd clean up after herself and make plenty to go around.
"So, how have you guys been? Seemed that none of us really stuck around here after senior year, huh?" She remarked.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee sighed with relief as Link confirmed that nothing had happened between them, running a hand through his hair. "Guess you were truly my honourable knight in shining armour." The words were out of his mouth before he even had time to think about them, but he just covered it up with a grin. He had a reputation as being flirtatious, maybe Link wouldn't think too much about it. His stomach twisted a little as Link looked down at his phone and grinned. It was probably nothing, but Lee's mind spun into overdrive as usual. He walked across the room to retrieve his clothes. He hesitated as he went to go back to the bathroom to change.
"Listen, Link... Thank you. For taking me here, giving me clean clothes, for not just abandoning me at the party. I know that I probably started freaking out on you a little bit, I have a... a bit of a thing about being... well, about even just being drunk but... you had my back. I... don't want to think what might have happened if you hadn't. So... yeah, thanks." There was a crazy moment when his brain told him to kiss Link, and an even crazier moment where he considered it. But then reality kicked back in, and he remembered the smile on Link's face as he looked at his phone. He'd always thought that Link would never look at him that way, and now it was starting to seem more and more like that was the case. He found his eyes lingering a little longer on Link's lips than he would have liked, and found himself frozen to the spot for a moment. It felt wrong, like this was the type of thing that should change their relationship forever. But Lee also felt sure that after this, their lives would go on as if nothing had ever happened.
"Listen, Link... Thank you. For taking me here, giving me clean clothes, for not just abandoning me at the party. I know that I probably started freaking out on you a little bit, I have a... a bit of a thing about being... well, about even just being drunk but... you had my back. I... don't want to think what might have happened if you hadn't. So... yeah, thanks." There was a crazy moment when his brain told him to kiss Link, and an even crazier moment where he considered it. But then reality kicked back in, and he remembered the smile on Link's face as he looked at his phone. He'd always thought that Link would never look at him that way, and now it was starting to seem more and more like that was the case. He found his eyes lingering a little longer on Link's lips than he would have liked, and found himself frozen to the spot for a moment. It felt wrong, like this was the type of thing that should change their relationship forever. But Lee also felt sure that after this, their lives would go on as if nothing had ever happened.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
Heather crept off of her bed and creeped down the stairs. After making it to the first floor she could hear the voices coming from the kitchen and going through the refrigerator. As she rounded the corner she felt a sudden rush of information flood through her brain. Memories of the previous night replaced the primal instincts she just had.
βOh, hey!β Heather said in an exaggerated tone just as hid the knife behind her back. She had no pockets to shove it in and, even though it could be opened with the flick of the wrist, the blade took two hands to retract it.
βUm,β Heather hesitated as she took in what the group was up to. βIf you guys wanted something from the kitchen you could have gotten me. Not that Iβm not cool with it. I just need to let my parents know what is being used. Itβd suck if my parents come home, exhausted and are like, βwhew, Iβm tired. Itβd be nice to have some breakfast.β And then they look in the fridge to see half the thing cleared out.β Heather was rambling. Much like how she used to before the incident but this was more of her panicking nearly pulled a knife on people she invited into her home. βSo, uh, Iβll just brush my teeth real quick and be right back to help you guys out.β Heather was already backing away on the last sentence and then quickly made her way towards the downstairs bathroom. By the time she reached it, the knife was put away and she placed it in the bathroom drawer next to her other belongings.
Heather looked in the mirror and mentally kicked herself, several times over, while smacking her cheeks with both hands. She needed to get used to hanging around people again. Not just professionally, like at her job, but on a socially acceptable level.
Heather did brush her teeth and spruce herself up just a little before going back out to the others in the kitchen.
βSorry about that. So what are we looking to make this morni-β Heatherβs eyes darted towards the digital clock on the oven. βThis afternoon?β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
location: heather's placexxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
Willow spun around as Heather entered the room, already grinning at her. Her smile slipped slightly as Heather... well, she didn't tell them off. But when she left, Willow was feeling kinda bad for just presuming she could cook. She knew that she never cared if her friends cooked in her apartment, and her parents had never minded either, but it wasn't right of her to presume that everybody felt the same way. Jake hadn't liked people cooking without permission.
She shook herself out of that line of thinking and forced herself to concentrate on the recipe in front of her. Sometimes she slipped back into remembering him like that. Sometimes she slipped back into forgetting the hell he'd put her through, and sometimes she forgot that it had been hell. But it was happening less and less which was something at least. She just needed to take it a day at a time.
She smiled as Heather came back in, and looked back down at her phone. "Oh, uh, banana pancakes. It's a simple enough recipe, we won't go using up everything in your kitchen after you. And I will personally make sure everything is nice and tidy, because I was the one who suggested it. You want to help?"
