Moving Forward

Chapter 1: Chris Norway

It was easy to hide my problems with jokes. I've been doing it for so long that it just became a second language. So, when Darrius told me that he was ditching me to hang out with Caleb again, I just laughed it off.

It wasn't like I had an issue with them being together but damn was I ever going to get my best friend back to myself? Ever since the winter break they have been connected at the hip. You didn't see one without the other. They ate lunch together, they studied together, and even freaking arrived at school together. I had become a third wheel to the third degree. The guy who couldn't keep someone if he tried.

I started to discover other things about myself with all the "free" time I had from Darrius. I discovered that I was rather...promiscuous. I guess that comes with being funny. Girls and guys loved it which meant plenty of fun for me. Plus being this fine didn't hurt either.

"Chris?" I heard Darrius say as we stood in the parking lot, "You sure you good bro?"

He looked confused. Maybe because I smiled for no reason. I shook my thoughts away before saying, "Yeah I'm good. You go get your swirl on man."

He laughed playfully punching me as kids were walking around and getting into their cars. Some were just sitting on theirs just talking until they wanted to leave. Darrius and I had begun to walk towards his car when Caleb ran in-between us pushing me to the side.

"Aye, slow down," Darrius laughed hugging onto his boyfriend, "You almost sent Chris flyin'."

He finally noticed me and apologized, "I'm so sorry Chris and I'm also sorry that I'm stealing your friend today but we have to finish this project for class."

He looked at me with the cutest face. He was biting his lower lip and was waiting on my forgiveness. Caleb could do no wrong in my eyes, which is why I never really got mad at him. However, his boyfriend was another story. Darrius rolled his eyes taking Caleb's hand and said, "Of course he understands baby. He has hoes on deck for days like these so he will be more than fine. If not, give him your brother's number I bet he will be more than happy to keep him company."

He suggestively winked at me as the familiar burning sensation hit my face. I hadn't really been left alone with Harry since the "incident". I mean sure it was a little harmless flirting here and there but nothing really. Harry is a grown ass man who, if I'm not mistaken, had a man. He wasn't even worried about me.

"See baby," Darrius begin to approach me laughing, "He changing colors."

"Darrius!" Caleb whined as Darrius reached to touch my face but I swatted his hand away roughly.

"Don't do that shit man," I laughed as he reached for my face again but this time I playfully pushed him. Within seconds, we were circling around each other trying to see who can land a soft punch first. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Caleb's smile kind of dwindle. He was always like that when he saw us interacting like we did. Even though him and Darrius have gotten closer, Caleb was always insecure about how close he was with me. I guess that's why he is spending so much time with him and like I said I didn't mind. So, I stopped playing around with Darrius and said, "Okay man, you go and be nasty with yo' boo."

My best friend shook his head and laughed turning to look at Caleb. Caleb's eyes lit up brighter which means Darrius was giving him that stare. That stare that even gave me butterflies and hope. Another reason why I loved them together. He has never looked at anyone like that. So, I didn't want to ruin anything because he was so happy. Especially ever since Aunt Ruby died. It still stung to admit it but I can deal with it. Caleb was there for him too which is why I don't point out his small insecurity to Darrius.

"Hey," Darrius yelled, "get home safely bruh. I'll call you later."

I just nodded and watched him take Caleb's hand again. Caleb waved goodbye with that bright white smile shining in my direction. As I watched them walk down the parking lot to Darrius's truck, I saw that my best friend was truly happy. He took a lot of pride into his relationship even with some people staring at him. He even gave them a disgusted look back when Caleb wasn't looking. It was heartwarming to see my friend like this. I was happy for them. However, when they drove off and left, I felt alone.