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~Corbyn~

It was happening, and it was happening way too quickly.

I was falling for someone.

Even as I perfected each strand of my silky sandy brown hair in front of the mirror before school, I had the inclination to cleanse my soul of such impurities. I couldn't like a diabolical, fiendish stoner who probably sat behind the school receiving blow jobs from scrawny freshmen thrice a week.

But then again, he was as nefarious and vile as I was. That had to be the only explanation as to why anyone would want to put up with me. In fact, I was surprised Kris lasted so long around my admittedly odious personality.

I cracked a smile, setting down my brush to admire my job well done. I cut off the brilliant lights and walked into my room to pick up my bag and make my way down stairs. I knew Mother would be in her favorite part of the house, and I needed to speak to her about something important.

"Mommy," I called when I entered the kitchen. She was facing the stove, scratching the back of her hand absentmindedly and staring at the oven's clock. "Mom."

"Huh?" she jumped, turning around to face me. "Oh, Corbyn! You startled me." She slid her loose hair behind her ear and forced a smile, but it never met her eyes.

"Have you considered it?" I inquired, referring to what I told her last night.

She sighed. "I... why did you have to do something like that to that poor boy?"

"God, Mom, this is literally me trying to fix it." I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. "Please?"

"I printed out the brochure for the rehabilitation program and location." She walked to the bar counter and picked up the paper, holding it out to me. I stepped forward and took it from her, staring down at it.

"Is it... like, legit?"

The look she gave me had the power to kill, so I kept my mouth shut.

"I wrote down one of my emails so that she can contact me the moment she decides to follow through."

"And if she doesn't?"

"She will. Some people don't go through rehab because of the expenses. She has children, so she most likely wants every dollar to go toward their futures instead of hers. Maybe that's what's stopping her."

"I don't want this to be for nothing."

"Corbyn, you never go out of your way to do anything for anyone. Besides, this is your wrongdoing for blasting an innocent family's business to the public. You should be ashamed and mortified."

I raised one eyebrow. "Mkay, noted. Can I go now? I have to pick up Nico too."

She waved her hand. "Yes. Go."

And so I went. To the trailer park that I dreaded being near every single time I was there. I only set my uneasiness aside because of Nico.

I drove to the same trailer I'd spotted Jaden coming out of last week. I wondered if his mother was still there. I parked, grabbed the brochure and exited, slamming my car's door shut.

I hated this place. How could anyone live here and feel safe? It smelled of smoke, beer, dirt and... it was just gross. I walked up the steps and knocked firmly on the rugged door, scolding myself for thinking this was a great idea.

I should've continued not caring.

I didn't want Nico to hate me for being some abhorrent little shit, even though we both were just that. He was right; I did a crappy thing. I didn't really feel as awful as the average person would, but I couldn't deny that I made a mistake.

I wasn't particularly a fan of Jaden, but I didn't need to drag his family into it.

"Fucking answer!" I mumbled, knocking harder against the door.

It slugged open. "What is it?" A grumpy, middle aged man appeared then gazed at me through dour light brown eyes. I stared, my eyes gradually widening in alarm. I was rooted in my spot as he lifted his chin. "I never thought a person like you would pay a place like this a visit?"

I looked down, stepping back. "I-I came for Mrs. Briggs. Jaden's mother."

"Did you now?" he nodded at something behind me. "That your car?"

"Is she here or not?"

"Jett? Is that my son?"

I looked up to see Mrs. Briggs come into view and she seemed surprised to see it definitely wasn't her son. Still staring at me, Jett smiled softly and I felt intimidated. I couldn't help but notice how hard my heart was beating, but I stayed put.

"No, it's just... the mayor's boy." He let her walk in front of him before giving us our privacy.

"Corbyn Starr," she addressed me, gripping the large scarf that she had wrapped over her her shoulders and chest. Her hair was wet as if she'd bathed, her skin was a bit pale and her lips were chapped.

Still shaken up, I cleared my throat. "I needed to talk to you."

"Is it about my son?"

"Well... I mean... yeah. I-I..." Shit, pull yourself together. I drew in a breath. "I did something bad. Out of spite, I let word get out that his mother, you, left your family for drugs."

