3-Minute Passion (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 24

(I was thinking about something.. And I guess this chapter will be better if you listen to Ed Sheeran's Photograph. I get so much feels from it, besides it's James' favorite song. ;) x)

[JAMES' POV]

It's lunch time and I'm not even in the mood to eat. I tried my best to keep my composure in my classes. I'm fine pretending that my body's not tired, but my insides are not. I always feel my heart's slow beats. It's the only thing that can hurt me physically, sending a torturous pain in my chest. I'm slowly becoming numb at the feeling. It's just been two days without hearing from Red, but everything's unbearable.

I take a seat where Nicole and Nick are. They turn their heads to me. Nick has his worry face on making his lips turn in to a line. Nicole, on the other hand, gives me a death glare. I'm in for some digging of emotions. I can't even try to escape this. I don't want to be oblivious of what my feelings are, but for some reason, I want to. If it's the only way not to breakdown.

"I know what you'll say, so skip with it. I'm okay, alright?" I roll my eyes.

"No, you're not. Don't even try to pull that shit on me. I know you, James. What has that piece of shit did to you now?" Nicole is fierce. I've never heard her snap at me like that. The seriousness of her tone is chilling. She's really my best friend.

I sigh in defeat. I really can't keep these emotions in me. I've done it before and the result wasn't the best. I've smoked at least half a pack a day and would walk around our neighborhood trying to find answers to the questions inside my head. I cringe at the memory.

"Okay, fine, you got me. So, what if I'm sad? It's not like I'm the only one. People get sad all the time."

"Would you stop talking shit? Nick told me that he almost saw you crying. And stop acting smart.. You might be good at Math and all, but all these.." She waves her hands up and down my face.

"Is my forte.. You can't act okay when you're not. You're only beating yourself up. Nick here has been pushing me to ask you.." Nick pinches Nicole's arm. She shrieks an ouch and swats his arm.

I really can't escape the fact that she knows me too well.

"Fuck, fine. Red hasn't called me for two days now, okay? He may have a valid reason why.." I look down on the table. I really hope he does have a reason. I've been struggling to keep myself calm and in place.

"Big surprise from the guy who constantly hurts you." Nicole rolls her eyes. I can't even tell if she's being sarcastic or not.

"He's not constantly hurting me. He's done many things to make me feel special, okay?" I look up and I instantly notice Nick's eyes glossy.

"Sure, whatever you say, but just to end this thing that's going on with you. We're going to see him this weekend. We'll leave by Friday after school so we have enough time to drive and see him early in the morning. I'm going to get my pick up truck from the repair shop. We'll use that. Once he calls you, don't say anything, okay? It's easy for someone to lie about things.. I just want you to see this for yourself. You deserve better." Nicole's tone turns gentle. She'll go that far taking me to New York just to prove a point. I trust Red, but I need to keep the walls of it strong.

I nod my head both in acceptance and defeat. Nick stands up and walks out. 

**

Nick didn't go to our last period. The last time I saw him was at the cafeteria. He must not like what he heard me say, but I can't let them see Red as a bad guy. I know Red has a soft side in him.