Leather (A Grease! Mcpriceley fanfiction)

Chapter 11 - Help

Conner stomped through the halls, mumbling angrily to himself.
"I can't believe.... Kevin Price...." He stopped in his tracks and groaned.
"LIED TO ME!" He screamed, his pain echoing through the empty halls. The sad boy fell to the ground, putting his head to his knees.
Tears of total frustration streamed down his face, and his sobbing could be heard from a mile away.

Conner didn't care about finishing his lunch. He didn't care about the Sparkle Tarts. He didn't care about the school, or the poodleskirt, or the heels. And he most certainly didn't care about Kevin's feelings at this point.

Arnold Cunningham was eating lunch by the trashcan when he heard Conner's sobs.
"Is that-?" He stood and threw his lunch away, of course keeping the cookie. Throwing open the lunchroom doors, he followed the crying noise until he saw Conner.

"Hey, bad time?" Arnold asked, talking with a mouth full of chocolate chip cookie.
Conner lifted his head, shooting a helpless look at the boy. His face was red, splotchy, and soaked with tears.

"Ooh... Buddy, you okay? You look like a sickly tomato."

Conner rolled his eyes and put his face back to his knees.

Arnold sighed. "Listen- Conner, is it?"
The ruined kid lifted and nodded his head.
Arnold scooted closer, putting his arm around Conner, causing him to shoot a disgusted look.

"I've been through it. Almost the same exact thing, actually."

Conner raised an eyebrow.

"Kev and I used to be best friends. Unbreakable. We would do everything together." Arnold sighed sadly.

"Then one day... He changed. I don't know what the heck got into him, but he changed for good. Founded the sewer rats, made those stupid jackets, greased up his hair, and... ditched me. Said I wasn't 'cool enough.' I think it was the whole Space Club thing. But... now, every time I try to talk to him in the halls, he just looks at me with these big, worrisome eyes. And to tell you the truth-" He wiped a tear.

"It hurts. Really bad. I don't know if he is sorry for what he did or he just... doesn't want to be seen with me anymore. I... I eventually learned to get over it. Well, at least to trick myself into thinking I got over it. Deep down, though, I'll always be hurt. That boy is venomous. It's not you." Arnold finished, shooting a sweet smile and sucking in tears.

Conner didn't know what to respond with. "I-I'm so sorry..." He muttered, running his fingers through his messy hair. "And... I'm sorry for what I did back there. I didn't know-"

"Shh. It's okay. You're worked up! I get it. You've been bit by the poisonous Kevin snake, and you need time to recover."

Conner raised an eyebrow. "I guess you could put it that way."
The two friends shared a small, awkward chuckle.

"Oh, and, Arn?"
"What?"
"You aren't alone. There is someone out there who loves you madly." Conner said, thinking of Naba.

Arnold laughed. "Alright, keep talkin'."

"No! Seriously. I know exactly who it is. But... for now, I gotta go. Thanks again, Arnold. You've got a heart of gold."
Conner finished, smirking and walking away.

Arnold sat, furrowing his brow. He wondered if there was someone out there who loved him like that. He scoffed at the idea. It would be wonderful to have someone of his own.
"Conner, wait!" He yelled, getting up and running after him.

Meanwhile, Kevin sat against the wall, head in his hands. He couldn't believe himself. Why would he do this to Conner? A tear rolled down his cheek. Fellow students sped through the halls as he just sat there, not caring a bit about his grades, attendance, or reputation.

"Ey, chief, you cryin'?" One of the bullies asked him.
Kevin looked up, flashing a grumpy expression. "Don't call me chief. I'm not even your friend."
"Alright, was gonna give you advice, but whatever." He remarked, walking away.
"I don't need your advice." Kevin growled back, standing up and throwing his book bag over his shoulder. He stormed away, sucking up his tears.

Who knew one mistake could split up an unbreakable love. Kevin was miserable, and Conner wanted to run away. Every time they passed each other in the halls the entire air would fill with awkwardness.