by Raathi Chota
“Okay, well, see you guys.” Carter shrugged as he did that handshake with Liam, then Benny and Nick. I let out a sigh as Benny entwined my fingers with his. I leaned my head on his shoulder as we walked to Liam’s apartment.
***
We arrived at Liam’s apartment, then took Nick’s car back to Ethan’s cottage to get Benny’s car. Afterward, we drove to Benny’s house and decided to stay there for the night. Liam and Nick always hung out at Benny’s house, so they had a few items of clothing there, especially Liam, since he made himself comfortable anywhere. I immediately got into the shower and spent almost an hour trying to get the sewer smell off. I got out and tossed my dirty clothes in the basket. Benny gave me his long sleeve baseball tee and a pair of gray shorts. I dried my hair with the towel, then walked out of the bathroom and into his room. His back faced me, and I noticed he’d came out of the shower too.
“Hey, pizza should be here any minute. The guys are in the baseme—” He cut himself off as he spun around and took in my appearance. I gave him a strange look, then followed his eyes as they went down. I glanced down and noticed that the baseball tee was white and red. Then I remembered I threw my bra in the basket too. I looked up and leisurely bit my lip. I slowly approached him, then placed my hand on his chest. His hair was damp from the shower, so it was spiky.
“Like what you see?” I teased as my hand went behind his neck. I brought him forward so that I could kiss him. His hand went to my hips, then slowly under the shirt. I felt the palm of his hands go behind my back. The kiss itself was slow yet so evocative as our tongues danced. His hands went to the front, his thumbs grazing the outline of my breast as he moved up, then the doorbell rang. We pulled away from the kiss but kept in the position as I smiled at him. “Pizza’s here.” I stepped back, and he pouted.
“Wait…you’re not going down there like that,” he said. I laughed as he walked to his closet and took out an oversized black sweater. He tossed it to me and then put his hands on his hips as he watched me take off the baseball tee. I pulled the tee over my head, then looked at him. His cheeks reddened as he shyly turned away. I bit the inside of my cheek as I put on the sweater, then walked out of the room. When I walked into the basement, Nick and Liam sat by the television. I sat down on one end, then took a slice of pizza and ate it. Out the corner of my eye, I noticed Nick staring at the floor.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, just thinking about while we were down there. I walked behind because I took everything in. Trying to figure out how we ended up in the industrial area, in the alley,” Nick responded as he looked at me in a concerned way.
“Well, it’s the sewers. They could lead to anywhere.” I shrugged.
“Yeah, but it’s weird that they had a utility hole there in the freaking bathroom. Whoever built it chose a strange place because there’s so much land open,” he added as I thought it over. Benny came downstairs with his phone in one hand and a bag of pretzels in the other. He tossed the bag to Liam, who ate.
“Are you too lazy to get up and get pretzels that you have to text me from downstairs?” Benny asked as he sat down between Nick and me.
“I was busy,” Liam said with a mouthful of pretzels as he gestured to the television.
“Dude, do you have a paper and pencil? I want to see something,” Nick stated as he pushed aside the snacks on the coffee table.
“Yeah,” Benny answered as he got up and walked to the shelf behind us. I wrapped the blankets around me as I sat next to Nick, quite interested in where he went with everything. Benny sat down on my left as he handed Nick the paper and pen. We watched in curiosity as Nick drew a sketch of the sewers, then the tunnels we went through. It amazed me how he remembered so much and how bright it displayed. I leaned back on the sofa as my phone vibrated. I took it out and smiled when I saw a text from Levi.
Levi: Hey princess, heard you went all bitch mode with the flag girl.
Lana: How do you know? It happened like two hours ago.
Levi: I’m in this group chat with the guys.
Lana: Oh well yeah, her fault though. All she had to do was say the magic word.
Levi: Yeah, you should have seen her face afterward. She was looking for you.
Lana: How do you know?
Levi: Carter said, princess. What’s with all the questions?
Lana: It’s nothing. How’s college?
Levi: It’s good, just my dorm roommate can get quite annoying. Lol
Lana: Really? How?
