If I Stole Your Heart

Chapter Two: Bravery

^Jamie

Jamie was my friend. My only confidant in this entire godforsaken school and now he was turning his back on me. After vowing to never tell a living soul about my bisexuality he'd gone off, walking his silly walk. Arms swinging, head held high like there wasn't anything wrong.

But that summer, after the end of my junior year, he never called or texted. Not a word was spoken from him. Only silence. I didn't let it torment me though. I was fine for the majority of the break until somewhere at the end of July he called.

I was sitting in my room, working on an essay for English. Homework over break was normal for me. With all the AP and honor classes I took it made sense that school would never actually leave me. Even when I was technically on 'break.' My phone, sitting beside me on my bed, chimed. A text message popped up on my screen. I expected to see my moms contact, telling me she would be home later. She was picking up more and more shifts at the hospital and my worried mind kept telling me it was because she couldn't stand to be in the house.

It was Jamie though and I felt no ounce of relief.

JAMIE: Dude, Ryan that sick kid from that college across the street is having a party and u should totally come. It'll be sick m8 $$$$.

A party? After weeks of no contact he was texting me about a party?

Maybe it was just him telling me he was over being pissed. He was finally coming around and he just wanted to be friends again. Go back to him being slightly annoying and me always, always putting up with it. I guess I could accept that.

Cool. When is it?  It wouldn't hurt to actually go. Besides, maybe it would get my mind off the still crushing weight that was bearing down on me.

JAMIE: tonight. I'll pick u up at 7.

I texted him back an 'ok' and looked over at the clock. Only 4. I could finish at least some of my homework and then start getting ready. But it was extremely hard to focus when my goofy smile wanted to break free. We would be alright. I could breathe a little.

***

As seven rolled around and I hadn't decided on exactly what to where I started to feel the immediate fear crawling up in my throat. Finally Jamie was coming back to me and us and I was going to fuck it all up by not being ready.

Breathe, Greg. You can do this. I grabbed the only nice shirt I had, a blue short sleeve button up with white birds all over it. I had a red bowtie from my mother's second wedding so I decided to wear that as well. My skinny jeans were maroon and I tucked the shirt in. I was nothing if not classy.

JAMIE: I'm in ur house. Ur mom is trying to feed me. Take all the time you need.

I guess she came home earlier and I hadn't heard her. I slid my phone back into my pocket and headed downstairs. My feet were gentle along the carpeted hallway, I didn't want to disturb my step dad who was most definitely sleeping up in his room. Sound carried easily in my house and there was almost always a need to be silent.

"Jamie, I've put in a fresh batch of brownies. If you stay a little longer I can send them with you and Greg. That'll be nice." My mother's lilting voice echoed out to me and I could smell the chocolatey brownie batter. Whenever she was home, which was rarely, she would bake and bake. She was practically a stick but the amount of cakes and cookies she made would make anyone a little more bigger, but she remained the same. Always thin and always baking. I guess you could add almost always working to the things that would remain true for her. I never brought that up around her. She'd always been sensitive. ( A fourth always.)

"That's alright, Mrs. Hanes." Though my mother was now technically Mrs. Tethers everyone stuck with Mrs. Hanes. I thought it flowed off the tongue rather nicely. "Once Greg get's his ass down here we'll be leaving." My mother didn't mind when Jamie cursed because he wasn't her child and if his mother allowed it she would allow it. She'd kill me if she heard me doing.

"Hey," I said to Jamie as I walked in. Mom had made muffins as well and they sat in a basket on the center of the island in our kitchen. Blueberry, my favorite. I grabbed one and took my jacket off the hook next to the door. "Bye, mom. I'll call you when we get there."

"Bye, sweeties. Behave." A warm smile and then she was back to baking and humming to herself. Sometimes, when she knew no one was looking she got sad, really sad and I couldn't help but think she was depressed. Mike, her husband, never came out of his room. He'd always tell us he was getting a wave of inspiration. Mike was a writer and he was exceptional at what he did, but he wasn't good with people and their stories. I always thought it was strange how easy it was for him to make up things and people and get so invested in their lives when he couldn't even do the same with my mother. When they were dating it was different. They were always together and Mike was happy, so she was. Now, after two years of marriage, most of their happiness had been washed away.

I looked away from her as she shuffled around in the kitchen looking for something.

"How'd you hear about this party anyway?" I asked Jamie. He turned on the car and pulled out of the driveway.

"Ryan sent texts to everyone on his contacts list and I had his number so I got the message. So, I, Jamie Bryan Hall, was personally invited to a college party. That's got to give me some credit with the lady species." He answered with a smug smile. I rolled my eyes.

"How'd you manage to make Ryan's contact list?" I didn't know Ryan that well, only what Jamie told me. Apparently he was some hotshot up at the university. He'd gotten a full ride there because his dad was the administrator. That was about all I knew. That and he threw Rangers, which is only ever been to one and it was quite possibly the worst experience of my life.

I was going to be fine though. I was with my best friend in all of the world. And he knew my secret. I had to be brave. For myself and him.