She shook herself out of that line of thinking and forced herself to concentrate on the recipe in front of her. Sometimes she slipped back into remembering him like that. Sometimes she slipped back into forgetting the hell he'd put her through, and sometimes she forgot that it had been hell. But it was happening less and less which was something at least. She just needed to take it a day at a time.
She smiled as Heather came back in, and looked back down at her phone. "Oh, uh, banana pancakes. It's a simple enough recipe, we won't go using up everything in your kitchen after you. And I will personally make sure everything is nice and tidy, because I was the one who suggested it. You want to help?"
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
βOf course I would!β The girl already started making her way towards the fridge, excusing herself as she made her way past the others.
βOh, and donβt worry about anything. We can use whatever we want. I just wanted to take note of what we are using so I can replace it.β Heather called back as she rummaged through the refrigerator and brought out some basic ingredients. She, at least, knew how to make regular pancakes. But banana themed ones might require more ingredients since that was something new to Heather.
She set the things from the fridge on the island counter of the kitchen and looked back towards Willow.
βSo, Sous Chef, is there anything missing? We await your next instructions.β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xlocation: hotel room xxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
To: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: ummm ye might brin a friend ly c u soon
He sent the text before hearing Lee begin to speak, his heart warmed. He did it because Lee was an important person to him whether he knew or not. The larger male would simply walk over to him, and give him a "brotherly" hug. Wrapping his arms around the sitting boy's waist before quickly pulling away. His heart beating faster as he did. "No problem Lee, I didn't feel great about leaving you alone like that, you were kinda drugged so it was bound to happen where you freaked out. But, this is just a partial way for me to apologize even further for all the shit I put you through in high school," he spoke with a smile, before his phone vibrated and saw his brother text him back.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo thts good u have friends here lmao. anyway u can meet my gf shes so niceeeeee and pretty
The male laughed again before he focused on Lee, lingering his gaze over the other boy's lips. Only if he could bring himself to do this when he didn't have a slight buzz, or he could easily pull the other male in for a kiss. Maybe soon, but not now. Link would smirk before he'd open up his mouth to speak.
"Yo, Lee. How'd you like to come with me to see my lil bro?
MSG: ummm ye might brin a friend ly c u soon
He sent the text before hearing Lee begin to speak, his heart warmed. He did it because Lee was an important person to him whether he knew or not. The larger male would simply walk over to him, and give him a "brotherly" hug. Wrapping his arms around the sitting boy's waist before quickly pulling away. His heart beating faster as he did. "No problem Lee, I didn't feel great about leaving you alone like that, you were kinda drugged so it was bound to happen where you freaked out. But, this is just a partial way for me to apologize even further for all the shit I put you through in high school," he spoke with a smile, before his phone vibrated and saw his brother text him back.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo thts good u have friends here lmao. anyway u can meet my gf shes so niceeeeee and pretty
The male laughed again before he focused on Lee, lingering his gaze over the other boy's lips. Only if he could bring himself to do this when he didn't have a slight buzz, or he could easily pull the other male in for a kiss. Maybe soon, but not now. Link would smirk before he'd open up his mouth to speak.
"Yo, Lee. How'd you like to come with me to see my lil bro?
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee hugged Link back, wishing he could stop his heart from pounding like it was. He grinned and shrugged a little as Link said it was an apology for everything he had done in high school. But something, deep down, made Lee's heart sink a little. Because he had been letting himself that there was more to it than that. His heart squeezed a little tighter as Link's phone vibrated again, and as Link laughed at the text. But then Link asked him a question that changed everything and relit just a spark of hope in him.
"Uh, yeah, I'd love to. Just let me get changed, okay?" He said with a grin. If it had just been his brother he was texting then maybe... maybe there wasn't anyone else. Maybe he still stood a- No. No, he couldn't think like that. He didn't stand a chance. Link never would look at him that way and he needed to accept that. He grabbed the rest of his clothes and disappeared into the bathroom to get changed. He leaned against the cold tiles and took a deep breath. He retrieved his phone and sent a quick text.
To: Rebecca
I have so much goss to fill you in on. Where are you?
He changed back into his clothes from the night before and knocked on the door. "You decent?" He called before stepping back into the main room.
"Uh, yeah, I'd love to. Just let me get changed, okay?" He said with a grin. If it had just been his brother he was texting then maybe... maybe there wasn't anyone else. Maybe he still stood a- No. No, he couldn't think like that. He didn't stand a chance. Link never would look at him that way and he needed to accept that. He grabbed the rest of his clothes and disappeared into the bathroom to get changed. He leaned against the cold tiles and took a deep breath. He retrieved his phone and sent a quick text.
To: Rebecca
I have so much goss to fill you in on. Where are you?
He changed back into his clothes from the night before and knocked on the door. "You decent?" He called before stepping back into the main room.
