"You got this, Maxaroni."

Chloe patted me on the back. I almost cringed at her touching me. Not because I didn't want it, but because not even minutes ago, I walked in on her and Rachel mid-fucking, causing me to panic and run out. I shoved a book into my face, acting as if I never saw anything. My face had to be as red as a tomato right now.

It was Tuesday again, the day I have to speak to Kate. I feel like I'm gonna explode. I was getting ready and just wanted to check up on them. I wish I had a warning or just be loud to let me know before I barged in. All I wanted was to get my backpack for class, but what I got instead was Chloe's face missing in between Rachel.

"What's up, Max?" Rachel walked by, touching my back. She still looked better than me even with bed head and just her flannel on.

"Nothing," was all I had to say. I had no words to describe "what was up." They were both wearing nearly nothing, just covering all the correct parts. They were so secure about themselves and, I guess, around me. I was uncomfortable; they were so... bare.

"Are you eating breakfast?" Rachel had a spatula in her hand, pointing it at me.

"I'll just catch something on campus." There were hundreds of vending machines and I pass about five of them going to this room alone. I never really buy anything from one because, every single time, something gets stuck in between the hooks and the glass. And then, when I get another thing to fall on top, that one gets stuck, too. I haven't succeeded yet, but maybe my luck changed today.

There was a look of disappoint on her face, so I went to the kitchen to eat a cake pop. I forgot that it was designed like a little pirate, with the eyepatch and all. As I bit into it, the chocolate inside was so sweet against my tongue, it made me squeamish. Sorry little pirate, off with your head and you weren't even that tasty. She giggled at me, but approved.

I finished the pop, asking "Are you ready, Chloe?" When I went back to her, who was dressed for her day of work. I could've sworn she was half-naked like a minute ago.

She was twirling her keys on her finger, "Are you?"


Chloe was planning on going back home. I had no doubt in my mind. She didn't have to get dressed at all; she was going back to Rachel. As much as I hated it, the image couldn't leave. My face felt so hot, I hated it! They're my friends, you perv!

To make it worse, we were stuck in traffic. One lane closed due to road work, so multiple car honks went off and loud machinery were overpowering the music on the radio. It was making me late to class once again.

"Why are you hella red?"

"Nothing! It's, uh, cold."

"I can see you sweating from here."

"It's a cold sweat."

I wanted to wear a black jacket to match my new hairstyle. I didn't think this through... being a sweaty mess and then talking to Kate? Oh shit! I can't talk to her like this!

"You're looking more like an art student every day."

She took her hands off the wheel; we weren't moving anymore. We leaned back against our seats, simultaneously crossing our arms.

"Is that good or bad?"

"You tell me, hippy."

"I'd say... it's not a good thing."

"Same, some of your classmates have their heads hella far up their asses."

I couldn't help to snicker. There were a few I've met who were entitled and pretentious; they were especially annoying during critique.

"Actually," I had an idea, shifting to my side, "You should work at the bar at the club we went to."

She snorted, "Did you ask the bouncers or something?"

"No, I just thought because Dana worked there, she would give you a chance."

"Oh shit, Dana Ward's here?" She hummed after finishing her sentence. She placed her finger on her chin. I could tell she was thinking about it. I don't recall Chloe ever liking or hating Dana, but I have a feeling she liked her. Chloe never finished at Blackwell and she rarely spoke good about anyone or anything associated with the school. "I just might go again tonight."

"You're not going to drink again, right? You were out cold last time." And Rachel's here, the drinking should tone down a little...

"No, I'm gonna be good."

I couldn't get the thought out of my mind. I wish I had more power or strength to help her, to stop her. She clearly doesn't know she has a problem. I don't have courage to bring it up to her. I just... I can't.

The traffic started to move ever so slightly.

"How long do you think Rachel will be here?" I rested my elbow on the console.

"I hope she stays long enough. A lot of the time she'll be home alone or at my work and that really fucking sucks."

I could hear Chloe's voice becoming somber at the end. I contemplated saying something, anything to make her feel better, but I stayed quiet instead. We started to move again, but we didn't say anything else for the rest of the drive.


Two hours late... again. I lumbered along through the hallways. I remember I got lost first day and it was embarrassing. I couldn't find a room for the life of me and I thought, for sure, that it would be in either floor two or three. It was on the first floor the whole time. In my defense, it wasn't a number and I thought floor one was just the library, tutoring center, and restrooms.

