The Jock and the Bad Boy (COMPLETE)

SEVENTEEN

The conversation with Thayer gets me into a weird mood for the rest of the night. Apparently Sara notices, because she pulls me aside after dinner. "Have you talked to him yet?" I nod. "And?"

"He said it was a mistake," I sigh, "said he's been into boys like me before and it didn't end well."

"What did he mean by that?" Sara asks, "does he have a history with someone on the soccer team?"

I shrug. "I don't know. I know Carter fucking hates him, but I assumed that was because he's..."

"He's what, Eliott?" She says, crossing her arms.

"He's, like, weird. He hates all of the soccer players, and none of his friends are dudes," I answer.

"Does Carter know Thayer is gay?" Sara asks next.

I shrug. "If he did, and he had an issue with it, there's no way in hell he wouldn't've said something to me. He wouldn't've been able to help himself."

Sara nods. "I think you should find out."

"How?" I say.

"Ask, dingus," she scoffs. "Jackson, though. Not Carter."

I nod. Obviously I'm not going to be asking Carter shit.

~

I get my opportunity on Saturday. There's a party blasting music two or three houses away. My parents are out and I'm home watching a movie with Sara in the basement when I get a text from Jackson. And by a text, I mean several texts.

j: hey

j: heyy

j: comw 2 the party

j: pls

e: are you there alone?

j: C is hwrebut hes drunk nd mean

e: are either of you in trouble?

j: no im jsut lonely

j: i dont kno any1 here

e: omw

e: address?

If course, it's the party just down the block. I calmly pause the movie and turn to Sara. "Jackson's hammered at that party, I'm gonna go make sure he's okay."

"That's fine," she replies, "I'm not driving anyone anywhere, though. And don't come home drunk." I nod and leave.

I don't change because I'm already in a t shirt and jeans, but on my way to the party I realize that that's all I've been wearing for weeks. I used to not care.

There are people on the front lawn, one of whom yells my name as I approach the front door. I turn but don't see anyone I recognize. Inside, people are dancing. There's a big open circle with someone who might be Carter absolutely losing his mind. I walk past the mob and out the door into the backyard.

There's a pool and most of the people swimming in it are wearing their clothes. A couple are just making out in the water. I briefly scan the faces before moving on.

"Eliott!" Someone calls. I turn around to see Jackson. He's sitting with his jeans rolled up to his knees and his feet in the pool. His shoes and socks are neatly arranged next to him and his horrendous purple hawaiian shirt is unbuttoned down to just a little further than it should be. As I walk over to him, I make another, more startling observation: he's been crying.

-

so thayer's not the only one with angst...

thanks for reading!