Chapter 13

13

Baylor

I could tell something was off with him. I saw it in his eyes when I left his place yesterday. And when he didn’t pick up his phone or return my call last night, I knew he was dodging me. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why. I just wish he would talk to me. It’s not like he’s the only one going through this right now. My emotions are all over the place and I’m probably just as confused as he is.

Me : How long are you going to avoid me?

Maybe he’ll respond by text.

Ryeson : I’m not avoiding you. My parents got home and I’m just catching up with them.

Me : I’m sitting outside your place, Ryes, and their car isn’t here.

Ryeson : Are you stalking me now?

Me : You wish. I was driving by and figured I’d stop. But then I decided to send you a text since you seem to be ghosting me right now.

Ryeson : I’m not ghosting you. Just sorting through shit.

Me : Yeah, well, me too. It’s not like I wanted this to happen, Ryes. And it’s not like I know how the fuck to handle it. All I know is that I don’t want to lose my friend. So, how about we hang out and play video games, and I promise I won’t let you make a play for my dick tonight.

Ryeson : You wish, fucker. But deal. You can get your ass inside instead of creeping in the dark.

I shut my car off and head into his house. Tonight, I’m going to prove that nothing’s changed between us. We’re going to hang out like we used to. And even if he tries to start something by giving me a look or making a comment, I’m going to ignore it and keep things above the waist tonight. It’s obvious the storm needs a chance to settle before we can figure out what comes next. I might not be a weatherman, but I know that the hurricane of our emotions is liable to take out our friendship. So, tonight, it’s just going to be us chilling like we used to.