Page 64 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

Andrew slams into him,

both palms to his chest,

bouncing him back a full step.

“Last chance—back the fuck off.”

Peter’s beside him fast.

Andrew shoots his arm out, blocking Peter’s path. “Don’t, man. Don’t even.” He shoves Peter back, trying to protect him too. “I’m not draggin’ you into some dumb shit that ruins your season.”

Andrew’s in all directions⁠—

one hand on me,

one eye on the guy,

shoulders blocking Peter,

caught between reason and rage.

He’s still trying to do the right thing, but he's drowning in panic, wearing the face of a boy who wants to stop a train with his bare hands, trying to keep everyone safe but himself.

Peter’s wild-eyed,

barking in Andrew’s ear.

“You hit him, you’re gone.”

Andrew shreds through it,

his voice ripping like a whip.

“Petey, back the fuck up.”

It happens in slow motion,

when Reaper sees the opening.

His eyes go dead,

shoulder falling back,

fist lifting,

and something inside me screams.

Time doesn’t stop.

It jerks backward,

spinnin’ me straight through the tracks of shame.

Every thrust, every lie,

Brandon’s hands,

Andrew’s eyes.