SNAP

CHAPTER FIVE: SLAM

Toby threw the basketball through the net. It went in clean. He threw his fist in the air and cheered. “Touch down!”

Avery burst into laughter. “Wrong game moron!”

“I know what game it is Avery. We are playing baseball obviously.”

“You are correct Mr. Smith.” Avery put his hands on his sides.

“I know what I am.” Toby smirked.

Avery shook his head and walked over to the side of Toby’s driveway to grab his water bottle. He drank from it like he had never had water before. Water spilled down his cheeks. He finally stopped drinking to fill his lungs with oxygen. Then he sat down.

Toby picked up his metal water bottle and sat down next to Avery.

Toby looked over at his buddy.

Avery looked upset about something, but seemed to be trying to hide it.

Toby would not let this stand. He elbowed his friend.

“Ow!” Avery exclaimed. “What was that for?!” Avery rubbed his sore arm.

“What's wrong with you? You've been out of it all day.”

Avery looked down. “Nothing, I'm fine.”

“Avery. Don't lie to me.” Toby put his hand on his friends back.

“I don't know, I guess… You get all of these people who like you. You could date anybody in the world, you know? Heck, you're dating the prettiest girls in high school. And I am. Alone. Like usual.” Avery shook his head.

Toby thought for a moment. “Avery.”

Avery looked up at him.

“I get it. I get what you're saying. I really do, but here's the thing. Your one of the greatest people I've ever met, you know? Your one of nicest people I know and the sweetest guy. I trust you with my life.” He sighed. “I'm not dating Carolina because she’s pretty. I'm in love with her to an amount that most people wouldn't be able to comprehend. Looks don't matter to me.” He wrapped his arm around his friend. “You will find someone like that too. I promise. You're just too good not too.”

Avery smiled. He looked down at the blacktop.

There was a long pause.

“Can we go inside? It’s a million degrees out here.” Toby asked jokingly.

“Of course Toby.” Avery stood up.

They started walking back to the house together.

Avery stopped Toby. “You really love this girl, don't you?”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”

“You do that then.” Avery smiled.

“I won't stop loving her until the day I die.”

---

Avery shot up out of bed. He looked over to see Carolina next to him. They must have accidentally fallen asleep together.

Guilt hit Avery’s chest.

Last night shouldn't have happened, but it did, and Avery hated it.

This was his best friends girl. Now he was the one making out with her.

He was a monster.

Avery got out of bed and grabbed his wallet off of Carolina’s desk. He quickly shoved it into his pocket.

Avery turned back to look at Carolina.