ⁱˢ ⁱᵗ B̸A̸D̸ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ⁱ ʷᵃⁿᵗ Y̸O̸U̸

Chapter 13

It was around 6am, Saturday. I had just finished an hour-long study session, the textbooks and notes scattered over my desk were proof of that. Was it effective? I can't tell. I could spend six hours on something and still feel like an idiot despite 'acing' the test. The house was nice and quiet this early; Edric and Cookie were still asleep and Ma was outside for her morning smoke.

This was the part where I get back in bed and stare at the ceiling with music playing from my earphones. Heaven by RM this time.

~Take my heaven for free. Your words and face don't kill me. You know you're not lovable. I'm happy where the devils are~

My mind couldn't settle even with the perfect tranquility this song always made me feel. I thought about Ma's reaction to my journal on Tuesday. The words she said, how hurt she sounded... Ungrateful, selfish brat.

I'm not selfish.

I didn't want Ma to read it cause she wouldn't get it. Can't I keep a journal private of all things? Now she doesn't look at me the same. Then there was Ifa... and the boys. I didn't think Ifa would take it like that. Yeah, I didn't think... I simply didn't factor that in at the time.

And why do Jaylen and the others act like it's my fault if they fail the year? At least they can afford it.

I'm not selfish.

I shifted onto my side and reached for my phone.

~Jay🥺// Darling Boy~

You:
Heyyy
I thought about it and we can meet up today for a group study session
If you and the other guys are free that is

Jay🥺// Darling Boy:
ARE YOU FOR REAL?!!!

You:
What?😅

Jay🥺// Darling Boy:
I'll tickle you if this is a joke😾

You:
See you, Jay Jay💀

I dropped my phone and chuckled. Finally getting out of bed and feeling lighter.

I'm not selfish.
.
.
.
.
.

Piltover city was lined with tall beige and blue buildings perpetually stuck in 1930s art deco aesthetics despite the modern times. Gold accents on railings and windowsills, soft triangular roofs, wide streets covered in intricate stone tiles.

In the heart of Milgrad, one of the city's commercial districts, Jinx strolled out of a maker store. Her platform sneakers made loud thuds against the staircase attached to the front of the townhouse. With a cardboard box in her arms and a grin plastered on her face, the blue-haired girl walked down the stairs with an energetic sway.

"This better be the last shop we're visiting, kid," muttered the tall woman in a suit walking behind her.

"Sure, toots, but we still got the junkyard," she answered with a chuckle.

Sevika rolled her eyes and pulled out a cigar from her pocket. The corner of her eye twitched when the teen stopped halfway down the stairs, staring across the street.

"Quit lazing around," she walked past her, "Scrapyard's all the way in Zaun and I ain't wasting my day babysitting,"

By the time Sevika reached the street's pavement, Jinx had dashed down the stairs. She shoved the large box against the woman's chest.

"Hey!" the brown woman yelled, holding the box while Jinx recklessly crossed the street.

Her blue eyes were frantic, wild. Braids swaying, breathing rapid. She made her way through the crowd on the pavement, gaze desperately searching for that whiff of reddish-pink hair.