The Barefoot Violinist

A Party

Between classes, practising and working with Cory, he had little time to hang out with his friends, which he regretted, as this was the first time he had really had friends his own age. Another annoyance that he had to deal with, was the fact that Cory seemed to be popping up at every corner he turned, smiling or holding his hands up in a wave.

Bennett wasn't sure whether this was a good sign or not, but to keep the peace he greeted back, quickly averting his eyes in case he became the number one target again. Hearing his name called from down the hall, he turned to see Blue, Victor and Ellie all smile broadly at him.

"Well, it's nice to see you again, finally!" Blue sighed hanging on to his neck. He laughed as Victor and Ellie nodded in agreement. After their double date to the movies, it seemed as if Victor was a bit more confident. He was worried the whole time that things would go badly, but he was worried for nothing. Everybody had a great time and they'd planned to do the same again.

"I hear there's a party this weekend. Are you guys keen on going? We can take my car and Bennett can drive, since he never drinks." Victor laughed, patting him on the back.

Never having been invited to any high school parties, he was unsure on what to say. Looking at Blue for support, she gave him a wink and a grin.

"Okay, I'll drive. But I need to be back before twelve or my mum will kill me."

"Just tell her that you're sleeping over at my place Cinderella." Victor says rolling his eyes, half his mind already on the party. Bennett nodded in agreement, knowing he would never lie to his mum. It had been the two of them for so long that it just didn't feel right.

As they walked together to their class, Cory approached them.

"What, fuck weed?!" Blue snapped impatiently.

"Whoa, cool it there Missy. I've just come to invite you to my party on Friday night." he said, looking at Bennett for a response.

"I... I think we are going." he said softly, diverting his eyes to the ground.

"Great! I'll see you on Friday then!" he cheerfully waved, humming as he moved away.

"What the fuck was all that about?" Blue turned to Bennett, her eyes wide with unasked questions. "What the fuck is up with dick weed these days? He's always smiling and popping up around you. If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought he had a crush on you." she continued, whispering the last part to him.

Shrugging his shoulders, Bennett hefted his bag and still chatting about the party, walked with his friends to class. Since the truce with Cory, things have been improving greatly for Bennett. He no longer walked around trying to avoid everybody and he hasn't yet been punched or thrown against a locker... yet.

Friday evening Blue, Victor and Ellie arrived at his house, piling inside to greet his mum. For the first time in a while, she had the Friday night off and was sitting down with her feet up.

"Hey kids! Excited about the party?" she asked as they all entered the living room.

"Hi Chrissie," they all piped up together, breaking out in laughter.

Going over to his mother to give her a hug and kiss, he promised to be back early.

"There is no need to rush Bennett. Give me a call if you're not going to be coming home, okay?" she asked.

"Don't worry Chrissie, we'll take good care of him." " Blue said confidently, as they walked out of the door. "Your mum is so cool letting you stay out all night. And you didn't even have to lie to her!" she moaned as they got into the car.

"Fuck me sideways!" Blue exclaimed moments later as Cory's house came into view. Bright lights shining all throughout the house, people milling around on the front lawn, many obviously already drunk enough to stumble around laughing. Once they got inside, the sound of the music was deafening, with people dancing, making out or just sitting on the couches high as a kite. The others went off to the kitchen to grab a few drinks. By the time they got back to him, Cory was heading his way with a broad smile on his face.

"Hey guys," he called over the music, looking only at Bennett.

"Fuck weed!" Blue shouted slapping him hard on the back. "You sure know how to throw a party."

"You can stop calling me that now you know. We have a truce." he glared at her irritated.

"Okay, okay. No need to get your bloomers into a twist. How about I call you dickhead and we call it quits? No bad feelings" she held out her hand to him with an arched eyebrow. Cory seemed to consider her proposal for a minute before taking her hand.

"That's more like it, dickhead!" she exclaimed moving off to go outside. Victor and Ellie had long since disappeared. Bennett had earlier seen them dancing very slowly.

"So..." Cory started, looking around him, then back at Bennett.

"So..." Bennett echoed.

"Listen, it's very noisy here. Do you maybe want to go somewhere and talk a bit?" a frown crossed his face as he looked into Bennett's eyes.

"Sure, as long as I don't get beaten up again." Bennett made a poor attempt at a joke.

"I'm sorry, I promise I'll never do that again! Really, you must believe me!" he promised frantically. With a frustrated sigh, he grabbed Bennett by the arm and dragged him upstairs behind him.

Once inside the darkened room, Cory turned on a desk light, so that the whole room was thrown into a soft glow. Looking around, Bennett noticed the unmade bed, posters against the wall and of course his football trophies. Funny that there are no pictures of him or his family, he thought to himself.

Cory sat down on the bed next to Bennett, fidgeting with his hands. He seemed to be at a loss for words. Bennett had never seen him like this. He was always so cocky and sure of himself.

Cory knew that it was now or never, but somehow the words kept getting stuck in his throat. There was so much he wanted to say, but he was also afraid to say it out loud. Taking a deep, steadying breath, he looked at Bennett, before quickly looking away. Finally plucking up the courage, he tried again.