Match Made

Dog Fight

Since my junior year English class, there has been a guy named Duran who has a huge crush on me. Duran is far from ugly, but he is the total opposite of Aden. Duran was a thug and a bully. He smoked so much weed as a teen that his lips were dark already, but he was in love with yours truly. Seeing how Aden disrespected me on our senior outing night gave him the courage to finally approach me.

In the 80's being gay was far from being accepted, but every so often there was one person bold enough to live in their truth. The route Aden drove to school went past one of Whittier's bus routes. There was a gay student fond of Aden who would openly express his crush on Aden. Our class clown was named Quincy Jones. Guess his parents were fans. Anyway, Quincy told everyone including Aden that the gay student said, "That's my next boyfriend." as Aden drove past. Aden told his friends in anger, but Duran twisted it to mock him.

Duran was now in my government class. He deliberately chose a seat next to me. He'd never say anything directly to me, but whenever Aden walked me to class or he'd see us together, once I was seated Duran would indirectly say, "Why would the finest girl in school want a Froot Loop as a boyfriend?"

Everyone knew who he was referring to, but I'd ignore him. Because I was so introverted Duran didn't know how to approach me, so he decided to do it at a Whittier basketball game.

Aden and Dallas were making plans to throw another big party. Samuel came up during the game, so Aden and Dallas ran outside. Upon returning some of Aden's female "fans" stopped him. He conversed with them for a few seconds then headed back to me. Duran envied Aden. He already had me, plus every fine girl in the school wanted Aden. While Aden's climbing the bleachers back to his seat Duran calls out, "Kelly!"

Aden sits before glancing back. Cutting my eyes towards Aden, Duran repeats, "Kelly!"

We both look his way, and he says, "When you're finally tired of this fake boy, please come and get with a real man."

Pissed Aden yells, "Who the f*ck are you talking to?"

"You Froot!"

Now Dallas is cussing out Duran alongside Aden. It's then Duran starts charging toward Aden, but Mr. Studdard and a few other teachers detain Duran. Aden's friends and more teachers escort us out. Trembling from anger Aden speeds to my house as Dallas just cusses and rants about how they're going to kill Duran. Now parked Aden walks me to my door, kisses me without looking at me, jogs back to his car, then squeals off.

The following morning, before lunch hour Aden, Dallas, and a couple of scary-looking guys I've never seen before are huddled up talking. As soon as I approach Aden mumbles, "Let's go."

The guys leave ahead of us and Aden tells me, "Go with Dallas."

I follow Dallas out to the parking lot but as soon as we enter it a minivan is parked and one of those guys opens the sliding door yelling, "GET INSIDE!"

Me and Dallas hopped in. I see Samuel but he looks extremely angry, so I don't speak. Seconds later Quincy, one of the scary guys, and Aden enter. It's then Samuel asks, "Is this the boy who started the rumor?"

Aden simply nods. By now Quincy's crying so hard snot is running out of his nose. Samuel tells him, "If I ever hear my baby brother's name in your mouth again it'll be the last time. Believe me, this is a promise, not a threat."

Choked up, Quincy stammers out, "L-Look man, I-I'm just a-a silly kid! I d-didn't mean any harm."

Then one guy yells, "NEXT TIME PLAY SILLY WITH SOMEBODY ELSE!"

I'm sure Quincy wet himself. He starts sobbing like a baby. Following this intimidating experience, I returned to class, but I didn't see Aden until it was time for him to take me home. I know this wasn't my fault, but I felt Duran liking me added to Aden's frustrations. Sadly, I blamed myself for the distance growing between us.

Right before the holiday season Aden and Dallas throw another party and this time it's massive. Aden keeps everything in order while Dallas and I collect the money at the door. It's so many people inside that just before midnight the owner comes to us saying, "This place is overcrowded! I need to tell whoever's over this event that we must put some of these people out. So, who's in charge?"

Aden answers, "We are."

"No! Who booked this event?"

"I did."

"You did? We're selling liquor here. Are you even 21?"

"Why does that matter?" Questioned Aden.

Gnashing the owner rushes and cuts on all the lights and unplugs the DJ yelling, "This party is over! Everybody out!"

Security immediately starts escorting people out. No one is honoring the coat check tickets so people are stealing shearling and mink coats. Aden is pissed so he's yelling at the owner, "We paid you in advance! Why are you putting us out?"

"You're a minor! I can't allow you to sell liquor! And this is a nightclub! You must be 21 to even enter! You made your money now get out!"

People are upset and mad about losing their coats, but Aden is a professional. He doesn't run away from the chaos. He apologizes to everyone leaving and tells the partyers to make a report against the club manager for mishandling their property by letting it get stolen. Although the party was cut short and Aden knew his credibility would be tarnished by this, he and Dallas still made a load of money. Afterward, we three celebrate anyway. The night ended well, but I still felt as if things weren't right and that somehow I was the problem.