Coyotes and Wolves, Milo Manheim Original Story

Well, it Beats a Giant Coyote

POV: Milo

I don't even know what I'm doing here. But there I was, sitting in the front row of the auditorium by myself, holding a fresh bouquet of flowers-- like the loser that I was. No one wants me here. I know it's paranoid, but it somehow felt like everyone in there knew what a scumbag I was, and were all staring at me. I couldn't wait for the lights to dim and the show to start. I was really on edge.

I tried not to make eye contact with anyone, but it wasn't easy. It probably looked weird that I was sitting alone. I was still considered popular I guess, even though I didn't give a shit. What the fuck did that even mean, anyway? The whole school was full of assholes, as I'd recently figured out. What the hell did it matter what they thought about me?

But, it did matter what she thought. And right now, she fucking hated my guts.

I heard a voice and looked up. It was Delilah. I let out a sigh of relief, at least I wasn't alone.

"Hey." She spoke up, reluctantly.

"I can't even believe that you're willing to be seen with me." I replied, in a self deprecating tone.

"Yeah, well. You're a dick, but you're my best friend. So, I guess that means I have to sit next to you." She quipped, with a smirk.

"Maybe you can put it on your college forms as community service?" I quipped back, with a light chuckle.

"See? Then we both win." Delilah joked, with a nod.

I couldn't help but feel lighter with my best friend here with me. I didn't deserve it, but it felt pretty good to have some semblance of support.

"Does she know I'm here?" I piped up, softly.

"I really don't know." She replied, genuinely. "They left before I did to get ready and everything. I just got here."

"You think when she spots me, she'll jump off the stage and smack me in the face?" I muttered, half-joking.

"I wouldn't put it past her." Delilah shrugged. "And it's not like you wouldn't deserve it."

My head fell and I sighed sadly.

"Sorry. But I gotta be real with you." She murmured.

"Always." I agreed, and offered her my fist to bump, which she did, nodding with a thin smile.

That's when the auditorium finally got dark and the announcer began their spiel about food and drinks and flash photography in the audience. The dark maroon curtain was raised, and the show began.

I sat in agony through the first half of the show. I knew she was coming out soon, but it was like torture. I wanted to see her, but I was honestly petrified for her to see me. I knew she'd be professional, but I was really worried about the possible look of hate in her eyes when she spotted me.

Delilah could probably feel my anxiety and tension and she reached over and grabbed my hand supportively. God I was thankful for her today. I would definitely be getting her some wine and pizza after tonight.

When Estella finally crossed the stage, she did look down at me. Once.

And, that was it.

Once.

I knew she was mad, but sitting through the whole show just praying that she'd look at me was horrible. Did I deserve it? Yeah, okay. Yes, I absolutely did.

Jesus! I almost walked out a few times, I couldn't take it. What if she never spoke to me again? What if she left me? I didn't care if it made me homeless, I just couldn't live in a world with her in it and not get to see her, talk to her, cuddle her... The thought made me sick, and that damn pressure started to come back. I pushed it away, not wanting to be the pathetic guy crying over his girlfriend in the front row of the Auditorium. Delilah looked over at me with pity a few times, but what could she say? Nothing was going to make this okay right now.