Levi: Really now…what’s with all the questions?
Lana: Nothing, geez, just trying to hold up a conversation.
Levi: Has it come to that where we must ask each other questions just to keep the conversation going?
Lana: I don’t know. I should go. Talk to you later?
Levi: Oh, okay. Love you.
“Here’s a theory,” Liam said as I turned my phone off. He sat next to Nick as we looked at the sketch of the sewers. It was labeled from Ethan’s cottage to where we came came out. A few tunnels led to nowhere, which frightened me on how we’d find out where they’d lead.
“What if we can’t find Jack August and Detective Kale can’t because he’s somewhere there?” Liam said, pointing at the paper.
“Yeah, the question is how did he get there?” Nick asked as I looked at the paper.
“I don’t know. I was hoping one of you could get it,” Liam mumbled.
“It can’t be from the alley because it’s guarded by a police officer during the day and it’s too dark at night to see,” Benny said as he gazed at the map.
“It had to be from Ethan’s cottage, since the chains were broken and the tiles moved,” Nick interjected.
“If Liam’s theory is correct, then where is he?” I asked.
“Only one way to find out.” Liam grinned as he looked at us. “We go back down there because we’re investigators!”
***
To walk down the halls on a Monday with a blocked nose wasn’t how I pictured my day. After Liam’s crazy idea to go back into the sewers and look for a connection there, we decided to go to sleep. Next morning when we woke up, we were lazy, so we chilled the entire day. I didn’t even want to go back down there; we’d get caught.
With so many things going on in my mind, I didn’t even notice that the bell hadn’t rung. I passed Mr. Bronx’s class, and we locked eyes.
“Hey, Lana, you seem confused, and that’s not a good sign, because that means I’m not doing my job right as a teacher or uncle…” He trailed off and smiled.
“Morning, I—” I cut myself off when I sneezed.
“Whoa, you okay?” Griffon asked as he gave me a tissue.
“Yeah, it’s just the little flu,” I said, then blew into the tissue.
“Hey, while we still have time, I just want to let you know that next week is the last week Yale will be accepting stuff for your application,” he stated, then walked over to his desk.
“Oh crap. The time went so quick I almost forgot. What else must be handed in?” I asked, then put the tissue in the trash can.
“Have you written two essays on topics of your choice and a list of activities you’ve done?” he asked as he read off a paper.
“Yeah, I just need to print them.”
“Great, and we have your two teacher recommendations, which are Mr. Dockwell and me. The last thing is the secondary school report, which is a whole bunch of stuff.”
“I’m getting that. The counselor is helping,” I said, and he groaned.
“Lana, do you know how important this is? It’s your future we’re talking about. All of Carter’s stuff is in.”
“Wait. Carter applied too?”
“Yeah, he’s a smart kid. Doesn’t show it much in general, but you and he are both excellent students.”
“Wow.” I gasped. The bell rang, and people piled into the classroom. Mr. Bronx turned to his students, and I took that as a sign to leave. I tried to get to class as fast as I c
ould, but my sneezes held me back. When I got into class, I took a tissue and sat down. Melissa greeted me as I slouched in my seat.
“Morning, everyone. Here’s your tests back,” Mr. Gorton began as he held papers. “Reason why I didn’t say good morning is because it’s Monday, which means seeing all of you again for the next five days.”
“How do you sleep at night?” Melissa asked as I sneezed.
“I sleep very well indeed, Miss Singe,” he replied as he gave my test. I let out a louder sneeze. Some people looked. I stood up and walked to the teacher’s desk to get a tissue. As I got a tissue, I sneezed again, but this time it was worse as I slouched.
“Bless you,” someone called out, and I thanked them.
“She has been blessed,” Aidan announced, then bowed to me. I gave him a questioning look as I cleaned my nose. It felt so thick and swollen as I blinked continuously.
“Who got the highest on this test?” Carter asked as I stood next to the trashcan.
“Well, you beat Lana by two questions, Mr. Halls,” Mr. Gorton replied as I gawked at him.
