Good Morning, Arizona! by Kaleb Richardson (romantic novels to read txt) 📗

wanted to have sex with him. Yes, I’ve been with a few guys since junior year, but I actually have only had sexual relations with four or five people. He pretended to be innocent. I only went to the party because Derrick said he was going. I said that to you the night we came over and there is literally no other reason. I didn’t want to see that asshat at all.”

“You shouldn’t have gone.”

That voice wasn’t any of ours. We turned around and saw Myan with a cast on his arm, walking towards us.

“You might wanna back up, motherfucker.” Derrick said.

“Relax, dude. I come in peace.”

“And why should I believe that?”

“Yeah, you’ve been an asshole to me forever.” I chimed in. I stood like I was gonna fight him myself.

“You don’t have to believe me. I want to tell you what happened that night. At the party. Did you notice how I wasn’t fucking there?”

“So what if you weren’t there.” Cindy said.

“Cindy, the M’s and the Gladys’ planned this entire fucking thing. The party, the assault, the aftereffects.”

That’s what we suspected. What is Myan on about?

“The two weeks before the party, Po invited us over to his house. He and his father had planned this party and for the two weeks, came up with every possible situation that could happen. I hear the one that did happen was the bathroom one.”

“Why are you telling us this? Are you just here to gloat?” Derrick added.

“No, I’m not here to fucking gloat.” Myan continued. “I didn’t know what the fuck was going to happen. I thought it was just gonna be a harmless prank. I thought we were just going to embarrass you in front of the guests. No one told me that they planned on raping you. That’s some fucked up shit. I don’t ever wanna be part of that. I would turn them all in if the VTPD weren’t corrupt dickheads and I wasn’t afraid of what they’d do to me if I was caught.”

I appreciated Myan’s honesty. It did make me realize that Myan wasn’t there.

“So, what happened?”

“After you told Po you had to be home at a certain time, they operated on that. It’s like a revenge thing or something, I don’t fucking know. Derrick, did you notice that I wasn’t near any of those M assholes when you beat me up? I’m done with them.”

“Did you know Mr. Gladys had done the same thing to my mom and murdered her? Was murdering me part of the plan?”

Everyone seemed in shock. Guess I should’ve realized I was the only one with that information.

“Fuck no. What the fuck! If I even heard something implying murder, I would’ve been gone sooner. I had no idea they planned to rape you until the night of the party. That’s why I stayed home. Yes, I could’ve warned you, but I don’t have any way to contact you. And part of the plan was to have all the phones silenced so I couldn’t try and stop them. This town is fucking evil. Everyone here just turns a blind eye to corruption and it’s a disgusting place. It feels like there is someone at the top of it all. Controlling everything. I don’t trust the mayor. Anyways, I am sorry it happened to you. I will be here for you if you need help recouping, but I plan on disappearing. I need to secure my own safety. Y’all need to be safe too. They’re powerful people.”

Myan walked off, leaving a piece of paper with his number on it. Cindy, Derrick, and I, got in my car and we all went to our home’s. I thought about what Myan said. It really was a plan. I-I don’t know what to make of it. Do I go back to Principal Jeffers? Tomorrow is another day.

…

Work has been getting a lot better ever since Heather’s been better. I’ve felt like the same old me. Doing my broadcasts well and being the best anchorman Arizona has ever seen. Gene and I have been striving on our show. I did tell Gene about what had happened with Heather. She’s a caring and trusting friend. Our relationship was built when we both joined ComBox. We joined at the same time and applied for the same job since they only needed one. We were both so good and had immediate on-air chemistry that they decided to hire both of us. They started a brand-new early morning broadcast for us to co-host. Our relationship started as a friendly, competitive rivalry that proved we both wanted a lead spot. Eventually, we decided we liked working together best and focused all our energy on our show and working together. We had actually started to get romantic with each other. It didn’t last long, and we decided to be best friends. I’ve never had a closer friend than her.

Coming out of the office today, I saw Tate walking by. He waved at me and began to walk towards me.

“What’s up, Cordell?”

“Hey, Tate. How are ya?”

“I’m well. You?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Out for an afternoon stroll?”

“Yeah, just taking in the scenery. How’s Heather? Is she doing good after her incident?”

“Oh, she’s well. Did I tell you what happened?”

“Y-Yeah, don’t you remember?’

No.

“She had mentioned going back to you for therapy, but I know you’re retired.”

“Oh, I’d love to take her back in!”

“It’s no worries, she’s been doing great.”

“She could always be doing better.”

“She has friends to do that. They’re actually going to get graduation pictures the day of, up by the Casa Grande park.”

“Oh okay, that’s neat.”

“Yep, I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later, Tate. Say hi to the wife for me.”

“Will do. Bye.”

9

Graduation. The word alone makes me want to puke. Not