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xLocation: Heatherβs Place |xOutfit: Here
xxxOh, what a shame that you came here with someone
xxxSo while you're here in my arms
xxxI Let's make the most of the night
xxxLike weβre gonna die young
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Rebecca sighed at hearing no one had anything she could change into, pull up her jeans and adjusting her shirt as she sat up on the island counter. βStraight up, I donβt remember a thing. Well atleast Iβm somewhere safe, and I donβt feel too bad besides what feels like a hangover.β Rebecca said kicking her legs about in response to Willow. Benji came up next to Rebecca asking if she was okay in a low voice, he obviously heard her this morning not feeling too swell. βAwe, does little Benji care about me?β Rebecca said messing with his hair. βYeah Iβm fine.β
Willow continued to talk after Rebeccaβs little comment to Benji, asking about ingredients, as well as how they have been after they all disappeared from Roseville. It had been awhile, Rebecca was one of the first to leave and to never look back, so she wasnβt too surprised when she heard through the grapevine that the others have left as well. βWell London has been great. British boys are so cute with their accents, and they get really defensive over their dates when they are drunk. It is really funny to be honest. And I saw some eggs and milk in the fridge, flour probably in a pantry somewhere.β Rebecca said with a shrug and chugging the rest of her water.
Shortly after they talked and before anyone could get any ingredients Heather popped in. βOh hey Heather! Oh this must be your place then. Was confused for a second about where I wasβ¦β Rebecca said pushing herself off the counter and standing up as Heather left for a second and came back. Heather and Willow exchanged some words as Rebecca opened numerous cabinets looking for the cookware, finally finding a cutting board and a mixing bowl and putting them on the counter. Heather grabbed all the base ingredients and set them on island counter, where Rebecca wasnβt sitting.
Rebecca felt a buzz in her pocket and brought out her phone to see what was up, only a select few had her number. She smiled and replied to Leeβs text
To: Lee! :3
Ohhhh. Canβt wait to hear it! I think at Heathers? Heres my location.
Rebecca hit send followed by her location using her maps app.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: heather's place xxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
Benji glowered at Rebecca as she messed with his hair, patronizing him, and then moved on in conversation. Moved on just like she had before. Little Benji? He thought, Whatever. He moved away from Rebecca and over to Willow. He greeted Heather with a soft smile and a wave and thanked her for allowing them to crash in her family's home and eat some of their food. And more than likely drink their liquor.
Once the ingredients were on the counter, he cracked a few eggs into the bowl and started to beat them until they were properly mixed. While he was doing so, he said quietly to Willow, "Any chance we could make a batch without banana?" He asked her. His face reddened slightly at the request. He hated making people go out of their way for him, but... "Bananas tend to mess with me." Sometimes he was fine. Sometimes bananas made him so sick he'd spend hours in the bathroom. He figured it depended on the type of banana and how much he had been exposed to, but he didn't want to take his chances. And especially not in front of people that he had an intimate history with.
Well he figured Willow didn't exactly count as an intimate history since he and she never did anything, but they were close friends, and he couldn't deny there was still something there for her. When she had asked what they had been up to, he brightened a little. "I went to college outside of the country. I've also taken on jobs in photojournalism and I've traveled to a ton of places. I've seen so many people, such beautiful lands, and amazing cultures." He thought a moment, "They're really inspiring. I could show you pictures sometime if you'd like."
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xlocation: hotel room xxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
"Great! You wanna, grab something to eat before we go out? And yeah, I'm dressed." he asked as he chuckled a bit.
He'd straighten his jacket and smile, reading the text from his brother telling him where they can meet. He would sit on the bed, and twiddle his thumbs essentially, as Lee came out. He would send a smile towards him, and laugh again. He was ready to become friends with Lee, maybe somehow during this small period they were in the same city, he could make up for the shit he put the other man through. He looked him over, before he bowed towards the door his hands outwards. "After you milady," he'd speak before ushering the other boy out of the room, and move him towards his motorcycle. Before getting on, he'd send a small text to Rebecca.
To: Bex
MSG: yo, where u @? you get home okay?
He sent the text with a huff, as he looked over to Lee. A slight red tint going to his face before he suggested the male get on the back of the bike.
He'd straighten his jacket and smile, reading the text from his brother telling him where they can meet. He would sit on the bed, and twiddle his thumbs essentially, as Lee came out. He would send a smile towards him, and laugh again. He was ready to become friends with Lee, maybe somehow during this small period they were in the same city, he could make up for the shit he put the other man through. He looked him over, before he bowed towards the door his hands outwards. "After you milady," he'd speak before ushering the other boy out of the room, and move him towards his motorcycle. Before getting on, he'd send a small text to Rebecca.
To: Bex
MSG: yo, where u @? you get home okay?
He sent the text with a huff, as he looked over to Lee. A slight red tint going to his face before he suggested the male get on the back of the bike.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
location: heather's placexxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow laughed at Rebecca's comments about England. She hadn't even realised that she'd been in an entirely different country. She'd fallen out of touch with so many people, it was strange. All of her college friends still stayed in touch with people from college, still met up with them for coffee and drinks. Willow occasionally texted some people. But she was terrified that somebody would ask questions about what had happened with her and Jake, about somebody finding out what she'd done. She didn't miss Rebecca ruffling Benji's hair, and had to turn away quickly. She wasn't jealous. She couldn't be.
