Pretend to Love Me ~Norray~ (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 3

Ray stayed with Norman until six o'clock. Then Norman walked Ray home. Ray lived down the street. They talked as they walked. Ray went into his house and Norman followed. "Thanks for your help again," Norman said. "I already told you, no need to thank me," Ray replied.

"Ray is that you?" A woman's voice called out. The boys looked to the stairs. Ray's mother came down the stairs. "Oh hello, Norman darling." She smiled. Norman smiled back. "Hi!" "Would you like to stay for dinner dear?" She asked. "I wouldn't want to impose." He said rubbing the back of his neck. Ray smacked the back of his head. "How dare you refuse my mother's food." He said teasingly.

"Ow! Rayyy! Why must you hurt me!" Norman whined. Ray shrugged and pulled him into the kitchen. Isabella followed them and went to a pot she had on the stove. Ray and Norman sat next to each other at the table. They sat there in silence. Then Isabella gave them both a bowl of soup. After they ate they thanked Isabella for the food. They then went up to Ray's room. Ray was quiet, honestly, he didn't know what he wanted to talk about. Maybe the silence was better. He stared at Norman. He wondered what it would be like if he'd never met Norman. To never have these feelings.

"You're so strange, Ray," Norman said out of the blue. He was sitting next to Ray on the bed with his legs crossed. "Geh?! What does that mean you, bastard!" Ray felt the need to defend himself. "You're different, from when I met you. You seem more reserved. I've noticed this, I thought it would go away after a while. That you were just in one of your moods. Yet you still seem so far, but you're right here beside me."

"I'm no different Norman, you are," Ray said. They stared at each other. "How so?" Norman tilted his head. "You're in love," Ray stated. Norman blinked. "I don't think you realize, Norman, now there is someone else in your life, someone more important than me." "That's not true, you're both important to me," Norman said moving closer to Ray.

"Ray?" Norman looked at him with a serious face. "Hm?" Ray looked at him confused. "Do you not want me to confess to Emma?" Ray was shocked at the question. Had Norman caught on to his feelings? "I... It's not like that Norman." "You know she won't replace you. You're my best friend. I'd choose you over her every day."

Tears welled up in Ray's eyes. "Don't say such stupid things..." Ray fidgeted with his fingers. Norman smiled softly. "It's not stupid Ray," he said. Norman had only ever seen Ray so vulnerable once before when his father passed. He had been with Ray the entire time. "Ray, I made a promise to you. Do you remember?" Ray looked over at Norman. "Your father's funeral, I promised I'd take care of you, never leave you. That is what I'll do to the end of time."

He hugged Ray from the side, their heads resting against each other. Ray sighed regaining control of his emotions. "You're so stupid," Ray said. "Maybe I am," Norman replied. Ray closed his eyes, the sound of his pounding heart was the only thing he could hear. He wanted the silence to be over.

"When are you going to confess to Emma?" Ray asked breaking the silence. Norman let go of him and looked at him. "I think tomorrow after school. I'll have her go to the park! That way you can help me prepare a bit!" Norman smiled. "Okay."

After about ten minutes Norman had to leave. They said goodbye and Ray sat on the couch. "You were quiet during dinner, dear," Isabella said sitting next to him. "Was I?" Ray asked. She nodded. "Did something happen with you and Norman?" She asked. He shook his head. "Ray, you don't have to pretend. I know it's hard seeing the one you love to have feelings for someone else, but it will be okay," She said.

"I'm fine."

Words are always said but never meant. It's easier to hide the pain than to share it with others. No matter how much Ray was hurting, he would keep it all down. He could never show his weaknesses because then he'd have to admit to them. "I'm fine," he repeated. This time for himself. "Everything is okay," he said.