hobbledehoy

Take What's Free

I didn't get a wink of sleep last night. And when I did fall asleep, only nightmares would greet me. So I had no choice but to keep my eyes open the entire night.

I delivered mail at an extremely slow pace, because I had no strength to walk or to push the mail cart. I was late for all my classes, I couldn't focus, half the time I felt like I couldn't breath.

I avoided my friends all day. I didn't want them seeing me like this.

Sitting in my Anthropology class, with Mr. Leonard teaching about the science of human zoology and evolution, I sat in my desk with a clouded look in my eyes.

I drum my fingers on my desk, and tap my Vans on the tile floor.

"Psst," A finger taps my shoulder from behind, "Henry?"

Annoyed with whoever was behind me, and actually everyone around me—simply because I've been in a bad mood all day, I didn't turn around right away.

"Sorry, Hyrum, come on pal. Help a brother out."

"You're not my brother, Wes." I turn around a little, and scowl a bit as well.

"Oh don't be like that!" Wes smiles smugly.

"What do you want?"

"Just a little information."

"About?"

"A girl."

I glare at the young man with a puzzled expression on my face. Wes made me uncomfortable, his blue eyes seemed to be studying me with such an intense glare, I actually thought he was going to snap, and just sock me in the face.

"Wes, you can practically nail any girl you want," I say, obviously annoyed, "Why do you need me?"

"You're right, I can, easy." He smirks, and runs his long fingers through his thinning blonde hair, plus winking at a girl nearby.

"Oi, focus! Why does this involve me?!" The irritation this man was causing was about to make me explode.

"Let's me be very clear. I can take girls, I can have whoever I want..." Wes straightens up, and leaves his last word hanging.

"But?" I edge on.

"But I'll never take another man's girl. That's just wrong," Wes frowns, "Sick, actually."

"Boys, is there something you want to share?" Mr. Leonard croaks.

We both quickly shake our heads, and waited patiently for him to get back to his teaching.

I have to say, that wasn't what I was expecting to hear from Wes, not at all. And actually, it made me hate him less. Only a little bit. I honestly didn't even have a good reason for disliking him.

"So my question is," Wes leans over and speaks in a whisper, "Is there anything going on between you and Merlynn?"

Never mind. I dislike him again.

"Like I said, I'll back off if there is," He quickly adds, "I only take what's free."

"No, no, there's nothing." I say through my teeth.

"Really?"

Of course there is, you idiot! We're going on a freaking fake date! That's got to mean something, right?

Now I just sound desperate.

"We're just friends. I don't even like her." The words just slipped through my mouth without my permission.

"Like that, not in a dating way." I clarify.

Wes's smug smile returns.

"Awesome! Thanks, bud."

Wes reached over to pat my shoulder, but I raised a hand and stopped him.

"I don't like being touched." I say firmly. Not by anyone. No one but my friend.

He raises his hands defensively and backs off, then pops his shirt collar like the super cool guy he thinks he is.

I turn my attention back to the teacher, sinking down ony my seat and chewing on my pencil.

This day couldn't possibly get worst. Not possible.

There was a knot in my stomach. A frog in my throat. Nothing I had said was true, I lied about my feelings, but I was telling the truth about our relationship.

There isn't one.

Just friends.

Feelings suck.