“Oh, Willson, this must kill you.” Blake laughed as I glared at him.
“What two questions?” I asked.
“The ones on Circular Motion and Field of Reference,” Mr. Gorton replied as my jaw dropped.
“What? But Circular Mo—” I stopped as I felt liquid fall from my nose. I leaned back and grabbed a tissue.
“Whoa, you’re looking pretty bad,” Blake stated as I felt my throat clog up.
“Thanks, I was going for that look today,” I sarcastically responded, then sniffled.
“Lana, I think you should go to the nurse,” Mr. Gorton suggested.
“What? I’m all right,” I mumbled.
“As much as I’d like you to get us all sick so we don’t have to attend school, I can’t, so please go before you get worse,” he said as his nose wrinkled up from my sick appearance. “And don’t worry, I’ll make sure your boyfriend brings the homework.”
“That’s depressing. You’re still gonna give me homework,” I said.
“Just get your things and go, Lana Willson, before I change my mind,” he said. I let out a sigh as I walked to my desk and gathered my things. When I looked up, Benny gave me a supportive smile. He held up his phone, which meant we’d stay in touch. I smiled, then walked out of the classroom.
***
Benny
As soon as Lana walked out of the classroom, the period dragged. We took notes on Electric, Gravitational, and Magnetic Fields. It was a lot, especially since Mr. Gorton explained everything in detail. When he’d explain, I’d talk to Lana. I wanted to be with her even though she’s sick.
“Yes, Mr. Sanchez?”
“What’s the point of all these notes on Coulomb’s Law and Electric Fields? It’s not like we’re gonna use them in the future. When I graduate, I’m gonna burn all my books,” Liam stated, and the teacher shook his head.
“It depends on what career you want to go into,” he replied.
“Still burning my books.” Liam shook his head.
“Are you stupid? You do realize nobody likes you,” Austin said as he turned to Liam.
“Hey! My grandma thinks I’m awesome!” Liam exclaimed as I sighed.
“So do I!” Aidan said next to me.
“Who asked you, Rowley? You’re stupid as well!” Austin said as people laughed.
“Guess what? My ass is the only one in this room that gives a shit!” Aidan replied as the teacher stared at them.
“Why are you two always talking about each other’s asses?” Mr. Gorton sighed.
“Because he farted out glitter once!” Austin yelled out, and Aidan shot up in his seat.
“You said you wouldn’t tell anybody! And acting like a dick won’t make yours any bigger!” Aidan exclaimed as I tried to hold him back.
“Whoa, whoa, even though I’m enjoying this, it’s getting out of hand. One of you has to get out of my class because you’re distracting the other,” Mr. Gorton stated as he stopped Aidan and Austin.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Aidan stated as he folded his arms.
“Me neither,” Austin added.
“Then we’ll let the class decide,” Mr. Gorton said as he placed a hand on each of their chests to separate them. “Whoever wants Aidan to gain freedom, raise their hand?” He announced, and I shook my head as Kelly was the only one who raised her hand. “Whoever wants Austin to get out of my class, raise their hand?” He stated. Everyone raised his or her hand except for Kelly. Austin scoffed as he glared at everyone. “The class has spoken. Just go take a walk and come back when the bell rings,” Mr. Gorton said as Austin walked out of the classroom.
“What? But then it’s lunch,” Austin stated as he stood in the hall.
“Exactly,” Mr. Gorton stated and shut the door. I laughed as he walked to the board. Aidan sat down and let out a sigh of relief as we continued with our notes.
***
I took a few chicken nuggets and added them to my plate, then took the sauce with it. Marcus was in front of me, and I looked ahead to see the two last iced coffee cartons. He quickly grabbed them and added them to our trays.
“Thanks, bro.” I laughed as we paid.
“No problem. So where’s Lana?” he asked as we walked to our table.
“She went home because she got sick. Man, you should’ve seen her,” I said as we approached our table to see Aidan, Carter, and Liam standing around the table.
“You lost?” I asked as I put my tray on the table, then sat down.
