Chapter 6
The next day...
Jeff POV
I was in the car on the way back home. Dad was asking me a bajillion questions, and I was becoming really anxious. It's like he's interrogating me...
"Did you have any tests yet?"
"No, dad..."
"Have you gotten any grades yet?"
"No, dad..."
"What about friends? Do you have any friends? You were always bad at making friends at your old school."
"I have one..."
"What's his name?"
"Nick... He's um... my roommate. So..."
"Ah, so not a real friend. Just someone you know."
"No! He's a real friend! We hang out, and he helps me with my homework."
"Because you're too stupid to do it yourself."
I sighed. I know better than to argue.
We rode in silence the rest of the way.
Later...
Jeff POV
"Jeffrey! Get your chores done!" Dad yelled.
I sighed. I was in the middle of doing homework. Without Nick's help, everything feels impossible...
I left my room and went down to the kitchen. Dad was sitting at the kitchen counter with a beer in his hand. Oh no...
I can tell he's not drunk yet, but I know he loves alcohol. And I really hope he doesn't get drunk.
I did the dishes. There were so many. I think dad just piled all his dishes in the sink from this whole week. He didn't do any himself, and left them all for me.
I stood at the sink for what felt like an hour and just scrubbed a ton of dishes and silverware.
Finally, I was done. But I had to sweep the kitchen too.
So I swept, and then went back upstairs. I flopped down on my bed, and stared down at my math homework. All the numbers were so jumbled together in my head, and I was so confused. I decided to text Nick. He gave me his number in case I ever needed him and he wasn't around.
"Nick?"
He texted me back almost immediately, and I smiled.
"What's up, Jeff?"
"I'm having a really hard time with the math homework."
"I can show you what to do Sunday. Sound good? I haven't even started it yet. I'm at the Lima Bean right now with Trent, David, and some of the Warblers."
"Sunday's fine. Thanks."
"No problem."
The smile faded from my face, and I pushed all the books off my bed. I laid down and stared up at the ceiling. It made me feel a bit sad that Nick was out with all his friends. I wish I had friends and I could hang out with them on a Friday night...
But no. I only have Nick. And I'm stuck at home...
Sometimes I just want friends so badly. I want someone I can talk to. Someone I can hang out with. Someone who can make me laugh or feel better when I feel as bad as I do right now...
I sighed. I have something else to help me.
I got up and went to the bathroom. I made sure to lock the door, and then I sat down on the floor. I opened the cabinet and took out my blade. I pulled up my sleeve, and looked at all the scars and marks on my wrist.
I'm literally running out of skin to make marks on. I'm going to have to cut over my scars now...
It doesn't really even make a difference. My wrists are so messed up looking. A few more cuts won't really change that.
I pressed the blade to my wrist, and made a small slice. I always start out making small ones, and I progressively start making them bigger. I just get in this mood where once I start cutting, I just want to cut more and more and press harder and harder...
Sometimes I get a bit carried away...
I realized my wrist was covered in blood. I quickly stood up and rinsed it off.
I tried to wash them off with a bit of soap. But it stung really bad. I just kept trying to wash them though. I knew better than to let them get infected. Then I'd really be in trouble...
I bandaged my wrist up, and then went back to my bedroom. I flopped down on my bed, bored.
I decided to change into my pjs so I'd be more comfortable. And once I was done, I got into bed.
I started wondering what Nick was doing. How much fun was he having without me? How many friends was he with?
I felt miserable. And jealous. And angry.
And I started to cry.
I feel like something's wrong with my emotions. I feel too many things at the same time, 24/7. It's like I never get a break. And I shouldn't be crying right now. I don't even know why I am. I just feel like I have no control.
I let myself cry quietly for a little while. And then I calmed down again. I hate crying, but it makes me feel a lot better usually.
I wiped my tears and flipped my pillow over because it was a bit wet from my tears.
And I fell asleep.
YOU ARE READING
Best Friend
FanfictionJeff Sterling transfers to Dalton Academy because he was bullied at his old school. His new roommate Nick Duval quickly realizes that Jeff desperately needs a friend. And maybe some help.