The First Rule

Chapter 44b: Bestfriends Forever

Mounting his red Panigale, Tyler revs the engine, and speeds away from his house. It's 0 degrees outside, but it can't match the sting in his heart—so he doesn't care. As he rides, the snowflakes blurs his visor, blurring his vision. But he doesn't care. The road is drenched in snow. But he roars his Panigale louder—and slices through with an almost reckless speed!

For fuck's sake! Can she be even more stubborn right now?! I know she's afraid but God—damn it! What more do I have to do?! What more can I show her?! Shit! If only I had known she broke up with Dom ages ago—damn it! I would've been with her since then! Tyler, you fucking idiot! If I had known—if I had known she didn't love Dom.. I thought she had feelings for the both of us—that's why I avoided her—Fuck!

But then the snow thickens. Even people stopping on the curb, having a rest. Looking around while slowing down, worry starts to seep into his veins.

I wonder if she's still in the park..? Damn, this snow is getting heavier—is she still there? What if.. what if something happens to her—

Whatever. She has Dominic, that jerk. She doesn't want me, right? She'll probably call him.

...

Wait but.. but they probably aren't talking anymore—damn it! No wonder she's been texting me often like she was single—no wonder things have been weird between them every time they're together! And Dominic with other girls—that's because he's not—damn it, Tyler, you shithead—how did you not realize?!

As he reaches a red light—resting and sitting straight on his Panigale—his eyes are drawn to the corner where the two of you used to buy sugarcane and burgers. Staring at the corner, he watches as the weird sugarcane seller serves a little girl.. who excitedly boasts to his father about her drink. They drink and laugh at each other, holding hands as they walk away. Tyler's thoughts become nostalgic, a soft smile forming on his lips as he remembers you.. holding hands with Mr. Winters when you were kids.

Then, as he watches them pass by the burger joint, his view shifts to see a couple in coats coming out of the store, carrying a large bag of Burger Bros. They excitedly run to their car—and as the guy opens the door for the girl, she giggles and kisses him on the cheek before getting in.

Tyler's mind drifts back to your date. Scenes of when he opens the car door for you.. when he was enchanted by the radiant smile you gave him.. when he held your hand at the roller coaster.. The time he gave you flowers and you kissed him on the cheek..

"Thank you dork."

"Tyty~"

"Wanna know a secret?"

"I don't want this date to end."

"SMASH and WEBBS!"

"You may, My Prince."

"Sugarcane Monday After School and Wednesday Burgers Before School?!

Geez I told you so many times—"

"Hey! My sugarcane Goddammit!"

"Yeah! That's my bestfriend! Go Tyty!"

"Promise me that you'll stay?"

"Bestfriends?"                                                                                                                                   "Forever."