Can't Be Unseen

Chapter 1

It wasn't exactly a secret that you were a huge flirt; everyone in your friend group got a taste of it, no matter their gender or sexuality. Larry gets a new shirt? Double pistols and a wink. Todd comes to school wearing contacts? Compliment him on his eye color as he rolls his eyes and reminds you that he's gay. Ash tries out some new makeup look? She's once again made a masterpiece of her flawless canvas of a face.

Flirting was almost second nature to you, but there was one boy whom you liked flirting with the most; your friend Sal "Sally Face" Fisher. You could hardly help yourself around him. Something about his cute short stature, blue pigtails, kind attitude, and sweet guitar skills had you swooning. He was almost like a porcelain doll, though his prosthetic was actually made out of a more sturdy plastic.

Still though, you never missed a chance to compliment him or flirt with him or even just talk with him. You had known him for 2 years and in that time he'd become someone who you'd felt totally comfortable and happy with. Developing a crush on the boy wasn't exactly in your plans, but it happened anyway. Despite his obvious feelings for Ashley, you were content just spending time with him. Besides, covering up your crush with the endless flirting made it much more easy.

It was early September when you two were walking home together with Larry. The crisp fall air wasn't too cold yet, but comfortable enough for flannel and t-shirt combinations.

"So Ashley's seeing someone from another school now, huh?" Larry said, looking over at Sal.

"Yeah, she seems really nice." Sal said, "I hope we get to meet her sometime."

"Aren't you bummed though?" Larry replied. "I mean, I know you liked her and all."

"That was last year." Sal shrugged. "I still think she's pretty, but I don't think I've liked her like that for a while now. I'm happy that we're friends, that's all."

You couldn't help but look up from your phone that you'd been distracted by to listen in on their conversation. Sal didn't like Ash anymore? Why was this news to you?

"You're a mature dude, Sally Face." Larry nodded as all three of you wandered down into the basement of Addison Apartments.

It had become a habit by this point- come home from school, go to the basement to do homework, listen to music and hang out, then go home. You all had tried to do homework while listening to music, but it turned out to be more of a distraction than a help. Larry would end up on a tangent about the song, Sal would be listening while his hands would start faking an air guitar, and you just couldn't handle that much noise when trying to study.

As you all settled into Larry's room, a small beeping sound emitted from Sal's bag. His phone's alarm went off, reminding him to take some of his many medications.

"Be right back!" he said, scurrying into the bathroom. You and Larry both had assumed a while ago that some of the medicine involved taking off his face. Though you had both seen it- well you had captured a split second glance on accident once- it was agreed upon that you give him privacy when it came to his face.

You looked over at Larry who was digging through his bag, pulling out loose pieces of paper, trying to figure out which ones he needed to start his homework.

"Dude, just get a binder. Or a folder!" you said, watching him. "Hell, I'll give you one of mine. Your school organization is seriously stressing me out."

"It's fine, it's fine." Larry replied, as you heard a paper rip. "Woops."

"Was that the math worksheet?"

"I think so?" he handed over the paper to you.

"Larry, this was last week's homework! We even did this one together!"