I passed the first vending machine right next to the elevator, peering into it and trying to find which one is less likely to get stuck. I'll never get a granola bar. I decided on chips, and as I pressed the number and letter, I hoped and prayed it wouldn't get stuck. I watched the yellow bag fall, only to eventually get stuck at the granola bars at the bottom. I stared at it for so long.

Are you fucking kidding me?

I didn't even want to attempt at putting more money. Instead, I kicked the machine as hard as I could, resulting in a throbbing foot, a clenched jaw, and my face of pain. My screams were held back, coming out as a suppressed grunt. My eyes shut from the pain and I held on to the machine.

"Ah, fuck!" I cried out.

"Do you need help?" I heard next to me. It was a gentle, soft voice. I looked over and felt embarrassed instantly.

"No," I let go of my knee and forced a smile, "Wait, did you mean the machine or my foot?" That's so embarrassing to say!

She giggled, "Your foot, but I can see there's something wrong with the machine too."

I wasn't expecting anyone, let alone her. I think that was the first impression of the century. I tightly held my hands together behind my back to stop them from shaking. Keep calm, you'll be fine. All that practice was for nothing, I guess.

"We're in the same class today, aren't we?" She asked as she looked at the Lay's chips.

"Yeah, I got stuck in traffic and that's why I'm out here and not in there."

"At least you're dressed out today. I can lend you my notes, do you want them?" She took a dollar out of the pocket of her jacket.

Shit, did she only know me because of last week? Or was she referring to the other time? Or what happened in the library? No, because she smiled at me the other time, so she knew who I was then! I hated this moment and I need to be saved right now.

"Yeah, is it break-time right now?"

"It is," she chose the same chips, falling and making mine fall along with it, "There you go."

"Thanks, uh..." I hesitated. I knew it, but I didn't want to creep her out.

"Kate," she held her hand out and smiled, "I saw you at Starbucks with Rachel Amber."

"We go way back," I shook her hand, "Everyone calls me Max."

I felt so lost looking in her eyes. They were such a warm and lively mix of golden brown and forest green, the ring of green embracing amber so close, everything in her eyes united so harmoniously. What a strange sea to get lost in. So... cheesy... Oh, my dog.

"It fits you." She let go first.

Oh dog, my hands were clammy. We both reached for the chips at the same time and then retracted at the same time. We both awkwardly laugh and told each other "you first." She took hers first after that exchange.

"I'll give you my notes when we get back." she started to walk away.

I took a few steps to catch up with her. I could be like "hey, can we walk together?" or "can we hang out later?" I stayed behind and leaned against the vending machine.

"Sorry I kicked you." I said to it.


I finished my chips in about five seconds and walked around on the first floor for ten minutes. It was boring and still break-time, so I decided to go to class. The class was practically empty, except for Kate and the teacher.

I went to my seat in the back. Immediately, I was met with a red notebook sitting on my desk. Curiously, I flipped through it and found a page with a yellow post-it note right in the middle.

I recalled you sitting here. I hope you don't think it's weird. Give it back to me whenever!

It was Kate's. Her g's and y's had looped tails, her h's and b's curved, and letters like e, n, and r attached to the letters they were next to. She stayed on the blue lines perfectly and made small notes in the margins. I was surprised she knew where I sat; she was more observant than I thought. I took my composition notebook out to start copying her notes. My book was tattered and covered in many stickers and drawings Chloe and I wanted to shove into it. I bought it when I started here and it already looked shitty. Yet, I loved it more like this.

I was never one to copy word for word. The only reason my book looked full were all the pictures in it. I had many deer and many studies of classmates from different classes on every single page. It was so disorganized.

I looked up and saw Kate looking over. She smiled at me and turned back to the front as everyone came back into class again.

Class ended and, honestly, I was done writing the notes an hour ago, but I couldn't bring myself to give it back. Dare I say, I actually felt too scared and nervous to do it. She came up to me, still showing me her kind smile and asked, "Are you done now?"

"Yeah," I handed her notebook back, "Thanks."

She took it back with two hands. "No problem, see you again on Tuesday." She waved and left behind everyone else.

