Trust in Love

11. Max Peyton

Jae decided to head for school. He and Logan rode in separate cars. Driving a car brought independence to a man. As soon as they reached 13 years old, they told their parents that they refuse to share a car to school when they turn 16.

Their father didn't give in easily. He told them if they were good boys, he might consider it. Days away from their sixteenth birthday, he had them running around doing chores. It was the funniest sight he'd seen.

Right next to the faces they made when they saw one car out front.

Oh, he got them good.

It wasn't until later did they find out the car belonged to their father and theirs was in the garage—the exact models they asked for.

Jae rolled through the gates towards his favorite parking spot near the front entrance. A car already lined up next to it with the owner leaning against its trunk. His purple eyes followed Jae's convertible as it parked next to him.

Arms wide, he greeted Jae as he stepped out, "My brother from another mother, you're here!"

Jae sighed and slung his backpack over his right shoulder, "Max, why are you so early?"

Max raised his eyebrows and placed a hand over his heart. His voice rose higher, "Can't people change?"

Jae walked closer, staring at Max who had his usual sloppy black hairstyle and his usual dark circles under his eyes which popped out against his vampire pale skin, "You? Change? No such thing."

His best friend's eyes grew wide and accusing. He pointed a finger at him, "I take offense in that."

"Good" Jae paid him no mind and brushed past him.

"Why you—"

Max grabbed Jae's neck into a headlock. Jae grunted, grabbing Max' arm. He tried to pull it off but he was laughing too much that his arms became weak.

At this time, Logan's car stopped on the other side of the front stairs. When he came out, he briefly passed over the two and walked up to the entrance.

Max noticed Logan's side profile and whistled, "You know, you have good looks, Jae, but your twin? Damn! I think I might go gay for him one day."

"Too much information, Max" Jae huffed, finally escaping his best friend's arms. He coughed a few times and walked away... but not without smacking Max on the back of the head.

"Hey!" Max exclaimed from behind him. He jogged to catch up, "I'm serious, bro. You're my best bud. Out of everyone, you should be the first to know. I'd want your blessing."

Jae ignored him. Max always had a way with words. It was a skill he developed early on—even he, who had known him since they were kids, couldn't tell whether they were true or not.

Together, they entered the building.

As the duo walked the halls, numerous people greeted them. Most of them nodded their heads while a few close acquaintances came over for handshakes and shoulder bumps.

"Hey, man!" Max said, bumping shoulders with a basketball jock, "See ya at practice later."

They passed by a few cheerleaders and Max winked at them, "Well, hello, ladies. Looking so fine this beautiful morning. Remember to stay fit and healthy! Gotta keep those cardio and stretches going. If you don't mind, maybe you can invite—"

Jae just shook his head as Max blabbered on. As he was about to grab the back of his best friend's collar, he spotted Logan propped against a locker and the chatter around him faded.

Logan had his head down, looking at his phone. Jae's brows scrunched together. Logan's locker was on the other side of the building. What could he be doing there? Jae tried to remember who owned the locker Logan leaned on. He felt like he should know who...

"I can give you guys a little help if you need a spotter. I definitely would make sure you are safe, ladies—"

Unable to let it go, he nudged Max' side with his elbow, "Dude, stop talking."

Max blinked a few times, scanning their surroundings, "What? What is it? Are the cops here?"

Jae gave him a deadpan look. That was Max' clue that it was something serious, "What is it?"

"Do you know whose locker that is?" he asked, pointing his chin towards Logan's direction.

Max forgot about the cheerleaders and also stared at Logan. He crossed his arms and thought. When he didn't say anything, Jae looked at him. He actually had hopes that Max had an answer.

"It's not a girl's locker that I can tell you."

"How'd you know that?"

"If it was a girl's, I'd know, duh"

Jae smacked the back of his head. His best friend was helpless. Instead of lingering, he started to walk away. He'd rather not get caught stalking his own sibling in their own father's school.

"Hey, hey, hey! Jae! The owner's here!"

Jae looked back but only saw Logan there. What the—

Before he could say anything, Max grabbed his sleeve.

"Look!" he pointed out to him.

Alex Carter stood a few lockers away from Logan. He had a glare in his eyes. Slowly, he stomped his way towards Logan and pressed a hand against the locker next to him..

"Parker."

Max gulped at his voice. Yikes. That kid was intense. Max could almost imagine a black fog with electric currents surrounding Alex. It didn't matter if the dude was too skinny for a growing teenager, he believed Alex could whip his butt if he really wanted to.

Logan looked up and grinned, "Alex! I've been waiting for you!"

Max choked. Since when were they so chummy? He looked over at Jae but his best friend was nowhere to be seen.