Small Town Boy

Chapter 15

On Tuesday, we had practice after school. Reed and his minions didn't get a chance to do anything to me, but they had made the message clear. I didn't get changed, and instead headed straight to Parker's car still wearing my football gear. There was another thing I hadn't done, however. I still wasn't talking with Ben and Mateo aside from nodding hello. I hated it. Ben had been my best friend. We never fought. We never ignored each other. Mateo had come along later with the others, but nevertheless, he was a good friend. 

"You need to talk to them," Parker instructed me as we entered the house. 

"I know, I just haven't had the chance." I sighed. 

"Go shower, then get changed, I'll drive you over to Ben's house when you're done." He said authoritatively. It wasn't a choice.

"But he's gonna be doing stuff," I argued. 

"He's your best friend. He'll make time for you." He countered. I knew he was right. 

"Fine." I conceded. 

"Be ready in ten minutes." He shouted as I entered my room. 

After a quick shower, I changed into a sweatshirt and jeans and met Parker back at his car. 

"Are you hungry?" He asked, offering me a granola bar. 

"No." I shook my head before doing up my seatbelt. "If I eat, I'll be sick."

"I really think you're overthinking this." He sighed as he began the short drive to Ben's house. 

"This isn't your best friend," I mumbled. 

"Which is exactly why I know it'll be fine." He assured me. 

"I hope so." I sighed. 

The ride passed too quickly, and soon we were parked outside Ben's house. It was closer to the center of town than our house. It was smaller as well, the sort of house you'd find in the average suburb, only it was in a small town in the middle of Colorado. It was a dark green, with weatherboards that looked like they had seen better days. Despite its age, it was tidy. On the front porch was a welcome mat that I must have walked over a thousand times, and each side was flanked with neatly trimmed hedges. 

"Do you want me to wait here?" Parker asked. 

"No," I answered. "I'll call you if I need a ride."

"Okay.' He nodded. "Good luck."

"Thanks," I mumbled, exiting the car. Parker watched me walk onto the Walker's property before he drove away. 

As I approached the door I took a deep breath. I could do this. I had to do this. There were simply too many years of friendship at stake for me to fuck it up. I stood a foot away from the door and paused, taking another breath. I was even more nervous than I was when I got to Wyatt's house the first time. 

Before I had a chance to knock, the door swung open, almost hitting me in the face as I scrambled to get out of its way. 

"Who is - LANDON!" A voice shouted. 

"Um, hey Declan," I said, smiling at Ben's nine-year-old brother. "Is Ben home?" 

"He's in his room," Declan explained. There was a noise from behind Declan before a shadow came around the corner revealing Ben." 

"Declan Walker!" Ben said sternly. "What does Mom say about not opening the door until you know is there?" 

"I'm sorry." Declan looked at his feet. "I forgot." 

"It's fine," Ben told his brother. "Just don't do it again. Why don't you go watch something on the TV, Landon and I have stuff to do." 

"Okay." Ben smiled happily, bounding off.