Playing the Field

Boys

"Boy, what on earth are you doing here?" I had already filled out the proper forms and paid his five hundred dollar bail charge.

With this and all the new film equipment I bought, I would have some serious explaining to my father ahead of me.

Austin was sitting in a cell but didn't look like I expected. I stand on the other side of the bars with my hands on my hips, "Well?"

The cop unlocked the door and Austin comes out, grinning like a child who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, "Could we get some breakfast? I'm starving. Jail food is so not good."

Seeing I would get no answer from him, I groan and storm out of the building. I stomp to my pink bug and moments later Austin is getting in the passenger seat.

"Girl, you need a new car. D'you know how embarrassing it is getting into and coming out of this small pink thing? I mean I'm not insecure with my masculinity or whatever, it's just weird." He comments as he puts on the seat belt.

I back out of the parking space and say, "Not as embarrassing as bailing your best friend out of jail."

In no time do I find the highway. I go ten miles over the speed limit and ignore Austin humming to whatever song is on the radio. After passing a few exists, I see a sign and get off the highway.

I pull into a iHop, park and without saying anything to Austin I get out of the car. I walk inside and was pleased to see it looked like a slow day. I go up to the hostess and say, "Table for two, please."

As she grabs two menus I hear the bell ding and soon Austin is by my side. Her not so subtle glance at my best friend doesn't escape me. She leads us to a booth and I order orange juice while Austin gets coffee.

Minutes later after going over the menu and receiving our drinks then placing our order, I take a small sip and stare at Austin, "What are you even doing here? You're supposed to be at college. Does Ivy know you're here?"

Austin sighs then leans back, bringing his eyes to finally meet mine, "Drill called me last night and I drove back here. By the tone of his voice I could tell he needed me. He told me you guys had a fight and that he didn't want me to tell you he called me. Avery, after what happened in high school I couldn't ignore him and take any chances of him trying again. I got here as fast as I could. I meet Drill at some house party. We were talking in the backyard when some guys from your team showed up. They saw me and lost their shit. Then they noticed Drill and went Ape shit. That one Stanley asshole was like the ringleader. Anyway they said I was on Auburn territory and to get my 'Tennessee ass' outta there. I was going to leave but Drill said to not let them punk us. They kept at it though and when I had had enough Drill and I were in the front lawn, on our way to leave, when the guys reappeared. Stanley and two other guys came at me. Nothing I couldn't handle, of course. Drill helped too. Then the cops showed up right as I gave Stanley one helluva punch. It knocked him right out. And I guess that's like serious assault or something. No one's pressing charges though, cause there were multiple witnesses who said they were harassing us. I was the only one that was taken in though. I'm not sure where Drill is but I know he has my truck cause I gave him the keys. I'm not too concerned about that though, what I want to know more about is this fight you and him had."

I lean back and cross my arms, "Seem's you're new best friend already gave you a run down of it all."

"Avery," he sighs, "don't do that, not right now. Why did you get on Drill's case about not dating? Why did you accuse him of being gay?"

"Whoa there," I rise my hands, "you're making it sound way worse than what it was. I'm just worried about him, Austin. Like you are. I love Drill and I want him happy but in all the years I've known him, he's never gone steady with anyone. Don't you wonder why? I do!"

He shook his head, "What we wonder is our business, Av's. Doesn't give us a right to throw it at someone. Drill is happy as is. I mean yeah besides hook ups I have put some thought into his lack of dating but he hasn't brought it up. So I know I shouldn't."

"Well I'm not like that Austin. I would like to know why." I snap.

It truly bothers me and it's something I can't simply let go. One of my closest friends has no love life and doesn't share why. It's odd.

"Listen, last night, before the fight, Drill told me why he doesn't date-"

"He told you?!" I couldn't help but feel hurt. I felt Drill and I were closer than that. After all, he started out as my partner in class. I was the one who pursued a friendship with him. It was my Grandpa who took him in. I was there in the hospital when he attempted suicide. I've been there since day one with that boy and he couldn't tell me what I wanted to know. That really stung. I had to blink hard to make sure I didn't start crying.

Right then, the waitress set down our food. My appetite though was long gone.

"Yes and it's not my secret to tell,"

"Oh, so now it's some huge secret?" I pout.

Austin smirks, "You're acting five."

"So are you two! Sneaking behind my back, sharing secrets, getting in fights. This is all so stupid."

"He will tell you, Avery, when the time is right."

"Why does there need to be a right time?" I frown. Drill could tell me anything any time of day, he knew that. We were close, best of friends, downright family.

I do love Drill and it pains me that he's going through something that I just can't help with. I don't want this to lead to another attempt. But I do feel like I should know what is going on inside his head. Who wouldn't?

"When he tells you, you'll know. Just, until then, for everyone's sanity just drop it. It's honestly what's best and the only way we can all move on. Point is, we're all supportive friends and we all love each other. That's what matters and what you need to focus on, otherwise you'll lose Drill. Plus, you're so damn busy you won't even notice the time flying until he tells you."

I nod slowly, "I see what you're saying."

And I did. It's time to take a seat on the sidelines and let Drill have control over the field. That's part of being a good friend, accepting and knowing when to allow them to have something to themself. This is one of those moments. Drill, for whatever reason, isn't going to open up to me any time soon and I have to find a way to be patient. He needs time to develop the courage for it, which I can give.

"So, now that that's dealt with, can we dig in?"

I grin, "Boys, always hungry. But honestly same."

I then had a nice breakfast with my best friend. I'm more than grateful for my connection to the man across from me. He's always there with a fresh perspective and ready to defend me at all costs. I couldn't be more blessed to have him in my life. To watch how he's evolved throughout the years, how he's building a life is stunning. Most thought he would grow to be drunk white trash like his father, but Austin surpassed that. He's in his second year of college for crying out loud, a year away from getting his son back. He's stuck by his high school love through everything they've been through.

My best friend is perfection in my eyes, and I can't wait for the years to come.

*

Been a while since I updated this one but better late than never!

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~Peace