Growing up (Get Scared Fanfic)

Blackout

Nick's Pov.

Bradley's birthday is in two days and I have no idea what to get him. We're hanging out today, so maybe I can get some information about things he's been wanting lately... that's under $15.  I know he wants a new bass, a new game console and games, and less torn up shoes, but I can't afford any of that crap. Why couldn't he be 10 days younger than me, like that maybe I could get money for my birthday to get him good gifts. He might say, 'don't worry about it, I don't need anything,' or 'get me anything; it's the thought the counts,' but does anyone really mean that. Yes, we may be okay with something with sentimental value, but no one wants some random candy bar that you don't like with a card that just says happy birthday on it. And nothing else. At least have the decency to get a cheap album or steal a bunch of picks from Guitar Center. Okay, no, that's what I wish people did. I didn't get anything last year, so I guess I'm still upset about it.

It's been 3 days since anything other than water has entered my body. I'm starving,  but I'll be fine. Hopefully not, though; I could die and that'll be great. I took down a glass of water to trick my mind into thinking I'm not hungry. I looked out the window to I see my parents outside, getting the car. Thanks for telling me you guys were leaving. 

I headed out to go to Lloyd's, finding Johnny also on his way. I sighed and turned around to keep walking before he saw me. It's not that I don't like Johnny, cuz I do (No not in that way, I'm not gay). He's pretty cool and really nice to me, but I just can't get used to him being around.  I can't click with him the way I clicked with Brad. I still feel awkward as hell when he's around and I can't relax and just let loose. I get so guarded of myself, never letting my guard down. I don't get why, though. He's been nothing but nice to me, so I don't understand why I can't trust him.

I'm assuming he saw me because he called my name out. I waited for him to catch up. I just now realized that his hair is completely different than it was last week. It's now bleach-blonde and styled better than usual. On a normal day, he seems to let the natural waves in his hair stay, but now it's dead straight and covering more of his face.

"Hey," he said, smiling like always when he greets me. I started walking again, now with Johnny at my side.

"Hi," I mumbled back, "I see you bleached your hair."

"Yeah, I was tired of brown," he laughed.

"I would've traded you; I'm tired of blonde hair. I want black hair, but brown is close enough."

"Then dye it," he suggested.

"I'm gonna on my birthday," I explained.

"When's your birthday?" he asked.

"The 28th of this month," I answered.

"Cool. "

We continued the rest of the walk in silence. Finally making it to Lloyd's, I rang the door bell. I anxiously waited for him to open the door. For him to finally break the ice. For him to take the social out of the situation. 

"What's the password?" I heard Brad ask from the other side of the door.

"Open the door before I choke Nick out!" Johnny yelled back.

"Wait, what?" I questioned, "Why do I get to be the one who get's choked out?" I put my hand gently around my neck.

"Okay Okay" Bradley laughed, opening the door.

"I wasn't actually gonna choke you, don't worry," Johnny said to me as we walked in. I didn't say anything as a response. I just looked down, awkwardly. 

As usual, I absentmindedly made my way behind Lloyd. 

"Trust fall!" Brad yelled, starting to fall back.