Future Favorite Regret (Jalex)

15: Trap the Feelings; We Both Know

Title: Glitter Times by Waterparks

"Where's Jack?" Tay asks once she gets to us. I had walked to his door, but it was like he'd already left. I shrug. 

"Maybe it slipped his mind? It's only been a few days of him tagging along," Rian suggests. "Don't worry about it, Alex. I'm sure he's at school."

"Yeah... There's no way he got kidnapped or is dead or-"

"Alex," Tay says softly. 

"I know, I know. It's ridiculous," I sigh. "Let's just go," I mumble. I glance back at his house, hoping he'd walk out.

But he doesn't. 

We get to the school where I see Kellin, Vic, Justin, and Awsten. Lisa is walking from the other side of the court. 

"G'morning," Awsten says. "Is it just me, or are your dreams being super horrible?" He asks. "Kellin, Vic, and Justin say they're fine, but it was real bad."

"Mine was kind of shitty," I offer. "But why was yours bad?"

"I dreamed that I had to choose between you guys and my old friends. We've literally been friends for like two days, but- I dunno. Maybe 'cause we got in a fight. Feels so connecting."

Tay shudders. "Once in a dream, I had to choose between Alex and Rian. I love my boys so much, I can't fucking choose."

"It's like choosing between two children that you birthed," Awsten nods. 

"So, which group did you choose?" Justin asks. Awsten shrugs. 

"I woke up before I had to."

I look around. No sign of Jack. I feel my phone buzz. I pull it out and sigh. "Jack's sick," I say aloud.

"Aw. I wanted to show him my unnecessary amount forks," Justin says. He reaches into his bag and pulls out a handful of forks. Then he reaches in again and pulls out another handful. 

Alex: Are you okay? You seemed fine

Jack: Eh, I'll probably get over it in a bit. I guess it was never huge anyways. I just can't go to school right now. Feel dizzy and like I might throw up. 

Alex: Ouch, okay. I'll see you after school

Jack: Lex, you might get sick too

Alex: No I won't

Jack: That's not how sickness works

Alex: Well then I get sick. No one's there to help you, Jacky, and you can't exactly keep me out. Now go rest. I'll see ya soon

"We should go to class," Kellin says. "The bell rings in like two minutes," he says and grabs Justin by the arm, dragging him in. 

I glance at Vic. He just knits his eyebrows together. "He seemed determined to leave," he mutters. 

~~~

Trace shoots me a glare when I walk into science. I sit down and take a breath. It's going to be fine. 

"Hey, Gayscarf," Trace says. He walks over to the table. Mrs. Wick eyes us but doesn't do anything. "I noticed your little soldier man isn't here."

"What are you even talking about?" I snap. He smiles.

"Barakat," he says. "What, did he get sick of you? I know I would. Maybe he's found a nice girl, someone who won't drag him down," his eyes scan me.