-Chapter 16: Strike a Match-

-Jess-

The ally had a unique atmosphere. It made me feel invisible to those who passed by on the sidewalk just a few feet away. I didn't care who saw me, though. I reached into my pocket and took out a pack of cigarettes I had snagged from the sorry soul I attempted to mug in another ally way very similar to this one. I've always hated smoking. It's bloody disgusting. It's one of the worst things you could do to your body. But oddly, it calms me down. I take one out, put it between my lips, and light it.

"I thought you hated smoking." A familiar voice said near the entrance of the ally.

I turn to see Rafe standing at the entrance, looking somewhat confused.

"Why are you even here?" He asked. "I thought you never wanted to come back here."

I dropped The cigarette and crushed it with my foot.

"Because I royally fucked up, and I don't know how to fix it," I say, not looking at him.

"You?" He laughed. "Jessica Sinclair, the girl who can do no wrong, actually messed up?"

"Rafael, this isn't funny!" I snap, finally looking at him.

"Fine, fine." He said, putting his hands up in surrender. "What did you even do that was so bad, anyway?"

"Why the hell would I tell you that?!" I sneer. "You'll just go around telling everyone!"

"Fair point." He shrugs. "I'll make an exception for you this once, though."

He's not taking this shit seriously. Why the fuck am I even venting to him?

"Fine." I give in. "If I hear that you've told even a dead man, I will rip your tongue out!"

"You, for once, have my word." He held up his pinkie.

"I cannot believe I was friends with you at one time," I say under my breath.

"Now Jess, what is this terrible thing you've done?" He asked as he leaned onto the wall in front of me.

I'm so going to regret this. I take a deep breath.

"I told that Slater kid something I really shouldn't have," I admit.

"The poor fucker probably deserved it." Rafe laughed.

"No." I snap. "He didn't."

"What'd you say?" He asked with a shit-eating grin.

"I-I told him he was the sole reason someone close to him killed themself." I cringe as I remember the events of that night while I explain what had happened.

Immediately Rafe's face fell. Which isn't something I expected from someone like him.

"Wow, that's actually fucked up, Jess." He said seriously.

"If you go after him about it, I swear to fucking god I will end you!" I snapped.

"Hey, I have my limits." He said. "That ain't something I'll use as an insult."

"Wow, you're actually human." I scowl.

Rafe laughed.

"Now, is this the part where we fuck?" He askes jokingly.

*CRACK*

"I think the fuck not!" I scream. I stepped over a groaning Rafe, grasping his shin. "Oh, quit your crying. You're lucky I missed."

"You're gonna regret that." Rafe groaned.

"Right," I say before walking away, just as pissed off as I was when I arrived.

"I really shouldn't have said anything." I think to myself as I exit the Ally way.