There was a swell in my chest and my face was so hot to the touch. I acted normal as I waited for the elevator and went all the way down. At the bottom, I rushed out of the door, looked around, and then proceeded to cheer. I whooped and hollered out, jumped around and thanked whatever God above cursed and then blessed me today.

It was still too early for me to bust into Starbucks, so I called Rachel. I was still full of adrenaline, but as I listened to my phone ring and ring and turn into the "your call has been forwarded," all of it was gone. Shit, are you kidding me? I called again and no reply.

There were possibilities I thought of as to why she couldn't answer: she was napping, Chloe took her away, or Chloe and Rachel were both ignoring me. I even put the new number she told me about, so I couldn't be calling the wrong person.

I checked on Chloe's number instead. It rang and then nothing again.

I let out a huff. I got a text instead. "Sorry Maxi pad text you later. With Rachel."

I knew they went back to what they were doing! They don't have to lie to me! Or... maybe it's better that way. Friends, Max, you already know too much.

I went to the library again and, of course, Kate was there again. She sat at the same table and was focused on her book. I went to the same aisle I was in last time and pretended to browse. I was not here to check her out, no pun intended. I was here to wait for Chloe! I told myself that, but why did I go into the same aisle I could see her in? Nope, I was here to wait for my friend to text me.

But, I still wanted to look over. I kept my head still and looked into the corner of my eye. She wasn't looking back, thank dog. I sauntered around, looking at books about animation, knitting, cooking, and history of various films. I hope I looked like a normal student looking around and not creepy or weird.

"Hey Max." The voice scared the shit out of me. I physically jumped and put my hand on my chest from it. It was a classmate from my Friday class, which I missed. It was just a general class, so I didn't care much for it. I sat next to him and he was a bigger hipster than me. I would be down to wear a bow tie and Clubmaster glasses, but I don't know how that would look.

"Oh, hey Evan," I leaned on the bookcase, "What's up?"

"I noticed that you were absent. I brought the notes from class if you want them; there's a test this week." He was holding a stack of papers in his hand.

"Oh, yeah! Can I take them home? That looks like a lot." I flipped open my messenger bag.

"Of course, I already have it all down, so go nuts!"

As I put the packet in my bag, he went on talking about a show he watches. I was listening and nodding to acknowledge everything he said, but I was perfectly angled to see Kate over his shoulder. She saw me back and waved her hand, then went back to her book. I felt my mouth twitching into a smile, but I went back to my classmate, still rambling about all the death in the show.


I left the library when I told him I was going to watch it as I copy notes. I wouldn't say it was a lie, but it was highly unlikely. I didn't even catch the title. I feel bad, but... not really?

I wasn't sure if Chloe or Rachel ever text me, but I just left outside. It was hot outside and I needed some fresh air.

To my surprise, Chloe's car was in the front and I could see Rachel in the front passenger seat. I took strides and then got into the backseat. They were both dressed normally, in matching white tank tops no less, so Chloe must have left work early. We were back in the traffic when Rachel finally said something.

"How was class?"

"I was only there for two hours, so nothing happened," I put on my seatbelt, "What were you guys doing that you couldn't call me back?"

There was an awkward pause. I saw Rachel in the mirror press her lips together, avoiding to say something. You gaysI mean, guys...

"We were out eating!" Rachel huffed a laugh through her nose, but I was sure she meant... both meanings. "Being a couple and then fans coming up to me. Sorry we didn't answer you at all."

"It's cool."

"Did you talk to her?" She turned to look at me. She changed the topic so fast, I was speechless for a moment. I was able to reply after a couple um's and uh's. She spoke to me first, thanks to my nonexistent luck with vending machines!

"She talked to me first." I said confidently.

"Oh, really now?" Rachel wasn't convinced. I knew they wouldn't believe me. Hell, even I couldn't believe it happened.

I held my breath, but eventually I murmured, "I may have kicked a vending machine and she saw it."

"Now I believe it." Chloe snorted.

"Wait, why did you kick a vending machine?" Rachel's eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"I wanted chips and it got stuck." I realized that it was a bad idea. My foot still hurts.

"Oh Max..." Rachel sighed, but she was amused. She turned back to look out the windshield again. This was the first time I was in the back and it was a little tight. The seats were so close to me, my legs barely fit in between the little space left.

"But, did you guys go on a long date or something?" I mentioned.

