Road to Rockdale

Chapter 19 - Don't Poke the Bear

As Chase spots me spying on him, I slowly look up and give him a nervous smile. He's not amused.

"Uh, hey bro-"

CHASE: What the fuck are you doing here?!?

His eyes are wet with tears, but he seems more intimidating than ever as he towers over me. I gulp.

"I uh, I heard your voice in the distance-"

CHASE: So you decided to come listen in on my conversation? Nice. Real nice of you, Nacho Crotch.

"I didn't mean to!"

CHASE: You're crouched down behind a trash can!

"Okay, true, I know it looks bad..."

CHASE: You're unbelievable. That was a private conversation!!

He shakes his head and starts storming off toward the motel.

"Hey, I'm sorry, but maybe don't spill your thoughts out in a public park and get mad when someone overhears?"

I catch up beside him and he stops and groans.

CHASE: Why did you come down here, anyway??

"I wanted to talk-"

CHASE: Pft. You wanted to talk. Great. Awesome.

"Bro, I just want to try to make things right!"

CHASE: There is no "making things right"! Especially after you heard all that just now...oh, shit.

He suddenly turns from angry to fearful.

CHASE: Tell me you weren't there that entire time. Please tell me you didn't hear...

"Didn't hear what?"

He glares at me.

"Sorry."

CHASE: Alright, what was the first thing you heard? And don't lie to me, Brooks!

"Something about wishing you didn't come on the trip and how everyone hates you."

He sighs and facepalms.

"Uh, just for the record, I don't *hate* you, per se...I'd say it's more of a strong dislike?"

CHASE: Oh, cool, because that'll make up for everything.

"And Skye doesn't hate you, either. I know she can be intense, but she cares about you a lot, bro."

CHASE: You don't know anything about us or our relationship, "bro." Leave me the fuck alone.

He aggressively tries to wipe his tears away and continues walking.

"Who's Aidan?"

He freezes and slowly turns around.

CHASE: N- no one.

"Oh really?"

CHASE: It's none of your fucking business!!

"Is he, like, a boyfriend? Are you...gay?"

CHASE: I'M NOT GAY! God, you're insufferable. Just leave me alone!!

He starts walking even faster this time, but I quickly catch up alongside him.

"Hey, I'm only trying to help-"

CHASE: Well I don't need your help! Get away from me!

I slow down to a halt and sigh as he makes his way toward the hotel. After a few seconds, though, he turns around and awkwardly approaches.