So here is a really really short chapter, cause it's been 2 weeks and I couldn't manage to write this and the next chapter together in a nice way so let's split them up.
My school starts on monday so I hope I get to write more but it's college and all so we'll see.
Anyway deal with Race being a mess. thanks xoxo
Race expected to wake up on Saturday to a million texts from Albert, explaining every detail about his date with Elmer. But instead he only had a text from Romeo who simply send a string of rose emoji’s.
romeo, im not specs remember? He send back, dropping his phone on his bed to take a shower.
During the day Albert didn’t text him either. His phone quiet except for the normal spam from Romeo, which involved lots of gifs and emoji’s that did not make a lot of sense. After dinner Race decided to text Albert, ask him if everything was okay. Within seconds the boy send him a facetime invite. Race pushed his books of his bed to sit down, answering the call.
“How was it?” He asked the second his friend’s face showed up.
“Took you longer than Romeo, he spammed my texts even before I woke up,” Albert smiled, his red hair tucked underneath his cap.
“I wanted to give you some time. I expected you to spam my text this morning.” Race rushed his fingers through his hair shortly, looking at his friend who was nervously playing with a loose earbud between his fingers.
“It was so..” the boy fell silent, trying to find the words. His forehead slightly crinkled.
“What? Amazing? Dreamy? Terrible?? It went good right?” Race rambled, too impatient.
“No, those are not the right words,” Albert could barely contain his laugh as he watched Race getting more and more impatient, his movements almost nervous.
“Come on, Al! you’re just fucking with me now!” He called out, frustrated. His friend started laughing, almost falling backwards on his bed. “Albert!”
“It was great, it was absolutely amazing,” Albert told when he managed to pull himself together again. “He was so adorable and gosh,” The boy started to dream off with a soft sigh
“Did you kiss?” Race interrupted Albert’s daydream, almost knocking over his phone as he waved his hands to get Albert’s attention.
“We might,” He only said, the smirk on his face betraying the real story.
“Oh my god! How was it? Is he a good kisser? How romantic was it?”
“Oh hear that? My mom is calling-“
“No one is calling, Albert. Don’t you dare hang up on me.”
“She is really calling, something with the computer. See you at school!” Directly after that the connection had ended. Race sighed annoyed, letting himself fall backwards on the bed. There he spend the next five minutes sending Albert dozens of texts calling him a traitor and hater. Which all were replied with simple laughing smileys.
Race threw his bag on the floor before he sat down next to Spot. The library was empty during lunch break, except for them two. Spot was already working on his iPad.
“Okay, I’m glad Specs and Romeo are finally a thing, but they already make me sick.” Race complained as he leaned back, watching the iPad over Spot’s shoulder.
“I had to drag Specs off Romeo, so we weren’t late for maths this morning,” Spot said as he edited the layout of their word document. “Okay, we only have to do the last checks and it’s ready to hand in.” with those words he handed Race the iPad.
“It looks good, I didn’t know you were good with layouts.” Race said as he scrolled through their project. It had the be the longest project he ever worked on, pages filled with text and most of it wasn’t bullshit. He couldn’t deny he was sort of proud of it. “If he doesn’t give us a good grade I will throw a desk at his face.”
“I would like to see you try.”
“Go fuck yourself, Conlon.”
“Rather have you fuck me.”
Race almost dropped the iPad, causing the other boy to start laughing. Race started muttering something about truly deeply hating the boy, handing back the iPad. The other boy was still chuckling as he took the iPad, placing it on the table.
“I’ll send you the file, so you can do a final check before I hand it in. Pulitzer is expecting it on Wednesday,” Spot said, turning in his chair to face Race, who nodded.
“You want to come over and study on Wednesday?” Race then said, his fingers drumming on his thigh.
“We already handed in the project by then,” Spot said, frowning as he was confused.
“Yeah, I know.”
“Oh, sure.” Spot shrugged. He watched how Race moved, the boy looked almost nervously like he was afraid Spot would decline. “I would like to,” he assured the boy, grabbing his hand, which was still drumming, softly in a way to make the boy less nervous. Race looked up, meeting Spot’s gaze.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know how to do this thing,” Race explained, resisting the extreme urge to pull his hand back, even though he liked the feeling when Spot touched him.
“It’s okay. Just tell me what you want, and we’ll be fine.” Spot reassured him. The loud bell announcing the end of the break made Race jump up, pulling his hand out of Spot’s grip. “I’ve got maths,” he explained as he picked up his back. “Weasel kills me when I’m late.”
“Yeah, I’m just goin’ to suffer in computer science.” Spot shrugged, shoving his iPad in his backpack. Race nodded, waiting shortly for the boy to finish packing and leaving the library together. Where Race went right, Spot took a left turn. Race hurried down the hall, as his math’s classroom was on the other side of the building. When he arrived, he dropped on the chair next to Romeo.
“You were snogging Conlon again?” Romeo asked, a playful tone in his question. The boy did not look up from his phone which he hid under his desk. His screen was showing his texts to Romeo. Race was about to throw up.
“I don’t snog Conlon.” He hissed, taking out his books right before Weasel entered, immediately starting class.
