True Identity { A H2OVanoss Story }

Chapter Seven

Evan's POV

Seeing Jonathan trudge into school the day after I told him to kill himself broke my heart. His face has streaks of sorrow and pain through it and his shoulders hunch over like someone, me, has placed weights on them too big for him to bare. I silently follow him, and notice how he flinches away from every sudden movement. I frown and walk away before I get caught. As I walk away I walk straight into James, Riley and Chad, the so called 'friends' of mine, but I wish they weren't. There isn't a more notorious group in the school.

"Hey Evan. We didn't see you waiting for us at the parking lot this morning. That's a first." James says, leaning over me, bright green eyes looking down at me, treating me as prey rather than peer. James has that way with people, instant intimidation. If you were to lie to him, he would instantly know. Then beat you up for it. Chad is always there to egg James on, but Riley usually stays silent at the back and talks to me. I feel sorry for him sometimes. Riley does the crazy things the boys tell him to do, because they can't do it themselves. Isn't that a sign you shouldn't be doing it?

"Yeah, I've just got some unfinished business I need to attend to." I say, averting my eyes to the ground. Showing emotion to James and Chad could mean the difference between going through the day with a black eye or not. Despite being "friends", they have to keep me "in line", or, in the English language, under their command.

I realised a long time ago that they're the ones who've brought me into a world of hurting people who get in my way. Fuck, half of the people weren't even doing anything! It's slowly reducing over the months, without the boys noticing (thank the lord for small miracles). My online friends know about the whole affair and are trying to help me get out of this so called friendship with minimal damage. Del and I have organised a meet up at my house tomorrow afternoon, a Saturday. Craig, Nogla, Lui and Brian are already flying over. My house is pretty big and we have a few spare rooms, so they'll be staying over for a few days while my parents are away on business.

"Ok, you go do that then. We'll leave." James eyes me up and down, squinting. He turns and walks the away, the other two tailing behind. I turn, sigh, and walk up to Jon.

"Hey." I say, but he doesn't hear me. I grab his arm. Jon flinches and looks to me, his eyes simultaneously brightening and darkening when he realises it's me. He pulls his arm away.

"Yes?" He says, crossing his arms over his chest as a form of protection from me.

"Can you please hear me out?" I ask. He nods, letting his arms fall to his sides. Time to come clean. "These past few months I've realised I've been a dick bag, and I know I can't change what I've done, but I ask for forgiveness anyway. I need your help. My friends have been pressuring me - and I know that is no excuse - and I haven't been able to get out of it. I need a way to get out of doing their bidding, so will you help me? I think if we work together, we can get them off our backs. I understand if-"

His hand presses over my mouth. Jon's smiling up at me, his eyes gleaming.

"Yeah, I guess I can forgive you. On one condition." He says. I nod, the corners of my mouth turn up. "Don't ever get yourself stuck in toxic relationships ever again." I nod again. "And don't be a dick bag to anyone else."

"Of course. Maybe we can start over?" I ask, sticking my hand out. Jon takes it and shakes it.

"Hi, I'm Jonathan. What's your name?" He asks.

"Evan. Nice to meet you Jonathan."

"I hope we can be friends."

***

"Finally Evan! Now we just need to shake your douche friends!" Tyler says, his voice chopping a bit over a laggy skype connection.

"Yeah, that'll be tough." I say. It sounds easy, but it's going to be a hell of a journey.