My Boy

Chapter 1: The Rally

The gymnasium buzzed with excitement, a sea of red and gold banners waving above the crowded bleachers. Jamie leaned back, his shoulder brushing against Trevor's as they sat side by side amidst the chaos of the pep rally. The upcoming game against their rival school had everyone on edge, but Jamie's focus was solely on the boy next to him.

"And now," the principal's voice boomed through the speakers, "let's hear it for our star quarterback, the one and only Trevor Matthews!"
The crowd erupted into cheers. Trevor stood up, a shy smile on his face as he waved to his classmates. Jamie's eyes never left him, a sense of pride swelling in his chest as he clapped louder than anyone else.
As Trevor sat back down, Jamie's mind drifted to a memory from years ago...

Eight-year-old Jamie stood on the sidelines of a little league baseball field, his hands cupped around his mouth as he shouted, "Go, Trevor! You can do it!"
On the pitcher's mound, a young Trevor glanced over, his nervous expression softening at the sight of his best friend. He wound up and threw a perfect strike.
Jamie jumped up and down, cheering. "That's my best friend!" he yelled, not caring who heard him.

"Earth to Jamie," Trevor's voice snapped him back to the present. "Rally's over, man. You coming?"
Jamie blinked, realizing the gym was already half-empty. "Yeah, sorry. Just zoned out for a sec."
As they made their way down the bleachers, a group of their friends surrounded them.
"Trevor! You're going to crush it tomorrow!" Ethan, their lanky friend, slapped Trevor on the back.
"Save some glory for the rest of us, yeah?" Zoe teased, her ponytail swinging as she fell into step beside them.
Alex, a tall, broad-shouldered guy from the football team, pushed through the crowd to reach Trevor. He threw an arm around Trevor's shoulders. "There's my star quarterback! You ready to lead us to victory, little bro?"
Trevor chuckled, visibly relaxing at Alex's presence. "As ready as I'll ever be, Alex. Any last-minute advice?"
"Just play your game, man. You've got this," Alex said with a confident nod.

Jamie watched their interaction, a twinge of something—not quite jealousy, but close—in his chest. He knew Alex was good for Trevor, but sometimes he couldn't help feeling a little left out of their football bond.

As they neared the gym doors, Raph's voice cut through the chatter. "Trevor! There you are!" The fashionable boy practically glided over, Tristan in tow. "You were amazing up there. So modest, so charming."

Raph's eyes flicked briefly to Jamie, his smile tightening almost imperceptibly. "Jamie," he acknowledged with a curt nod before turning his attention back to Trevor.
Tristan, ever the peacemaker, offered Jamie a warm smile. "Hey Jamie, you coming to the game tomorrow? It's going to be epic!"
"Wouldn't miss it," Jamie replied, grateful for Tristan's friendliness.

"Of course he'll be there," Trevor said, throwing an arm around Jamie's shoulders. "My good luck charm, right?"

Jamie felt himself flush at Trevor's words, acutely aware of Raph's narrowed eyes on him.
"Well," Raph interjected, "we should all get going. Big day tomorrow! Trevor, darling, get some rest. We need you in top form."
As the group started to disperse, Trevor turned to Jamie. "Still on for studying at my place?"
Jamie nodded, relief washing over him. Despite the larger social circle, he and Trevor still had their own special bond.
"See you all tomorrow!" Trevor called out as he and Jamie headed for his car, leaving their friends behind.

As they walked away, Jamie couldn't help but feel the weight of the different relationships in Trevor's life—and wonder where exactly he fit in.
Later that evening, Jamie sprawled on Trevor's bed, chemistry textbook open in front of him. Trevor sat at his desk, frowning at his laptop.
"Ugh," Trevor groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I can't focus. This game's got me stressed."

Jamie sat up immediately. "Here, let me help." He moved behind Trevor, placing his hands on his friend's shoulders. "You're way too tense, Trev."

As Jamie's fingers worked at the knots in Trevor's muscles, he felt his friend start to relax.
"Thanks, Jay," Trevor sighed. "You always know how to make me feel better."
Jamie smiled, his heart skipping a beat at the words. "What are best friends for?"
Trevor was quiet for a moment before speaking again. "Can I tell you something?"
"Anything," Jamie replied, his hands stilling on Trevor's shoulders.

"There's this girl, Riley. She's new, and we've been talking a lot lately. I... I think I like her. And I'm pretty sure she likes me too."
Behind Trevor's back, Jamie's face went blank, his stomach dropping. He quickly schooled his features into a neutral expression as Trevor turned to face him.

"That's... that's great, Trev," Jamie managed to say, forcing a smile. "Tell me about her."
As Trevor launched into a description of Riley, Jamie's mind raced. He'd always known this day might come, but he wasn't prepared for how much it would hurt. As he listened to the excitement in Trevor's voice, Jamie realized that the comfortable world he and Trevor had built was about to change dramatically.
And he had no idea how to stop it.