“I don’t know. Usually, Lana sits here and then we all sort of just pile in,” Liam answered.
“Well, just sit down. It’s not like it’s the first time she’s not here.” Marcus shrugged as I sat by the wall.
“Actually, it is,” Melissa pointed out.
“Whoa, it feels weird,” Liam said, then sat next to Ethan. Miranda sat between Marcus and me. She looked over my shoulder and raised a brow.
“Where’s Lana? I need to ask her something,” Miranda said as she took out her earphones.
“She went home,” I answered as I ate my food.
“Well, FaceTime her. It’s urgent,” she stated, then took one of Marcus’s chicken nuggets. “I would, but I had Mr. George as a substitute, and he fell asleep, so I was on my phone, then it died.”
“Okay,” I mumbled, then took out my phone to FaceTime Lana. Liam stood behind me as we waited for Lana to answer. A few moments later, she appeared with an annoyed look and a tissue up her nose. “Damn, you look terrible,” I said, and Miranda nudged me.
“Thanks for being honest,” Lana responded with a sarcastic look.
“So who’s at home with you?” I asked.
“My mom gave me this medication and did some home remedies, then she left because the hospital needed her,” she replied with a sniff.
“So you’re alone,” Liam stated as he leaned his head between Miranda and me.
“Yeah, Linda came over a few minutes ago to check up on me. She’s weird. She left her cat here, which is making my flu worse,” Lana said, then got up.
“What are you doing? Get back in bed,” Miranda demanded.
“Relax, I just need a glass of water, and I’m gonna kick this cat out. I don’t like cats.”
“Aww, you miss Scruffy.” Blake popped out of nowhere and sat next to me.
“Not really,” Lana grumbled as we watched her walk downstairs.
“Damn, you walk slower than my grandma,” Liam said, and Lana turned the camera so that we saw her face.
“Yikes, you look horrible, baby girl,” Blake said as I turned my head to him. “What, Nielson? Didn’t know that I call her that?”
“I’m her boyfriend, and I don’t want you calling her that,” I hissed as Blake smirked.
“Well, she likes it. Right, baby girl?” Blake asked as he turned to my phone. Lana glared through the phone as she shook her head. I turned to Blake with a poker look on
my face, and he shrugged. “Well, I like calling her that. I don’t need anyone’s approval,” Blake stated, then stood up. I shoved my phone in Liam’s hand and got up. Blake and I glared at each other as I clenched my fists.
“What the hell’s your problem, dude? You can’t go calling my girlfriend that. She’s mine.”
“She’s not your fucking property, dude,” Blake said, then shoved me. “Oh, and if you gotta problem with me calling her baby girl, then it might push your buttons that Levi calls her princess.” My nostrils flared with rage. As Blake opened his mouth to speak, I cut him off and punched him in the jaw. He backed away and laughed. People started to notice. He launched himself at me and hit me on my temple. I shook my head and glanced up to see that he was going to punch me again. I dodged it, then pushed him onto the nearest table.
“Hey!” Kelly exclaimed as she shifted in her seat. Blake groaned as he tried to get up, but I was fast and towered over him as I threw another punch. I heard voices behind me, and out the corner of my eye, I saw a crowd form around the table. After a few punches, he gripped my fist, then lifted himself up. He knocked his head against mine, and I staggered back. He punched me in the eye but was soon held back by Carter and Aidan. I stalked toward him, but Nick and Marcus held me back. Blake and I glared at each other as a teacher stepped in between us.
“What is the meaning of this? Look at you two!” Mrs. Singleton exclaimed as she gestured to Blake’s broken nose and the blood on my face. “Everyone continue with lunch, and you two…to the principal’s office…now!”
Ethan grabbed the both of us and dragged us out of the cafeteria. I blocked him out as he talked about how stupid we were.
“Benny!” Liam yelled as we spun around. Liam and Miranda ran toward us with my phone, and I almost forgot that Lana must’ve seen the whole thing. Liam handed me my phone, then opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Miranda groaned as she looked at me, then Blake.