Caught In Between

X. The Birthday Party

 It was Friday and I was sitting in physics class going about my daily routine of staring at Asher. He hasn't said much to me since the fight he almost got into with Josh. I also haven't heard from Josh since our 'date' and I'm scared about that. I know I threatened to kill him and all, but that was just an empty threat. I'd never actually be able to kill him no matter how shitty of a person he is. I really want to make things better with Asher. I wish I could tell him the truth about everything. I wish I could tell him that my dad runs the bloodhounds. If he finds out I have all these connections to a gang that is a rival to a gang that he is in, what would he do? He already said I know too much. I don't fucking want to know what would happen if he thinks I'm a traitor.

"Yo, earth to Brooklyn?" Cam waves his hand in front of my face.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"Wipe that drool off your chin, New York." I roll my eyes at that. "Just go talk to him or something."

"I wish I could. I feel guilty talking to him about anything."

"Guilty? For what?"

"For lying to him. I told him a very big lie the other day. I'm hiding a lot from him. If he finds out the truth..." I sigh. "I don't know what would happen if he finds out the truth."

"That big of a lie, huh?" I nod. "Why can't you tell him the truth?"

"It would ruin everything we have."

"And what is it that you two have?"

"I don't know. Nothing? I don't even know if we're friends. I just..."

"You really like him?"

"Yeah. I'm really crushing hard on him."

"I don't fucking know why you'd ever crush on him, but my advice to you would just be to tell the truth." If only he knew that would fuck so much up.

"Yeah. You're right." I give him a small smile. I can't tell him the truth, Cam. I wish I could.

"I'm definitely the one to go to for guy advice. Considering I am a guy, I might be able to help you a bit."

"You sure about that?"

"I'm offended. Need proof?" He winked at me.

"You're gross." I laugh at him. I look back at Asher and he's looking at my interaction with Cam. He looks mad, and I can't help to think he's jealous. I like that he might possibly be jealous. I lock eyes with him and turn back around towards the front of the classroom.

"He definitely likes you." Cam gives me a look.

"I really hope you're right."

*******

I was walking into Spanish class when I saw Asher grab my hand that wasn't carrying books and take me behind the staircase.

"What the hell are you doing?" I ask. The bell also rings at this point. I don't want to be fucking late.

"Let's ditch." I honestly have no objections. I haven't missed a class yet and I've been here over a month.

"Why do you want to ditch with me?"

"I want to hang out with you. I'd like to get to know you better." My heart soars at his words and the intensity of his grey eyes looking straight into mine causes my heartbeat to pick up.

"Alright, let's do it. Where are we going?" I start walking towards my locker to put my shit away and get my bag.

"That'll be a surprise." He smiles at me with a glint in his eye. Remember what happened the last time a guy told you that. Josh fucking happened.