in his eyes: a tyrus fan fiction

Chapter 10- Listen

"Cyrus, can you go to Maple Farm to Market and get me some broccoli, Cheerios, apples, eggs, and milk? I will give you money I just don't have to time to go right now and Dad isn't home," she asked. My step-dad wasn't ever home until late so I usually had to go get the groceries if we needed them in the middle of the week.

    "Yea sure. Can I just finish my English homework first?"

    "Yes, I will leave money by the door. I am going to go to the drug store to get shampoo and soap. Do you need anything?"

    "No, I called down the steps."

    I walked down the street towards the center of town. Shadyside was busy on weeknights and people were always out and about. It was still nice out, just barely turning to fall and I liked the cool weather. The wind felt good on my face as I rounded the corner just before the barber shop. When I turned I saw a familiar looking boy standing with what looked like a younger version of him. When I got closer I could make out more of his features, becoming fully aware the boy was TJ. But who was he standing with?

    "TJ?" I called out to the boy.

    "Cyrus? Hey, what are you doing here?" It was TJ.

    "I'm just going to get some groceries for my mom."

    We were standing in front of the Jackson Street Gym. TJ and the little boy were standing in front of the door and I was standing with my back to the street.

    "I was just going to work and bringing this guy with me," he motioned down to the little boy standing next to him, "This is Max, he's my little brother."

    "Nice to meet you, Max. I'm Cyrus," I said to the boy who looked like a replica of TJ.

    "He's 8. I take him with me to work when he needs to get out of the house," He pointed to the door behind him.

"Well, I'll let you go. I have to get to the store anyway," I smiled and waved to TJ and his brother as I continued down the street.

I placed the bags of food on the counter along with the change and headed up to my room. I shut my door and laid on my bed. I faced up towards the ceiling and turned on my Spotify. I just listened to the music with my eyes closed.

Ooh, who said it's true

That the growing only happens on your own?

They don't know me and you

Someone once told me that we need to listen to music that's meant to be listened to. Some music is just meant for you to hear, but the music that is meant to be listened to is deeper than just the words. When you sit in class you only hear what your teacher has to say, you don't really listen. Listening is analyzing what you are hearing, listening is knowing that it goes deeper than the surface, listening is more than just hearing the background noise.

I don't think you have to leave

If to change is what you need

You can change right next to me

When you're high, I'll take the lows

You can ebb and I can flow

And we'll take it slow

And grow as we go

Grow as we go

I couldn't help but think about TJ. I had changed him. Even if we had only been friends for a couple of weeks by now. Rehearsal started the next day and I was nervous to meet everyone. I knew I would make new friends but I was happy with the friends I had now. I knew it was always good to know more people though.

I closed my eyes and drifted off into thought, trying to fall asleep. TJ filled my mind along with everything else in my life. My phone buzzed. I forgot to turn it on do not disturb. Might as well check to see who that was. My phones screen was bright with a notification from TJ.

TJ Kippen💫: Hey Cyrus! Sorry if you are sleeping! I was just wondering if you wanted to come to the carnival next Friday. My friends are going to be there and you can bring yours... As long as Buffy isn't mean.

Me: Sure! Sounds great! Also no promises.

    I smiled at my screen as I turned it off and closed my eyes again. I would talk to them at lunch tomorrow.

    I placed my tray on the table and slid my seat out. I sat down and looked at my friends in front of me.

    "TJ asked me last night if I wanted to go the carnival next week with him and his friends. Do you guys want to come? He told me to ask you," I asked.

    "Sure!" Andi sounded a little too excited.

    "No," Buffy said flatly.

    "What?" I was not expecting that to be her answer.

    "I'm not going to hang out with TJ. And I don't think you should either, Cyrus," she spat. I didn't know what to say to her. I looked at her and then looked down at my food. I moved my fork around in my mac and cheese. I looked up at Buffy sitting across from me. All of a sudden I was mad. Really mad.

    "He's not a bad person!" I yelled across the table, "And you can not tell me who I can and can't be friends with."

Hey! So I really liked the idea of TJ having a little brother and I hope you guys like that. I LOVE the song 'Grow As We Go' so I just had to throw it in here! I hope you guys have a good day!