HECC YEAH I'M BACK
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The dance actually was a big hit. Between the concessions, music requests, ticket prices, and the haunted house, we raised around $1,800! If we did a dance like that everyday, we'd have enough money raised 2 months early without even having to lie about anything!

Too bad we can't do a dance like that everyday, huh?

Evan was in the passenger seat scrolling through his phone as I drove him home. We hadn't spoken much since our little debacle outside earlier. That was fine, though. I was fine with the silence.

My phone pinged and Evan shot up, startled.

"Jeez, Evan," I said, chuckling, "It's just my phone."

"Aren't you gonna check it?" He asked as I continued driving.

"No, Evan. I'm not. That's distracted driving and I'm a responsible member of society." Evan smiled a little and nodded, as I kept my eyes on the road like a responsible member of society.

"Do you want me to check your phone?" He asked. "I mean, you never know, it might be important."

I shrugged, "Probably not, but ok. Whatever fruits your loops."

Evan shrugged and picked my phone up from inside the cup holder. "It's from Alana." He said.

"Ok so definitely not important."

"Something about a recording? It has an audio attachment to it. Do people still use audio attachments?" He said.

"I didn't think so." I responded. "But then again, Alana. Not important."

Evan nodded and set my phone down.

I was fairly certain that the audio attachment was the one she took of me at the dance. The one where I confessed for Evan or something. Something mischievous and Alana-like.

But, come on, that had to be a slip in words. I don't actually like Evan like that-

Actually, screw it. There's no way I don't like Evan like that. I mean, have you even been reading? Obviously I like Evan. I'd just hate to admit it to anyone, even myself. I've spent so long trying to hate Evan. To push him and tease him. And suddenly a big lie comes around and POOF! Evan is now the cutest boy alive and I'm in love.

See, even thinking things like this make me uncomfortable. I don't like having feelings. It's all screwed up. Everything's all screwed up!

But as much as I'd like to deny it, I am sitting in a car with a boy who loves me who I love back. It's unreal and it feels impossible, but then again, isn't that just how life screws with you?

Am I gonna say anything to Evan? No. Am I gonna continue lying to myself saying I don't like Evan? Definitely.

Who were we talking about again?

I pulled in to Evan's driveway and got out.

"Of course you're walking me in." Evan said, but he was obviously happy about it.

I shrugged, "Might as well be a gentleman." Evan's face went the taddest bit pink as he walked up to his door with me.

He got his key out of his pocket before putting it the keyhole. He twisted the key, and his face went white.

"What is it? Having trouble unlocking the door again?"

"It's..." He said, shivering either because of the temperature or because of his current mood, "already unlocked. Shit."

"Ok so you forgot to lock the door big deal-"

Then the door was yanked open from the other side, reveling a rather angry looking Ms. Hansen.

Oh.

Her eyes wandered to me and her expression did a weird thing. For a second, it softened, but was quickly replaced with angry concern.

She tried to keep her voice stable as she spoke, "Evan."

"Mom."

In all honesty, it sounded like they were about to pull out guns and duel.

"Uh, yknow, I'm kinda hungry? Think I'm gonna go raid your kitchen if that's... uh... fine by you."

I flew past her and went to the kitchen, immediately setting myself down at their tiny little round dining table. They couldn't see me from the living room where they were, but I could hear them.

"Where were you, Evan?" Ms. Hansen said through gritted teeth. "What were you doing out at eight o' clock? With Jared?"

"Mom I swear I-"

"And why didn't I know about it?"

Nod and confirm, Hansen.

"I was at a dance!" Evan shouted angrily. "I was putting myself out there! Is that- is that so bad?"

Ms. Hansen was quiet for a second. "You were... at a dance?"

"Yeah!" He said, " Halloween dance! I dressed as... me. Like always because you never let me go trick-or-treating-"

"That was your decision! You said that, and I QUOTE, 'Trick-or-treating is just kids wasting money to dress up and adults wasting money to give them candy."

Gotta say, that confused me a bit. Because Evan didn't say that. At least, he wasn't the one who came up with it.

I've never been a big trick-or-treater.

Except. That's a lie. I loved trick-or-treating as a kid. Evan and our families would go together. Until 8th grade, when I decided I hated trick-or-treating because I didn't want to be seen with Evan.

"Ok maybe! But you-"

"Off-topic, Mark!" Oooh, bringing out the first names. That must've hurt. "If all you were doing was going to a dance, why didn't you tell me?!"

"Because you always overthink things!" Evan responded quickly. Man, for being a terrible liar, he was pretty quick-witted. "You would've looked it up or asked who I'm going with-"

"And you went with Jared?"

Oooh, that one stung.

"Ye- No, not like THAT!" Evan's voice was starting to sound more and more nervous. Or sad, or angry... I couldn't tell. "He was my ride there and back! It was more of a group thing- I mean-"

A group thing? Good going Evan.

"A group thing?" Ms. Hansen asked. She didn't sound angry anymore, but rather intrigued. "So it wasn't just Jared?"

"N-no, I've- uh... gotten closer to Alana, and- eh- she-"

"A girl? Go on..."

Oh no she didn't.

"No! Not a girl!" Evan said quickly.

I poked my head a little in the doorframe so I could see them better. Luckily, only Evan was facing my direction. He caught my eye and may have smiled the tiniest smile.

"Alana's not a girl?"

"No- urg. She is. Not my girl...friend."

"Not yet she isn't, Evan!" Evan's mom sounded excited now, like she was gonna form some elaborate plan to get the two together.

"Off-topic, Heidi." Evan said very, very, quietly, but still audible.

Ms. Hansen snapped her head up. "What?"

"I went to the dance, and I wish I hadn't." Evan said slowly.

"What... what do you mean?"

"The dance was a fundraiser for the Connor Project..."

"Oh that sweet little organization for that kid who committed suicide? That's awesome, Evan! Why would you be ashamed for donating-"

"Mom, there's something important I need to tell you."

--

haha I'm back
maybe for more than 1 chapter this time?
i rewatched the 1st act of deh and now I'm going through the phase again so have some content.

Published: 4/4/20
Word Count: 1210