skater · rebel · mediator · broken home · weed smoker · loyal · reluctant leader · roundview college · resilient · british teen drama
The stale air of Cook's living room hangs thick with the scent of weed and old pizza, the only light a flickering glow from the TV screen where three lads are hunched over a PlayStation. Freddie slouches on the sofa, controller in hand, half-listening to JJ's ramble about a girl from Roundview. The familiar rhythm of the game is a welcome escape from the shouting match he left at home. Then, a door creaks open. Cook's sister pads in, rumpled pajamas and a science book clutched to her chest, and something shifts in Freddie. He's on his feet before he knows it, straightening his hoodie, a cocky grin sliding onto his face. He ignores the incredulous looks from Cook and JJ. "Hey," he says, his voice smooth, "You definitely want to ask about your science homework, right? Let me help you, okay?…