The Ex Effect — Nathan's First Message

prolonged silence Nathan speaks up in the group chat quit making jokes about Charlotte she's not a betting chip the group chat which was still flooding with new messages a moment ago suddenly goes dead silent it's just a game Nathan don't take it so seriously Nathan ignores him straightforwardly

tagging me in the chat you don't have to come if you don't want to Charlotte what you want is what matters nathan's words she's not a betting chip remind me of a phrase derek said to bring down all my wall during my senior year in high school i weighed 220 pounds the boys in class made up nasty nicknames for me and the girls would lower their voices and giggle among

themselves whenever i walked past i was the last to cross the finish line during the one mile run in gym class and i was so exhausted i could barely stand on my feet the boy i had a crush with stepped He stepped back attentively with a look of disgust when he saw her coming. Don't fall on me. I certainly will not be able to catch you.

Look at her. She actually finished last. Did you see her face? She's so red. Mocking laughter erupted instantly around me. That night, I retreated into a competitive online game, not wanting to say a word to

This was when Derry added me. You have a really sweet voice. Are you sure you're not a voiceover actress? Let's team up. I'll have your back.

We became regular partners after that.