Chapter 12: It's not always a good time

Kimora's POV

They say time heals all wounds but this would refused to heal.

Everyday the pain of loss and loss got worse. I'd liked Vincent, a lot, and if we'd been given the chance I might have even fallen in love with him. Cliche I know but true.

Me hurting so much also felt selfish. No matter how strongly I'd felt for Vincent it didn't change the fact I only knew him for a short period of time. Someone like Rozae, who'd known him her whole life deserved to grieve for him. Not me. But that didn't change anything. The hurt was still there.

She stopped coming to school altogether and I didn't know if she'd ever return. Reese had been gone for a week now, no word from him or anything. I needed him more than ever and he just vanished. Cheyenne always tried to make sure I was ok but for all her efforts I still felt pretty terrible.

School was stressing me out and the pressure to do well was even more intense now. I studied non-stop until my eyes burned and I was forced to close the textbooks. It helped, but when I put everything away I started to think and when I started to think I got sad. Everything just seemed depressing. This endless cycle went on for a week before I cracked.

"Pssst." I hissed. "Pssst!"

"What?" A cheerleader snapped turning around to shoot me a dirty look.

"Could you pass this note to Charles?" I waved the small piece of paper.

She scrunched her nose before snatching the note and flicking it at Charles head. He turned around glaring and she shrugged her shoulders.

After class I waited. I didn't think he'd come but he did.

"Kimora right?" He raised a brow.

"Yes."

"Aren't you that girl who's friend just died?"

My fists clenched and I smiled tightly.
"Yep that's me."

"Oh well sorry about that. Vincent was cool."

"Hmmm he was."

"What do you need?" He folded his arms across his chest.

I took a deep breath. "Do you know where I can get some pot?" I whispered. I'd ask Reese but guess what, he wasn't here.

"Do I know where you can get some pot?" He repeated.

"Did I stutter?"

"Rude." The corners of his mouth slightly lifted.

"Forget it." I turned around to walk away but he grabbed my arm.

"Wait. I may know someone. But you didn't hear it from me." He scribbled a number on my palm.

"Remember. I know nothing." Then he quickly walked off. I stared at the number on my palm.

School dragged on forever giving me the chance to contemplate my choices. Did I call or not?

I held my phone in my hand after school, my thumb hovering over the numbers.

"No this is wrong." I said to myself. There were other ways to get through this. I didn't need drugs.

"Stupid." I mumbled and began to walk home.

"Watch out!" Someone yelled and I turned around right as someone whammed into me.

"Ow." I groaned.

"Are you ok?" A voice asked. I blinked and looked up doing a double take. It was Vincent!

"Vincent..." I trailed off reaching out to touch him. "You're alive." I tried to touch his cheek but my hand went right through it.

"What the?" I tried again but went right through him.

"Vincent!" Now I was yelling.

"Hey." Someone shook me and I blinked. The sky stared back at me. "You were out cold."

"Ugh my head." I groaned touching it tenderly.

"Sorry about that I was trying out my new wheels." The kid gestured toward his skateboard and I blanched. It was like déjà vu. My eyes filled with unshed tears.

"Shit do you need to go to a hospital?" He asked panicked. I stood up and ran.

"Wait!" He called out. "Come back, you dropped your bag!"

I ran until my lungs were on fire and I collapsed in the middle of the sidewalk. People looked at me strangely as they passed. The searing hot pain in my chest was back. It had dulled over the week but it was back stronger than before. I wiped my eyes and took a shuddering breath reaching for my phone.

I didn't hesitate when I dialed.

It rang and rang before someone picked up. "Hello?"

"H-hey."

"How did you get this number?" The voice sounded suspicious.

"A friend. Listen I need something. Do you think you might have it?" The line was quiet and I was afraid whoever it was had hung up.

"Meet me in the alleyway by Johnny's Grill."

"Alright."

The line went dead.

Cheyenne's POV

Someone was pounding on my door and I stirred from my sleep.

"Coming!" I yawned and rubbed my eyes. Kimora was standing on my doorstep wide eyed.

