(Joey's POV)
When we get in the car, I try to cheer up Shane. I act normal. Maybe if I act like nothing is wrong, he'll feel better. Shane doesn't seem depressed to me. But there is often calm before a storm. When we get to the restaurant, I order my chicken and Shane orders a burger with fries.
(Shane's POV)
The food feels good in my stomach. It takes some will power to force the food down my throat. However, once I do, I can feel the nutrients flowing through veins. I am feeling much better, even if I am actually faking it. Maybe I've even tricked myself.
Joey and I are having the best time ever. We're laughing like we used to. Also, we keep making shoey jokes because I've already put the Dare the Dawson video up. I checked my twitter on my way here and discovered our ship. After all that's happened lately, I can't help but wonder if Joey wants us to be a real item. He did kiss me.
After our meal, we get back in the car. A few minutes pass of us talking. It's the first time in while that I have felt normal. That's when I start to feel sick again. My abdomen is aching. I am woozy. Rain starts to pitter patter on Joey's windshield. At first in dainty drops, then giant plops. As the rain picks up speed, my sickness gets worse. It's as if my body is punishing me for eating. Meanwhile, Joey is talking away mindlessly to himself. It's pouring rain now.
(Joey's POV)
"Shoot! It'a raining cats and dogs out!" I exclaim. Shane doesn't respond. I sneak a glance at him. He's sheet white and anxious looking.
"Pull. Over. Now." he says with breaths in between each word.
I do as he says and pull over in a grassy spot. Shane stumbles out of the car. He bends over, dry heaving until his lunch comes up. Shane is barely supporting himself while he's vomiting. I hop out of the car and grab his shoulders to keep him upright. I pat his back softy, not even knowing what to do!
(Shane's POV)
I gasp for air. I have nothing left in my body to throw up, so I'm basically puking blood. It scrapes my throat. The rain is soaking me to the bone so I'm wet and cold. When nothing more with come out of me, Joey lets me go.
I stand hunched over at the ground. I stand, keeping my head down. My hand is brought up to wipe my face and mouth. My eyes sting with fresh tears. My throat is so raw, that even if I wanted to speak, I couldn't. I see Joey through my bangs that hang limp in front of my face. No, I can't fool him. No, I'm not okay. I fall to the ground. My head in my hands.
"LIIIIISSAAAAA" I scream. It's raining so hard that my tears blend in. Salty, warm drops cascade down my face. I feel sturdy arms around me. A assuring voice hushing me, comforting me. That's all I hear over the thrashing of the rain that beats down hard on Joey and I.
(Joey's POV)
"Shane, it's okay. It'll be fine." I coo. I knew this would happen. It was a matter of time. I hold Shane all the while he cries. His heart is shattered. So is mine, for him. I guess also a little for me too. I want Shane but he is still not over Lisa, and he might not even like guys. This isn't about me though. This is about helping Shane, and making sure that he is okay.
When Shane stops trembling, we get back in the car. He and I are soaking wet, and caked with mud. I don't mind. My hair has been flatted by the rain like in my "emo hair" days. Shane's hair is stuck to his head, and he's shivering. I tousle his hair gently, then start the car. Shane's hand rests on the center consul in the car. I take one hand off of the wheel to reach over and lace his fingers with mine. My heart beats faster on contact. His skin is frigid to the touch.
(Shane's POV)
Joey's hand warms mine. I think he knows that I really needed his rooted hand right now. It's not even awkward or weird. It's just a kind gesture towards me. It makes me feel more human.
When Joey and I get to my house, I slip my hand from his and he walks me to the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" he says. We are face to face, hand in hand. I can't see his face in the darkness, but the street lights cast a shine off of his eyes.
"Okay." I whisper.
"I love you Shane." Great. Joey loves me. Do I love him? I don't know the answer. I need some time. I...I think I still love Lisa.
"I know." is all I can think to say back. Joey's eyes loose their glow. I can never stop messing up.
"What? You...you..." he stammers.
"Joey, I need some time! I-"
"I get it. I knew I shouldn't have said that. Don't worry about it. See you tomorrow." Before I can say anything, Joey's headlights disappear down the road.
Tonight, I cut for the third time. For Joey and for Lisa. For me too.
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Thanks to Amy for helping me with this chapter! What do yall think? ~Lauren
