Bulletproof Love

3: Vic

A week passed. Kellin completely ignored Vic all week. Vic, feeling guilty, tried to focus on his music. His passion, his way of dealing with life.

If he had known how bad that word was for Kellin, he would never have said it. He was so, so guilty he couldn't even concentrate on the band. That's why Jaime placed a hand on his shoulder. “This isn't going to work if you don't focus on singing, Vic, what's up?” he sighed.

Vic held his gaze to the floor. “You know Kellin Quinn, right? That black haired guy who is extremely popular? I insulted him. His reaction made me feel bad,” he explained weakly. Surprisingly, Mike let out a soft chuckle.

“Kellin Quinn insulted? What did you say?! That guy is like a rock against insults,” he said.

“Yeah…” Vic breathed slowly. “I was mad, okay?”

“What did you say, Vic?” Tony asked cautiously.

“Fag.” The word was barely even a whisper, but in the silent echoing room it was audible to all of them. Vic cringed in the silence that followed. His friends (and brother) were digesting the fact that he had found the word to insult Kellin Quinn.

“Interesting,” Jaime eventually muttered. “You should say sorry.”

“What?!”

“Say sorry. Is that word in your vocabulary?” Mike asked teasingly. Vic rolled his eyes.

“But he hates me! I can't do anything right!”

That night, as usual, Vic was plagued by the craziest thoughts. He gave in way too easily, his defenses breaking.

You're not worth it.

Kellin hates you now.

Maybe you should just die.

Vic pressed his lips together, sitting upright in his bed. Lately his brain had liked to repeat those five words. He just wanted peace in his mind…

---

Next day at college, Vic approached Kellin. He met his eyes and his step faltered. Kellin had barely slept. Maybe even less than him. His eyes showed his sadness.

“Kellin,” Vic began as he came near enough.

“What?” Kellin snapped, even sounding tired.

“Look, I'm sorry, I didn't know that word would actually hurt you,” he tried weakly, feeling tears prick behind his eyes. He swallowed.

“I was just tired,” he then said. Tired of living, his brain whispered. He looked up into Kellin’s eyes and was surprised to see little smile.

“No, I was just overreacting.” Vic smiled back.

“Friends?” he asked, sticking his hand out. Kellin took it and shook, before lurching forward and hugging Vic. Vic patted his back. He didn't hug very often.

Kellin released Vic when Vic’s phone rang. “Victor Fuentes?” a female voice asked. Vic cringed at the use of his full name.

“Yes?” he replied politely. He had long given up on authorities and most adults.

“Your mother, Miss Fuentes, is with us. She's been hit by a car.”