Nowhere Kids

Built up Stress

Beau woke me up early and I had a moment of panic. I was so used to my room, I forgot I wasn't home.
"Alright buddy" I said. I got out of bed and made my way out to the backyard to let Beau out.
"Morning" I turned around to see Barry standing by the door.
"Hey Barry" I said. "Will Beau be okay here while we're at school?"
"Oh yeah. My dad's even buying dog food today" he said.
"Please tell him I'll pay him back" I said, feeling guilty.
"Hey, Beau has to eat, so don't worry about it" he said. "Ready to go?"
I realized I had no clothes to change into, so I hope I wasn't too dirty.
"I guess so" I mumbled. We brought Beau inside before I followed Barry out to his car.

I couldn't wait to see Brent. Sure, I felt safe with Barry, but Brent gave me comfort the others couldn't.
"So Eric's birthday is coming up" Barry said, pulling me away from my thoughts.
"Oh yeah? Have something planned?" I asked.
"He wants a Halloween party" he said, making me shudder. I hated horror, so halloween was my least favorite holiday.
"That's cool" I said.
"Just giving you a heads up so you can plan a costume" he said while looking over at me.
"What will you be?" I asked, curious over if he already thought about it.
"A pirate, duh" he said with a chuckle. I smiled and tried to picture it. He would be a good pirate.

We arrived at school and met up with Eric and Zach at our usual spot.
"How was your night?" Eric asked me.
"Alright. I think I slept better with Beau by my side" I said.
"Wait what's happening? Since when does Jamie arrive with Barry?" Zach asked.
"Jamie got kicked out of her house so she staying at my place for now" Barry explained.
"Oh... you going to be okay?" Zach asked me. I nodded as he put an arm around my shoulder. I don't like that they're all worried about me, but I'm glad they care.

Zach quickly dropped his arm and stepped away from me as Brent approached. He just gave Zach a confused look before pulling me into his arms and holding me tightly.
"Since when are you this clingy?" I asked as he didn't loosen his grip.
"Just making sure your safe" he mumbled before kissing my forehead. It was embarrassing with the others watching.
"I'm okay B, I promise. Let me go now" I mumbled into his chest as he pulled me closer. He sighed before releasing me.
"Sorry" he said softly. I grabbed his hand to let me know everything was fine before turning back towards the others.

We talked about Eric's party until the bell rang. Brent was hesitate to let go of my hand.
"B, I have to go to class. I'll see you soon" I said. He nodded and let go, letting me leave with Eric.
"I've never seen him act like that before" Eric said as we walked down the hall.
"I hope he's okay" I said.
"I'm sure he's fine, he's just worried about you" Eric said with a sigh. We entered our classroom and sat at our desks.
"He shouldn't be, I'll be just fine" I said, unsure of myself.

During class I listened to Eric talk about his upcoming party. I didn't mind, it helped take my mind off things.
"Kellie and I are doing a couple's costume. I'm going to be Han Solo and and she's going to be Leia" he said with an excited tone.
"That's awesome Eric, it sounds like it's going to be exciting" I said.
"You better be there, maybe you and Brent can do a couple's costume" he said with a a wink.
"We aren't a couple" I mumbled as I blushed.
"You're close enough" he said with a chuckle. I just rolled my eyes and listened to him go on with the planning. Maybe he had a point, but I didn't consider Brent my boyfriend until he'd say otherwise.

Speaking of Brent, I was excited to see him again once the bell rang. After last night, I really needed to spend some time with him. I said goodbye to Eric and headed down the hall to our next class. Brent was already waiting at his desk. He smiled as I walked over to him.
"Hey J" he said as I took my seat.
"Hey Brent" I said with a smile. Courtney made a disgusted sound as she sat at her desk. I gave her a dirty look before looking back at Brent.
"So, are you dressing up for.." Brent started.
"Halloween? I'm not sure yet" I said. I cut him off as Eric didn't want Courtney hearing about his party.
"Right. Same here, but the boys want me to dress up" he said. I looked him up and down and grinned.
"You'd make a cute Dracula" I said. Brent chuckled and looked at me.
"And what about you? I'm not dressing up alone" he said. I smiled and shrugged.
"Come up with something" I giggled.
"I'll dress up with you Brently" Courtney chimed in. Brent shot her a dirty look before looking back at me.
"Alright, I'll let you know what I come up with" he said.