Just Different

Chapter 40

Brad looked around the crowded lunchroom. Another week, another lonely weekend. The past few weeks were weird. Brad hardly spoke to Mike and Joe. His two friends still spoke to each other everyday as if everything were normal. Nothing was. Everyone thought Brad was gay, Elisa hates Brad, Rob is hanging out with Chester. Not normal.

Brad wanted nothing more for things to go back the way they were weeks ago. Even the oblivious friendship with Rob. Their club house was empty most of the time now, with just Mike hanging out in it.

The bustle of the breakfast line moved along and Brad spotted her. Elisa laughed out loud at whatever Anna said. Brad's heart throbbed and he went up to the line. As he neared, the group of girls saw him approach amd their smiles faltered. Elisa scowled.

"Elisa..."

"Go away Brad," she scoffed. She turned to look at the front of the line, leaving Anna and Talinda to deal with him. Heidi was just on her phone behind them, oblivious to everything.

"You heard her," Talinda said.

"I just wanna talk," Brad pleaded, his hands clasping together. Anna and Talinda stifled their laughter.

"Can't you understand she's done?" Anna retorted. "No one likes liars Bradley."

"Bradford," Brad snapped. "Look I wasn't lying at all! Bennington and Bourdon made up these rumors and-"

"I don't wanna hear it!" Elisa finally spoke  up again. "Whatever excuse you have, whatever extra lie you have, I don't wanna hear it."

"They're not lies," Brad tried again. He sou ded weak and defeated. "Can I just leave you with this? I never asked for any if these rumors. If you wanna be mad at someone, be mad at Bourdon. He wanted to get with me and thought this was the way to go. And Sam, half the rumors here spread because of her."

Anna and Talinda laughed and looked at Heidi, who was also giggling at Brad's comment.

"That's one of Bennington's bitches," Heidi finally spoke up. It was weird to hear her cuss since she spoke so quietly and sweetly.

Anna rolled her eyes at Heidi, "Um, aren't you like bffs with her? You fueled the fire too."

Heidi became quiet then turned back to Brad. "You're lucky Phoenix wasn't involved."

Brad frowned. "I'm still in hot shit kid."

"I'm just saying," Heidi shrugged.

Elisa stayed quiet. Anna and Talinda were still giggling and whispering about Sam and Heidi. Elisa stood there awkwardly biting her lip.

"Please, just think about it," Brad pleaded. He turned around and went back to sit with Mike and Joe. Heidi tried to wave him goodbye awkwardly, but it went unseen to Brad.

" Didn't go so well?" Joe asked Brad. Brad sat down across from his friends and shook his head sadly. Mike sighed.

"Well, if she wants, she'll come around," Mike tried. He didn't know what to say to Brad. His friend looked so defeated, Mike felt bad. He was partially at fault for his friends misfortune.

The usual loud bustle of the cafeteria suddenly hushed down to whispering. The three boys looked around curiously. Brad was the first to see it.

Chester and Rob were walking side by side, closely. Their sides were almost touching. Chester paused and looked around for a table. He then grabbed Rob's wrist and lead him to an empty table.

Everyone's jaws were dropped, all eyes were on the unlikely pair. Joe and Mike exchanged glances and then continued to stare. As Chester sat down, he looked up at the trio. He smirked and waved playfully at them. Rob didn't look up. Instead he turned and began conversing with Chester. The two boys were just talking as if nothing about their situation was off or weird.