Senior Slump Or Comeback Of The Year

Let Me Explain

It was true. Pete was in a relationship with Sarah. The buzz about it was all around the school. It was like they  were the new it couple or something. Pretty cheerleader. Popular football player. It was only fourth period and Patrick was already sick of hearing about it.

He couldn't decide how he felt about the entire thing. Obviously he wasn't happy. But he wasn't exactly mad either. Disappointed. Yeah, that would work. He'd convinced himself that Pete wasn't the bad guy he knew he was. He'd let his thoughts dance around with rose colored images of the two of them being together... eventually. And raising their child together... maybe.

All of that was in the trash now.

Andy was right about not trusting Pete. One minute he was asking Patrick to the dance. All gooey eyed and cute voiced. And the next minute he was in a relationship with one of his tormentors. Which shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering Pete was friends with all of his tormentors. Still, Patrick believed in him and he let him down.

The only thing worst than having to hear about his crush and his new girlfriend all day long, was being in the same classroom as his crush while he heard about it. Pete had been trying to get his attention since they walked into first period. And Patrick skillfully avoided looking his way at all.

Even now, as they sat just two seats away from each other in their music class. He could feel Pete's Hazel eyes burning into the side of his head. It was making him feel uncomfortable. Patrick's right hand shot up.

"Yes, Mr. Stump?"

"May I please go to the nurse? I'm not feeling well." Anything to get out of this classroom right now. Sure, they had every class together. But they sat on opposite sides in the remaining ones. Right now he was just too close.

"Of course." He seemed concerned by Patrick's rushed tone.

Patrick grabbed his bag. Quickly sliding from his seat. All eyes were on him as he made a mad dash for the door. He was finally able to breathe when he stepped into the hallway. His back leaned against the wall of the classroom. His head tilted towards the ceiling.

"Can we talk?"

"Shit!" He jumped from his position on the wall. Looking over at Pete. "You scared the hell out of me."

"I'm sorry." He didn't look sorry. "Can we talk?"

"No." Patrick regained his composure and began walking down the hall.

"Please!" Pete followed. "Let me explain."

"There's nothing to explain."

"Of course there is."

"No." He shrugged. "There isn't."

"I know you're mad-"

"I'm not."

"But it didn't happen the way you think it did-"

"Now you're a mind reader?"

"She asked me to the dance-"

"Just like you asked me?" He questioned with the raise of an eyebrow.

"But she wanted to go as a couple."

"How sweet."

"And everyone was watching. I couldn't just embarrass her like that. Sarah's a nice girl."

"Really? I've never seen that side of her."

He grimaced. "It's complicated."

"There's nothing complicated about it. Sarah asked you out and you said yes. You don't have to explain yourself to me."

"Yes I do." Pete walked to stand in front of him. Stopping the power walk they were on. "I want to."

"Well now that you have, do you feel better?"

"No."

"Well, I can't fix that."

"Patrick, I'm really sorry. I know you probably think I'm a liar and a fraud. But you have to understand where I'm coming from. I've been bullied in school practically forever. This is the first and last time I'm getting the opportunity to be popular. Maybe there are a few negative aspects. But this is the first year I haven't cried everyday after school since I came out."

"You came out?" That got his attention.

"In all of my other schools. And they treated me like shit."

"That's usually how it goes." He nodded more to himself than to Pete.

"So you get it?" He asked hesitantly. Unsure.

"You were completely right."

He sighed. A small smile sneaking its way onto his mouth. "I knew you'd understand if I just explained-"

"You were right about me thinking you were a liar and a fraud." He stepped around him.

Pete didn't try to follow him again.