The Mechanic Next Door

The invite

          Jonny was awoken by a buzzing noise blaring in his ear. He groaned, turning over to his phone. "Gray Mitchell want's to Facetime" read across the screen. Gray's contact photo was him next to a Triceratops skeleton at the Museum of Natural History. He eyed the time quickly before accepting the call. "Gray it's not even 9 A.M., what's up?"
Gray adjusted his camera. "Hey, it's about Zach. He's in a bad mood. I think its cause of our Dad but can you maybe talk to him?"

"Yeah I'll see what I can do, hope he feels better."

Gray thanked him and hung up the phone. Jonny put his head back down on his pillow. He knew exactly what was happening. Jonny was also in on sheltering Gray from the truth because he's not emotionally ready to comprehend what's happening between their parents. The whole situation was just sad. That call created a pit in the teen's empty stomach. He knew messaging him right now wouldn't be the best idea so that he can cool off.

Later that day, a family friend dropped off his BMW to have a cold air intake system installed. Jonny raised the hood, hit shuffle on his throwback playlist, and got to work. Jonny was humming along to The Way I Are by Timbaland andremoved the hose clamp. The sound of faint talking was in the distance. Definitely 2 males and they weren't happy with eachother. Jonny remained to mind his own business. Then, it was all out screaming. Jonny froze under the hood. Suddenly, a car door slammed. The tires screeched all the way down the street of the subdivision Jonny took a couple of breaths as he could see the smoke clouding up his driveway. He put his wrench down and peeked outside. Zach stood in his driveway disheveled with his head down. Jonny pushed back a lock of hair and looked at his bestfriend.

Oh my god he thought to himself. That was Scott and Zach

Zach turned to see Jonny standing there looking at him. Jonny felt paralyzed. His mind wanted to run over and see what he can do to help him but his body wouldn't let him. Zach wiped his face and disappeared into his garage. A loud crashing noise followed. He never saw Zach cry. Jonny's heart pounded and his stomach clenched. He pulled out his phone and went to his messages. He hit Zach's contact.

"Hey dude, I'm not sure what just happened but I'm sorry for what's going on. It's rough. But I'm here for you anytime"

He took a deep breath as he hit send and got back to work on the BMW. He didn't know if it was the right thing to do or a mistake that would piss Zach off even more, he just wanted to get Zach's mind off of everything. About 20 minutes later he was finishing up when he saw someone casting a shadow over him. Jonny closed the hood of the car and saw his neighbor standing in front of him. Zach's eyes were half closed and a little red but he still tried to flash a faint smile. "Oh my god are you okay?" Jonny whispered. Zach put his head down. Jonny leaned up against the car with folded arms. He stared at the ground and back up at Zach.

"I'm tired of it Jonny" he began. "Almost everyday there's always a petty argument that has to take place. Poor Gray is clueless and we have to lie to him all the time so that he doesn't freak out. This asshole is always drinking and takes it out on us. It's not fair. That's why they're finally divorcing. For Christmas, Gray and I are getting sent away for a week to Jurassic World to see our aunt, not that she probably cares, but at least it'll keep Gray distracted and happy and we don't have to see more of this mess. But will you come with us? It would be way more fun if you came with."

Jonny stood there for a moment. It was no secret that he had a love for dinosaurs. They were fascinating creatures and chatted with Gray about them all the time. He heard all about Jurassic World growing up and always wanted to see it. But going with his childhood bestfriends was a chance of a lifetime. "That would be awesome, I'll start packing tonight." Zach smiled and turned to leave his friend to clean up.
Quickly, Jonny turned him around. "But you need to know that it's gonna be okay. I know it's rough for you and everyone else right now but it's gonna work itself out. You got me and I'll be here." Zach raised his head back up smiling more. "You're the best bro" pulling Jonny in for a bro-hug. "Also, you can come over Christmas morning for breakfast at 9 before we leave for the airport if you want." Jonny accepted the invitation. The two friends said goodbye and Jonny closed his garage door. His heart felt tingly and his stomach was a bit queasy.

"Shit.... I like him......"

*Author's Note* - Fun Fact: the custom BMW pictured above is mine in real life! Thought it would be a fun Easter Egg haha.