Reflections of Dawn

Porchlight

Owen flopped down next to Travis on the front porch. "Soooo..."
"So..."
"He was, what, drunk?"
"Or high. Or... god knows. It's Nick. He does stupid stuff, then wonders why stuff happens to him."

Silence passed between the two boys.
Owen broke it. "Sooo... You going to tell him?"
Travis gave him a look. "Sooo... in what world is that a good idea?"
"Sooo... you're not going to tell him?"
"Sooo... I thought that's what I said."

Owen shrugged. "Well, I suppose when you're out of it, stuff happens. It's not like it's important, or anything."

"Exactly."
Owen glared at Travis. "Dude! Don't agree with me when I'm attempting reverse psychology!"

Travis held up his hands in surrender. "Hey, you say something, I'll agree or disagree as I like."
"You'll also avoid the question as you like."
Travis furrowed his brow. "What question?"
Owen gave him the I'm-not-impressed-by-what-you're-trying-to-pull look. "You know what question."
"Uh... ham please. White bread. No butter, lots of mayo."

Owen was very, very close to loosing it. "I'm not making you a sandwich, I'm asking whether you're going to fill-in your best friend's memory blank! Because for some reason, I get the feeling that was extremely significant to you, even if he can't remember it!"
"No, I'm not going to fill in my best friend's memory blank!" Travis spat. "You know why? Because he's my best friend."

Owen thought about it. "Oh. Ohhhh! I get it. Never mind. Don't worry."
"Now I'm worried. How have you interpreted that?"
"Uh... you have a crush on and may possibly be in love with your best friend, but you won't tell him that because not only may he not feel the same, but it would ruin your friendship. So, basically, a lot to gain but everything to loose?"

"I'm not in love with my best friend!" Travis exclaimed. "Hi, Nick." His eyes flew wide as his head whipped around to face his best mate, who was standing at the bottom of the stairs. "Nick! How long... what... huh? Did you hear... anything?"

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Some. I'm confused, but whatever's going on between you two, I support fully."

Owen burst out laughing, falling back onto the porch. Irritatedly, Travis kicked him down the steps.