"Oh, we decided to go to that club again and asked if they had an available time for Chloe to go in or if she could get a job at all," Rachel explained, "I think mentioning Dana helped, but we have to wait until tonight to talk to her. Do you want to come along?"

"Are we going in the limo again?"

"Yes."

"Then, I would like to go again!" My mouth watered at the food I could get there once again.


It was midnight, Rachel and Chloe didn't drink during the ride. Thank dog, one night was already too much... I sat in between them, which felt strange, they were close and leaned over me to talk to each other.

"I think you'll get the job. I'm sure Dana has some power." Rachel crossed her legs, one over the other. She got even closer. I was uncomfortable in this moment. Our legs were pressed against each other, their hands would periodically use my legs as leverage to lean over, and I was smelling their hair more than breathing real oxygen.

"Why are you guys sitting over here?" I asked, using my hands to move Rachel's hair as she leaned. I looked at both of them with a confused look on my face. They looked back at me with straight faces, really unconcerned and not bothered by the question.

"What's wrong with sitting altogether like friends?" Rachel cocked her head to this side.

"You guys are talking to each other," I placed my hands on their shoulders, "And I feel super... out of place, being in between here."

The smell of green apple was overwhelming, the pressure of them leaning over on my thighs were hurting me, and my back and neck bending back as far as possible doesn't even cover even half of how I felt. What level of third wheel do you have to be to get to this point? I felt like I was definitely at the highest point. Was I jealous or was I just irritated?

"We're sorry, Max," Rachel put her arm around me and rubbed my back, "You're not uncomfortable with being so close, right?"

"Only the fact that you two keep talking to each other in front of me."

The limo stopped, the window dividing this section and the driver in front of us slid down, and the driver said, "We're here, Miss Amber."

"We'll talk about something you want to talk about when we get back." Rachel patted my back.

It was the same thing. The line screamed for Rachel's attention, we followed Rachel in, passed the two guards, but this time, we beeline to the bar lit by white light. The music was loud, but there were less people dancing inside. It was Tuesday after all, these people must have a lot of time on their hands, but who knows. Dana was there again, wearing a shirt to reveal her midriff, and she saw us right away. She waved excitedly at us. She walked around the bar and hugged Rachel first, tightly and rocking her around.

"Rache, I missed you so much!" She avowed as loud as she could.

Chloe and I couldn't hear anything else after that. We were swaying and shimmying around to the music, bumping into each other once in a while. She was a lot better than me and it was obvious.

"Chloe," Dana shouted out, "You need a job?!"

"Yeah, can you hook me up?!" Chloe hollered and walked away.

"Want more food, Max?!"

"Yep!" I sang. I bounced to the bar stool.

As the three talked to each other, I was sitting on the same stool with all the same foods I was eating the other night. Everything was a lot less hectic. People weren't dancing as much, doing more interacting and drinking, and it was more chill. Maybe I am actually enjoying myself or it was the food talking. Simultaneously, I finished my food and they were done with their conversation.

"Babe, I love you and shit," that was the first thing Chloe said when we left, "But, we are fully capable of making our own cash."

Chloe a year ago wouldn't say that at all. She would've loved to get some cash, whether someone willingly gave it to her or she stole it. Even when I was the voice of reason, she would still listen to herself and acted out on it. I couldn't lie; there were times that I actually agreed with her. I still remember the face of relief she had when she finally paid off all her debt for the weed she bought.

"You love and care for Max and I do too! Please let me pay for your debt!" Rachel grabbed my shoulders and hugged me from behind.

There was one problem college students were stuck dealing with for the rest of time: money. I don't know if they felt the need to because they didn't finish high school or whatever another reason it could be. I didn't know whether to accept or reject or even say nothing.

"It would be cool, but I think I'll be okay." I finally decided.

Rachel wasn't impressed, "Modest, but this is art school we're talking about."

She was right, but I had a sense of guilt that was way stronger than actually accepting her offer.

"I'm still three quarters in, so let me think about it." I finished. Chloe and Rachel seemed happy with that answer.

"Step two, Max, you have to talk to Kate more." Rachel reminded me. She hugged me again, "I'm so proud of you!"

I don't want to force anything or make it look like a romantic relationship was my only intention. I wouldn't want to scare her away. She was clearly so nice and kind to everyone, being her friend was already good for me. I have to admit, I feel intimidated by her. I don't know how, but I'm scared even looking at her.

"Yeah, I'll try."