The Bad Boy Experiment

8

Author: Kaylee

"Living is easy with eyes closed."

― John Lennon

Previously

"Want a smoke?" Dan joked.

Phil took it and blew the dust out.

"It is pretty cool." Phil admitted, handing the fake back to Dan.

In the cool and crisp air, next to Phil, under the abnormally large pine tree. It was the perfect area to think and reflect.

"I think I'm in love with you Phil."

Currently

"Dan... I.. I have to go.." Phil exclaimed, gathering his school bag and rushing off.

Dan was at a loss for words. He didn't get up to go get Phil and sort out the situation. He didn't even yell for Phil to wait like people do in crappy rom coms.

Sitting alone with the shade of the big tree over his head. Left to do nothing but replay what had happened over and over in his mind. It was not a mistake, but if Dan could have a second chance, he'd keep his mouth shut.

Hours that seemed like minutes passed. The sun disappeared into the horizon and left darkness in its wake. Dan snapped out of his trance, still filled with regret.

Stumbling down the road, ignorant to where his feet were taking him.

Eventually, Dan arrived at Teddy's. Memories of when he first told Phil that he was gay flooded back into his mind. The silent mile walk there. The giggly drunken walk back to Dan's house. It was possibly Dan's favorite memory of Phil.

He pushed the door open and plopped down at a stool by the bar. Mikal, the bartender, greeted Dan warmly and brought him the specialty concoction that wasn't on menus. Dan's older brother always got it; therefore, Dan did too.

"What's the trouble Danny?" Mikal asked, genuinely curious.

"Nothing. Don't call me 'Danny', kay?" Dan replied harshly.

By the time it was midnight, the counter was filled with empty glasses. There was no one left in the bar besides Dan and Mikal.

"Sorry bud, it's closing time. Don't you have school tomorrow?"

Dan waved him off and left the last of his bar money on the counter.

Dan slept through 1st and 2nd period. Even when he did wake, he was in no hurry to get to school. His head hurt and he felt like he was going to be sick. It was what he'd expected, but still this feeling would never be good.

3rd period had only just begun when Dan joined in. The whole hour was a challenge for Dan to gain his focus back. By lunch he was tripping over his feet less, which was considered a win.

Someone tapped on Dan's shoulder which caused him to jump at the sudden contact.

"Sorry.. My guys and I were wondering if you'd like to come pass it with us outside the school." The tapper said."

Dan examined the group. It was the druggies that no one would dare mess with. It wasn't that they were mega fighters or anything, they just looked intimidating. It was clear that when they said 'pass it', drugs would be involved.

At this point, Dan couldn't see why not to participate. It would help his image and once word got out about this, it would show Phil that he was carrying on without him just fine.