Drumming Heart

One

Drummers can beat and beat their drums until they don't want to. That's how my heart felt with one of my best friends. Im sitting here in my chair — my lips half parted as I stared at her in disbelief.

  She had grabbed my fork, twisted a good chunk from my spaghetti and looked me dead in the eye as she ate it. I cleared my throat when she had done this and flicked my eyes down at the plate.

  “Come on, Lucian.” Viper giggled out and dropped the fork back onto my plate. “There's nothing you need to be worried about. It's just a bite of food. Nothing wrong with that, huh?” 

  I just rolled my eyes and pushed the plate away from my body. She knew I hated eating after people, but she knew she was hot. I glanced over as she took the plate and began to eat from it.

  “Did you really just do that so you can have my food?” Viper just looked at me and smiled sweetly. “Perhaps. You do know that I don't have any of those.. mouth diseases, right?” She reassured me and put the fork towards my face. 

  I rolled my eyes and grabbed her wrist between my pointer finger and thumb. I brought her arm down and looked down at her. “I know, but I don't care.” 

  Kieon walked over and sat down. He smiled and looked over at Viper. “Stealing food again?” Look. I usually like people around here — they're pretty chill. I just don't like this douchebag over here because I know he's just leading Viper on.

  Or at least that's what I want to believe. As a straight guy, this dude was pretty. I glanced over at Viper who pulled her arm out my tiny grip and leaned forward against the table and began chatting with him. 

  Immediately I pulled my phone out and got on camera. I might hate people who are better than me, but I still know I'm one of the pretty people in this school. Others might think otherwise but I could care less about it.

  I rotate it and immediately snapped a picture before going onto Instagram and posting it onto my story.

  “Hey, Lucian.” Kieon called out to me. I rolled my eyes and glanced at him. “What?” I bitterly responded. Viper nudged my side and glared at me.. my gaze immediately softened.

 “You look gay as fuck my dude,” He joked, and I knew he did. It was annoying as fuck. “Yeah.., you act like you're not putting your phone at your pelvis and looking up then sending it to girls.” 

 “Viper should know.” Keion smirked and winked over at her. I slid my tongue across my steak tooth and bit down on my tongue as I stared down at the table.

 I know not to start fights. My parents would kill me, especially if I did it because of mixed feelings for the girl they absolutely despised.

  “So should your sister.” I looked at him and smirked back. He looked over at me and rolled his eyes. “I'll see you in class, Vip.” Keion then stood up and walked off.

  My head turned to face Viper and I was faced with a guilty yet embarrassed expression from her. “Lucian. Listen… I know you said it wouldn't be a good idea and all—” she began to spit out. 

  I listened. I listened to the stupid shit she had to say about the fact she was talking to him. After I told her that he was no good for him.

  “Are you even listening to me?” Viper exclaimed, hitting my shoulder. My eyebrows furrowed and I looked down at her. “Why are you even explaining yourself? You aren't like.. my girlfriend or something.”

  She rolled her eyes and frowned. “But I'm your best friend and I broke a promise. Look— if you want—” 

  “I don't want anything, Viper. If he's someone you're interested in, you can go after him.” I told her and watched the lunch lady collect trash. Lunch was ending.

  Viper frowned and rubbed her wrist. “Kinda. Are you sure you are going to be okay with this?” 

 I nod and she gave me an arm hug before standing up and walking over to Keion. I squinted my eyes and watched her bounce in happiness before kissing him.

  Sighing, I stood up and grabbed my backpack and swung it over my shoulder. I'm not too happy with her right now, nor am I happy with myself. I just pushed her on a path that's going to hurt her.

  I was about to walk until a strong scent hit me and I turned to look over my shoulder. Brent stood there with squinted eyes and a wide smile. “You seem stressed, man. Want to head to the benches?