She glanced over the ingredients that had been set out, and glanced over at Benji with a smile as he started mixing ingredients for her. She nodded as he asked if she could make a batch without banana. "Of course we can. We can't go making you unwell now, can we?" She remarked with a grin, starting to weigh out the flour and sugar. Her smile stayed in place as he started talking about what he'd been doing since they'd last seen each other. "That sounds amazing, Benji. I've been to Paris, Milan, LA... I've done the cities, but I'd love to travel a bit more. Some cultures have amazing clothing, and even if it isn't mine to wear, I'd still love to experience it. I'd love to see those photos. I'm around for a few more days, so we'll have to meet up." She said with a smile. "Oh, Rebecca, Heather, can you chop some bananas? I think two should do, I'm going to make half and half, just so we all have a bit of choice," she said.
She glanced over the ingredients that had been set out, and glanced over at Benji with a smile as he started mixing ingredients for her. She nodded as he asked if she could make a batch without banana. "Of course we can. We can't go making you unwell now, can we?" She remarked with a grin, starting to weigh out the flour and sugar. Her smile stayed in place as he started talking about what he'd been doing since they'd last seen each other. "That sounds amazing, Benji. I've been to Paris, Milan, LA... I've done the cities, but I'd love to travel a bit more. Some cultures have amazing clothing, and even if it isn't mine to wear, I'd still love to experience it. I'd love to see those photos. I'm around for a few more days, so we'll have to meet up." She said with a smile. "Oh, Rebecca, Heather, can you chop some bananas? I think two should do, I'm going to make half and half, just so we all have a bit of choice," she said.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee smiled at Rebecca's text, and quickly texted her back.
To: Rebecca
Awesome- I would come round but, very long story short, I'm going with Link for brunch with his brother. Will fill you in on all the goss immediately after though xx
Link's smile and laugh made Lee smile despite himself. He refused the offer of food- he was feeling okay, but still didn't want to chance eating anything before travelling. He didn't feel like throwing up just yet. They went down towards the bike, Lee sticking close to Link all the time. His memories from the night before were still completely gone. He couldn't remember a thing from a certain point, and that was still making him anxious.
He didn't pay too much intention to Link's blush as he climbed onto the bike, but did when it came to wrapping his arms around Link. He was glad that it couldn't be seen. The journey passed in a blur, and at some point, he felt his phone buzz. Assuming it was Rebecca, he didn't even think to look at it until they arrived and he got off the bike. He frowned as he saw it was from an unknown message- and he felt his heart stop as he read the content of the message.
From: Unknown
I killed your friend Sarah. Such a shame about her secret. Such a shame somebody leaked it. You might be next.
And as Lee read it, another came in.
From: Unknown
How do you think everyone would react if they knew what you used to do at those parties? How do you think Lincoln would react if he knew exactly how many people you slept with? Or if he saw that video?
Lee's phone clattered to the ground as Lee stared at Link. Had he heard Link's phone buzz? Had they sent around the video? Was that the text? After everything, was Link going to be horrified, disgusted by him? Lee suddenly felt like he was under water, like he was drowning. He couldn't breathe, he felt like he was going to start suffocating.
To: Rebecca
Awesome- I would come round but, very long story short, I'm going with Link for brunch with his brother. Will fill you in on all the goss immediately after though xx
Link's smile and laugh made Lee smile despite himself. He refused the offer of food- he was feeling okay, but still didn't want to chance eating anything before travelling. He didn't feel like throwing up just yet. They went down towards the bike, Lee sticking close to Link all the time. His memories from the night before were still completely gone. He couldn't remember a thing from a certain point, and that was still making him anxious.
He didn't pay too much intention to Link's blush as he climbed onto the bike, but did when it came to wrapping his arms around Link. He was glad that it couldn't be seen. The journey passed in a blur, and at some point, he felt his phone buzz. Assuming it was Rebecca, he didn't even think to look at it until they arrived and he got off the bike. He frowned as he saw it was from an unknown message- and he felt his heart stop as he read the content of the message.
From: Unknown
I killed your friend Sarah. Such a shame about her secret. Such a shame somebody leaked it. You might be next.
And as Lee read it, another came in.
From: Unknown
How do you think everyone would react if they knew what you used to do at those parties? How do you think Lincoln would react if he knew exactly how many people you slept with? Or if he saw that video?
Lee's phone clattered to the ground as Lee stared at Link. Had he heard Link's phone buzz? Had they sent around the video? Was that the text? After everything, was Link going to be horrified, disgusted by him? Lee suddenly felt like he was under water, like he was drowning. He couldn't breathe, he felt like he was going to start suffocating.
