Nowhere Kids

Eric's Day

We arrived at Eric's house just as the party was getting started. It wasn't that busy, just Eric's close friends and family. Brent kept an arm around me as we made our way around the house, greeting everyone as we looked for Eric.

We found Eric hanging out in the kitchen with Kellie and another boy around our age dressed like a zombie.
"Hey guys, this is my cousin Mark" he said as he introduced us. We both shook his hand and said hello. Mark gave me a big smile and wink, and suddenly I felt Brent's grip around me tighten. We talked with Eric for a while and handed him his cookies before walking off to find someone else to talk to.

"What was that about?" I asked Brent as we entered the living room.
"I don't like how he looked at you" he mumbled. I giggled and kissed his cheek. For someone who wouldn't call me his girlfriend, he sure was protective. We found Barry and Zach hanging out on the couch. I wouldn't have even recognized Zach with his mask if he didn't tell us what his costume was earlier.
"What's up guys?" Barry asked as we sat with him. He looked great in his pirate costume. I cuddled into Brent as he joked around with our friends. Parties weren't bad when it wasn't a crowd of drunk teens, we were all just hanging out and having a good time.

Eric, Kellie, and Mark joined us in the living room. Mark kept looking over at me, making me uncomfortable. Now I see why Brent didn't trust him. Brent must have noticed as well as he suddenly pulled him into his lap and put his arms around me.

I stayed snuggled in Brent's arms until Mark got up and left for the kitchen. I had to use the bathroom for a while now, so I used this as my chance. I got off Brent and walked down the hall. I realized I forgot to ask Eric which door it was, so I just took a guess.

After the second try I found the bathroom and used it. After washing my hands, I opened the door to leave. I started making my way back to the living room but I was suddenly pulled into a side room, making me scream. I was pinned against the wall and turned to see who grabbed me. Mark smiled as he kept his hands on my waist, not letting me move.

Mark left kisses on my neck as I kicked and screamed for Brent. He was suddenly pulled off me and I dropped to the ground crying. Brent held Mark by the neck and pinned him to the wall next to me.
"How you like it?" He growled as he slammed Mark into the wall. I was shaking and crying as I watched. Barry suddenly rushed in and held me in his arms.

Barry did his best to calm me as Brent beat up Mark. I've never seen him so aggressive before, and it was just scaring me more.
"Enough!" Eric yelled as he rushed in. He got Brent off of Mark and separated them with Zach's help. Brent looked towards my direction and got mad again as Barry held me close and whispered to me.
"Don't touch her!" He yelled, scaring Barry.
"You two should leave while we talk" Eric said, sounding mad. Barry helped me up and kept an arm around me as we left the room.

Barry brought me outside and sat me on the steps.
"You okay?" He asked gently. I nodded and wiped away my tears.
"I'm sorry Brent yelled at you" I said quietly with my head low.
"I think he was just overwhelmed, I'm sure he didn't mean it" Barry said. He didn't sound too sure, but I wasn't going to argue. Normally I wanted Brent here to comfort me, but after that scene, I really just wanted to be back in bed with Beau.

Eric kicked both Mark and Brent our for ruining his party. Brent shoved Mark past me, making sure he didn't stop walking. Him and Barry stood between me and Mark until he left. Brent then turned towards Barry and shot him a dirty look.
"Let's go J" he said, not taking his eyes off Barry.
"Brent, I have to leave with Barry" I said quietly.
"Suddenly you care more about him?" He asked as he turned towards me.
"I have to see Beau, B. He's my responsibility" I said as tears filled my eyes. I don't know what happened to Brent, but he just didn't seem to understand.
"Whatever" he grumbled before getting in his truck. I cried as I watched him drive off. Eric and Zach appeared just as he did.
"You two should go home, get some rest" Eric said calmly. He seemed tired after dealing with all that.
"Who knew Brent was the jealous type?" Zach asked.
"Let's go Jamie" Barry mumbled sadly. I sighed and apologized to Eric before getting in the car with Barry and leaving.

The car ride with Barry was quiet. Neither one of us had the energy to talk, and I don't think we had anything to say anyway. We got to his house and entered together, Beau greeting us both as we stepped inside.
"How was Eric's get together?" Barry's dad asked.
"Just fine dad" Barry said. I forced and smile and nodded. Beau cried so I took him outside. I needed a moment alone with him anyway.

Beau must have known something was wrong. He usually explored the yard, but tonight he stayed close by my side.
"You think we can recover from this bud?" I asked quietly. He whipped and licked my hand, making me smile slightly. I sat down in the grass and let him curl up in my lap. I knew as much as I cared for Brent, I would never abandon Beau for him.

As the two of us cuddled in the front yard, I heard a vehicle approach. I looked up to see Brent pull up into the driveway. I got up and back away towards the house as he got out of his truck.
"J, please, I've come to apologize" he said with tears in his eyes.
"You better apologize to Barry first" I said.
"I planned on it, I didn't think you'd be out here. Just please hear me out" he said as he walked closer. I stopped moving and watched him until he stood right in front of me. "Please?" He whispered. I took his hands and looked up at his eyes.
"You really scared me" I said weakly.
"I know, I scared myself too. I just hated seeing you get hurt" he said. He pulled me closer and held me in his arms. It actually felt calming again.

I pulled away from Brent so we could go inside and talk with Barry. Beau followed us but went on the couch to lay down.
"Barry, Brent is here" I called out. Barry came out of his kitchen looking upset.
"Now what?" He asked.
"I've come to apologize. I don't know what came over me, but I was a terrible friend" he said. Barry sighed and walked closer to be in front of Brent.
"You were. I think you have every right to be mad at Mark, but you had no right going after me" he said.
"I know, you were only trying to help. And now I'm glad you helped, but in the moment I was so mad and I wanted to be the one to keep Jamie safe" he said as he looked over at me.
"I get it man, just think before you act next time" Barry said. Brent's lucky he's so laid back and forgiving.
"I will man. I'm sorry" he said. He held his arms out and pulled Barry in for a hug. It was nice seeing them get along again.

Barry let Brent hang out for a little bit. We sat around the living room and tried using this time to relax. We all needed it after today.
"You think Eric will be as forgiving?" Barry wondered.
"Nah, but he'll get over it. He knows his cousin started it" Brent said.
"I wonder if Zach's still there" I thought out loud.
"Shit, I was supposed to drive him home" Brent mumbled. We all looked at each other and shrugged. Worst outcome is he ends up sleeping at Eric's  place. Barry offered Brent to stay the night but he refused. He said goodnight to both of us before heading home. I just hope we're all good now.