Notice Me

18

Cain was not a good driver.

And, I mean that in the least offensive way. He was an angry driver, one that cursed when things didn't immediately go his way. He sped when there was no reason to speed, and one of his hands practically lived on his phone, skipping through songs like his attention could only remain on each one for thirty seconds at a time.

"Where are we going again?" I asked him, my eyes laser focused on the road in front of us- as if I would be able to see the dangers that Cain would be too occupied with his music to miss.

"I need a refill," Cain let out, changing the song yet again. "Let me tell you, bro, the day that I can actually buy weed, the day that I can walk into a store instead of having to drive all over town to try and meet up with this guy, it will be the best day of my life."

"Who's this guy?" I asked him, my eyes flinching as Cain ran through a stop sign.

"Austin Portwood," Cain told me, though that didn't jog any memories in the slightest.

"No idea," I told him honestly.

"Oh, come on. You know, blonde hair, giant, well to me, I guess you two are about the same height. He wears that stupid leather jacket all the time. He's friends with that asshole Cole," Cain gritted the last sentence out, admittedly Cole and Seren was still a sore spot.

"He plays football?" I questioned, to which Cain immediately shook his head.

"No, no. He's not that type. He's like... well, picture every stereotypical loner-tough guy from any movie. He's like Jugghead mixed with Patrick- before he goes soft for Kat, of course."

"Did you really just make a 10 Things I Hate About You reference?" I shook my head, letting a laugh escape me.

"Yeah, but you understood it so... we're one and the same, Zane," Cain laughed with me.

"So he sells weed?" I asked for clarification, shaking my head at the fact that there was someone who went to West Bridge that was actually a dealer. When you have everything handed to you, one usually doesn't risk jail for some extra money.

"Yeah," Cain confirmed, "he's... he's a bit sketchy, if I'm honest. I heard he sells some other shit too, at the other end of town."

"What kind of other stuff?" I asked him.

"Pills, opioids, shit that makes you a lot worse for wear than marijuana," Cain answered, a dark look passing through his eyes.

Cain pulled the car to the side of the street, looking around our empty surroundings before he opened the car door. I watched as he climbed out, walking calmly over onto the side walk. He stood idly for a few moments, he kept his eyes canvassing around him. Only a few moments later, and the boy I'm assuming was named Austin approached him.

I watched through the window of Cain's Jeep as they spoke. I did recognized Austin, though I had never spoken to him. He had been at almost every party I had attended since arriving at West Bridge. He wore the leather jacket that Cain had mentioned. He was smooth as he clasped Cain's hand in a handshake, and it didn't take a genius to realize that gesture was their transaction.

"Alright," Cain said as he slid back into his car. "Now that that's over with, we have plans."

"Plans?" I asked him, narrowing my eyes. "What plans?"

"I just got the text from Seren. It was in the group chat too, not that you ever bother to check that," he gave me a pointed look as he said the words.

I rolled my eyes. It was true, so I couldn't argue it. Cain had added me to their group chat months ago, but I never participated in it. It was mostly Jax, Benji and Tyler reliving their weekends.