She swallowed, furrowing her eyebrows as if she didn't believe me. "Are you serious?"

I nodded and she shook her head in disappointment. "Why would you do something like that? Those kids are going to tear him apart; I never wanted that for him."

I bit my lip. "I'm sorry."

She held up her hand, not wanting to hear it. "Please just... go. You shouldn't even be here."

"Before you turn me away, could I at least give you something? I know I can't take it back but I could at least try to help. I already talked to my mother about it and she's all for it, I promise." I handed her the brochure and she frowned, tentatively accepting it from me.

"What is this?" she squinted at it in annoyance.

"It's a rehab program."

"I don't want this; you need to leave--"

"Please just think about it. It's not my place, I understand. But it's an excellent program that my mom spent hours researching, and she's more than willing to pay every dime. Plus... " I shrugged. "Jaden kinda needs you."

"Don't tell me what my son needs," she said, staring at the brochure and turning it over. "Is this her email?"

"Yes, it is."

She looked at me blankly, stepping back into the house. "You should get going." And that was that; she had slammed the door right in my face.

~Jaden~

"Here before the bell," I observed when I got to my locker in P.E. Kris was already taking off his shirt by the time I arrived.

"As usual."

I smiled at him, setting down my backpack. "You mean to tell me that, that first time you came to p.e. early was because you liked me? Even just a little?"

"Guilty," he agreed. "I didn't wanna admit it to myself, to be honest. How could I? I was in a relationship, as suffocating as it was."

"I get it." My cheeks heated up as I pushed my curls behind my ear timidly. "I-I've liked you since... well, for a long fucking time, let's put it that way."

"A couple months?" He guessed with a dark eyebrow raised inquisitively.

"A year." I looked away for only second, then made eye contact with him again. His face was set in disbelief, then he was confused.

"I was new last year. Since then? Really?"

"Y-yeah. Is that... pathetic?"

"Oh my god, no. No, I just... How did I never notice you before?"

I smiled a little, remembering we had a conversation similar to this. "It's simple. You were instantly popular-like you're verified on social media for crying out loud, and I was what? a nobody in orchestra?"

"Jaden, you aren't a 'nobody.' Especially not to me." He sighed, stepping closer as his green eyes pierced my heart. "I wish you had stopped me in the hall or something."

"Believe me, I would've loved to. But in no time, you were taken, and I was too nervous anyway."

He nodded in understanding. "Then I should've opened my eyes more." He gently cupped both of my cheeks. "Are we the only ones in here right now?"

"I think I heard voices, so I doubt it."

"Oh well," he whispered right before pressing his lips to mine. I was taken by surprise, but I quickly sank into him and his wonderful, warm, smooth bared torso. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he backed me up against the locker so he could deepen our kiss. I practically shuddered when he gently sucked on my bottom lip. I'd never felt anything like it, and my mind was soaring. He reached underneath my shirt to hold me by the waist while my heart picked up its speed.

"Kris," I lightly gasped, almost laughing as he pecked from my lips to my cheeks and then my neck.

"You are so beautiful," he complimented me, kissing my forehead.

"Jesus Christ, were you trying to arouse me at school?"

"Are you giving me permission to?" He hiked up his eyebrows and I shook my head, laughing.

"You are awful!" My gaze fell to his chest then back up at his amused eyes. "Awful," I repeated.

"If you say so." He smiled, letting go of me to put his gym shirt on. I bit my lip and turned around to open my locker. "Wanna come over?" He asked.

"Hm?" I gave him my attention.

"I've been to your house. Would you like to visit mine?"

I fought my smile. "Wait, do you live at your dad's hotel or something?"

He chuckled. "No."

"Aw, damn. Totally was preparing a 'Suite Life of Kris Hamilton' joke."

"I've crushed your dreams, I see."

"You did." I giggled. "I'd love to visit you. Maybe today? After school?"

"Perfect." He apparently couldn't keep his hands off me for too long because as soon as I was changed into my gym clothes, he hugged me from behind to kiss my cheek. I ended up laughing quietly and blushing like the lovesick teenager that I was.

I wanted to tell him how amazing he was to me, but... not now. Another time. I finally felt like I just might be okay. Through all the drama and frustration, I'd be okay.

🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗

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