Hello Nerdians! I lied. This is the third last chapter, not counting the Epilogue. Enjoy.
Can't say much, I'm busy writing the last chapters.
Please know I love you.
Don't kill me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
"Have a good night, lover boy," Caitlyn said with a wink, waving. Mitch rolled his eyes and put his hands in his pockets.
"You too. Don't go too hard with Preston; he won't be able to take it if he can't handle dancing," Mitch replied, deadpan. Caitlyn's face went red but she laughed, flipping him off and walking back inside to Sydney and Preston. Jerome stood awkwardly beside Mitch, breath leaving puffs of fog in the air.
"Will you be alright to walk home?" Jerome asked worriedly. "It's cold. And late. And muggers-"
"Hey, calm down," Mitch chuckled. "I'll be fine." Mitch looked up at the stars and sighed, a small smile on his lips.
"Funny. A few weeks ago I wouldn't be worried about getting mugged, people were worried I was going to mug them," Mitch said, rocking back and forth on his heels. Jerome looked down at the ground, eyeing the frost beginning to lace the grass.
"Mug is a funny word," Jerome stated. Mitch raised an eyebrow and nodded slowly. "And I like you now more than before." Jerome mumbled softly, wincing slightly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mitch asked immediately, scowling.
"It meant nothing," Jerome sighed.
"You're an asshole, you know that?" Mitch huffed, leaning to the left and bumping him gently with his shoulder.
"You know you love me," Jerome smiled. Mitch rolled his eyes and extended his arms, pulling Jerome close and hugging him loosely, resting his chin on the top of his head. Jerome let out a small sigh and wrapped his arms around Mitch's waist, standing silently in his embrace. I could get used to this. He's so warm.
"I should go home," Mitch told Jerome's hair.
"You probably should," Jerome replied to Mitch's chest.
"Love you and shit."
You too," Jerome answered. Mitch pulled away and Jerome immediately missed his presence.
"Stay safe," Jerome murmured.
"Sure," Mitch said, shifting from foot to foot. "I'll be… going, I guess." Jerome nodded, and Mitch laughed suddenly.
"We're so awkward," Mitch said with a smile. "It's funny."
"Hurry up and go, idiot," Jerome said, shoving his chest. "It'll be ten by the time you arrive home at this rate." Mitch nodded and started walking backwards, waving.
"Bye," he called.
"Be careful of the-" Jerome started in warning, but a second later the bang echoed. Mitch fell backwards over the bin with a yell and Jerome stared, fighting back a laugh as Mitch sat up straight, cheeks slowly going red.
"Well that failed," he said bluntly.
"It sorta did," Jerome laughed, jogging down the drive to him and helping him stand.
"I'm going for real now," Mitch said, rubbing the back of his neck and then walking down the road. Jerome sighed and folded his arms, a small smile on his face. He's such an idiot.
"That pizza was so amazing," Sydney moaned, sprawling out on the now righted couch and rubbing her stomach.
"It only took a horrible mess and two hours to make them," Preston sighed.
"Don't be a party pooper, Preston," Sydney said happily. "You know you had fun."
"Who even says party pooper these days?" Preston asked sceptically. Sydney glared at him, pointing a finger loosely at her face.
"This girl," she sang, rolling her eyes. "You're such a dumb."
"A dumb?"
"A dumb."
"Shut up."
"Caitlyn!" Sydney shrieked. "Your boyfriend is being mean!"
"She started it!" Preston yelled. Caitlyn sighed from her spot in the kitchen while the microwave beeped down.
"This is like taking care of two little kids," she muttered. But one of them is cute and other is awesome, so it's cool.
"Three kids," Jerome corrected as he wandered in from out the front. "Me hungry."
"I heard a bang," Preston said, sitting up in the armchair and looking in his direction. "What happened?"
"Mitch fell over the bin," Jerome explained, grabbing Sydney's legs and moving them so they hung over the back of the couch and then sitting in the cleared space.
"Hey!" Sydney whined.
"How did he trip over the bin?" Caitlyn scoffed as she pulled a bag of popcorn out of the microwave, popping it open and pouring it into a bowl.
