Prayers For Andrew

Nine ~Andrew

"Your what?" I choked out, my voice squeaked. All I could think was: she better be kidding.

Cassidy looked down at the tiled floor and sighed. "My sister. Jessica...She's staying in town until the summer and she transferred here."

Jason and I looked at each other, both of us utterly shocked. Cassidy hugged herself. I knew it was a sign that she was trying not to cry.

But why would she cry?

"Cassidy? What's wrong?" I asked, and stood in front of her. Jason looked worried. Her whole body started to tremble. Jason stepped to the side of me, and she ran into his arms. Cassidy was sobbing. I looked over them, taking in the way Jason held her so gently, running his hand down her hair and whispering into her ear. I wasn't sure what he was saying to her, but I could take a good guess what.

Just looking at Jason and Cassidy caused my heart to drop down into my stomache. I knew that this would never happen to me. My chances with the new kid were pretty slim.

But, when I looked up, I saw him with a crowd of girls. All of them giggling and flirting. He just shrugged and laughed at what ever they asked or said. He seemed like a total natural.

Not me.

I over heard one of the girls asking him out. His response shocked me and all of the girls: "Sorry, chicas...I don't like girls." All of the girls' stared at him wide-eyed. I'm pretty sure I was too.

"So that means your gay right?" the brunette asked. He gave them a bright smile and said in a cofindent voice "Yep. I kiss boys, date boys, and...you know the rest." That's when our eyes met. My heart started to pound in my chest. So he was gay. Just like me.

I wasn't alone.  At least, I don't think I am.

When lunch time came around, my mind was set. I was going to try and talk to the new kid. I know I probably don't have a chance in hell, but its better to try than not too.

That was rare for me to say.

I was walking down the hallway, making my way to the cafeteria, when we bumped shoulders. When we did, our eyes met. A smile crept onto his face. "Hi." My heart sped up. I swear he could probably hear it. "Hey.." I mumbled out, and he stuck out his hand. "My name's Erik...I saw you ah...staring at me earlier." I could feel the heat in my face as I blushed. "I'm Andrew. " I said softly and took his hand. It was warm and soft. But, when the football players strolled around the corner our hands let go. "So...I have nowhere to sit...since I don't really want to sit with those girls again like I have been...You and your friends have an open seat?" My throat felt like it had closed up. Not trusting my voice, I just nodded. He smiled the smile that lit up his face. "Lead the way."

Erik and I walked our table. Cassidy was picking around her food and Jason was rubbing her back. I gave Jason a nod and he grimaced. "She's still upset." Jason said and Erik looked at Cassidy. I sighed. "She's probably going to be for a while....after all her sister is after you. Which I have to admit, isn't all that great." I caught Cassidy trying to push her tray away from her. Jason notice and pulled it back. "Eat, please Cassidy?" Cassidy barely lifted her head when she picked up her fork. The lunch was Corn dogs. I cleared my throat to get Jason's attention. "Ah, Cassidy's a vegetarian." Jason gave me a small smile. "Well, then that's a detail she left out." He was trying to crack a joke, but Cassidy didn't find it the least bit funny. Again, she started to cry.

Jason sighed and pulled her into his arms. "Cassidy, I'm just playing. Calm down. It's okay." He smoothed back her hair from her face and kissed her forehead. Cassidy's eyes were bloodshot and swollen. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

I sat down across from Cassidy and Jason. Cassidy had her head on Jason shoulder, sniffling. Erik took the seat next to me. Erik looked at me, giving me a helpless look. I knew how he felt. The feeling of not being able to help out a friend even though you want too.

Erik got up. "I'm gonna get something to eat. You want anything, Andrew?" I thought for a moment. "Yeah, just get a cheeseburger and a water...you need money?" I asked, and Erik shook his head no. I watched him walk towards the crowd of students getting food. I turned away to look at Cassidy. She looked like death.

Cassidy closed her eyes. Jason looked at me. "You guys want to skip for the rest of the day?" Cassidy nodded and buried her head into Jason's chest. "Please? I'm gonna die if I have to go to Carper's class." That was all I needed to say.