Traitor - byler .

III

i was walking around town with Dustin and max. they were the ones I was closest with. Of course, I love Lucas and El. but they didn't understand me as well as those two did. As we were walking in the ally way, there was a poster on a tree. A suicide poster. seriously?

-"they're still hanging those up? Not like they ever gave a damn." I scoffed.
-"I know, it's bad coverage for them if they don't act like they care about it." Max rolled her eyes.
-"is everything okay with you, Will? You haven't said anything about it." Dustin asked.
-"Dustin!" she slapped him.
-"ow! What? I'm just worried.. you were his best friend.
-"there's a lot more to that, dustin. Something you wouldn't and couldn't understand." I explained.
-"what are you talking about, Will?" Max squinted.

i sighed, staring to tear up a bit but trying not to.
-"Wyatt wasn't just my best friend. I was in love with him. And then he committed suicide and I couldn't do anything to help him. And neither could anyone else in this damn town. It's all a joke." I said, staring to accidentally spill out all the anger I've been keeping on me for years.
-"I'm sorry, Will. You don't have to talk about it." Dustin said.
-"it's fine, I'm just going to find my way home,  I should've already been back by now. Catch you guys at school tomorrow."
-"see ya, Will."

i walked away, beat.
I love him, but why did he have to bring that up?
I can't believe I just officially told them I was gay. Well, not really. But kind of. They both always knew, I just never really admitted it. It felt too wrong to.

i walked home to my mom sitting on the couch, passed out and asleep. Sometimes I forget what she's gone through too, these past few months and years. She took the harder hit. I cover her with a blanket before going to the shower and getting ready for bed. I made myself frozen dinner before brushing my teeth and falling asleep.

.

I woke up with pressure on my chest, it felt like I was underwater. I couldn't breathe and I could feel the heat in my chest as if my lungs were filling with water. I could feel myself panic.

i sat up suddenly, i put my hands over my chest taking deep breaths. I looked at the clock.

7:42

shit! School started at 7:30, I'm so late!

i got up and threw on random clothes A pair of basketball shorts and a hoodie. I slipped my converse on before leaving the house without my mom noticing. My hair was everywhere, I looked like a mess but I didn't care. I walked into class with my things and everyone watched me sit at my desk. my teacher surprisingly didn't ask why I was late, thank god. I could've gone off without that embarrassment.

i start my homework with dustin, and by that I mean he cheated off my paper as I found the answers. Once the bell rang, dustin pulled me back.

-"Will, I am sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have asked that, I know you're very sensitive about it." he apologized.
-"it's fine, I'm over it." i sigh.
-"great! we were all going to go down to the quarry tonight if you wanted to come with?"
-"I'll be there." I smile before he walked away.
I sigh before turning towards my locker to put my stuff away and head towards study hall.
That's when a kid from middle school came up to me.

-"well, will Byers. What a surprise." Troy laughed
-"hello to you to, Troy. you still have the same hair cut as the 7th grade! How cute." I said sarcastically.
-"and you're still a fag." He pushed me against my locker, but I shoved him away into the wall on the opposite side of the hall.
-"you may be the football and basketball stud, but don't push me like you did in junior high. Because I will fight back. Every single time. I will always be here." I told him, almost sounding like a threat.
I shut my locker and walk to class. I was too tired to do anything. I laid my head down on my desk and took a nap the entire hour I was there.

I rode my bike with max to the quarry, where we used to hang out all the time. It was better in the summer, but it was sunny enough today. we met up with everyone who was already there.

-"you're late, again!" Lucas complained.
-"god, Will." Dustin joked.
-"shut up, dusty bun." I mocked him.
-"don't call me that!" He yelped.
-"why not dusty bun?" Lucas and max mocked him laughing.

I took my shirt off, wearing just the shorts I wore to school. I could feel mikes eyes burning into my back. i wanted to turn around, but wouldn't. I didn't want to make it awkward if he was looking. I had scars on the side of my chest and my back, that's what he was staring at. I cant explain what they are from. Not yet at least, I take my shoes off and we all stand at the edge.We jumped in at the same time and made it to the water. We played in the water, laughing for hours. Until it was getting dark, we dried off and walked through town together. We all talked about random things.

-"dude, will is like the fastest guy in our school. He wins first in just about everything." Max complains.
-"now way, can't be that fast." mike laughed.
-"what's that supposed to mean?"
-"I played football for all my life too, I was the fastest. There's no way you're faster than me."
-"is that a challenge?" I tilt my head.
-"yes! Whoever makes it to the other side of the street and knocks on that door first wins." Max challenged.

mike and I shook hands before getting our feet ready at the sidewalk like.

-"go!" Max yelled.

i ran as fast I could while checking the street, mike was next to me. I knew I could run faster so I did. I sprinted to the house like my life depended on it. Mike was shocked he gave up when he got behind me.

-"what the?!" He laughed.

i went up to the house and banged on the door, I ran down the steps and pushed Mike with me across the street. I didn't look both ways, when I saw headlights approaching mike I freaked.

-"mike watch out!" I yelled pushing him out of the way.
as we both fell to the floor, the car honked and the person walked out of their house angry.

-"get away from my house!" The women yelled.

I helped mike up and we all ran away, laughing. Until we got to the other side of the street we stopped.

-"are you alright, mike?" I put my hands on my hips laughing.
-"yeah, Jesus Christ." He laughed.
-"did you see her face?? 'Get away from my house!!'" El mocked.
We all laughed and ran more towards the part of town we lived.
We were having the best time of our lives, I feel so happy.

I wish things could stay that happy.

but unfortunately, that's not how my story ends.