ENDLESS

S5 Chapter 9

BAILEY MATTHEWS

TIME: SEPTEMBER OF 7TH GRADE

A lot of time has passed that allowed Evan and I to grow closer than ever. Going into middle school, I honestly didn't expect to make any friends. Most people are shitty and have their own agenda. People only do what benefits them, even if it means using your trust.

Evan was the opposite of that. He stood by my side and always fought back against my bullies. We're attached to the hip. I can't see it any other way. He's my partner in crime against this world filled with mischief and betrayal.

There is a bit of a downside to our friendship- and that's the fact that I don't see him as often as I'd like to. We only get to hang out during school. Every time I suggest staying over at my place he always has an excuse of how he has to take care of his sisters.

I don't think about it much. It's his business. But sometimes, I can't help but wonder why so much of his time is occupied with babysitting his sisters. From what he's told me, they're not that much younger than him. It's not like he's going home to rock and feed a baby.

And it's times like this when these questions pop into my head that I want to ask him about his parents, but I don't want to push it. He'll tell me when he's ready.

Right?

I wanted to think so. If I didn't mind my own business there was a possibility I could lose my only friend. My best friend.

I'd rather keep my mouth shut than have that happen.

. . .

I took a nibble out of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I was never hungry around the designated lunch time. You'd think it would be the opposite considering I'm always on my feet, but my body tended to get hungry around the time school was over.

Evan was drinking the remainder of the soup in his bowl. School only started a month ago and he already had a cold. Being around these dirty kids really does take it's toll.

''How are you feeling?'' I asked him, setting down the barely eaten sandwich in the tray.

''Fine. I just have a headache.'' He answered, also putting down his empty bowl.

''You sure that's from the cold or from being here?'' I joked, cracking a snicker.

''I don't know, it's all blending together at this point.'' Evan chuckled.

''It's a good thing we have mostly every class together this year.'' I pointed out. ''You know, so you can copy off of my notes.''

''I'm not a freeloader.'' He rejected.

''True. That is one of the many things I appreciate about you.''

Evan's face slightly turned red for a moment. His eyes quickly averted away from mine. He mindlessly focused his attention onto the table, the tint in his cheeks quickly disappearing.

What the hell?

The bell rang to signal us to head to our next class. All of the students started to collect their trash and get up to throw it away. Evan and I mimicked their actions, heading towards the trash cans in the middle of the cafeteria.