[4]

                                    

                                          


                          
Dear Evan Hansen, 
                          
Sorry I haven't responded for a while. My parents were arguing. Again. Sometimes I feel like it's my fault, that I ruined their marriage. 
                          
Anyway, I was wondering if, maybe, you wanted to hang out tonight? We usually only see each other at school.
                          
Sincerely, Me.
                          
Once again, I found myself sat upright in my bed messaging Connor. Rain beat down on the windows, the soft noises adding a sense of calm to the room.
                          
Dear Connor Murphy
                          
Sure, I would love to! One thing, where would you want to go? It's raining, don't forget.
                          


                          
--
                          
Dear Evan Hansen,
                          
You could always come to my house if you wanted, I'll pick you up so you don't have to walk. Have you eaten?
                          
--
                          
Dear Connor Murphy,
                          
Sounds good, I just need to text my Mom to make sure it's okay. And No, I haven't yet.
                          
--
                          
Dear Evan Hansen,
                          
Alrighty, send my your address and I'll be there soon. You can have dinner with us, if you would like. I don't want you to go without eating again.
                          
Sincerely, Me.
                          
I sent my address over before closing the lid and pushing my body off of my bed. I removed my phone from the pocket it was residing in before opening my mother's thread and typing, informing her that I was going to see Jared. I wasn't sure if she knew who Connor was, and if she did, his actions in the past would definately give her the wrong impression about him, and label him as a bad influence. No, it was better not to tell her of our friendship. 
                          
The faint sound of a horn beeping outside of the house caused me to run down the stairs, desperately trying not to fall over as I attempted to put a coat and shoes on. Locking the door behind me, I made my way out to Connor's car, sheltering my cast from the rain as I did so.  
                          
"Hey," he hummed, smiling reassuringly as I slid into the vehicle. As soon as my seatbelt clicked into place, Connor began driving in the direction of his home.  I looked out of the window, the dark, drenched world being illuminated by the artificial amber hue of a street lamp, highlighting objects in the street.  Rain continuously poured down, the sound now amplified by the metal car.
                          
"So," Connor finally said, his eyes still fixated on the road. "Was your Mom okay with you coming over?"
                          
"Uh...well, yeah. Why wouldn't she be?"
                          
"Well, it's late, and I know she doesn't get home until later, but still."
                          
"She won't mind." I glanced over at the other male momentarily. "I, um...told her I was going to see a family friend." Connor appeared to seem somewhat shocked at this statement, as if he was offender.
                          
"Why?"
                          
"Well...it's just, she's never met you...and...I don't think she'd be too pleased if I was going to someone's home she didn't know." I felt my arms tense slightly, awaiting the other's response. I didn't want to offend him, and I certainly wouldn't want him to get angry. 
                          
"Fair enough, I suppose. I haven't even told my Mom that you're coming over yet." 
                          
"What? Connor! What if she....what if I'm not allowed?"
                          
"It'll be fine, dude. Don't worry~"
                          
~
                          
The car finally slowed outside a rather grand looking building. At least, I think it looked grand, after all it was dark outside. Connor walked beside me, escorting the two of us inside the building, a warm draft hitting me as soon as we entered the building and causing my face to redden slightly at the sudden change in temperature. 
                          
We entered Connor's bedroom. Most of the walls were a light grey, with one being black. Some of the paper seemed to be peeling, presumably caused by someone smoking. Despite being here for Connor, I couldn't help but think about how Zoe was here too, presumably just around the corner. Of course, knowing this fact wouldn't change anything. I mean, it's not like I'd even be able to talk to her if I wanted to. 
                          
"I think dinner will be ready soon, so there's no point in starting a game," the taller male began, pressing the 'on' button on his games console. "But I'll set it up for afterwards. What do you want to play?" He gestured towards the small collection of boxes, their spines sticking outside of the shelf. 
                          
"I don't mind," I shrugged. I hadn't owned, nor played many games. Mom had tried to afford some, but had proven unsuccessful for the most part. Plus, with my past lack of friends, it's not like anyone had invited my around to their home to play with them. "You can choose what you think is best." Rolling his eyes playfully, Connor removed one game and inserted it into the disk tray. 
                          
"Connor," A female voiced called through, before a familiar face poked her head around the door. I froze slightly, my eyes meeting Zoe's. "Why's Evan here?" I was slightly taken aback that she had remembered my name after that time Connor had pushed me. 
                          
"Aren't I allowed people over?" The brunette stood up, manoeuvring over to the door and glaring down at the girl, and in return she sigh deeply. 
                          
"Whatever. Mom told me to tell you dinner's ready," Zoe retorted, folding her arms and turning on her heels. "Oh, and sorry about talking about you as if you weren't there, Evan." The girl vanished again, the sound of her feet against the stairs fading with her.  
                          
"Come on then."
                          
"Huh?"
                          
"We'll go grab some food," Connor placed his hand lightly on my shoulder, encouraging me to stand. "We can bring it up here." Nodding, the two of us ventured down into the dining room. Everyone in the room's faces turned as soon as I stepped in, a combination of shock and confusion clear in their expressions. 
                          
"Evan and I are going to take some food upstairs if that's alright."