It Will Be Alright -- Treebros

Fourteen -- Jared's Advice ~ Connor

I pulled up to the local Starbucks, the place Jared told me to meet him.  I grabbed my phone, turning off the car engine.  I opened my door, stepping out and closing it as I entered the building.  My own anxiety hit me like a truck as the overlapping voices of several people filled my ears.  

I felt my hands sweat as I stuffed them in my pockets, jerking my head forward to force some strands of hair to fall in front of my face.  I walked to the closest open table, as far away from the others as I could be.  A few minutes passed when I was a familiar face sit down across from me.  Jared. 

I looked up, making eye contact with him.  "Um, what did you want to meet me here for, Jared?" I questioned, picking at the scabs on my wrists under the table.  Jared took a deep breath, relaxing.  "I actually wanted to talk about Evan," he explained briefly as I whispered a quiet, "Oh,"

Jared smiled, continuing, "A certain Zoe tells me you have the hots for that boy."  I opened my mouth to say something, but Jared spoke before I could, "Before you say anything, no, I'm not going to tell Evan.  Your secret is safe with me, you should understand this," 

I took another breath, nodding.  Goddamn, my asthma does not help my anxiety at all.  "You can tell me anything, Connor," he added subtly.  I nodded, wanting to vent.  At this point, I honestly wanted to tell everyone I could trust.  I told him about how much I loved Evan, and I explained how I'd never felt these emotions before.

I don't know why, but repeating this story over and over again makes me feel better.  This all seemed so new for some reason.  It felt like I was telling the story for the first time, though it was the second time.  I felt like the more I told people, the more this heavy weight was lifted off my chest.

I heard Jared's phone go off in his pocket.  I once again sifted through my thoughts as Jared texted someone.  How much did I care about Evan?  Why do I feel this way?  Is it healthy to like someone?  No, I think I might be dying.  

I cleared my throat.  "Jared, do you have any advice on how to control feelings?" I asked patiently, hoping for an answer.  "More than you think," he replied, chuckling a little.  I noticed the sadness in his eyes as he looked away.

"You can vent, if you'd like," I offered, making sure he felt comfortable with me.  I saw Jared's eyes lose their sparkle as he put on a fake grin.  "I mean, I have this crush.  I really like him, but I know he would never like me.  I'm such a jerk to everyone, it's kind of hard to make friends.  I shouldn't be complaining, I'm here for you.  You have a good chance with Evan, you shouldn't try to hide your feelings.  It's senior year, Connor, this is your chance.  I've been Evan's friend for years now.  I know him better than most, I know you have a chance with him.  He's always had this weird thing for bad boys," Jared smirked. 

I rolled my eyes, "Isn't he straight?"  "He tells himself that.  It's like lying to himself; makes him feel better.  He knows he likes you somewhere deep inside, it's just your mission to bring out that side of him.  Besides, ask Zoe how he is when it comes to romance.  She and him dated briefly, y'know," Jared smiled.  I laughed a little, happy that Jared had some sense of humor.

"Maybe I will, I would like to know what he's like when he acts like more than a friend," I replied, smiling.  Jared was visibly happy that I was smiling.  "If you get anymore information on Evan, don't be afraid to tell me.  I'll give you information too, as well as advice," he said in conclusion.  I checked my phone for the time.  

"I gotta get home, Kleinman," I said, standing up before he stopped me.  "Connor, promise me one thing," he told in the most serious tone I think I've ever heard.  I gave him a questioning look, and he continued, "If you do have any chance with Evan, do not hurt him.  Please, he's been through enough."  I nodded, walking off.

Jared really cared about Evan.

I arrived home, immediately walking to my room.  I felt my phone buzz as I went to answer it.  

EvanH_personal:  Hey Con, you alive?

Connor_Murphy420:  Nope, text again when I'm interested

EvanH_personal:  Pleasseeeeeee

Connor_Murphy420:  Yeah okay, what do you need?

EvanH_personal:  I'm just bored, so what's up?

Connor_Murphy420:  Not much, just the ceiling and the sky

EvanH_personal:  You know what I mean

Connor_Murphy420:  Yeah, not much, hbu?

EvanH_personal:  Same

EvanH_personal:  Oh wait, Zo's calling me

EvanH_personal:  brb

Connor_Murphy420:  Ok

I waited a bit before Evan came back.

EvanH_personal:  Zoe wants me to come over

Connor_Murphy420:  Oh, well I'm fine with it

EvanH_personal:  Okie, I'm coming