"He was walking backwards and I was too late to warn him," Jerome shrugged.
"Who's the dumb now, huh?" Preston said triumphantly.
"Still the kid who failed math in the sixth grade," Sydney said simply.
"Stop mocking me!" Preston groaned, throwing a pillow at Sydney. She caught it and tossed it to Jerome, who set it in his lap and played with the stitching. Caitlyn walked into the room with the popcorn, setting it down on the table and sitting on Sydney's stomach.
"Let's watch this movie," she said. Sydney beat at her legs angrily, trying to push her off, but Caitlyn stayed put on her stomach with a smile.
"I have to be home by eleven," Preston said. "How long does this go for?"
"An hour and a bit, you'll be fine," Caitlyn assured as she tapped around on the controller.
"You're squishing me!" Sydney yelled.
"The movie is starting, couch, be quiet!" Caitlyn ordered. Sydney muttered curses under her breath and Caitlyn simply laughed. This is so painfully normal. A smile grew on her face and she sighed. Now we wait for it to all fall to shit.
"Hey, faggot!" Jerome winced as paper wads bounced off the side of his head. Oh school, how I missed you. He looked up and saw five boys from the grade below him, leaning against the lockers, snickering and high-fiving.
"Gay bitch," the shorter one sneered.
"Go back to hell!"
"Yeah, you little dick sucker."
"Scum!" Jerome put his head back down and shifting his bag on his shoulders, taking a deep breath before continuing down the corridor.
"Hey, Jerome!" Caitlyn sang, bouncing back and forth on her heels as Jerome rounded the corner. "Did you get your stuff?"
"Yeah. No one cornered me this time, just a few comments and paper," Jerome said with a small smile. "I'll survive." Caitlyn smiled sympathetically and patted his shoulder.
"You're dealing with everything surprisingly well, seeing as you've a homeless person and you've been publicly shunned," Caitlyn said approvingly. "I'm proud." Jerome scowled and rubbed the side of his face, sighing.
"Don't remind me," he mumbled. "I feel horrible staying with you. I'll need to arrange… something. Geez, I don't know." Caitlyn softened, hugging him gently and smiling.
"Hey, it'll be alright," she murmured. "We'll figure it out." Jerome just nodded and Caitlyn took a step back, pulling on the hem off her dark blue shirt and looking around the hall.
"Caitlyn!" Sydney shrieked as she came bounding around the corner, sidestepping Jerome to avoid knocking him down and throwing her arms around Caitlyn.
"Sydney!" Caitlyn screamed back, hugging her back.
"It's been forever," Sydney giggled.
"I know! It's haven't seen you since, like, last night," Caitlyn said conversationally. Sydney laughed and leaned back, going off on a spiel about the dangers of catching the early bus. Jerome tried to keep up with their rapid-fire chatter, smiling when it seem appropriate and laughing occasionally. I love their friendship. It's so sweet.
"Hello, fellow members of the Inner Sanctum of Cool People," Preston said smoothly as he glided into their half-circle, seemingly from nowhere.
"Speaking of," Caitlyn said, breaking off her high speed conversation and turning to Preston. "Are we the Inner Sanctum or the Floor People?"
"Floor people is Mitch's shit he pulled out of his ass at the last moment," Sydney chimed in, earning a sigh from Caitlyn.
"Language, young lady," Caitlyn said, mock stern as she placed her hands on her hips and tutted.
"Yes, mum," Sydney huffed, rolling her eyes.
"The Inner Sanctum has been around longer. Floor people should be a term. Like, for higher members who plan on ruling the world," Preston suggested.
"I second that," Jerome chirped.
"No one asked your opinion, lowly fool!" Caitlyn yelled grandly, flapping her arms around in the air like an idiot.
"I'm sorry, great and powerful Goddess of the Sanctum," Jerome cowered in shame, looking down. "I tremble under your power and greatness."
"Oh," Caitlyn giggled, lowering her arms and smiling. "I could get used to that title."
"Oh, so I call you gorgeous every morning and that's all it takes?" Preston huffed. "Wow. I feel betrayed."
"But you don't need to say those things because I know you love me," Caitlyn protested. Preston moved to protest, and then he nodded.
