Pride

Chapter 5

"Em, I'm sorry" Arran groaned. He leaned back against his old Impala, carefully watching Emrys as he climbed off the steps of his front porch. Emrys looked him up and down before rolling his eyes and grabbing his skateboard instead. "I'll make it up to you, come on... I'll take you to the Diner, we can pick up burgers and go to the bridge like always. Yeah?"

"Or you can call me a fag. You seem to like doing that" Emrys muttered. He walked past Arran's car deciding he'd rather walk than get in a car with him.

"Jesus Christ..." Arran muttered. "Look, I'm sorry. I don't know what else you want me to say... And it's not like you didn't already know... It's never bothered you before" He added with a harsh glare in Emrys's direction. Emrys groaned and stopped in his tracks, turning around to face Arran.

"Okay, but it does" Emrys snapped. "It bothers me because that could have just as easily been me or you. Actually, you of all people should know how shitty it feels" He blurted out. "Your dad sure as hell makes sure you do" Arran froze before pressing his lips together.

"Fuck off, Em... You don't know what you're talking about" Arran muttered.

"Yeah, because I totally never cleaned up your cuts or put your arm back in place... Or how about that time I gave you stitches because you didn't want to go to the hospital" Emrys paused before taking a few steps closer. "If I don't know what I'm talking about then why don't you elaborate on that bruise on your side? Or maybe that scar behind your ear... Oh I know, let's all take a look at your back. Do you remember that? Because I sure as hell do-"

"Shut the fuck up, Emrys" Arran's voice was almost too steady. Emrys froze suddenly feeling uneasy. He had definitely taken it too far... Not to mention, Arran never called him Emrys. It was always Em, ever since they were kids and even when they argued.

"Whatever. Go kiss Ryder's ass some more. I'm done" Emrys muttered. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from Arran and continued walking down the road toward Tj's house. At least there he could focus on getting his grades up and eating Tj's mom's delicious cooking... Emrys really needed to get his grades up now that he thought about it. Everyone always assumed Emrys was the smarter one between him and Arran. That was a lie... Arran was a straight-A student. Emrys was lucky to get a C...

Bonnie closed her eyes and leaned back against the seat of Zack's car. His hand was on her thigh and he was droning on about a fight he had with his little sister... She enjoyed spending time with Zack. He was a sweet guy, but she always did feel a little guilty for not having the same feelings he did. He deserved that much... She wanted to love him like he loved her. She wanted that more than anything... But no matter how hard she tried it just never happened.

She reached up to redo one of two small braids in her hair and adjusted the white and blue bandana holding back all of her hair with the exception of the two braids. Her hair was getting long and she had considered cutting it, but she thought she'd grow it out a little while longer. Even if it was a pain in the ass to style, she thought long hair suited her.

"My mom wants you to come over for dinner again sometime" Zack lightly chuckled. "I think she likes you more than she likes me at this point"

A bright smile reached Bonnie's lips as she pictured the petite and well-put-together woman. She wasn't anything like Zack. She wasn't carefree or bubbly, more reserved and well-rounded. But one thing they did have in common was their kindness and big hearts. Although, Zack believed otherwise. Even if he was a total mama's boy, he was terrified of the woman. Even more so than his dad. Actually, Bonnie was certain he had referred to his mother as Satan on a few occasions.

"I love her" Bonnie honestly admitted. "She offered to teach me how to play Rummy" She added with a bright smile. Zack groaned and took his hand off of Bonnie's thigh for a moment so he could fix his fluffy black hair. His dark eyes flicked toward Bonnie before a bright smile reached his lips.