My Boy Best Friend

Chapter Ten

Jordan

"I cannot believe you didn't go to school today so you didn't have to see him", Noelle leaned on the doorframe in my bedroom, raising an eyebrow at me.

"I don't wanna hear it from you. You literally skip school days so you can watch Netflix in bed", I rolled my eyes.

"Hey, some of us call it 'mental health days', they're a thing", she defended. "Anyways, missy, this isn't about me. You can't just shy away and avoid him just because of what happened."

"Yes, I can", I turned over on my bed so I wasn't facing her.

"That's not the Jordan I know", Noelle came over and sat on the edge of my bed. "I thought you didn't give fuck about what others think of you."

I sat up frustratingly. "This isn't just some random person. This is Liam we're talking about."

"Ohhhh right, the selfish revolting dick, how could I forget?" 

"Yes, that's him. He also happened to be my childhood best friend", I reminded her. "This hurts, okay? Please just let me wallow in self pity."

"Honey, you can't jeopardize your education for a low-life like him", she gestured toward his house. "Show him you're better than him by facing it and coming back to school."

"I was only gone for a day", I said, annoyed.

"A day is too long, my love", Noelle shook her head. "Promise me you won't let him get to your head."

"That's all he's been in for the past 2 years!" I exclaimed.

"Good point, but you know what I mean", Noelle situated her bag as she stood and made her way towards the door. 

"Noelle", I called after her, causing her to turn around. "You're the best."

"I know", she smiled. "See you tomorrow?"

"For sure", I promised, sealing the deal with a nod. 

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The next morning, I lazily planted my feet to the ground, letting my weight sink into the floor. I was tired from tossing and turning all night, not being able to slow my mind and thoughts about today. If I were to see him in school today, I know that my heart would drop to my stomach, my hands would become clammy, my mind would go blank, and my pulse would be running a 10k. 

Our last conversation wasn't exactly how I imagined it. I felt more embarrassed than anything for the last two years, and seeing him today was going to feel so humiliating. I mean, come on, I showed up at his house, IN HIS ROOM, just for him to basically reject me and kick me out once again. I had to relive that feeling he gave me 2 years ago. 

I ambled to my curtains to gently push them aside, but when I did, I noticed that his window was opened once again. It was a school night, surely Trent wasn't there opening his window again, right? Well, whatever the reason, I sure as hell was not falling for it again.

After getting ready and eating breakfast, I pushed my front door open, where the cold air touched my lungs and made me wish I was still in my warm bed. I sat in my car, shoved my belongings in the passenger seat, but was unable to close my door. 

Liam had stood in between me and my car door, preventing me from closing it and driving away. What the hell was he doing here? I had no words in my mind, because my body reacted exactly how I said it would. 

"Want me to take you to school?" Liam asked, glancing above my car, beside it, basically everywhere but my eyes.

"No, thanks", I responded, reaching for the car door.

He pushed the car door back open. "Please, just let me."

"I'm gonna be late", I didn't hesitate to respond.

"No, you're not. You're going to be a half hour early if you leave now, actually. Jordan, I know you", his eyes anchored to the ground, allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of his mouth. 

Hearing the sound of him say my name again felt like someone reached into my chest, grabbed my heart, squeezed everything out of it, and shoved it back inside of me. "Maybe I wasn't clear when I said no", I glared, stepping out of my car and shoving past him.

"Jordan, where are you going?" I heard him call after me.

"To school, dumbass", the words flew out of my mouth.

"You're not seriously walking there", his voice was getting closer, and by his breathy tone I could tell he was chasing after me.

"The hell I am", I retorted, picking up my pace.

"Jordan", he gently called, claiming my wrist with his palm.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" I yelled in his face, yanking my wrist back.

"Listen, I know I'm probably the last person you wanna talk to-"

"Then why are you here?" I asked through gritted teeth. 

"To set things right", he explained.

"Oh, that's really awesome, Liam! Just one question: where the hell were you for the past two years?" I folded my arms.

"Thinking", he mumbled. 

"Thinking", I repeated louder, scoffing. "Sorry, don't let me stop you." I began walking back to my car.

"No, Jordan, please. Don't walk away. I want to help you", Liam walked after me.

I stopped in my tracks. "And exactly how are you going to do that?"

"Well, i-it's just t-that...", he stammered. "Well, Trent, he uh-, he really likes you."

I shrugged, rolling my eyes. "So?"

"Don't you like him?"

"It's none of your fucking business", I yelled. 

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I just know that he really likes you", he threw his hands up defensively.

"Alright? What would you like me to do with that information?"

"Well, I'm just saying, if you like him you should go after him", he smiled awkwardly.

"And trust your word? Nah, I'm good", I waved him off, settling back into my car.

There was a moment of silence. "Okay! I'll see you at school!"

"Asshole", I cursed once I was in my car with the door shut. 

I took a deep breath in and out, noticing I had been gripping the steering wheel. Why was he telling me those things? What did he think he was getting out of it?

The drive to school was silent. I couldn't even turn on music, I was so deep in thought about the conversation I just had with him. I've never met anyone in my entire life who pissed me off as much as he did, but somehow I still wanted more.