Chapter 2

Ezra's Pov

I made sure to avoid Jake and Lisa the rest of the afternoon because I knew they'd both kill me — Jake, for kissing him without asking and Lisa, for actually doing the dare.

I raked my hand through my tousled hair for the fourth time that day and sighed. My legs are cramped and it's been an hour since I'd hidden in the girl's locker room. Luckily no one has come in here since Lunch break.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I gasped. I thought I'd put it on silent. I grabbed it and answered without looking at the Caller ID.

“Hello,” I said in a whisper.

“Ezra?” It was mom.

The tensions bunching my muscles rolled away and I sighed in relief.

“Thank heavens it's you, mom,” I climbed off the toilet seat and stood on the tiled floor. “What's up?”

“Um… are you alone right now?” She asked quietly.

“I’m always alone, mom.” I didn't need to lie about that one.

“Good because I have some news. Good and bad.” She said,

Oh no. The last time she said that our dog got hit by a truck and there was no good news.

I wiped underneath my eyes. “Mom…”

“I’m so sorry, sweetie,” she began. “The bad news is we got kicked out of our house.”

“What?!” I panicked.“

But the good news is : I found us a place to stay,” I could almost hear the smile in her voice now. “Do you remember Fatty Benson?”

Of course, I'd remember him. Fatty Benson was my childhood friend before we moved from our old neighborhood. He was this fat kid that everyone loved to pick on. He'd always wear these thick glasses and carry a Harry Potter magic wand. The kids in our class would laugh at him but as his best friend, I'd always stood up for him. Give Fatty Benson a cheeseburger and he'll be loyal to you.

I laughed at the memory. “Yeah. I remember him.

“Great. His father offered to let us stay in their mansion till we find a place to stay. Isn't that awesome?” Mom said.

My brows are knitted. “I don't know if it is.”

“But why?”

“I mean… we haven't seen them in 7 years.” I shrugged.

“Sweetie, trust me. Conrad is a good friend of mine. He helped me get our things out of the house. I know Fatty Benson will be good to you too. He was your best friend." She said.

“Yeah, he was.” I smiled.

“I'll text you their address. See you soon.”

“See ya.”

The dialtone clicked and I sighed. “See you soon, Fatty Benson.”

****

Navigating my way to Upper East New York was one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life. I saw lots of intimidating skyscrapers, flashy sportcars, and apartments that probably cost millions. So this is where Fatty Benson lives now. He must be enjoying life as it is.

I got out of the taxi cab and paid the driver.

Then I slung my backpack behind me and stared at the massive building in front of me.

The marble building stood tall like a deity, stretching towards a vast acre of land that consisted of gardens and other architectural designs. The Benson mansion was better suited as a palace than an ordinary home.

I reached for the gates and wiped my sweaty palm on my skirt. I wouldn't want to rub off my poverty on this one.

Before my fingers would ring the intercom, a voice cut through the speaker.

“Visitor or family?” The deep voice asked.

Shit. I didn't ask mom that. Oh, crud, what do I even say?

I hesitated for a moment before I finally replied. “F - Family.”

“Name, please.” He asked.

“Ezra… Ezra Heart.” I said.

“Eggwash?”

I froze. Wait, a second. How does this person know my nickname? No one else apart from my schoolmates knows that name or have I gone viral?

“S - sir, how do you know that —”

The gates let out a low buzz before they parted slowly and a gentleman walked towards it.

I dragged my eyes from his designer Jordans to his face and when our eyes met, all the air whooshed out of my lungs.

With thick brown hair, bronze skin, and a roguish grin that'll make even the oldest woman in the world swoon, the guy before me exuded power but unlike his voice, his face was very recognizable.

My heart sank in shock.

You have got to be kidding me.

“What the fuck are you doing in my house, Eggwash?!” Jake snapped.

If looks could kill, no one would survive the one he’s giving me right now.

I nearly scoffed. Was this some kind of joke?“I could ask you the same,

” I crossed my arms over my chest. “What are you doing here?”

“Are you blind? I live here.” He snorted.

“Oh really?” I brought out the address mom gave me and showed him. “Because that's the address of my childhood best friend and this house is exactly what my mom described.”

“Then perhaps your mom made a mistake so get your ass out of my property.” He hissed.

.“Hey! This is the right address! What have you done with Fatty Benson!” I yelled.

It was his turn to freeze.

His eyes are as wide as saucers. “What did you just say?”

Mom's voice cut me off before I retorted a reply. “Ezra!”

“Mom?” I gasped. “What are you doing here?”

She came up beside Jake and hugged his arm. “This is Jake, Conrad's son.”

My stomach plummeted. “Wait. What?”

Mom smiled. “Yeah. He does look different than he did 7 years ago, doesn't he?”

Mom left him and hooked her arms around mine. “I suppose I'll reintroduce both of you since it's been so long since you met. Jake, meet my daughter, Ezra or Minnie Mouse as you'd call her and Ezra meet…”

“Fatty Benson.” I completed it for her.

Holy shit.