"Kimora? What the hell. You know you can knock like a normal person."

"Sorry. Can I come in?"

"Do you even need to ask." I stepped aside and she did this jerky walk thing that kinda freaked me out.

"Are you ok?" Now I was starting to wake up.

"Uh of course." She laughed nervously. "Can't I just want to hang out with my
bestie?"

"Well yeah..." I trailed off. She kept twitching and looking around.

"Alright what up?" I sat next to her. "You're acting like your on crack."

"I did something." She finally admitted.

"Did you get another tattoo?" I sighed.

"No it's much worse than that."

"What can be worse than getting a picture permanently inked on your skin? While underage?"

"I tried some weed."

"What!" I stood up yelling. "Are you out of your mind?"

"See I knew you would act like this." She frowned.

"Well you just took drugs of course I'm gonna act like this!"

"You act like I did heroin or something. People smoke weed all the time. Reese practically lives off the stuff. It's like a rite of passage to smoke it at least once in your life."

"It is not. It's choice that you make. You choose to do drugs. No one else. Just you." I couldn't believe she was comparing herself to Reese. They were two totally different people. And I hated to admit it but if kinda felt like Reese was a lost cause.

"Whatever. It was just once, I'm not gonna do it again. I wanted to feel better. I'm hurting Cheyenne ok and for all your effects I wasn't feeling any better so I turned to something that could. And I feel better."

"The high will wear off and then you'll be left feeling worse."

"If I wanted a lecture I would've told my parents." She stood up.

"Are you seriously getting mad?" I asked in disbelief. "I'm trying to help you!"

"You're not helping me ok?" She yelled. "And yes! I am getting mad. Can you believe it? Kimora can actually get mad! Who would've thought?"

She stormed toward the door and I was too pissed to stop her. I turned to go back to my room and sleep this off but I heard her surprised voice.

"Sebastian?"

"Sebastian!" I popped back out. Then I cleared my throat. "I mean hey. What are you doing here?"

"I came by to see you. We haven't talked for a while. What's been going on I feel like I've missed a lot."

"You have." Kimora butted in. "Vincent died." My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe she'd just blurted it out like that.

"Oh shit I'm sorry. You two were pretty close huh?"

"Yeah."

"Well I think you should go Kimora." I said with a hint of anger in my voice.

"Actually Kimora can come with us too!"

"We're going somewhere?" I raised a brow. I planed to sleep, wake up, and stuff my face. Just relax. Working, taking care of two kids, keeping Krystal's secret and trying to look out for my best friend had taken my energy.

"There's a party at the lake."

"Oh no I've think I've had enough parties to last me a lifetime."

"There will be no alcoholic beverages or narcotics. It's just kids gathering from school to swim and have a good time. Don't you think you need a break anyway? From what I've been hearing it hasn't been going so good around here."

"I don't know..."

"Don't be a party pooper! Of course she'll go!" Kimora said excitedly.

"I really don't think that's your choice to make." I snapped. Did she think I was just gonna forget about earlier?

"Give us a minute Sebastian." She dragged me back to my room and shut the door.

"Look I'm sorry ok? I promise to never smoke weed again. But you have to go this party! Not just for you but for me. I can focus on someone else's relationship and it'll be the perfect healing tool!"

"I'm so glad that my non existent love life will help you get better." I said dryly.

"Just go."

"Fine! I'll go to the dumb party. But your coming with me."

"Well of course. You didn't think I'd let you have all the fun by yourself now did you?" She winked. I rolled my eyes.

Alright I was a little excited to get to spend some time with Sebastian and find out why he'd been missing.

And maybe...just maybe...

I had started thinking about our kiss. Again.

Sebastian's POV

Seeing Cheyenne in that itsy bitsy two piece was not helping my major hard on right now.

Her curls were down and springing everywhere. I could tell she was getting frustrated having to keep spitting out pieces of hair.

People were taking turns swinging off the rope tied from the tree and into the lake.

"We've gotta try that." I pointed to the tree.