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xLocation: Heatherβs Place |xOutfit: Here
xxxOh, what a shame that you came here with someone
xxxSo while you're here in my arms
xxxI Let's make the most of the night
xxxLike weβre gonna die young
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
As the others started started talking about what they had been doing since they all left, Rebecca let out a small smile. It was good to hear people were still happy and having fun, it made it feel less guilty about leaving and never really keeping in touch with a select few. Rebecca honestly missed high school. Yeah she was out making an easy living and enjoying freedom, but all the adventures and memories they had back here were great for Rebecca. As she was day dreaming about the past, her phone went off again, but this time a message from Link, asking if she was okay and where she was. Rebecca sighed, wondering why everyone was asking if she was okay, she had no memory of the night before.
To: Link TheBoyWhoDared
Why is everyone asking if Iβm okay, what happened? Iβm at Heatherβs.
Rebecca hit sent as Willow started talking to her, asking if she and Heather can cut up the bananas for the pancakes. βSure thing! Better than me just standing here looking pretty right?β Rebecca said with a giggle and started peeling the bananas and putting them on the cutting board between her and Heather. After she peeled it her phone went off again. βSorry yβall, seems like Iβm popular this morning.β Rebecca said as she saw it was from Lee.
To: Lee! :3
Link? As in Lincoln Cole? The guy I would do dumb shit with and would bully you? Better be a good story. Also, people keep asking about if Iβm okay from last night. Did I do something?
As Rebecca hit send, she received another text, but since her phone was already unlocked and in the texting app it didnβt buzz. Rebecca immediately felt sick to her stomach as she read it, walking out of the room seeing it had a video attachment. βI-I'll be right back"
From: Unknown Caller ID
Oh Rebecca Cruze. Nice friends you are with. What would they do if they knew the truth? Would they judge you just like everyone judged Sarah after I killed her and her secret got out? See you soon darling.
Rebecca opened up the video down the hall out of view. It was a really bad quality camera showing Rebecca running the stop sign and causing the car crash. Rebecca gasped and covered her mouth seeing the impact and quickly deleting the video and being speechless. She just slumped against the wall in the hallway, trying not to panic. After taking a breather she replied numerous times to the unknown person. Asking who they are, what they want, what they want her to do. But never got a reply while she sat in the hallway, head between her knees.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: heather's place xxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
Benji found himself smiling a little at Willow's acceptance of his request for a banana less batch of pancakes. He also liked the idea of working together with her, even if it was on something as simple as pancakes. Maybe they could do something in the future that had to do with their majors and their jobs. He was a photojournalist for heaven sake. He could do an article on her. Launch her to the world. Show off her talents. She deserved it, after all.
Benji was most the way through his preparations for his own bath of pancakes, the others moving around him as they worked, when he heard his phone go off in the other room. At first, it didn't bother him much. It was more than likely an app notification that he had attempted to turn off multiple times, but it always seemed to turn back on. Then there was another sound that followed it that notified him that it was more than likely not the app.
It might be work, but then... his boss usually called. And pretty much anyone who would want to get in contact with him was around him. His mother was... gone. So it wasn't her...
He excused himself from the kitchen claiming to see what work needed from him and retreated into the other room to grab his phone. There was a text from an unknown number followed by a video attatchment. The attachment featured a black square with a white play triangle in the middle of it. Before he opened it, pretty sure it was spam, he read the message that had been sent a long with it.
His blood turned to ice in his veins.
UNKNOWN
BENJAMIN THOMAS, the boy who clawed his way out of the clutches of the street gang. The boy who sold angel dust and Addys. If only your mother could see you now. How proud she would be! Except, she didn't know. And neither do your friends. But Sarah knew. Now that her secret is out, and her life has ended... who's to say yours won't be next?
BENJAMIN THOMAS, the boy who clawed his way out of the clutches of the street gang. The boy who sold angel dust and Addys. If only your mother could see you now. How proud she would be! Except, she didn't know. And neither do your friends. But Sarah knew. Now that her secret is out, and her life has ended... who's to say yours won't be next?
Benji tasted bile as it crawled it's way up his throat. He swallowed forcefully, feeling the acidic burn leave its mark on his esophagus. The smell of pancakes cooking in the kitchen was doing nothing for his nausea. He wanted out of the house, but to leave would be more suspicious so instead, he made his way to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. He took deep breaths, willing his stomach to calm.
It didn't work.
After emptying the contents of his stomach into the porcelain throne that occupied the corner of the bathroom, he rinsed out his mouth and made his way out of the room and back into the hallway where he froze seeing Rebecca sitting on the floor feet away from him. And she had heard. He sighed and sat down beside her.
After a moment of silence has asked her, "Are you okay? Really ok? Don't lie to me and pat my head like I'm a dog. Lean on me a little. You used to." His words trailed off and he leaned his head back against the wall. "Seriously. Talk to me Bec."