"Oh. Okay. Cool," he mumbled. Caitlyn rolled her eyes and Sydney started to talk when the PA system crackled, every student across the school quieting.
"Will the following students please report to Principal DeCosta's office immediately: Jerome Aceti, Preston Aresment, Sydney Blake and Caitlyn Howell." The four traded odd looks and slowly started walking together, everyone staring at them.
"It's the gay guy and his gang of idiots."
"Since when was that slutty nerd dating Preston?"
"You mean since when was Preston hanging with gay boy."
"I think it's kinda cute. We should make a ship name for him and Mitch."
"Don't say that! Do you want to commit social suicide by supporting them?!"
"What bitches. Look at them go."
"You can see the gay rolling off him. What a dick!"
"Dick sucker, you mean."
"You're all going to hell!" one boy yelled. Caitlyn glared at him, smiling sweetly and then flipping him off.
"It's funny because they still seem to respect Preston and his football-greatness," Caitlyn said under her breath.
"This is so weird," Preston murmured. Jerome nodded silently, staying wedged between Sydney and Caitlyn. Sydney's fists were clenched and she shot a dirty look at everyone who glanced towards Jerome.
"Calm down, Syd!" Caitlyn laughed.
"They can't just talk shit about Jerome to his face," Sydney growled. Jerome smiled, fighting down a blush.
"I appreciate it Sydney, but I'm not a king," he chuckled nervously. "I don't need special treatment. Plus, I can take a few insults."
"Are you sure?" Sydney asked dubiously. Jerome nodded and her shoulders slumped.
"Fine," she muttered.
"We're here," Caitlyn said in a sing-song tone as they all stopped outside the door.
"Time sure flies when a bunch of teenagers are throwing half-assed insults at you," Preston mumbled.
"Preston, watch your language!" Sydney said.
"That's hilarious coming from the girl who swears every second sentence," Caitlyn commented drily. "And it's my job to tell people off for swearing. Stop stealing my job."
"I'll stop stealing your jobs when you stop acting like my mum."
"Because I know how your mother acts."
"Of course you do. She was raving about you all night and-"
"Sydney!" Caitlyn shrieked. "Stop! I don't need to… I didn't…" Caitlyn looked flustered, her face reddening. Sydney just giggled, pushing open the door to the office.
"You were just summoned?" the secretary said.
"Indeed we were," Sydney smiled. The secretary just rolled her eyes and looked back down at her magazine. Sydney pouted but stood there holding the door, letting everyone file in. Preston took a seat and Caitlyn sat beside him, leaving space for Sydney and Jerome. Sydney moved to it but tripped on Jerome's foot, falling sideways and bouncing off the chair, landing sprawled on the wooden floor. Caitlyn snorted in effort to hold back laughter and Jerome gaped. The secretary ignored them all.
"I am so sorry!" Jerome stammered.
"It's not your fault," Sydney grunted, sitting up. She glared at the plastic chair, flipping her middle finger up at it. "Screw you." Jerome laughed and helped Sydney up, the bell ringing for class in the background. I guess we're skipping for this.
"Don't flip off inanimate objects," Caitlyn scowled. Then the door opened and a solemn Mr DeCosta stood there.
"Welcome," he said. "Please, come in." Everyone stood up and squeezed through the surprisingly narrow doorway. Jerome frowned. Where are the seats? Mr DeCosta took a seat slowly, folding his hands in a steeple like usual but looking down at the desk silently. The four stood in a line awkwardly, Caitlyn taking Preston's hand nervously.
"You are all extremely lucky you aren't in a lot of trouble and were only bystanders," DeCosta said. "I need to deliver… news." Jerome realised his palms were sweating and wiped them nervously on his thighs. Geez, where's Mitch when you need him? Then Jerome's eyes widened. Where is Mitch?
"Yes, sir?" Caitlyn prompted weakly.
"Today Peter Reynolds parents came in with their injured son," he began, and Jerome took in a sharp breath. Is this about Sunday? When Peter found us at the café and fought with Mitch? Mitch punched… oh geez. Oh god. "He was bruised black and blue and his nose was broken. And he claimed Mitchell attacked him unjustly, with you four present."