"Oh hell no. I agreed to come swimming, not jump off fucking trees."

"Don't be a pussy."

"Hard not to be one when I have one." She grinned.

"Your sense of humor kills me."

"You guys are so cute." Kimora batted her eyelashes and Cheyenne glared at her.

"Look it's Rozae!" Kimora bounded over to her and we followed.

"Didn't think you'd ever show your face in public again." She said.

"How are you? I heard..." I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.

"Well Janice forced me out of the house and when she wants something there's no saying no to her." Zae sighed. "And I guess I'm just...trying to move on. It's been rough but I'm trying."

"It's been hard on all of us." Cheyenne spoke. "But let's try to have some fun."

"Speaking of fun." I smirked and Cheyenne gave me a weary look. Before she could move I tossed her over my shoulder and ran to the lake dodging people.

"If you throw me in I will murder you! The police will never find your body!" She pounded on my back.

"We'll see about that." I admit it was a little sad throwing her in since I had a nice perfect view of her ass. But I tossed her in. She came back up spluttering.

"You are so dead Cole."

"Come and get me Woods." I stuck my tongue out and she climbed out before sprinting toward me. I took off. When I turned back around she was gone. I did a three sixty turn looking for her but didn't see any curls among the crowd.

Suddenly a shove came from behind me and I went into the water head first.

"Gotcha." She grinned. I grabbed her ankles and pulled her in.

"You sneaky little fuckboy." But she wasn't mad. In fact she was laughing.

"That's me."

"So where the hell have you been? I thought maybe you were avoiding me after the park..." She looked down.

"No I wasn't. I've been locked in my house. Long story but I'm having some serious family issues."

"I know all about that. We should just go out one day and talk."

"Like a date?" I smiled.

"No a date is for people who like each other."

"So you don't like me then?" When her expression turned flustered I knew I'd caught her.

"No I do it's just...well...I mean I like you but I mean like like you know?"

"What if I like like you?"

"Then I don't know... What do you really want Sebastian?"

"You." I waited for her reaction. She rolled her eyes.

"Yes that's awfully helpful." Before I would've gotten offended but it was getting easier to understand her. She used sarcasm as a defense mechanism. Almost like a shield to protect herself.

"I think we should talk about this later." She said.

"Of course my Queen." I mock bowed and she slugged me.

"You know, you're really easy to mess with."

She responded by splashing water at me.

Krystal's POV

"Just look at them." Alexis said in disgust.

"You know some would call your obsession with Sebastian unhealthy. Even psychotic." I mused beside her.

"What does he see in her! I'm ten times better." She fumed.

"Young love." I joked. Today was the first time in weeks I'd felt that emotion people experienced called peace. I was nowhere close to happy but for now, I felt a little at peace.

This morning I'd woken up to the glorious sound of my parents arguing. It gave me a sadistic sense of pleasure to see my fathers normally unruffled feathers all messed up. They hadn't even noticed me and when I'd been invited to this little lake party. I'd slipped out undetected.

Of course it wouldn't last. But for now, I'd take it.

"You're supposed to be my friend. Your supposed to help me." Alexis whined.

"Ugh give me a break." I lifted my shades up to glare at her. "Do I have to do everything around here?" I was surrounded by idiots.

Reluctantly I slid off my recliner and made my way over to the Dj booth.

"Hi I need to make an announcement." Before he could I respond I shoved him out of the way and switched off the music. Everyone stopped and turned to stare at me.

"Alright this party is starting to get lame. How about we make things more fun. Who's up for a game of water wrestling!"

I was met with cheering.

"Alright well my good buddy here the Dj will get you all organized in groups. Here ya go Mike." I handed him back the microphone.

"It's Benjamin." He said.

"Like I care. Oh and make sure my friend over there," I pointed to Alexis, "gets paired with him," I pointed to Sebastian. "Here's a tip." I handed him a wad of cash and his eyes widened.

"Go get em tiger." I gave Alexis a little nudge towards the water where people were gathering for the game.

"Your the best!" She squealed and took off. This should be interesting.