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
location: heather's placexxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow had just finished adding everything to her mixing bowl when her phone buzzed on the counter beside her. But before she got a chance to even look at the text, both Benji and Rebecca left the room. Something was wrong. She picked up her phone and opened the texts she'd just received.
From: Unknown
I killed your friend Sarah. Such a shame about her secret. Such a shame somebody leaked it. You might be next.
Precious perfect Willow. How do you think the world would react if they knew their new favourite designer is a murderer? I killed Sarah, but you killed Jake. You're just as bad as I am.
She stared at the screen for a few seconds, feeling completely numb. Her thoughts began to race. Her first thought was that it had to be some kind of sick practical joke, that somebody was just deliberately trying to scare her and freak her out. But who the hell knew about what she'd done? It had never gone to court, the newspapers had reported it as a "tragic accident" and had left her out of it entirely after her father had paid them off. They had to know. They had to. But how? And why her specifically?
And then it hit her. Not just her. The speed at which Rebecca had left the room. The fact that Benji hadn't come back in yet.
"Heather, check your phone. I think... something's up." She said, before storming out to the hall. She stopped, her stomach dropping to the floor when she saw the way Benji and Rebecca were sitting. But she couldn't dwell on that. She cleared her throat and swallowed. "Did you guys get weird texts too? About... something you really would rather people didn't know?" She asked, making herself sound fine when really, she wasn't. Somebody had to take charge. She wasn't going to dwell on the sight in front of her, they needed to get to the bottom of this.
From: Unknown
I killed your friend Sarah. Such a shame about her secret. Such a shame somebody leaked it. You might be next.
Precious perfect Willow. How do you think the world would react if they knew their new favourite designer is a murderer? I killed Sarah, but you killed Jake. You're just as bad as I am.
She stared at the screen for a few seconds, feeling completely numb. Her thoughts began to race. Her first thought was that it had to be some kind of sick practical joke, that somebody was just deliberately trying to scare her and freak her out. But who the hell knew about what she'd done? It had never gone to court, the newspapers had reported it as a "tragic accident" and had left her out of it entirely after her father had paid them off. They had to know. They had to. But how? And why her specifically?
And then it hit her. Not just her. The speed at which Rebecca had left the room. The fact that Benji hadn't come back in yet.
"Heather, check your phone. I think... something's up." She said, before storming out to the hall. She stopped, her stomach dropping to the floor when she saw the way Benji and Rebecca were sitting. But she couldn't dwell on that. She cleared her throat and swallowed. "Did you guys get weird texts too? About... something you really would rather people didn't know?" She asked, making herself sound fine when really, she wasn't. Somebody had to take charge. She wasn't going to dwell on the sight in front of her, they needed to get to the bottom of this.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: hotel parking lotxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"for all the light, that i've shut out
xxxfor all the innocent things, i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done."
xxxall these years."
x
x
x
x
From: Unknown
MSG: Wow, you seem so well after your father beat you. You beat the person you claimed to love. It's such a shame about Sarah, maybe you'll see her soon. Keep in touch xoxo
Lincoln's breathing stopped for a second, looking towards his phone. All of a sudden anger would replace it and he'd grip the handles of his bike. Who the fuck could even know that? He didn't tell anyone. How the fuck. He looked back to Lee, to see him paused, paying more attention to the other boy than his own problem. "Hey, you just got a text too?" he asked. From the look on Lee's face, he got a message of equal mystery or danger. The only thing on his mind, was what was Lee shocked about? Not his business however, as Link turned around and grabbed the other boy and pulled him closer.
"Hey, it's gonna be okay. Just breathe okay? I'm here, everything's gonna be fine." he spoke. He'd rub a small circle on Lee's back trying to sooth the other boy, whispering calming words into his ears. He'd just keep the boy there. Hopefully, there wouldn't be any thoughts from him or Lee that Lincoln was trying to avoid.
To: Bex
MSG: ill tell u l8r ok? lu
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxlocation: hotel parking lotxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
The moment Link's arms closed around Lee, he felt like he could breathe again. He'd always found comfort in physical contact. Or for years he had anyway. Being manipulated into having sex with strangers had kinda taken that away. But now with Link there, holding him, Lee never wanted to be let go. He pressed his face into Link's shoulder, breathing deeply. He was so nearly calm- and then it hit him again like a wave. If Link found out, this might never happen again. If people found out, nobody would hold him like this. He would be mocked and ostracised and lose everyone he had.
He forced himself to take a deep breath, moving his head to press his face against Link's neck. He couldn't see any way in which it would work out and he wouldn't end up heartbroken. But he didn't know what that person wanted and didn't know if he would even be able to stop it from getting it out. He didn't know it would. He didn't know if that person even had it. But he'd gone so long without that fear being so present, so strong. Sure, it had always been at the back of his mind, always a concern, but now it was there and immediate and present.
