Page 161 of The Friend Scheme
Yet he did it.
I need to see him. I can’t do this alone.
I’m hoping that maybe, just maybe, he will have some sort of idea as to how I can stop all of this.
I unfollowed him on everything, though, and deleted his number. I load Instagram, and search for his profile. Huh. He’s switched it to private, so I can no longer see his photos. I wonder if that has anything to do with me.
I tap the follow button.
Request sent.
I turn my phone upside down and stare up at the ceiling.
I think this is the right move. On my own, I have no chance of dealing with this. I can’t tell Jason any of the details about what is going to happen. I’m just hoping that he will be able to give me some perspective and maybe some advice.
That’s all I need from him.
I check my phone.
Nothing.
I get up and go about my usual routine. I play with Eddie for a while. I make myself pasta for dinner. I play someFortnitewith Luke.
I keep checking my phone.
It’s quarter past midnight, and I’m about to call it a night. That’s when my phone lights up.
He’s followed me back.
Hey.
Hey. Thanks for being in touch.
I didn’t know if I should. What’s going on?
I need your help. Is there any chance we can meet?
I don’t know, man. You might be leading me into a trap.
I’m not, I promise. We could meet somewhere public? Dude, I swear, all I want is some advice. This isn’t a trap. And yes, I know that’s what someone who was setting a trap would say.
Haha. This might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done, but okay. How about Bayshore Park, after school tomorrow? And it’s public, so don’t try anything.
Bayshore Park is Donovan territory.
Yet another risk. That’s Jason in a nutshell, though.
Endless risk.
Sounds good. I’ll be there.
The park is super pretty.
There’s a row of palm trees, and in the middle of those, evenly spaced, are wooden park benches. I watch as a couple, two women, walk down the pathway in front of the ocean, holding hands.
Jason chose a great spot, is all I’m saying.
Still, what am I doing?
