Just Different

Chapter 28

"I don't know what I'm gonna do!" Mike cried out, hands flying up. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his bottom lip trembling.

"It's gonna be okay, Mike," Rob assured. Mike stopped and leaned against the rock wall they were passing.

"I--I know he wants to talk about...what happened. But--" Mike paused to catch his breath. "I don't think I..." The heavy air around him made it difficult to breathe.

"Hey, hey, breath," Rob rushed to Mike, taking his shoulder and pulling him into a hug. "Maybe talking to him will bring you closure about how you feel." Rob hugged Mike, rocking lightly in attempt to calm his friend.

"I'm just so scared to accept it," Mike whispered. He buried his face in Rob's shoulder. The wind picked up and Mike shivered. It was gonna rain again.

"Get home and get rest. You really need to think about this Mike. Chester...really does care about you."

Mike pulled away from Rob and wiped his eye with the back of his hand. Then he nodded, slowly but unsure if he meant it. It hurt to think about these overwhelming emotions. And they only seemed to get stronger everytime he thought about them.

"I will," Mike breathed. His chest still felt tight, but he was able to breathe.

"I'll see you. Call me if you need anything. I'm gonna go check on Brad." Rob turned and began to walk the opposite direction.

"Good luck Rob," Mike called out. Rob glanced back and smiled.

***

"Brad?" Rob softly knocked on the door. He exchanged a sad look with Brad's mother.

"Come in," Brad called out hoarsely. Rob opened the door slowly and let himself in. Then he closed the door behind him, his heart dropping as he saw Brad.

Brad was laying on the bed, facing the wall. Brad's bed was perpendicular with the door, so Rob could still see Brad's face. It look like he had actually been crying.

"I didn't see you anymore after lunch," Rob said softly. He sat on the edge of the bed by Brad's feet. Brad sighed but he didn't answer back. Rob's eyebrows furrowed sadly, concerned over Brad. A part of him was still jumping with joy now that Elisa was gone, but it still hurt to see Brad unresponsive and down like Chester and Mike had been at times.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Rob asked, his hand resting on Brad's calf. Brad shook his head solemnly, eyes flickering towards Rob. "Well you're still going to whether you want to or not."

Brad sighed again, but this time is disbelief. "I know you don't want to, but it might make you feel better if you do." Brad knew Rob was right. Talking about the breakup probably would help and bring Brad a small amount of closure, but it pained his heart to think about it. Would he break down crying if he actually spoke?

"C'mon Brad," Rob sighed. He hesitated, contemplating whether he should lay next to Brad. It'd probably be more comfortable, but it would probably be more odd for Brad. Rob lay down anyways, shimming over so he was directly behind Brad. Brad didn't seem to mind, though. He kept still and even relaxed his tensed shoulders when he felt the mattress sink behind him.

"Talk to me Brad."

"She believed those stupid rumors more than she believed me," Brad mumbled. His voice still sounded hoarse and strained. "I tried...I tried telling her..."

Brad gnawed on his bottom lip, trying to hold back the tears that welled in his eyes. He silently gasped when one tear did slip past the corner of his eye. He knuckled away the droplet angrily, his elbow brushing against Rob's arm momentarily.

Rob put a comforting hand on Brad's shoulder, his head resting against the back of Brad's neck. Rob smiled softly, thinking of how similar this was to the time he had to comfort Chester.

"I'm sorry Brad."

"If only I knew who started these damn rumors." Brad shook. His body tensed again, his chest heaving as he wanted to cry. "I really liked her Rob."

"I know, I know," Rob hushed. The younger boy rubbed Brad's shoulder tenderly, inhaling slowly. His heart ached for Brad, and he wanted nothing more but to kiss him. Rob eyed the smooth expanse of skin in front of him. His nose brushed against Brad's neck, just beneath his hairline. Rob's breathing became strained and his heart seemed to squeeze more. He so desperately wanted to press his lips against Brad's skin.

Brad's breath caught as he felt the soft, feather like touch against his neck. A shaky gasp escaped his lips and his eyes screwed shut. The hurt in him was slowly dissolving and being replaced with the feelings he was becoming too familiar with.

Brad abruptly sat up, heart racing. The humidity in the room seemed to grow heavier. Rob swallowed. Had he been caught?

"What do I do Rob?" Brad asked quietly, his voice coming out in a whimper. Rob assumed Brad had meant about Elisa, but the older teen talked about the way he felt.

"I don't know," Rob whispered, propping himself up on his elbow. For a moment, Brad thought Rob had seen through him, answering to the question he really meant. "She's made things so difficult." Relief washed over Brad and he looked down at Rob.

"I should just let her go?" Brad asked. Rob nodded, slowly. The older boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I don't know if I can."

An ugly mixture of hurt, grief and affection had festered in Brad and it was beginning to hurt. He was left so confused over the entire situation. He missed his ex-girlfriend terribly, but the was also this desire for Rob. Opening his eyes, he locked gazes with Rob.

Rob pressed his lips together. Tears were in Brad's eyes again. All he wanted to do was kiss Brad. Just like he had with Chester, thinking it would make him feel better.

'No, it's too early. I'll probably scare him.'

"It's gonna be okay," Rob said, his own voice breaking slightly. "We'll be okay Brad." The last part came out in a sort of whisper and Rob was unsure if Brad had heard him.

Brad clutched the comforter, wanting to scream and shout. "I-I just...it hurts."

Rob sat up fully, sitting cross legged next to Brad. "It'll be okay, I promise you Brad. I promise." Brad shook his head.

"I..."

"Look," Rob began, swallowing the nervousness that was swelling in his throat. He couldn't believe he was about to ask this of Brad, but it was about time it happened. "Let's go out this Friday. To get away. J-just the two of us."

Brad looked up at Rob, his lips parting to object, but he kind of wanted to go with Rob. "It'll just be us...to get your mind off things..." Brad looked down at his lap.

"O-okay."

Rob smiled, lips quivering like mad. He did it. This was his chance.