Just Us

3

Jake

I considered just heading home for the day. I still have a class with Gabriel and to be honest, I'm not sure what to expect. Im not sure if I even want to see him right now. Who knows what's been told to him, did Frank tell him about me? I don't see why he wouldn't. Maybe I should just leave...

"Jake! What the hell?" Shit. I turned around and saw Frank running up to me. Just what I needed today.

"Hey. I'm just heading to class. I... I have to speak to a teacher."

"Why didn't you come to our table?"

"Oh. Sorry, I must've forgotten." A complete lie.

"Dude, seriously? You're a shit liar, and I know you're not going to see a teacher. So what gives?"

"Lying? No, I'm not lying. I just... I just don't fit in with you guys. And if this is some sort of pity thing, than I'm fine."

"Dude. I don't know you enough for any sort of pity. Stop being so dramatic, what's your problem?"

"I don't have a problem. It's just odd, why all of a sudden want to start talking to me? And hanging out with me? I don't know, it just doesn't add up to me. It's just weird."

"You're really annoying, you know that? I'm not asking to hang out after school and become best buds, or whatever. But fine, it's your call." He began walking backwards, hands in the air. "I know when I'm not wanted. Just know the offer still stands. Just trying to do something nice for a friend." He turned and went back inside the lunchroom.

And suddenly I was left alone, by myself in the hallway. Dammit. Maybe it was a genuine invitation. But I don't see why it would be. If by some miracle Gabriel actually was gay, he'd tell me himself if he was interested. He has no reason to be shy around anyone. And if he's not, I'd rather not have him find out I'm crushing on him. So I'm better off just not going to him at all.

I began to walk towards my next class. I think Emily said Dani was talking to our teacher in there.

I made it to the classroom and saw Mr. Royle, but no Dani. Strange. I swear Emily said she was talking to our english teacher.

"Good afternoon Jake." He said as I walked in.

"Hi Mr. Royle. Have you seen Dani?"

"Not today, no. Why?" Huh. Maybe Emily heard wrong.

"No reason, just wondering."

Slowly, students began filing in. Eventually Dani made it in and sat next to me.

"Hey, where were you at lunch today?"

"Emily didn't tell you? I had to talk to Mr. Garter." She replied almost instantly.

"Doesn't he teach history?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I swore Emily said you were talking to Mr. Royle. But I could've just heard wrong or something." Maybe Emily's right. Something did seem kind of off.

"She did? Well, sorry I missed lunch.  Did anything happen?"

"Actually, yes. What the hell did you tell Frank?"

"What happened?"

"He asked me to sit with them at lunch." Her eyes went wide and she smiled.

"Oh my gosh! Did you?"

"No! What the hell did you say to him that he knew it was me?"

"I swear I didn't say your name. But... you are the only openly gay kid at this school, and the only other guy I'm really friends with so... It's not hard to put two and two together."