Anonymous

B o m b a r d e d

Everyday has been like every other, I go to school (on time I might add), I go through the motions of school, but today is very different because today is Friday and that means I have a meeting to attend.

"Joseph, wait up!" Zac, one of my good friends, calls from down the hall. We usually go hang out behind the bleachers and laugh at the J.C. trying to skateboard on the railing. He promised us he would be able to do it by the end of senior, but so far no go. "You heading over?" Zac asked once he got up to me.

"I can't my Fridays are booked," I informed him.

"What?" He practically screamed at me.

"I'm sorry, but the Principal is forcing me today community service during lunch every Friday and Monday. If I don't go, I don't graduate, and you know I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be," I reminded him.

He sighed, "Man, that sucks! Whatever, I'll film it if he makes it."

"Thanks, catch ya, later," I waved, and watched him race down the hall, while I rounded over to room 253. Mrs. Peterson stood my the door, holding a small bag of Pirate Booty Popcorn and a tiny bottle of water.

"Welcome back, Joseph. It's good to see you," she smiled, handing me the items in her hand.

"You too," I said, before adding my thanks for the snacks. I guess the snacks are complementary, which isn't so bad. 

I took my seat in between Fran and Jennifer. "Hey," I called to Jennifer, for Fran was deep in conversation with another one of the members. 

"Hey," she smiled sweetly, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear, before meeting my eyes. "How was your week?"

"Good, and now, I get to end it with you," I added trying to give a nice smile in return.

"Do you really mean that?" she questioned, her brows forming a slight cress in the middle.

"Of course, why wouldn't I?"

She shook her head softly causing her tucked hair to come out, and replied, "No, reason."

"I am in love!" Lance sang upon entering the room. His arms extending as far as they could go, while he spun and twirled to his seat. "Brad, will be here tomorrow, and I was thinking it would be fun if you guys come and meet him! He is such a perfect person, but he doesn't know anyone here, so," he waited for a response. I met eyes with Hunter, and he instantly nodded.

"Yeah, I'll go," Hunter said.

"Me too," I voiced.

"You can count on us," Fran said. "We'll do anything for you!" She declared. Lance looked choked up by her words.

"Thanks."

Jackie spoke up then, "That's so very wonderful, Lance. You guys I believe Hunter also has some big news." Her eyes locked with Hunter's and he froze for a second before looking to the group.

"I-I have decided to tell my parents that I like guys," he announced as though that was the first time he had ever said it out loud. I saw weight visibly lift from him. He seemed to stand straighter. Everyone jumped out of their seats, and bombarded him with hugs and high-fives. I even walked over to him and gave him a pat on the back.

The meeting seemed to be coming to a close, so everyone exchanged numbers (meaning they all entered me into a group text and texted their names, so I had them), and we figured out where we were meeting on Saturday to see Brad for the first time.

Before Jennifer could leave, I pulled her to the side. "Hey, listen, I was wondering, after we all meet Brad, if you want to maybe go out for ice cream or something?"She appeared anxious, and a little scared, but nodded. "Great!" I exclaimed too loudly. I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly walking away, but I tripped over my own feet. I caught myself, and heard the sweetest laugh. She laughed! I got Jennifer Shores to laugh!

The next day, I met everyone at a coffee shop on the other side of town. "Are we far enough from town guys?"

Hunter smacked me in the stomach, "We don't want anyone to know, remember, Thomas?"

"Right," I coughed. "Sorry." I looked over and saw a very nervous Lance, standing in a tucked in white button down, dark blue jeans, and a sleek black belt that perfectly matches his shoes. His dirty blonde hair is even combed back neatly. Wow, his first date outfit makes mine look like that of a homeless man. "You look great, Lance. Brad is one lucky guy."

"Thanks, Joey. God, where is he? He should be here by now," he groans, getting frustrated, but still trying to keep his cool.

"Maybe he got stuck in traffic or is helping an old lady to her car?" I tried to help. Lance give me a thankful smile.

"Omg!" He exclaims. "He's here. Okay, people, go act like you are guest, who don't know me, for just like a second okay?" We all nod and sit at different tables around the small cafe. Fran and I ended up at the same table, while Jennifer and Hunter sat at another, and Jackie and another member (I really need to learn that girls name) sat another.

"Fran, who is the girl sitting with Jackie?" I asked, before I forgot.

"Samantha," she stated matter of fact. 

"Thanks," I replied quickly, my eyes now glued to a very ecstatic looking Lance. Brad from the picture walked into the Cafe and went straight over to Lance, but it wasn't the walk of an excited or nervous man. It seemed almost wicked, devious and malicious. "Oh no," I sigh. I know what this is. Before Brad can get any closer to Lance, who still has not caught on, I intervene. "Excuse me, I'm having troubles with my car, and my phone is dead would you mind if I make a quick call?"

"What the hell? Go ask someone else, I'm in the middle of something," Brad demands.

"And what might that be?" I ask politely. 

"Move!" Brad said, pushing me out of the way.

"You aren't going anywhere until, I have that phone!" I push back, getting annoyed at his persistence.

"Joey, what's going on?" Lance asks.

"Nothing, I just need to see, Brad's phone," I say, but Brad refuses again. Enough of this! I swing the first punch and Brad's head goes back, but his fist comes out ready, and hits me straight in the jaw. I swing my leg behind him, and kick him off balance sending him down, and his phone flying. I catch it. It's already on the voice recorder. I wanted to be wrong. 

"What the hell, Joey!" Lance exclaims, rushing to help Brad up.

"Lance, leave him. He's not the man you thought he was," I said sadly, handing Lance Brad's phone.

"I don't understand," Lance says, confused.

"He's a punk. He said what you wanted to hear to get you to come out of the closet, then he was going to put up the recording of you declaring your love for him on the internet. It's the newest gag that has been going around. You don't need him Lance, come on," I say, moving him away from Brad.

Hunter walks over to Brad, who is trying to get up, and puts his foot atop of his chest to hold him down. "You are a sick person," Hunter spits. Before leaving him on the ground.

"No you all are!" Brad screams to us as we all leave the cafe. Lance is sobbing into Fran's shoulder, and Jennifer and Jackie are trying to say words of comfort, as we stand in the alley way. Hunter pulls me to the side. 

"How did you know about that?" He asked. "I haven't even heard of it."

"There was a report about it in a recent police report, and it stuck in my mind. I didn't want it to be true in fact I really hopped it wasn't, but I didn't want to see that happen to Lance. I told you, you can trust me." He patted my back hard.

"You're alright, Thomas."

That night Fran stayed over at Lance's house, so he wasn't alone. Apparently, his mom and dad are okay with him being gay. In fact his mom was thrilled about. She I guess read somewhere that they have the best fashion taste. Jennifer and I didn't get our date because we just weren't in the mood for it after that, but we did agree to go out tomorrow. 

6295 Words To Go