IT'S MONDAY AFTERNOON and Bel and I are sat at a coffee shop in the mall. I didn't bring Parker his clothes. James and I sat on my porch for about 2 hours before he had to leave. I went back inside, re watched all the Spiderman movies before crashing on the couch again. Now, we're at the mall, Bela complaining about her family and me listening.

"My sister has to make everything about her. It's infuriating." she pushes her curls over her shoulder before putting her face in her hands.

I stare at the blank screen of my phone.

"El? Are you even listening to me?" she huffs.

Her voice pulls me out of my trance.

"Sorry. Yes. I am." I look up at her.

My best friend studies my face, her eyebrow raising. "Are you waiting for a text?"

"No." I feel my cheeks hear up and I frown.

Her eyes widen. "You totally are!"

"No I'm not." I groan, looking down to hide my most likely pink cheeks.

"Spill." she says, completely serious.

I look at her. And then I sigh; she's never gonna give up.

"Do you remember James? He was in our spanish class in 10th grade."

Bela looks up in thought, her eyes moving back and fourth. She shakes her head.

I open my phone, going on to Instagram and typing in Parker's name. I'm pretty sure I follow him. It would be blasphemy not to. His account pops up and I scan the photos to see if there are any of them with James in. About 98% of them have.

I click on one, turning the phone to Bela. She takes it from my hand.

"The blonde?"

I nod. "We kinda hung out yesterday. And then he gave me his number."

"He is hot." she gapes at the phone as she scrolls.

"I know." I sigh. "He's so sweet. We spoke for hours yesterday and I feel like I've known him for ages and..."

I trail off as Bela's eyes widen, her mouth making an 'O' shape.

"Bela?" I stare at her as she stares at my phone.

She looks up at me, her eyes still wide.

"I am so sorry." she breathes, pressing her lips together.

"What did you do?" I whisper, my heart racing.

Bela slowly turns the phone towards me and I take it from her hands.

My heart drops as I look at the picture, the little heart that should be empty is filled in red. I look back up at Bela.

"You liked a picture?!" I whisper shout.

"I'm sorry it was an accident." she quickly raises her arms in defence.

"When is the picture from?" I push the phone back to her, unable to even look at it.

"2... years ago." Bela grimaces.

"Isabela."I whine, crossing my arms and laying them on the table, my head along with them.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." she repeats, with a hint of something else in her voice.

I peek up from my arms.

"Are you laughing at me right now?" I raise my eyebrows.

Bela snorts, quickly covering her mouth. "No." she shakes her head from side to side quickly.

I groan, laying down again.

"I'll buy you a brownie?" she offers.

I lift my head up a little.

"You're forgiven." I mumble.

Bela and I leave the mall a little over an hour later after Bela continuously apologises and I devour 3 brownies.

"I have to go to the Ashfords', you wanna come?" I ask her as we get in the car.

She smiles. "Is that even a question?"

The drive isn't long from the mall, and we're there in under 15 minutes. I take my tote bag from the back seat with Parker's freshly washed and folded clothes.

"I'll be 2 minutes." I say, before getting out of the car.

I ring the doorbell, waiting for a moment before it's pulled open.

Marie smiles at me. "Miss Elena."

"Hi Marie." I smile back.

"What are you doing here on your day off?" she stands back so I can step in.

"I just need to pick something up. Is Parker here?" I ask, toeing off my shoes.

"Yes, Mr Parker is in his room."

"Thank you Marie." I say as I walk up the stairs.

As I reach his room, I hear shouting from the inside. I knock twice.

"It's open."

I push the door open. The first thing I see is James and Neki, sat in front of Parker's TV with controllers in each of their hands. The next is Parker, laying on his bed, phone in hand. His hair is tousled, creases in his shirt. I notice that the other two boys are wearing pyjamas too; they must've slept over.

Parker looks up at me as if I just called his name.

"Kinsley." he announces before turning his attention back to his phone.

The other two boys look up at me, a smile creeping on to both of their faces.

I flash them a smile.

"Hey beautiful." Neki turns his body to face me, resting his chin on his hand.

I hear Parker scoff from beside me and roll my eyes.

"Hey Elena." James gives me a soft smile.

"Hi James." I smile back at him, trying not to physically grin.

Neki looks at me. Then at James. Then back at me.

"Shit, James is tryna steal my girl!" he huffs, turning back to the game and shaking his head.

"Your girl?" I raise my eyebrows.

Neki tilts his head back, flashing me a grin over his shoulder.

"Just play the game, Blaine." Parker mumbles.

I turn to him, walking over to his bed. He glances up at me again before looking back down. I place the bag by his feet.

"Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes. Again." I press my lips together.

Parker nods once without looking up.

"Wait." Neki's voice brings my attention to him. "Are you two hooking up-"

"Shut up Kaneki, damn." Parker puts his phone down.

Neki grins. "Just checking."

"Uh, I came to get my dress." I turn back to the boy in front of me.

"You guys are definitely hoo-"

"Neki." I sigh.

"Sorry ma'am" he presses his lips together, turning back to the game.

"Marie took it to the dry cleaners." Parker says bluntly.

"It wasn't that expensive." I sigh.

"I- she didn't wanna ruin it."

I let out a breath.

"Okay. I'll get it on Thursday." I turn to the boys. "Bye guys."

"Later babe." Neki says, keeping his eyes on the game. I scoff.

"Bye Elena." James glances at me.

I smile, before turning on my heels and leaving the room, closing the door behind me. Bela jumps as I open the car door, almost dropping her phone.

"You move like a ninja." she shakes her head.

"Who says I'm not one?" I smile as I get in beside her.