Prayers For Andrew

Ten ~Cassidy

Skipping class here at Brookes High is pretty simple since half of the cameras around the school are basically dead.

We waited until the fifth hour bell rang, so we didn't look suspicious running around during our lunch. Right when the warning bell rang, we slipped to the east side, where the cameras never work, and slipped out.

Andrew and I were naturals at this, the new kid and Jason were kind of loud and nervous. I giggled a little despise the sadness creeping over me.

Let me tell you a little something. My sister is a total WHORE. I used to confide in her, tell her everything. I thought I could tell her anything, especially point out the guys I liked.

And guess what? Jessica would flirt with them, then lie and say that she was trying to get them to notice me. I didn't realize that until she started to bring them over to the house. Then, I caught on. Jessica was dating them so I couldn't have them.

The last time this happened, both my parents and I caught her having sex in her room with my middle school crush..,the eighth grader Wes. My sister and I were born in the same here, just different months.

But back to the story, I was extremely pissed off when I found them, I pulled her off the bed and started to punch her. Please note: I have taken a combination of 12 years of boxing and karate. I'm not a light puncher. Jessica was screaming for me to stop, but with all the rage bulit inside me for the last 3 years had to come out. So, why not take it out on the person who lied and tricked you?

Both my mom and Bill came to see what all the fuss was about, and found me ontop of my naked sister and wanging on her. Their eyes shifted over to the half covered, helpless Wes, and they put two and two together. The following week they had sent her to an all girls' boarding school to keep her away from me.

"Cassidy? You okay?" The sound of Jason's voice snapped me out of the flashback. I couldn't find the will to speak, so I nodded. Jason slipped his arm around my waist. Normally I would flinch, but Jason's touch was familiar and gentle, so I didn't. I looked up ahead for the first time since I discovered that, yet again, my sister was trying to steal the guy I loved from me. It was bright outside, and it made my eyes hurt. Andrew and the new kid were a few feet ahead of us, Andrew and the kid were walking very close together. They could have held hands if they wanted too.

I gently leaned into Jason, soaking up his scent and body warmth. This feeling was comforting.

"That kid. Erik I think his name is? He's gay." Jason said in a low voice, as if trying to hide if from Andrew. "Gay? That's cool...your not a homophobic are you?" I asked and Jason reeled back. "No! I don't mind homosexuals." I laughed. "It's okay, you don't need to yell." Jason's cheeks went red. "I didn't know I was yelling..." I buried my head into his side.

When we finally reached the playground of the elementary school, you could definitely tell that the kids had recess...mulch was everywhere. On the swings, jungle gym, and the benches. Why are kids so obsessed with mulch?

We climbed up onto the jungle gym and sat on the edge, Andrew and Erik were sitting on the swings, completely focused on each other. "Do you think that Andrew is gay?" Jason questioned. I looked at him. "No, but if he was, he would tell me at least." Jason shrugged his shoulders. "You never know, Cass. Most of the time homosexuals don't come out of the closet...they normally keep it to themselves."

"Andrew would tell me!" My mind started to fill with what if questions. Then it hit me. All this time Andrew has been staring off into space, he was staring at Erik. And by the way they were walking to the playground, they looked like a couple. Plus, the way his face lit up when Erik talked to him, like a schoolgirl finally meeting the guy of her dreams.

Could Andrew really be gay?

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay long. The fifth graders were about ready for recess, so we had to leave the playground. I was hungry since I didn't eat my lunch, so we all agreed to go to Sally's Corner Cafe. Andrew and I declared it our hide-out when skipping school since Sally Nickels, the owner, didn't mind us coming in during the middle of the day. The costumers were sometimes suspicious, even some had the nerve to ask Sally about us. But, Sally would just tell them to mind their own business, and carry on with her day.

We sat down at our usual seat towards the back. This was the best way since it was close to the back exit, just incase any cops came around, and we need to quickly escape so we don't get caught skipping school. But, with Jason and Erik around, we had to get extra seats from an unused table. Sally came up to us. "So, what are we gonna get today?" Sally asked, Andrew and I spoke at the same time; "The usual." Sally smiled and looked at Jason. "How 'bout you?" Jason just shook his head. "Not hungry." Erik said the same.

By the time our food came, Andrew and I were into an arguement. Erik and Jason looked around, trying to act like they didn't know us, because we were being really loud. Even the other costumers were trying to avoid us.

Sally shook her head and smiled when she put our food on the table. Andrew and I stopped arguing for just a moment to stuff our faces with fries. Here, the fries and cheeseburgers were amazing.

I looked over at Jason, my mouth still full of fries, and gave him a little grin, since I was trying my best to prevent my food from falling out of my mouth. Jason snorted and covered his eyes. I rolled my eyes and glanced over at Erik. Erik was paying no attention to me, but was staring at Andrew in a way I have never seen a man stare at another guy.

What I saw was the eyes of love.