Because Of You, I Might Think Twice

Part Three

When 10 o' clock rolled around, Tyler peeked out of his room. He sighed in relief when there was no sign of Blurry. With that, he silently opened his window and slipped out of it, landing on his feet lightly in a planter of just dirt. Once he was out, he paused to listen for movement of Blurry. There was only silence.

Tyler checked that he had his phone, keys, and money then set out down the street in the direction of the coffee shop. When he got there, he looked around for Josh. Josh was sitting at a table in the corner wearing a red hoodie that matched his hair. He was watching something out the window his hands in his lap. Tyler walked over then muttered a nervous, "Hi."

Josh turned to look at Tyler and flashed his pretty smile. "Hey. Please, sit down."

Tyler sat and folded his hands on the table. "Sorry for the last minute plans, I just needed to get out of my house."

Josh shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Tomorrow seemed a little far to me." The statement made Tyler blush like crazy. Josh smiled again. "What would you like to drink?"

Tyler shrugged. "Just a water, please." Josh nodded and got in line to get drinks for them. Tyler glanced around the familiar shop and looked at the people. He smiled when Josh returned with his water and a coffee mug. Josh gave Tyler his water then took a sip from his mug.

"So, earlier when we were together, I just talked about myself. What do you do for a living, Tyler?"

Tyler set his cup down and looked at. "I'm a musician. I sing, play bass, ukulele, partially the drums, the piano, and the tambourine." He flashed a small smile.

Josh's jaw dropped slightly. "That's amazing, Tyler. You're so talented. I play the drums and trumpet but I'm not that great."

Tyler blushed and smiled again. "Thank you. I play shows sometimes, too, but they aren't that big."

Josh was astounded. "I didn't know I was friends with someone so cool." Tyler just shook his head with a laugh and sipped his water. A woman and her husband looked at Tyler strangely, whispering to each other. He looked down at his lap with a frown.

Josh was totally oblivious. "We take small band performances at my restaurant. You should do a show there sometime."

Tyler smiled a bit and nodded, looking up at Josh. "Yeah, maybe sometime." Several people were staring and Josh and Tyler now. Tyler suddenly felt panic rise up. He felt it in his chest and hands. Tyler quickly got up out of his seat.

"I need to go." Tyler pushed his way out of the shop, almost knocking over a woman.

"Tyler! Tyler, wait!" Josh was running after Tyler. He could tell by Josh's loud, rapid footsteps.

Tyler was headed in the direction of his home. He was crying but stopped for Josh without turning around to look at him.

Josh took Tyler's hands gently and looked at him. "What's wrong? Why did you leave?"

Tyler sniffled and took deep breaths. "I'm a freak. People always look at me weird and I hate it. I can't stand it when they stare."

Josh just rubbed Tyler's knuckles gently. "I'm sorry.."

Tyler started to walk back towards his house, keeping a hold of one of Josh's hands. "Do you... Do you just want to come hang out at my house for a bit?"

Josh nodded and followed Tyler in the silent walk back to his house.

When they got to Tyler's house, he unlocked the door and paused in the doorway, looking around for Blurry. When the coast was clear, Tyler ran for his room and pulled Josh along with him. They stumbled into Tyler's room and he shut the door.

"Sorry..." Tyler looked down and sat on his bed. Josh just shook his head and sat with Tyler.

Everything was silent and calm until there was a voice from beyond the door. "Tyler?"

Tyler instantly looked at the door, his eyes wide. He stayed silent and still, afraid to make a noise.

Blurry hit the door. "Tyler! Open this door!"

Tyler flinched and moved back against his pillows. Josh looked at Tyler with a worried expression.

"Tyler..?"

"Shush!"

Blurry banged against the door. "I know you're in there!"

Tyler curled up against his pillows and breathed heavily. Josh went over and hugged Tyler, rubbing his back to calm him. Tyler moved into Josh's lap and gripped onto his shirt out of fear.

"You need to go..." Josh just nodded and Tyler got off of him. Tyler led Josh to his window with a sad expression. "This is the best way to leave..." Tyler rested a hand on Josh's chest and mumbled and apology.

"Hey, it's okay. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" Tyler nodded and Josh slipped out the window. Tyler silently closed his window and composed himself before opening the door.

"What?" Tyler rubbed his eyes, pretending to be tired.

Blurry was fuming. "Why didn't you open the door? Who is here?"

Tyler sighed. "I was sleeping, you lunatic. No one is here, just us."

Blurry looked at Tyler skeptically but walked away with a huff. Tyler sighed and went to lay in bed, leaving his door open. Tyler sent Josh another apology then said goodnight and just went to bed. Tomorrow was another day.