(REWRITING*) JOCK'S SECRET

Love or Hate (self and other)

Brad's P.O.V:

I was stunned, my body wouldn't move and my brain kept glitching. My eyes were completely and utterly focused on his, my heart was hammering against my chest, and I was unconsciously holding my breath.

'God... those eyes...' it was quite for a second but it felt like an eternity, he pulled away quickly and just sat in his seat playing with his thumbs "S-sorry Brad." I could sense his panic, like our emotions were on full display... well his emotions. I snapped out of my shocked state when he got up and darted for the door.

Neu's P.O.V:

I was contemplating fight of flight... well flight or flush in this case, my cheeks were burning bright red, and my heart was going a mile a minute. I had just acted like a creep. With the ONLY friend I have left and now, I was in complete and utter panic, if he starts hating me... I wouldn't be able to handle it.

I was already in my car speeding down the road; going well over the speed limit but I had to bolt. I couldn't risk it, I couldn't risk having my heart stomped on... not by Brad, not by my last friend.

I kept driving till I reached the town limit, my brain was overflowing with panic induced questions. I just needed a release, I need to calm down, I need something better than air and the promise of lung cancer I needed something deadlier.

Brad's P.O.V:

By the time I got to the door he was already gone, I should have said something! I ran back into the diner, paid the bill even though Jenna said Nue put it on his paycheck, I basically forced her to take the money.

The second I was out the door I called my sister "Hoe!! Get your ass to Luxy's Diner now!!" Her response was more aggressive, so I doubt she heard the panic in my voice I was worried about Neu now "Fine!" She ended the call seconds later.

From what I gather Neu wasn't really a stable guy, his stories - although elegantly twisted - still gave him away. I could tell he was bullied during freshman and sophomore year. Yeah ok, maybe he isn't complete crap at lying, but he can't lie to a professional liar.

10 minutes later my sister - like the crazy bitch she is - came to a horrid stop in front of the diner. She looked pissed - and slightly waisted but still sober enough to drive - she got one look at me and here expression changed completely from anger to worry "What happened!?"

Neu's P.O.V:

My brain and heart finally slowed down, I was breathing easier now, yeah ok I was in a bit of pain but that's basically it. I look up at the stars - something I'm very fond of - and just completely relaxed, I no longer felt like my world was collapsing.

His face was still in front of me tho, that chipped tooth smile I once trusted was now twisted with anger and hatred 'Your right Aiden. I am holding him back. Just like I held you back.' Slowly more voices echoed through me, names and insults, I'd grown used to, I just chuckled "Maybe... just maybe. I'll think it over."

Brad's P.O.V:

After explaining what happened to my sister she started panicking too "Jesus woman! Drive!!" We'd been driving around town for nearly and hour now - 53 minutes - and still no sign of Neu. My sister came to sudden stop next to a very run down house, leapt to the front door and beated the door mercilessly - yes. She has no shame. No I do feel shame. - from what I could tell this was the town drunks house, kinda stereotypical atm - empty bottles on the lawn, dead grass, broken windows, etc. -

After a good 9 minutes of slamming on the door a man in his mid forties opened the door, I couldn't hear the conversation but my sister came sprinting back and basically driver before her head was inside.

"What was that!? We need to look around not talk to old drunks!" Yes, I'm pissed she wasted time "That was Neu's dad dumb ass! He said Neu goes to the town line when he needs a break from everything. I know that because we used to live next to them, you weren't born yet, so I don't blame you." Her voice was calm, so calm it scared me shit less "What aren't you telling me?" I didn't really want an answer but my mind was screaming for one "Hopefully you don't have to find out."

Mia's P.O.V:

My head was spinning, if Neu was the same person he was when he and Brad turned two, things would be great. But obviously he's not. Brad can't remember any of this 'cause well, he's Brad. But I remeber perfectly, Neu was a weird little kid, always talking to nothing and always playing by himself but I knew then and I know now he's still the broken little pup from back then.

Yes he's older, bigger, stronger but... after what happened... after Chelsie... I just... he can't handle stuff like this, he can't handle heart break. Not after his sister... not after she drowned herself and attempted to drown him. Not after Aiden, not after he beat the crap out of him and left him for dead, NOT after his drunk of a dad beat him into a coma.

He can't remember most of this stuff which I'm happy about, but he still remembers enough and if he did what I saw him do back in kinder garden he'll need help. Maybe professional help.

I came to a stop when I saw an old beat up car about 5 minutes ahead of us, next to it was something big and furry, my heart leapt for my throat "Neu!!"

Brad's P.O.V:

My sister drove even crazier than usual and came to a dead stop about 5 minutes away from Neu's car, her face was drastically draining of color, but I didn't spare her a second as I leapt from the car. Something really pungent caught my nose instantly, worse than alcohol and worse than blood. It was like burning flesh but, with a rusty after math, like a burning body.

I almost gagged and bolted for the furry ball next to the car 'Jesus Neu! What happened!?'

Tell me what y'all think. I personally hate this chapter because everytime I read it, it progresses too fast for me and idk how to fix that. GAH!!!!! *FRUSTRATION!*