Speak Loudly.

Chapter 6

Date: June 5, 1995 - Late July, 1995
Joey: Age 10
Shane: Age 10 (Almost 11)
---------------------------------------------

{Shane's Pov}

Two days after it happened, Joey and I ran through the woods that felt more like home than the place I live.

The way Joey smiles at me makes me feel like everything is okay. He makes me feel and hope that I'll never have to go home and face the battlefield there.

Joey stopped after a while and tried to catch his breath. I gave him my water since he had already drank all of his own.

Joey: Thanks, Shaney.

I smiled at him and he put the cap on now my half full water bottle and handed it back to me.

Shane: So what are you trying to show me?

I said, walking through the woods and stepping over branches.

Joey: You know how my parents found out about us playing in the woods?

I nodded.

Joey: Well, after they got over themselves, they hired someone to do this.

After pushing a tree branch out of the way, I saw the top of the structure.

I looked at Joey and he looked back at me. We smiled at each other and ran.

A huge treehouse sat on a huge steady tree. It had a ladder running up the side and a tiny balcony, meant for only a few people.

Only Joey and I.

Shane: No fucking way, Graceffa.

I said in happiness and excitement.

Joey put his finger on my lips.

Joey: No cussing, Shaney!

He smirked at me and took his finger back.

I stared the treehouse.

Joey: Ya know, it looks even cooler on the inside.

I smiled at him and raced Joey up the big ladder, but let him go first.

Joey: I won!

Shane: Yeah, yeah. Ladies first, right?

He lightly punched my arm and I made it all the way into the treehouse and shut the small opening.

It was so cool. There was a bunk bed and a small old looking record player. There were pictures of us hanging out and being goofy strung up on a string across the treehouse. There were beautiful blue curtains to the windows, and a small T.V. Not to mention the mini refrigerator and every cute knick-knack.

It took my breath away. I looked at Joey and he was standing proudly.

Shane: I'm so happy I could kiss you.

Joey looked at me and wiggled his eyebrows goofily.

Shane: Oh my god, Joey.

I laughed. He chuckled to himself and sat him self on the fluffy carpet on the floor.

This has to be the best treehouse in the world. Mostly because Joeys there.

Shane: Did I tell you you're my best friend in the world.

Joey: I know.

Shane: Did I tell you that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and be your best friend forever?

Joey: I know.

The words didn't mean the same thug back then as they would later, and I knew it.

But we were both so oblivious.

I ran and basically jumped on top of Joey where he was sitting, I ran my fingers through his messy quiff and gave him little bites everywhere his skin was showing.

Joey: Shane, what are you doing?

Joey laughed and I looked up at him.

Shane: I'm just really, really, happy.

Joey wrapped his arms around my waist as I sat on him and he 'huffed'.

Shane: I'm not that fat, Joey.

I chuckled, and he looked at me like I was everything he ever had.

Joey: Of course not, Shane. You're not fat at all.

Shane: Mmm...

The small door opened that led into the treehouse.

It was Joeys mom.

Debora/ Debra (Because everyone is confused how you spell it): I was just checking in on you boys .... What's going on?

I looked down at Joey.

Joey: Just... Wrestling.

Yeah, as if. You bruise easier than a two week old banana.

Deb(o)ra: Okay, boys. Well,

She cleared her throat.

Deb(o)ra: Have fun.

She closed the door and I got off of Joey.

Shane: Oh my god, Joey.

I put my face to my hand and Joey sat up, watching me pace across the room.

Shane: What if she knows?

Joey: She doesn't even think that. Nobody really knows anything.

I shook my head.

Joey: This is a small town, Shaney.No one suspects anything, ever.

Shane: Yeah, but word gets around quick here.

Joey: You shouldn't worry so much, Shaney.

I stopped for a second.

Shane: You're right, I'm too paranoid. But you know what they do to gay kids in small towns?

Joey went over and laid on the bed, and put his hands behind his head.

Joey: That's why when we turn eighteen we should get out of here.

I stared out the window, the view was awesome. You could see everything.

Shane: If we even make it, right?

Joey: We will.

I nodded and turned back to Joey. He was smiling cutely.

Joey: We finally have a treehouse.

I smiled back at him.

Shane: I don't know how to ever repay you for something so awesome.

Joey: You don't have to, you are enough.

Those nights of that week we both slept on the top bunk together, because Joey wouldn't want to sleep in his designated spot, and I was always happy to be near Joey.

I mean, come on, he's Joey. He's freaking adorable.

When I wrapped my arm around him, he would hold that hand in his.

Or sometimes he would lie across my chest.

But it didn't matter how, I just always felt comfortable.

The summer days passed by and I grew more and more fond of Joey.

Everyday it was a new day to Hang out or have a sleepover or go to lunch with Joey.

I didn't know how he could become my best friend even more but he did.

{A/N: I slightly changed the cover again but not that much. Just Shane's photo, cleaned up joeys photo, and added shadows. I like it a lot.}