He wasn't even quite sure what he was thinking when he looked up at Link. And was even less sure what he was thinking, what he was doing, when he leaned up to kiss Link. He had never been one for PDA. But his desire for comfort, for physical comfort was driving him to do stupid things.
He forced himself to take a deep breath, moving his head to press his face against Link's neck. He couldn't see any way in which it would work out and he wouldn't end up heartbroken. But he didn't know what that person wanted and didn't know if he would even be able to stop it from getting it out. He didn't know it would. He didn't know if that person even had it. But he'd gone so long without that fear being so present, so strong. Sure, it had always been at the back of his mind, always a concern, but now it was there and immediate and present.
He wasn't even quite sure what he was thinking when he looked up at Link. And was even less sure what he was thinking, what he was doing, when he leaned up to kiss Link. He had never been one for PDA. But his desire for comfort, for physical comfort was driving him to do stupid things.
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xLocation: Heatherβs Place |xOutfit: Here
xxxOh, what a shame that you came here with someone
xxxSo while you're here in my arms
xxxI Let's make the most of the night
xxxLike weβre gonna die young
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
As Rebecca sat there with the million thoughts going through her head, she heard someone rush into the bathroom, turn on the sink and, much like her this morning, filling the bathroom up with puke. When the door opened she saw that it was Benji, and Benji had seen her looking, she quickly looked back down at the ground, not wanting it to seem like she was judging him or even paying attention. While looking back at the ground Rebecca watched out of the corner of her eye Benji sit next to her and continue to ask her if sheβs okay. She guessed her teasing him and patting him on the head earlier didnβt really help. Rebecca let out a slight smile as he mentioned a little bit about the past.
Rebecca sighed and actually did lay her head onto Benjiβs shoulder. He did offer after all. βItβs just. A lot is going on. Back in Roseville all of the sudden is bringing back memories. People keep asking me if Iβm okay from last night and talking abou-β In the middle of talking Rebecca suddenly stopped and spaced out, remembering something. She remembered something about Lee freaking out and running outside, and she had followed him. But then it was just blank again. Lee? I mean, heβs okay since he texted me and seemed like nothing was upβ¦ Rebecca was brought out of her thoughts after hearing and realizing Willow had joined her and Benji in the hallway, being startled a little at first. Rebecca was scared for a second as she asked about if they got a weird message or something on their phone. Had the unknown number shared the video? Did he, she, they, spilled her secret?
βWell.β Rebecca thought about what to say. She couldnβt just come out and say it. She couldnβt just say that someone knew about her being the cause of her car accident. Rebecca rubbed her eyes for a second. βSome weird number texted me stuff about Sarah. A little creepy. I kind of freaked out, sorry.β Rebecca signed internally. What she had said wasnβt exactly a lie but wasnβt the full truth, her leaving out details about what the text actually was. She felt her phone buzz again, scared about what it was, but being relieved it was just Lincoln.
To: Link TheBoyWhoDared
Link. Something is going on. Iβm scared. Got a text from some unknown number. Then Willow started asking about it. I'm sorry to crash whatever fun youβre having.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
But just as things seemed as they couldnβt get any better Benjamin and Rebecca urgently left. Heather found it a little odd at first but then figured that they just were just going to get something together. Heather went back to watching Willow finish up with the mixing bowl when even she took a look at her cellphone. It was the look that came over Willowβs face that made Heather worried.
"Heather, check your phone. I think... something's up."
And with that Willow had also left, leaving Heather, suddenly, alone. It must have been something bad for everyone to act the way they were. Heather grabbed her phone from her pocket. It was on silence so she hadnβt noticed that she received a text. She unlocked her phone and looked at the message she had received.
No Caller ID
Heather Swan. You have a couple of dark secrets you hide from everyone. Sure a little digging would reveal that you are a kidnap victim but what you failed to even mention to the police is what you did while there. How people would look at you different if they knew the introverted Heather Swan aided in many peopleβs deaths? Even though I may have killed Sarah my body count doesnβt match yours. I do enjoy a challenge.
Heather couldnβt believe her eyes. There was a lot coming from the text. The confession of Sarahβs murder as well as them possessing information that only she thought she knew about the time during her kidnapping. She didnβt directly kill anyone but she still felt guilty for being the one that lead some people to their deaths. The reason she was kept for so long and not killed herself was to act as a lure. Sheβd lure unsuspecting victims to places to be kidnapped. Most were kids no older than thirteen. Heather did it because it was her only way to live another few days. It was her only way of being βusefulβ to the kidnappers.
The sudden flood of repressed memories combined with the texted threat proved to be too much for Heather. It was like an information overload. The floor seemed to sway underneath the girlβs feet and found it increasingly hard to stand even as she grasped the counter for balance. The very next moment she saw nothing but blackness as she fainted.
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxxlocation: Heather's Place xxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx""I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you."
x
x
x
x
Benji leaned his head against Becca's enjoying the moment of not being alone. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, allowing Becca's voice to distract him. He was fine. He wasn't alone and... he had to do something. But what? He could allow his secret to get out, but he had no idea who had sent the message. He had no idea who would even want to expose him. It wasn't like he had made any enemies in high school.
