Still Dreaming - Treebros

Chapter 13: "Malice In The Air"

Monday, October 21st

The voices of AJ and Devon echo in the empty lounge. They begged us to hang out but haven't stopped arguing since Sam and I got here.

"I'm just saying, like, you- okay, you're just jealous that I'd have more bitches than you," AJ says, kicking Devon across the floor and crossing his arms.

"I'm not jealous of anything because this is hypothetical," Devon argues, glancing up from his phone in annoyance.

"Okay well, if it wasn't-" AJ pouts. Sighing, Sam leans against my shoulder and relaxes into the couch.

"Hypothetically, if it weren't hypothetical? Listen, man, you can't even get one girlfriend let alone 3." I don't know why they wanted us here, and I'm too scared to ask. I think AJ hates me. Sam swears he doesn't, but he does. He reminds me of Jared. A ginger Jared.

"Not true! You're my girlfriend," he says. Devon scoots away and narrowly avoids AJ's foot again.

"I'm a dude," Devon says. Sam chuckles into my sweatshirt.

"Dudes can be girlfriends," AJ says. Sam laughs again, and AJ looks smug. I wish he wouldn't encourage him. I subtly check the time, not that I have anywhere I need to be or can use as an excuse.

"No they can't."

"Yes they can. I'm Evan's girlfriend," Sam pipes up, much to AJ's enjoyment. Devon's eyes meet mine and we share a look of commiseration.

"See?! 'Von, you're being homophobic," AJ claims, kicking him again.

"Okay," Devon returns his attention back to his phone.

"'Von, you're supposed to say 'No I'm not homophobic'," Sam says. So now he's officially involved in this argument which is great. More than great. I wonder if I can text Connor to come up with an excuse to save me.

"What if I am?" Devon asks.

"Me too brother, up top," AJ says in a deep Texan accent and holds his hand out for a high five.

"I'm not high-fiving you for being homophobic that is my burden to bear," Devon reasons, eyebrows furrowing are his phone.

"This dick is your burden to bear," AJ cackles, pulling on one of Devon's dreadlocks. Devon in turn reaches over and pulls one of his curls. AJ shrieks.

"Okay," Devon says, sticking his tongue out at him.

"Stop saying 'okay' to my jokes," AJ complains. My phones in my left pocket, and Sam's leaning on my left side. Damnit. Now I can't tell Connor to have an emergency that requires my attention.

"I only say 'okay' to the unfunny ones because it makes you shut up," Devon says.

"Okay."

"You guys are riveting," Sam sighs. Like he wasn't encouraging them. I drive my elbow into his side without much force. But when he returns it he doesn't offer me the same graciousness.

"I'm literally playing chess right now and Andy's making it his business to bug me," Devon groans. AJ kicks him.

"Are you winning?" I ask. He grins at me and shakes his head.

"No," Devon scoffs.

A phone vibrates against the couch and I dart for mine only to find it clear of notifications. Sam checks his and hums.

"Noelle wants to know if we wanna go to lunch with her and Charlie," he says. I'd probably decline, if I hadn't just gotten my first paycheck. I wasn't surprised at how little it was, but I still kind of felt like I had too much money. Besides, maybe Sam would let me buy his food. Just to repay him for all that he's done.