Closeted (BoyxBoy) [2014 Edition]

27: More Drama, More Exposure - Zachary

Nighttime had fallen on the most eventful day in months.

Liam and I were riding in my blue Mustang GT, radio off, in silence. My eyes were concentrated on the road, but my mind was wondering about everything else. Things like Liam's feelings towards Gabriel. Were they still stronger than anyone suspected? The way Liam reacted seeing Gabriel with those guys wasn't easy on the chest.

Then, there's Gabriel admitting he's doing drugs with Ryan Peters. I know they said he was only smoking, but what else are they going to have him do? Why are they even doing this? Plus, why did Gabriel even begin fraternizing with people like Ryan Peters?

And why isn't Kyle involved with anything going on? 

"Hey... Zach?"

The questions stopped flooding my mental chambers and I turned all of my attention to Liam, "Yes?"

His responses were quiet, and uncertain. But with everything that followed, I wasn't surprised, "I was wondering... if you could drop me off at Gabriel's house?"

"Uhh... I don't think that's a good idea, babe."

"I know, but I really need to talk to him. I don't think he'll open up to anyone else except me. I'm sorry..."

I brought a car to a complete stop at a red light and gave Liam a grim glance. I don't think he understands how I feel about him. With the way he didn't make eye contact with me the entire time he spoke and rode in the car with me, proved he knew it was a bad idea.

"Liam," I started, turning towards him and taking his hands into my own, "I know you somehow feel obligated to help Gabriel, but I think you should let this one go. You are not responsible for his actions. So, don't. Okay?"

I felt his face and his body recede. He turned to face the window and stared aimlessly out of the glass. I couldn't understand what was going on in his mind, but I knew Liam and his stubbornness would not let this go for anything.

Sighing in defeat, I rolled my eyes and looked at him in sympathy, "Promise you won't do anything too crazy, will you?"

His face lit up in glee when I gave him the greenlight to Gabriel's. When the light changed for my traffic to go, I changed courses and started down some streets I don't usually travel. On the way, Liam began talking my ear off about how he's never lain a hand on drugs and how he didn't want to start.

"Still, of all people. Gabriel...?"

I shrugged my shoulders and concentrated my eyes on the road, a little jealousy rising in my blood with every mention of his name. Every once in a while, Liam would go down memory lane and reminisce about his life before he mingled with the popular crowd.

Specifically, Gabriel Knight.

It was always Gabriel's name that would be brought up in our conversations. At times it would be unintentional and there are times where his name would be deliberate. I never knew how annoying it could be, being compared to someone that wasn't as... relevant as me. At least, I should be on his mind.

Not that drug using, loose ass, loser!

"Zach?"

I was brought out of my thoughts and turned towards Liam. The car was stopped in front of a familiar house, Gabriel's house. Apparently, I had zoned out and drove us directly to Liam's destination.

"Oh, we're here."

"Zach, you okay? You look... angry."

I looked at myself through the rearview mirror and saw my eyebrows had deepened into an unapproving arch and a frown on my face that could frighten any child. I didn't mean to let these feelings get to me, but they had, unfortunately.