"When it comes to you, there is no crime."

-Jeremy Lockhart

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⚓️SKYLAR⚓️

Walking into the 24/7 shop near the petrol station, I noticed a young guy chewing on his bubble gum, clearly oblivious to his surroundings.

The music played softly in the background, while the lights in the shop kept flickering. The shop was empty, without a single soul.

Jeremy leaned lightly against the shelf where tampons were stacked up while I searched. Smiling in accomplishment, I finally found what I needed. But like always, nothing goes my way.

"Jeremy...?" His eyes flew to me.

"That face you're giving me is the same expression you gave me when you didn't have tampons..." he said slowly, straightening his posture.

"Do you have by any chance...money?" I smiled sheepishly at him. Running his fingers through his hair, he emptied his pockets.

"Well, I'm broke too. How can you forget your money Skylar?" He furrowed his eyebrows, still checking.

"I tend to be forgetful..." I shrugged before stuffing the tampon into my pocket.

Jeremy stared at me in confusion, looking constantly at my face and back to my pocket.

"W-what are you doing?"

"Stealing duh?" I turned away but he pulled me back by my wrist.

"If we get caught, w-" he gave me nervous eyes before I interrupted him.

"That will only happen if we get caught. Just watch me." I was about to walk off towards the cashier but Jeremy pulled me back once agin.

"If you're planning on seducing him, you must know that he's gay. I have been here a couple of times to know enough about him." His words made my mouth form into a ' O ' .

"Then I guess you'll have to flirt with him." I leaned closer to him.

"WHAT?!"

"Don't worry Emily won't freak about t-"

"I don't care about what she thinks, I just never flirted with a guy..." before he could doubt himself any further I pushed him towards the cashier.

Jeremy bumped into a tray of sweets which for starters, caught the cashier's attention. Jeremy stared at him for a straight 5 seconds before coughing out words which turned out to be a total failure.

" I couldn't help but notice you like bubble gum...?" His voice sounded shaky and it came out more like a question, instead of a pick up line.

The guy at the counter who was named Gavin which I found out after squinting my eyes to see his name tag, just stared blankly at Jeremy.
Jeremy was getting nervous, he took a deep breath before fisting his fist.

" oh god damn it, Gavin...I like you...." Jeremy gave him sincere eyes.

Gavin blinked a couple of times before stuttering out.

"E-excuse m-me?"

"You heard me, I like you. I've been seeing you all the time here doing things like...just chewing your gum which is...a major turn on...?" It sounded more like a question in my opinion but Gavin bought it. I was shocked at spontaneous Jeremy's speech.

I should have recorded this.

Gavin leaned closer to Jeremy and placed his hand on his chest. Well this guy is a bit...handsy.

And no, I wasn't jealous.

I noticed how Jeremy was fidgeting while continuously tapping his foot. It was now my turn to execute my part of the mission.

Pulling the hoodie of my jacket over my head, I headed towards the exit. The doors of the exit opened automatically, and there was nothing in my way that could stop me. But God felt that this was going to be too easy for me.

My pocket became lighter than before, the sound of a dropped packet echoed through the shop which caught everyone's attention.

Why was I so greedy to take two packets of tampon instead of one?

"Erm, ma'am? I think you didn't pay for that..." Gavin spoke up but I didn't turn around. Instead, I grabbed the tampons and ran out.

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💦JEREMY💦

There are two things I learnt so far when being with Skyalr— Firstly, prepare to be rebellious. Secondly, you can never say no to her.

Gavin stared at the door in shock. Mustering all my drama skills, I puffed out my chest heroically.

"I'll go after her and call the cops afterwards, you just stay here." I stroked his hand reassuringly before dashing out to find Skylar crouching behind the bin.

"You got us both screwed." I said with a chuckle.

"Jeremy!!" She jumped up in joy before wrapping her arms around my neck. Registering the rush of emotions I felt, I hugged her back while laughing softly.

"How many packets of tampons do you have?"

"Two..." she smiled guiltily.

"Give me one and I'll be back shortly. "

"What are you plan-" Before she could say any further, I grabbed the tampon and rushed back into the shop.

Switching back into my gay facade, I have Gavin a dazzling smile. To be honest, it hurt me so badly that I was faking this.

"I managed to catch her, call the cops and return the tampon she stole." I said in a manly tougher voice.

"Wow, you're so fast." He swooned, leaning forward with a seductive smile. Laughing awkwardly, I looked away, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"But...if you're here, then where is she?" He furrowed his eyebrows.

Think Jeremy! Use your non-existent brain!

"Erm...I locked her in the bin...outside" I smiled nervously, while flexing my muscles. Nodding his head slowly, he pulled me by my collar. I started to panic as I stood rooted to the ground. It wouldn't have been a surprise if I pissed in my pants.

"So when can I meet up with you?"

What am I suppose to say now?

Taking a deep breath, I prayed a hole would swallow me right now at this very moment.

A shrill ring broke the silence, like always god saves me. Pulling away from him, I whipped out my phone to see Gabriel's name flashing brightly on the screen.

He might think I'm with Gabriel if I say Gabriel's name, what should I do??

"What the hell Jjromy!? I've been trying to call you for the past one hour!" Gabriel questioned in his stern voice, using my annoying nickname.

Smiling at Gavin, I raised a finger at him to give me a moment.

"Yes grandma?"

"What?! I'm not your fucking grandma!"

"Don't worry the Mcchicken wings are coming." Gavin gave me a warm smile.

"Jjromy, this isn't a joke right."

"Oh you want me to upsize that meal, grandma? Sure I'll do that." Gavin swooned in adoration.

"I give up!" Gabriel huffed. Pulling the phone away from my ear, I whispered to Gavin.

"I have to go to my very hungry grandma but I'll catch up with you tomorrow." I brushed his hand awkwardly and he nodded his head eagerly. Without hesitation, I rushed out in relief.

"Sorry Gabriel, I had to just cover up some things..."

"Hell, you're explaining this to me later."

"Yeah yeah, bro. So why the urgent call?" I asked lightheartedly.

"I wanted to tell you this a few weeks ago, it's about Skylar...but I promised her not to tell-." Gabriel said reluctantly.

"Speak now. I don't care about promises, Skylar is my concern." My voice turned into a cold order.

"She's been getting those red notes."

"What the fuck? And you only tell me this now?!" A wave of futile rage washed over me.

"Listen to me, Jeremy. I don't know about Skylar's past and it could be as bad as yours. But maybe if we find out who is sending these notes, we can find out who killed Doña and your mum."

Remaining quiet, Doña's cute features flashed across my mind, she was my ray of sunshine. She's also the reason why I'm still keeping myself alive.

"Find whatever you can, I'll stick close to Skylar." I immediately put down the phone.

Maybe Skylar and I weren't so different after all...