Fine Line

chapter twelve

Interruption

We didn't go far. There was a diner, Sherry's Diner, only a few streets away from the school that had become a regular hangout spot a couple years ago. People had found their own way since then, though. It was the middle of our high school career when everyone was trying to be popular so they all did the same thing, but now they've all given up and can't wait to get away from the rest of their class.

Sherry's Diner was kind of like the club that everyone went to now, only it was for everyone to be complete asses to others whereas the club was for everyone to have fun with the people they had gone with.

"I have a question for you," I told him as we walked through the parking lot.

"Shoot."

"You know Jaden."

"Obviously. Why?"

"Well, it's just, you two are never on good terms. And he and I aren't really on the best of terms right now, but I can't really figure out the reason as to why. But you two never seem to have the friends phase in between like we do, so why do you two hate each other so much?"

"What does it matter?"

"Is there actually a reason for this feud, or does he just like to start arguments when he's friends with someone?"

"I don't think I should be the one to give you the answer," he sighed.

"Why not? You know the reason as well as him, can't you just tell me?"

"It's not that simple. He may not want you to know, and whilst I don't like him, I wouldn't expose his secrets to you because he might not want you to know. You just need to be patient and wait to see if he wants you to know or accept that he won't tell you."

I let out an exasperated sigh. Since when was Leon sticking up for Jaden, telling me that I should wait for him to tell me and not hurting him by telling me himself.

"Hey! It's Valerie!" Connor called over from his table when we walked into the building. He didn't hesitate to stand up and run over to me and pick me up into a hug, spinning me around. I let out a giggle, not really knowing what he was doing or why he was acting like this.

I knew one thing, though: I wasn't expecting that at all. He seemed to like me a lot more than Jaden did at this moment in time. Maybe he knew the reason, after all, they are like brothers.

"Hi, Connor," I laughed. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"Neither did I. I'm glad you are here though. I feel like it's been years since I last saw you."

"I don't think it's been that long," I told him as he put me down. "I hear you are having a party tomorrow night."

"That I am," he replied, and then leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Although I was kind of forced into it."

I had no idea what I was meant to say to that. Why would he be forced into throwing a party? Connor seemed to notice the question on my face as he shook his head and said, "You'll find out why. After all, you won't be there for certain reasons."

"Yes, apparently I have plans."

"You do."

"Do you know what they are?"

"I do. But I can't tell you. It has to be a surprise."

"Who are you here with?" I asked, changing the subject.

"A few friends, they're not very exciting," he whispered. "Who are you here with?"

I nodded my head towards where Leon was standing behind me, watching the exchange between Connor and I with a small smile that looked as though it was forced. Connor's reaction to him was not what I was expecting. He didn't look too pleased about seeing him standing there, but when he looked back at me, the distaste was gone.