The Bully's Escape

Closer

TYLER'S POV~
I walked down the sidewalk, quietly humming to myself. That encounter was quite surprising to say the least. I, Tyler Matthews, have gotten through to Jax Savage. It's unbelievable how easy he was to talk to. It's like we could have a real conversation, without many arguments. The only thing wrong with this situation is this deal we have going on.

Though Jax is a crude bully, he actually tries his hardest in school and puts the stereotypes to shame. That one fact alone makes me certain that he'll at least try with the challenge he provided me. But I won't give up that easily, I'll never let him get a date out of me. Though I'm not sure if it will be entirely bad. I shake those thoughts from my head and opened the front door to my home.

I wouldn't exactly call my house a "shack" but it's not in good living conditions. The tiles and wallpaper are chipping and there's leaks, but we're living. I'm planning on moving me and my mother out of here when I get enough money from my job.

"Mom! I'm home from school!" I holler but not too loud in case she's asleep. I heard a rustle come from the kitchen and a couple pans fall.

"Hey sweetie. I'm in the kitchen!" Mom said just as loud. I rushed into the the kitchen to see mom with her IV cart in her left hand and a pan in her right. I went up to her and gently held her in a hug.

"Hey mom. Let me get that for you, go sit and rest." I said as I gently took the pan from her hand. She chuckled lightly and let me guide her to the couch. She sighed softly and laid back.

      "Man, aren't I glad to have you as a son, so sweet, and very *cough* kind." She said wearily. I glanced back at her while starting dinner. I'm glad I bought groceries yesterday, when mom was asleep, now I can watch over her. I cut up the peppers and other vegetables and added to the salsa. Today was taco night and I could make my signature sauce.

I set the food on the table and mom into her chair. We did a quick prayer and dug in. I learned to cook from my late aunt. She was a master chef and an amazing aunt, but her illness got the better of her. Her story is one of the main reason I want to become a doctor and help people. Another reason is my mother has the same illness she did. Apparently it runs in our family on the female side.

After our meal I took mom up to her room and sent her to sleep. I walked back downstairs and into the kitchen to wash dishes. As I walked past the refrigerator I caught a glance at the picture hanging there. It was a picture of our family before he left us. My "dad" left us alone the moment he learned mom was sick. It's like he couldn't be bothered with even trying to help us. He just up and left me alone with mom, like he didn't even love us.

I fumed quietly as angry tears streamed down my face. I wanted to rip this photo up and throw it away. In fact, I wanted to burn it to ashes so I didn't have to feel this pain, but I knew that couldn't happen. My mom wouldn't let me, she still wanted the picture, she still loves him. Though the anguish I feel compares to no other, I have to respect her wishes because it keeps her happy.

I clean up the rest of the dishes and slowly head to bed. I take a quick shower then hurry into my soft bed. I snuggle into the blankets and await sleep. Though it took a while, I soon felt a warm sleep roll over me and I smiled, one person filling my thoughts.
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TYLER'S POV~
Though my really loud alarm clock woke me up, I felt refreshed today. Even at school I was happier than I usually am. I felt like a weight has been lifted of my shoulders. It kinda makes me feel like I want to try new things as well. One of the new things possibly being making a friend.  I smiled even wider and went to look for the person in mind.

I turned the corner and saw him standing there, with his group of friends. I walked up slowly and tapped Jax's shoulder and waited he stopped talking. He turned around slowly with and disgusted look on his face then it quickly changed to a bright smile. I sighed in relief and smiled back at him. His friends looked thoroughly confused by this situation and I'm not really surprised. Their fairly popular friend is talking to an anime geek, like me. The clear cliche is almost painful to point out.