"I'm sorry things are so difficult, Bec." He replied when she paused and then... didn't continue. He assumed it was due to the amount of stress on her shoulders. He ran a hand through his dark hair and sighed. "I don't know if you heard, but my mother passed not long ago. I hadn't lived at home in a while and... I can't help but wonder if it was my fault. Mom had... problems and she wasn't great at taking care of herself, but I sent money home all the time in attempts to help out the best I could." He rubbed at his eyes. "I couldn't be there anymore. It was killing me slowly so I got out. Went to school."
He heard footsteps and looked over to find Willow in the entrance of the hall. He jerked his head up but allowed Becca's head to stay where it was. He didn't know why it mattered if Willow saw him like that with Becca, but... it did. He cleared his throat and noticed the worry on Willow's face she was trying to hide. His own worry coiled in his stomach like a cobra poised to strike. "What's up, Willow?"
What she said surprised him. She had something she didn't want anyone knowing about? And someone threatened to tell just like him. It wasn't a coincidence, but he didn't see what the connection was. Were they targeting a certain group of people? What did they even want? And why kill Sarah? She was harmless. His head was buzzing with thoughts. He looked up at Willow, a new determination in his gaze and said, "So what are we going to do?"
Then there was a crash in the kitchen. Benji practically jumped up, bumping Becca in the process. He gave a rushed apology before he returned to the kitchen to find Heather on the floor and her phone not far from where she fell, the screen was still up, but... He reached over and hit the lock button without reading the text. The only thing he allowed himself to see what the sender which matched his own. UNKNOWN.
"Guys! It's Heather!" He called to the girls in the hall. "Heather? Can you hear me?" He asked quietly, touching her gently on the shoulder and then her face. "Can I get a glass of water and something cold?"
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
location: heather's placexxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow nodded as Rebecca confirmed she'd also received a text. Benji didn't say anything, but his reaction was enough for her to know. He'd gotten one too. She shrugged as he asked what they were going to do, but before she could say anything, there was a crash from the kitchen. In her frightened state, she froze, her heart starting to pound and panic nearly closing her throat. Benji rushed past her, but her feet stayed planted to the ground, stuck in a dream. That moment, the moment after she pushed Jake, kept replaying-
And then Benji called out, saying it was Heather. Willow was shocked out of it and ran into the kitchen, already running to the sink to fill a glass with water. "Here." She handed to Benji and went searching for a cloth. Finding something that would do, she ran it under the cold tap for a few seconds, soaking it through and rendering it nice and cold. She squeezed out the excess water and dropped to her knees, folding it up and placing it on Heather's forehead.
"We all got one of those texts," Willow said quietly to Benji. "I'm guessing Heather did too. Does she have any medical conditions that you know of? I don't need a medical crisis on my hands as well as everything else. Fuck, between this and everything that went down at the party last night- and I'm rambling. Sorry," She said, with a slightly forced smile.
And then Benji called out, saying it was Heather. Willow was shocked out of it and ran into the kitchen, already running to the sink to fill a glass with water. "Here." She handed to Benji and went searching for a cloth. Finding something that would do, she ran it under the cold tap for a few seconds, soaking it through and rendering it nice and cold. She squeezed out the excess water and dropped to her knees, folding it up and placing it on Heather's forehead.
"We all got one of those texts," Willow said quietly to Benji. "I'm guessing Heather did too. Does she have any medical conditions that you know of? I don't need a medical crisis on my hands as well as everything else. Fuck, between this and everything that went down at the party last night- and I'm rambling. Sorry," She said, with a slightly forced smile.
L I N C O L NXC O L E
outfit - colton haynes - #517887
As he held Lee, he would pull back to look at him the two staring into the other's eyes as he felt Lee pull forward. Lips placed themselves on Link's his eyes closing as he leaned into the kiss, biting the male's lip softly before he'd realize what he was doing. Pulling back a bit abruptly as he sort of stumbled he'd look at the male and blink. What was he doing? Link couldn't do this in public? He wasn't ready. Nobody was around them, but Link's thoughts made him think otherwise. Imagining people staring at him from their windows, whispering to one another gossiping about the two boys. Link's eyes widened as he would softly repeat the same word "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. I'm so sorry." Moving away from the boy he'd stare towards him. What the fuck did he just allow to happen? He had worked so hard at trying to hide this, last night was a fluke. He shouldn't have enjoyed it. He did though. He liked it, and he was still so ashamed....so scared to admit that. Shaking his head he would sit down on the sidewalk nearby and place his hands over his ears, before snapping up to look at Lee.
"You can't tell anyone about this...you can't fucking tell anyone. Lee promise, FUCKING PROMISE ME YOU WON'T!," he'd shout causing a few people walking from their rooms to look down at the two.
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