My Boy

Chapter 4: Cracks in the Foundation

Two months had passed since Trevor and Riley officially became a couple. What had started as a whirlwind romance was beginning to show signs of wear. Jamie noticed the subtle changes: the fewer public displays of affection, the tense silences, the forced smiles.

One Tuesday morning, Jamie was at his locker when he overheard Trevor and Riley talking around the corner. Their voices were hushed but sharp.

"I told you, I can't make it tonight. I have a team meeting," Trevor said, frustration evident in his tone.

"Again? Trevor, this is the third time this week you've cancelled on me," Riley replied, her voice tight.

"What do you want me to do? I can't just skip it."
"I want you to make time for me. Is that too much to ask?"

Jamie quickly grabbed his books and walked away, not wanting to eavesdrop further. But the knot in his stomach tightened. Things were definitely not okay.

Later that week, the friend group gathered at their usual spot in the local diner. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Trevor sat next to Riley, but there was a noticeable gap between them. Sophie kept shooting concerned glances at her best friend, while Raph tried unsuccessfully to lighten the mood with jokes.
Jamie found himself watching Trevor closely, noting the way his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, how he seemed to be forcing himself to participate in the conversation. Part of Jamie ached to see his best friend so clearly unhappy. But another part, a part he wasn't proud of, felt a flicker of hope.

As the night wore on, Jamie managed to catch Trevor alone by the jukebox.
"Hey," Jamie said softly. "Everything okay?"
Trevor sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, man. Things with Riley... they're not great right now."

"Want to talk about it?"

Trevor glanced over at Riley, who was engrossed in conversation with Sophie. "Not here. Can we talk later?"

Jamie nodded, trying to ignore the way his heart sped up at the prospect of being alone with Trevor.

The following Saturday, a party at Alex's house brought everything to a head. The music was loud, the drinks were flowing, and the tension between Trevor and Riley was palpable.
Jamie was chatting with Zoe when he heard raised voices from the kitchen. He turned to see Trevor and Riley in a heated argument.
"You're always putting everything else before me!" Riley was saying, her cheeks flushed.
"That's not fair," Trevor retorted. "I'm trying my best here!"

"Well, your best isn't good enough!"

The room fell silent as Riley stormed out, Sophie quickly following after her. Trevor stood there, looking lost and hurt.

Jamie wanted to go to him, but Alex beat him to it, leading Trevor outside for some air.
It wasn't until the next evening that Jamie heard from Trevor. A simple text: "Can you come over?"
When Jamie arrived at Trevor's house, he found his best friend sitting on the bed, looking defeated.

"It's over," Trevor said as Jamie closed the door behind him. "Riley and I broke up."

Jamie sat down next to Trevor, close enough that their shoulders touched. "I'm sorry, Trev. What happened?"

Trevor shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. "We just... we want different things, I guess. It's been building for a while."
As Trevor spoke, his composure began to crumble. Tears welled up in his eyes, and Jamie did the only thing he could think of – he put his arm around Trevor's shoulders.

Trevor leaned into him, burying his face in Jamie's neck. Jamie could feel Trevor's tears soaking into his shirt, could feel the slight tremors running through his friend's body.
"It's okay," Jamie murmured, rubbing Trevor's back. "I'm here. It's going to be okay."

After a few moments, Trevor pulled back slightly, his face just inches from Jamie's. Their eyes met, and for a breathless moment, Jamie thought... hoped...

But then Trevor blinked, breaking the spell. He wiped his eyes and gave Jamie a watery smile. "Thanks, Jay. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jamie's heart was racing as Trevor settled back against him. He should have felt guilty for the warmth spreading through his chest, for the hope blossoming despite his best friend's pain. But in that moment, with Trevor in his arms, all he felt was a bittersweet happiness.

As the night wore on and Trevor's breathing evened out into sleep, Jamie found himself more conflicted than ever. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear – his feelings for Trevor were stronger than ever, and he didn't know how much longer he could keep them hidden.