Oleander

Chapter 3

Oleander : The Heartbreaker

Oleander walked the hallways of Dalmouth High. Anyone could notice that something wasn't right. For the first time in twelve years Oleander Hartley walked with his head down.

Even though he walked dejectedly girls and boys both still looked at him. His presence could never be ignored in these halls. Everybody knew Oleander Hartley - the most handsome guy, the football star, the heartthrob, the object of desire of girls and the idol and envy of every boy. Oleander Hartley was the embodiment of that stale word "popular". But today he wished with all his might he wasn't that word.

His parents weren't talking to him and it killed him. He knew his father was still fuming while he was sure his mother was blaming herself. What did I do wrong? he could imagine it tossing and turning in her head. He wanted to scream and tell her it was not her fault and that they had done nothing wrong. He couldn't help it. He was born this way. As cliched as that sounded in his head it was the truth. He couldn't blame anyone for the way he was. He was just him.

"Hey Mr. Heartbreaker why the long face?" it was Leiah who just couldn't take a hint. She wasn't a bad person, in fact she was the sweetest person there could ever be but she just couldn't understand Oleander's reluctance. "Hey" he mumbled.

"I do think brooding boys are hot but really what's up? Did you have a fight with Darren because he sports the same look" she said as she pointed to her right.

He looked up in surprise. He agreed with Leiah for the first time. Darren looked like he had just woken up with the world's worst hangover. To be honest he looked more worse than Oleander. He had a huge frown on his face and his hair was in a mess although Oleander didn't mind because it actually suited Darren. He shook his head, uncomfortable at his wayward thoughts. He smiled unconsciously when he saw that Darren had buttoned up his shirt all wrong as he walked closer to his locker. He ignored Leiah's whines as she tried to get his attention.

"Morning bud" he greeted cheerfully when he reached Darren. Darren jumped at his voice and accidentally slammed his locker shut. "Woah calm down" Oleander chuckled.

"The fuck Lee!" he exclaimed as he twisted the lock again. Oleander laughed again and he was happy to see a small smile at the corner of Darren's mouth. But the jovial air around them soon soured as Leiah opened her mouth. "Are you sure you guys aren't secret gay lovers?" she giggled. Oleander wanted to curse her with words that would make his mom cleanse his tongue with soap and holy water. Darren's face darkened and Oleander's felt his stomach twist painfully.

"No, no we aren't and can't you take a hint he doesn't want to hook up with you" Darren barked making Leiah and Oleander stare at him wide eyed.

"Darren!" Oleander scolded and he could see from the corner of his eyes the trembling of Leiah's lips.

"What? It's the truth. I thought you're going to not live a lie anymore" Darren said coldly. Oleander frowned at him and turned to Leiah.

"Leiah..... "

"I don't want to talk to you" she mumbled before she took off leaving Oleander in distress.

"Why did you do that Darren?"

"I did what you were scared to do."

"But you could have done it less harshly. You hurt her."

"The truth always hurts besides you're supposed to be the heartbreaker. Another broken heart only means a new notch on your bedpost."

"But..."

"I know, I know you don't swing that way. But seeing you haven't come out publicly you still need to uphold your reputation right?"

"Darren" Oleander's deep voice sounded heartbroken and it made Darren Fischer uncomfortable for the second time in his presence. The two souls who always thought they knew each other now looked at each other from opposite ends, a jagged gorge separating them.

"I'm still the same Lee you know?" he said looking into his grey eyes.

"I don't know anymore" Darren mumbled. Oleander swallowed the lump and managed to laugh softly.

"Really Darren just because I'm gay doesn't mean I'll turn into a different person. Anyway I'm late for my class. See you later man" Oleander thumped his shoulder and walked away. His chipped heart slowly shredding to pieces. He tried to be more cheerful. Atleast Darren hadn't rejected him outright like his parents.

"Chin up Heartbreaker" Oleander froze and looked back. Darren still had his hands cupped around his mouth. His eyes looked sad but somehow the familiar twinkle in them shined through making a chortle sound from Oleander's throat. He walked away finally a little light hearted not before smiling at his best friend his most brilliant smile.

It was the first time he felt so good being called a heartbreaker.