Cheyenne was bumped out of the way by a smug Alexis and I felt a tiny twinge of guilt since she was keeping my secret. But I pushed it aside. In the end Sebastian would end up with whoever he wanted. Alexis was just too dumb to see it.

"Round one begin!" Mike the Dj began. It was Rosie on Charles shoulders against Kimora on Jacobs shoulders. Of course Rosie didn't hold out for very long and in a matter of minutes she was coughing up water. Kimora and Jacob high fived.

"Your not gonna join them?" A voice said next to me and I looked up. It was Reese.

"Look who decided to crawl out of their little hole." I sneered.

"I was forced. Anyway I'm not staying. I'm just waiting for him." He jabbed a thumb toward Marcus.

"You still hang out with him?"

"You still hang out with her?" He looked toward Alexis.

"She's not so bad." An absolute lie.

"Sure."

"Why are you even talking to me?" I had every intention of coming off as a bitch.

"Don't be like that Krystal. I thought we agreed to not have any bad blood between us."

"That was an agreement you made by yourself."

"So your gonna hold a grudge for the rest of your life?" He sat next to me.

"You know for someone who always complains about their mother brushing everything off you sure tend to do the same. Maybe you inherited it from her."

His eyes darkened. "Don't even go there."

"You what Reese, fuck off and kiss my ass."

"Whatever." He stood up and walked over to Marcus tapping his shoulder. They exchanged some words before disappearing.

My peace was officially ruined.

Reese's POV

"I am never listening to you again." I collapsed on the sofa at Marcus's place. We had just returned from the lake party.

"You needed to get out man." He replied.

"No I need to sort my shit together." I grabbed a beer from the fridge.

"And that included talking to Krystal right?"

"Do not bring her up." I snapped instantly tensing.

"Seriously when are you gonna-"

"Marcus." I said in a warning tone.

"Alright I'll lay off. You got that crazy look in your eye."

"Thank you." I sighed relieved. It was quiet.

"You know you'll have to go home eventually." Marcus broke the silence.

"God is this fucking harp on Reese day!" I finally yelled. I closed my eyes taking deep breathes. When I re-opened them Marcus was jabbing a needle into his arm. I felt my blood pressure rise.

"The fuck Marcus?!" I shot up.

"Don't tell me you're gonna start harping on me." He said dryly.

"I do not want a repeat of what happened last time you started using heroin! You better get rid of that shit before I burn this house down!"

"Relax man it was only one hit. I've got this under control." He shrugged. It was already taking effect.

"That's what you said the first time. Then it was two and three hits until we were both utterly fucked. Hand it over."

"Fineeeee." Marcus exaggerated and handed me the brown paper bag hiding underneath his chair. I narrowed my eyes at him and he just smiled back.

"Do you want to be like your dad?" I suddenly asked and his smile disappeared.

"Let's not start preaching. You and I know your the last person who should be giving any advice. I won't take anymore heroin? Happy?"

"Very." I sat down and started I relax.

"Why are we like this?" Marcus suddenly asked. "Why do we make the exact same mistakes as those before us?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." I took a swig of beer.

"I think going to therapy is a good idea."

"Please don't start." I groaned. "I'm not going. End of story."

"Come on. At least one of us can get help and be saved."

"I don't need to be saved." I rolled my eyes.

"You know if my mom could afford a therapist I'd go."

"Good for you Marcus."

"Just think about it. If there's any opportunity for us to get out of this fucked up life, nows the time to take it."

"Ok ok I'll maybe consider it. Now shut the hell up."

Then it was silent. Nice and silent.

Hello my lovely readers!

Hope you enjoyed this update.

And also here's a little reminder from me:

DONT. DO. DRUGS. NEVER. EVER. THEY DO NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS. THEY CREATE MORE. YOU WILL NOT ALWAYS BE LUCKY LIKE MARCUS AND LIVE TO SEE THE NEXT DAY. ONE TIME USE CAN BE DEADLY. SO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS AND STAY IN SCHOOL.

Alright end of message :)

Stay groovy✌️