kate

It had been a week, and we had all moved into the new house already. We all had our own rooms--even Tucker and Sonja. My room was larger than the one at the old house, which was pretty hard to get a grasp of.

However, since it had been a week, I had gone through all of my outfits without telling my parents that I didn't have anymore clothes. I sighed, laying in bed, still in my sweatpants and tank top. I had an idea.

I pull out my phone, and open my texts.

Me: I have a question.

Almost immediately, I get a text back.

Tom: Of course, what is it?

Me: Wanna go for a drive? And shopping?

Tom: I don't have my license... neither do you.

Me: Tom, is that what I asked?

Tom: Fair enough. Are Tucker and Sonja gonna let you?

Me: Doesn't matter, I can sneak out.

Tom: Oh yeah, isn't your window next to the trellis?

Me: Yeah, so you gonna go or not?

Tom: I have to ask Jordan if I can drive his car.

Me: Ughhh, fine, but make sure he doesn't tell my parents! Please!

Tom: Duh, Tucker will kick my ass if he finds out we snuck out together!

Me: Faiiiir lol

He stopped texting me after that. I waited a few minutes and then received another text.

Tom: Jordan is the fucking best! Let's go.

Me: Wait, I'm just gonna tell them I'm going on a walk. I don't want them thinking I ran away!! Lol

Tom: That sounds like a better idea lmao

I pull my blankets off of me, and sit up in my bed. I reach into my bag, and find my black corduroy jacket. I put it on over top of my white tank top I was already wearing, and then put on my black jeans—which were dirty. I brush out my long, messy blonde hair and I pull it back into a ponytail.

I walk downstairs to see Sonja sitting on the couch. "Sonja!" I exclaim.

"Hm?" 

"Can I have some money? Please?" I begged with a slight laugh.

She laughs, "How much?"

I shrug, "However much you're willing to fork out..." I say, trailing off.

She digs into her wallet and hands me some cash. "Where are you going?" she asks.

"On a walk!" I exclaim, heading out the door.

I pull out my phone, and text Tom. 

Me: I'm gonna walk about half a block, and you're gonna come get me. 

Tom: Now?

Me: YES NOW

Tom: Okkkk, jeeeez

Me: :)

I put my phone in my back pocket, and start to immerse myself in my surroundings. 

Soon, I hear a car pull up next to me. "Do you need a ride, young lady?" asks a too-familiar British voice.

I laugh, "Tom, that's creepy. Am I really young?" I ask, putting on a fake sad tone.

He rolls his eyes as I climb into the passenger seat, "I mean... yeah, for another month." 

"How old even are you?" I ask.

"I just turned twenty a few weeks ago." 

"Oh," I say, "you are so much younger than I thought..." I mutter.

He looks offended, but still staring at the road. "I didn't mean it in a bad way!" I exclaim.

"Suuuure," he says, pouting. 

"You're just mature, that's all!" I say quickly.

He laughs, "No, it's okay, don't worry... I get that a lot."

"So, uh, what do you wanna do?" he asks.

"I'm kinda embarrassed to tell you this, but I didn't want Tucker and Sonja to pity me and then spoil me, so... that's why I asked you, but..." I trail off, then sigh, "I wanna go buy clothes. I own like one outfit for each day of the week and that's it," I say, looking down.

He looks from the road to me, and frowns. "I wanna give you a hug right now..." he says with a sigh.

I reach into my pocket and count the money Sonja gave me. 

"We could go to thrift stores, I don't wanna contribute to... fast fashion..." I trail off with a laugh.

"I support it," Tom says, "Look up some thrift stores nearby on your phone!"

I nod, and open Safari, typing in "thrift stores near me".

"Tom?" I say.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." 

• • • 

dont let this short-ish chapter distract you from the fact that alesa is the worst type of person

i just rewatched an old leafyishere video (ill comment the link) and goddddd man adam deserved so much better, i hate it here