A Hint of Color (boyxboy)

Chapter 12

Jude texts me and asks if I still want to hang out. I sort of forgot about that. I tell him to come over. I could really use the company right now. A distraction, at least.

I regret that once he actually shows up because I'm more than tipsy at this point. I text him again.

Don't.

He replies immediately. Sorry.

Rolling off of the couch with my phone in one hand, I hurry to the door and open it as he's turning away. I sigh, feeling bad. I don't know why I sent that text. "Don't apologize." I take a few steps outside, swaying slightly as I step down from the porch. "Let's go for a walk."

Jude gives me a weird look. "Uh... Ross?"

"What?" I follow his gaze towards the door, realizing I left it open. I guess I'm not thinking clearly. "Oh... Can you get that?"

He hesitantly goes to the door and closes it while I stand there feeling a mixture of emotions. "Fuck... sorry," I mutter. I may have calmed down a little bit from the beer, but I'm still angry about everything.

"Did you go to the party?" Jude asks quietly as I walk towards him. He looks suspicious, and he can probably tell that I've been drinking.

"No," I say bitterly.

"Um... Where are we going then? Taylor's?"

I shake my head. "No. I just..." Where do I want to go? I look around absently and clench my fists. "I wanna hit something."

His eyes widen. "Do you, uh, wanna talk about it?"

No, I definitely don't want to burden Jude with all of my drama. I fold my arms and look at the ground, then begin walking. "Not now."

Jude is quiet as we walk, as usual. I don't want to drag him along while I'm so emotional and intoxicated, but he's here now and part of me likes the company. Jude is a sweet kid, I just hope I don't scare him. I'd like to protect him from all of this drama, but I'm a mess no matter what I do.

Since he mentioned the party again, I've got my conversation with Jake on my mind. It's so annoying how persistent yet cowardly he can be. Right now, he's probably having a blast partying with the whole senior class... except the one person he apparently wants the most.

I've made up my mind.

"Okay, Jude, we're going to that party."

His eyes widen at me like I'm crazy. "What? No..."

"You don't have to go in with me," I assure him. "I just need to talk to someone, okay?"

"Who?" he asks.

"Taylor," I lie.

If Jake wants me, he'll get what he wants right now.

We walk towards the village that Jake lives in and eventually reach his absurdly large house. Cars are lined up in the driveway and along the street, and people are hanging out on the porch.

I take a deep breath.

"Ross?" asks Jude, sounding nervous.

"Sorry, I know you didn't want to come," I say. "You can wait outside if you want. I'll be quick."

He reaches for my arm. "Wait... That's not a good idea..."

I gently try to shrug him off. "I'm just gonna get Taylor."

"No," he says, keeping his grip on my arm.

I sigh and start walking, and he gets pulled along. Taylor's overprotectiveness is starting to rub off onto Jude. I'm too frustrated by everything to think it's cute, at the moment.