How to Fall in Love in Three Easy Steps

Chapter 5

Last night was a compete blur to Alex, it's events smashing together in a huge ball of confusion. With every move, his head began to ache and his mouth begged for water. He sat up in his bed, unsure of how he got there and what he had done.

He averted his eyes to the corner of his room to find Jack passed out on a chair. Jack looked dead, almost zombie-like, with deep black circles under his eyes and his eyes rimmed with red. It seemed as if he had been up all night.

Alex was careful not to wake him as he got up out of bed. At this moment, he was extremely grateful to have a single dorm, even if it got lonely at times. It was way easier to live alone; he was able to be naked whenever he wanted, make as much noise as possible, and do whatever the fuck he wanted. Right now, Jack was kind of fucking with that.

Why the hell was Jack still here anyway? He could've left hours ago, after Alex passed out he was usually fine. And even though Alex wasn't 100% sure, he guessed that Jack had been up all night. What for? To make sure Alex didn't puke? Ha! Bullshit. There was something up with this kid, and Alex was going to find out.

The bathrooms were relatively noisy, a sign it was later in the day. A quick glance at the clock told Alex it was 2 in the afternoon. Alex swore to himself before trying to remember how much shit he had to do for school. There was calculus, physics, English... He still had to finish his project with Jack, which meant Alex would be doing all of the work again. At least, Jack would TRY to help, but really not know much about the matter. Plus, he looked dead in that chair. Maybe it was best to let him sleep.

Alex pulled off his shirt and started towards the shower. Shaun stopped him before he pulled the curtain aside.

"So I hear you're hanging out with that fag?" he quipped.

"He's not a fag, Shaun. Shut the fuck up."

"Oh, do you have a little crush on him? Fags in love!" Shaun sang.

Alex felt a blush burn his neck as he pushed Shaun away.

"I don't have a 'crush' on Jack. Stop being such a prick!"

"Make me," Shaun growled.

Alex felt his fists clench, his nails digging into his skin. What the hell was going on with him? Shaun was just joking at first, poking fun at his pride. Now, Alex was full of rage over this stupid subject. He didn't even know Jack; why was he getting so defensive over him? Was it because Jack was different, smarter, nicer, cooler? Or was it because he had gone out of his way to take care of Alex? Whatever it was, Alex was even more pissed because of it.

Alex flipped Shaun off and walked off to the showers.

"I hope he gives it to you in the ass!" Shaun screeched.

The words stabbed Alex's back, but he did not turn around. He continued on his way, trying to block out these cruel slurs being thrown his way. As he got into the shower, he tried to focus only on the hot water against his skin. It scalded him, leaving burns everywhere, not like it bothered Alex. He was too angry to even notice.

After he finished his shower, he threw on his pants and stalked back to his room. He slammed the door behind him, leaving a dazed Jack half awake.

"You're awake," Jack murmured.

"So are you."

"Oh shit, I fell asleep."

"Why were you even up? I'm fine."

"Just making sure. I didn't want you to die or something."

Alex tried not to feel too ecstatic about this. He finally had a real friend? Who gave two shits about him? He had lots of "friends," but none he could actually trust. This was something new, something exciting, full of mystery and hope. For now, Alex wanted to make sure Jack wouldn't turn out like the others. All of Alex's "real friends" had turned their backs on him when Alex needed them the most. He couldn't help but feel himself smile.