Wish This Were Real // A Skephalo Story

Chapter 17

Skeppy/Zak POV

I leave the room, relieved that this whole mess is finally over. But, without Clay and I fighting...

"Well looks like Clay is taken care of." I say, leaning into Darryl's hold. I struggle to say the next part without crying, "I guess we don't have to pretend to date anymore."

I know I shouldn't be this sad by the thought, but knowing I'll no longer get random hugs, a feathery kiss on the forehead, no more I love you's.

If I'm not mistaken, Darryl also looks sad at the thought. We both stay quiet for a second, and I'm stuck wondering if he'll even stay my friend. Or maybe, we'll just part ways.

"W- well, your friends would be so sad to see you single again. Maybe we could keep it up for just a bit longer?" Darryl speaks slowly, trying to find the exact right words.

"Oh! You're right, we could keep it up for just a bit longer." I hold out my hand, and he takes the hint, locking our fingers together.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The week goes by pretty quickly, I'm glad I don't have to worry about Clay anymore. He kept his promise, which surprised me. Not trying to hit on me, not insulting me, just saying 'hi' in the halls, asking how my day's been.

It's much better this way, us being friends rather than lovers. He and George should get together, I can see that they're meant for each other.

Friday afternoon, I get ready to leave the school, but Jacob and Mega call me aside.

I'm standing with Darryl, and motion for him to follow me. The boys are sitting under a tree near the far end of the parking lot. Mega has his arms wrapped tightly around his boyfriend, with Jacob lazily running his hands through the other boy's hair.

Jacob regards me with a grin. "You still on for the party?"

I swat his shoulder. "Of course. Want me to come early to help set up again?"

He always has huge parties, the biggest and best in the school. I rarely miss out on one, and the whole friend group usually helps set up before and clean up after. Maybe I can convince Darryl to come too.

"Yeah, just be there around six. That should be enough time."

I give a thumbs up, glancing at Darryl to see if he might want to come too. He's just staring at the sky, likely oblivious to the entire conversation I just had.

I grab his hand, and start tugging him towards my house. "So, you wanna come with us to the party? I promise it'll be super fun!"

He giggles at my excitement, "I dunno..."

"Please? I'll be so lonely without you." I whine, leaning on his shoulder.

"You know my parents won't let me anyway." He gives me a half smile. "But you go have fun with your friends. For me."

"Um, have you never heard of sneaking out? Literally super easy. We can meet around 5:45ish."

By this time, we're standing in front of my house. Darryl can't come in today, but we've made a habit of always walking the entire distance together.

I put a hand on my hip, challenging the taller boy's gaze.

"Fine." He leans up to give me a peck on the cheek, before running down the street. "See you in a few hours!"

As soon as I step inside, I see my sister standing in the doorway, a smug grin on her face. "So, how's your 'friend' doing?"

I feel my face reddening. "Shut up."