"Unjustly?" Sydney snapped. "It was Peter! He's the one who-"
"Ms Blake," DeCosta barked. "That is not the point. That is the second time Mitchell has beaten someone seriously! He is lucky Logan Franco's parents didn't press charges, because combined with this it would be far worse."
"Charges?" Caitlyn whispered, hand turning white. Jerome gaped, body freezing. Mr DeCosta nodded tiredly, fingers collapsing down flat against the table.
"Yes. Charges. Criminal charges," he sighed. "Mr and Mrs Reynolds pressed charges and the police arrived minutes after their meeting with me. I had to inform them of Logan's injuries and show them his school record and… and the amount of detentions, suspensions, complaints and other records of harm were too much. He has been expelled and the police are currently searching for him."
"What?" Jerome stammered, shaking. Cold fingers slid through his and Jerome looked at Sydney, who pursed her lips, eyes full of sadness.
"The police left twenty minutes ago to Mitchell's home to confront him with these allegations and charges. Whether or not he is sent to juvenile detention, community service or jail is to be determined by the police force and possibly a judge," DeCosta said softly.
"No!" Jerome said, voice rising in pitch. "Y-You can't!"
"It is not my decision," DeCosta said sadly. "He has the potential to be an excellent student and I have always been lenient. I've made that his home life and difficulties were taken into account as soon as he started schooling here."
"You can't expel him," Jerome whispered, shaking visibly, eyes wet. "He was just starting to-"
"I am aware of this, Jerome," DeCosta sighed. "He was just starting to warm up to his classes and a select few teachers. You four have been an excellent influence, but his short temper doomed him to this from the beginning."
"Sir, if there is any way you could reconsider-"
"As I have previously stated, Ms Howell, it is not my decision!" Mr DeCosta snapped, finally losing his cool. "It is completely the choice of the Police Department, and if Mitchell had not caused these fights in the first place we wouldn't be here!"
"Well thank you for your time, sir," Preston said hurriedly, hand closing around Caitlyn's wrists while her face slowly got red with anger.
"No, Mr Aresment. I called you for a reason," Mr DeCosta said sternly. "You were there to witness the fight on Sunday. The police have requested that you give your separate accounts of the event. It's not because I don't trust you: all four of you have great grades and practically unblemished records. It is simply because your names came up in complaint and because of your recent status as his friends. We couldn't find anyone else, seeing as Matthew Bouchard – or Mat – has been sent away and Zak Thornbury is suspended for lack of understanding when it comes to privacy." No. Okay. Get things under control. I didn't know Zak was suspended. Huh. Jerome took a deep breath, slowing his breathing. Don't think about it until we get out.
"Who would like to go first?" Mr DeCosta asked, feigning happiness.
"I will," Sydney volunteered, voice shaking.
"Thank you, Ms Blake," DeCosta said with a smile. "You three can wait in the lobby." Preston nodded and Sydney turned for a moment to hug Caitlyn. Caitlyn mouthed something Jerome didn't catch in her ear and Sydney nodded. Then Caitlyn pushed back, opening the door and dragging Jerome out with Preston pulling the rear. Jerome heard chairs being pulled around inside and Caitlyn grabbed his arms, pinning them to his sides, looking around and brightening at the Secretary's absence.
"Are you okay?" she asked urgently, searching his face.
"No," Jerome stuttered.
"Perfect," she smiled. "Sydney is going to stall and drag it out. Then Preston, then me. You have an hour and a half at best."
"What?" Jerome whispered.
"Go to him, you asshole!" Caitlyn sighed, pushing him lightly. Jerome stood there in shock, and then wrapped Caitlyn up in the biggest hug ever, the first tears truly falling.
"Thank you so much," he murmured. Caitlyn pushed car keys into his hand, smiling.
"Hey, I love you dude," Caitlyn whispered back. "What're friends for? Now go. He might already be at the station." Jerome nodded, stepping back and rushing to the door, casting a quick glance behind him. Caitlyn smiled and motioned for him to go and Preston gave him the thumbs up.
Then Jerome was out the door and running, because he could hear the clock ticking down in his head.