Perfect Strangers

28:

"You don't have to tell me everything. Just don't lie to me." ~unknown

••••

Flynn:

I'd asked Daniel if he wanted to go for a ride and chat for a bit, he had more than agreed. We climbed into my truck and drove away.

At first it was quiet, and it stayed that way for a while. I turned to look at him and I saw tears forming in his eyes, I sighed, "so wanna tell me what's going on with you?"

He ran his hands over his face, "Why won't he admit it.."

"Admit what?"

"That he fucking likes me, I've given him all the necessary signs he needs to know that I like him, I went up to this boys face and told him I liked him and he just stared at me."

"Are you sure he likes you like that and not just as a bro."

He laughed though I could tell it was forced, I glanced back over at him and then he shook his head at me, "Yeah, he likes me...I mean I think he does he kissed me literally just last week before I left, and we've been texting ever since."

"Well then chances are he probably does like you, maybe he's scared I mean you're a pretty intimidating dude."

He shook his head sniffing, "that can't be it, I mean I'd never do anything to hurt him and he knows that I just I wish he'd just ask me to stay."

I sighed looking down, "Well don't beat yourself up about it, I mean just give him a little time and if nothing happens well fuck him you can find better."

He laughed, "trust me dude, I don't think there is anyone more perfect for me than him and that's what scares me the most."

I looked over at him and then reached my hand in the back seat while steering with my other. I pulled out a beer, and handed it to him, "these are for emergency cases only, and right now you look like you could use one."

He laughed taking it in his hands and opening it, he took a sip, "so why did you leave college and come all the way here."

He shook his head laughing, "I missed him...I was hoping I could try one more time to give him the chance to tell me."

"One more chance won't they have more I mean this is your home town."

"I got signed to the Yankees, I'm leaving to New York next weekend ."

"Oh shit congratulations man."

He nodded looking down at his beer slowly, "thanks."

I nodded and then turned up the radio and a country song was playing, I went to change it when he placed his hand on mine stopping me, "don't I like this one."

I nodded and listened he looked out the window and started humming as it played:

Seen my share of broken halos
Folded wings that used to fly
They've all gone wherever they go
Broken halos that used to shine
Broken halos that used to shine
Don't go looking for the reasons
Don't go asking Jesus why
We're not meant to know the answers
They belong to the by and by
They belong to the by and by.

•💙•

It had been roughly 40 minutes since I'd left their house with Daniel in the passengers seat. He was now passed out with the empty beer bottle rolling in the floor. I pulled up in the driveway ready to hear a lecture from Alex.

I got out and then went to the other side. I estimated it, could I pick him up? I thought for a minute he was built, but I was strong I think I could maybe lift him.