WISE FRIEND

THICK AND THIN

(Photo: Rikey)

"I have some explaining to do", these words were more than enough to get all of Chase's attention. Chase standing there with an object in his hand and looking at Jackson with a look, a look that Jackson could not place. This made the whole situation more delicate, for Jackson does not know this look and Chase might not know what his face expression is. Jackson looks straight into Chase's eyes, but Chase glance away. Chase doesn't like it when Jackson looks him straight into his eyes. It feels like Jackson looks right into his soul.

Jackson: Chase...look at me.

Chase: (Turns his face towards Jackson) I..I don't like it when you look me in my eyes.

Jackson: W-Why?

Chase: It feels like you can see right into my soul. It is kinda weird.

Jackson: I need you to understand what I am about to tell you will be the honest truth and nothing else. I am not going to keep anything from you. You might hate me after this, but a few moments of hurt will be better than years of lies and pain.

Chase looks at Jackson with a worried look and through Chase's head all situations possible are scenarios are playing. Chase walks towards the bed Jackson is sitting on and Chase sits right in front of Jackson and looks at him. Chase nods his head for Jackson to continue.

Jackson: So, let me start from the beginning...So you know that I am adopted, but you just found out that Dylan is my brother...

Chase: Yeah...why didn't you tell me from the start...?

Jackson: Well...we weren't really that close at that moment and I felt like not going all personal with you at the beginning stage. If you know what I mean?

Chase: Yeah... I get that.

Jackson: My accident was not an accident...

Chase: What do you mean it was not an accident?

Jackson: One of my old friends, Rikey, apparently got someone to crash into me. By that I guess Rikey hoped that it would have killed me...

Chase: How do you even know this?

Jackson: (Takes a deep breath) Dylan was with Rikey

Chase: (Jumps up) What!?

Jackson: Chase! Please! Just hear me out...

Chase: Your own brother tried to kill you!

Jackson: No! It is not like that, Dylan wanted to hurt me, yes, but not like that. He wanted to turn Sammy against me or something like that. Take something away from me that would pain me, but it was Rikey's doing with the accident idea.

Chase was standing there looking at Jackson with sock, he did not know what to say. How could his own brother even do anything like this and how can Jackson just forgive him like that. Chase did not know what to say, he just wanted to go to Dylan and strangle him, but Chase knew this would just make everything worse and Jackson's parents would want to know what the problem was and by the looks of it, Jackson did not tell his parents and neither did Dylan.

Chase: How can you just forgive him like that?

Jackson: It was hard, yes, but I saw something in his eyes. I don't trust him completely and I told him this.

Chase: I see, but why didn't you go to the cops?

Jackson: I will, but I can not let my brother go down with Rikey!

Chase: I understand, is there something else you want to tell me?

Jackson: Actually yes, we need to keep our friendship a secret for now...

Chase: W-Why...

Jackson: Hey...never think that I am embarrassed of you. This is to protect you.

Chase: What do you mean by that.

Jackson: I survived Rikey's plan and I know for a fact he will be looking for leverage and if he finds out..

Chase: About me he will try something against me to get to you.

Jackson: Exactly! Listen Chase, if you feel like you want nothing to do with me then I get it. I just don't want to see you get hurt.

Chase: You are not getting rid of me that easily Horden!

These words meant the world to Jackson, knowing he has someone that would stand beside him even in a dangerous situation. It is proven that the greatest friends are made not by being there all the time, but being there when you needed them the most. Friendship is not based on how much you talk to the person, it is based on the idea of not talking for years or not seeing each other for years, but still know that you can rely on that person and knowing he would jump into immediate action for you.

After this conversation Dylan and Sam came in with pizza boxes and Dylan suggested that they should try out the PlayStation. All the boys where having fun and Chase started to see why Jackson was trusting Dylan. Dylan was actually a loving person who cared for Jackson. The way he looked at Jackson and the way he spoke to him. Chase decided to accept Dylan as well. Chase was the one who approached Jackson that day in Dunkin' so who would Chase be if he did not trust Jackson now. Chase had something on his mind about Josh, but he decide to put it aside for now. Chase survived this far and he might as well endure a while longer. On the plus side, Chase could actually notice his way of dealing with hate, changed a bit. All these mean things the fans and haters were saying were nothing more than opinions to him by now.

The boys were laughing and just enjoying themselves. Chase looked over to Jackson and thought to himself that even in a weakened state he is strong and even in danger he protects the ones he loves. "Trough thick and thin we will go", Chase whispered to himself.