“You’ve never spent this much time on a project.”
“It’s because if we fail, we might not pass History and I can’t be stuck at high school for another year,”
“Okay, quit the bullshit Race.” Romeo hissed, making sure Weasel would not tell them off for talking. “Something is bothering you and I’m pretty sure it has to do with Conlon. You’ve been.. off since you started working with him, more specifically since Jack’s party. What is wrong?”
“Oh, piss off,” Race mumbled. “It’s nothing. I’m just happy when school is over.”
“You are a dirty liar, Anthony.”
“I learned from the best.”
“I wouldn’t call Jack the best,” Romeo smirked, leaning back in his chair so he could glance down on his phone again.
“Mister Higgins and Mister Russo, if I hear any of you two again, you’re both up for a week of detention,” Weasel warned them. Both muttered an apologize before shutting up.
“Specs said Spot is quite okay,” Romeo muttered after a few minutes.
Race was already seated in the bus on Monday morning when Albert arrived. As always, the boy sat down on the seat behind Race, who immediately turned around, almost knocking his bag of the seat next to him. He watched how Albert readjusted his cap, rubbing his eyes before he greeted Race.
“So how was the kiss? Was it dreamy? Romantic?”
“Oh my god Race,” Albert sighed.
“You can’t hang up on me now, Alberto. Tell me everything. Every detail.”
“I can’t hang up but I can do this,” Albert pulled his earbuds out of his bag, plugging them in his phone.
“Don’t you dare,” Race spat out, grabbing the earbuds out of his hand, gripping them hard.
“Oh for fuck’s sake Race,”
“Spill all the tea.”
Albert moved in his seat. “Okay, we kissed.”
“Yeah, no shit sherlock. I want details. All the dirty ones.” Race let go of the earbuds, leaning over the headrest of his seat, his chin resting on his arms.
“It was great. It was amazing. He is so cute.” Albert’s face slowly turned a soft shade of red.
“Okay tell me, how was the dinner? What did you talk about? Come on Albert.”
“Okay, we ordered food. And he went all: we can share a drink with two straws if you want. And then his eyes, and ohmygod.” As he talked Albert’s face turned a darker shade of red, nearly matching with his hair.
“You are so in love, Albert. Gosh this is the cutest.” Race sighed, it earned him a hit on the side of his head from Albert. “So, are you two a thing now? The newest couple on our school ground?”
“Sort of, we haven’t given it like that official thing yet. But yeah I guess.”
“Oh I can’t wait to tell Elmer every embarrassing story about you,”
“Don’t you fucking dare-“
“Who of you two fuckers gave Specs my address?!” Both boys looked up to Romeo who had entered the bus.
“I told you, I did,” Jack sighed who sat down in front of Race.
“Oh you are a dirty liar Kelly. You would never break my trust like that. You don’t even know where I live!”
“I’ve been to your house before, Romeo. I know where you live.”
“We didn’t tell Specs anything, why? What happened?” Race pushed his bag to the floor so Romeo could sit down, just in time before the bus started driving again.
“So, you all know I’ve been ignoring Specs since the party. Like I hid in the fucking janitor’s closet before I could head home on Friday-“
“You are such a pussy,” Albert muttered, ignoring the dirty look Romeo shot him.
“So that bitch showed up to my house on Saturday night, holding a fucking bouquet of roses. You all know how I love roses, because I’m a slut for romance-“
“Oh we would’ve never guessed you liked romance.” Race mumbled.
“I will kill both of you if you interrupted once more.” Romeo glanced to both the boys before continuing. “So, the cute asshole starts talking about how he was so sorry about what happened on the party and he had drunk too much and blablabla. He told me he would beg me on his knees to forgive him if he had to-“
“So, what did you do?”
“We made out.”
“Oh my god,” Albert sighed, falling back in his chair.
“He didn’t say he would beg on his knees, did he?” Race asked, leaning with his back against the window.
“No, but the roses are true.”
“And the kissing?”
“Of course, Albert. We made out for like 20 minutes until he had to get back home. My cousin, who was over for the weekend, made a picture for blackmail purposes.”
“I’m not sure if I want to see that picture.”
“It’s adorable, fuck you Race,” Romeo hit his arm. “So, who of you two gave my address.”
“We didn’t give it.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Romeo. I said I did it. Specs was practically begging me.” Jack sighed, half leaning over the head rest.
“Why would you hurt me like that?”
“You made out! How did I hurt you in anyway?”
“My trust is hurt.”
“I fucking hate you all.” Jack muttered, looking up when Davey entered the bus. The two kissed each other shortly, making the three other boys moan and whine, before Davey sat down next to Jack.
“So, Race. When are you goin’ date someone.”
“Oh. Fuck off Romeo.”
“I can be your wingman, now I don’t need to waste my time on other foolish boys. We should go to a bar.”
“We’re not allowed in a bar.”
“They sometimes have those under 21 parties where they only have soft drinks.”
After hours, well past midnight, most people started leaving. The small group of friends found their way back to each other and sat on the living room floor. Katherine was laying with her head on Sarah’s lap, who was braiding the brunette’s hair. Specs had left, to Romeo’s relief, but Blink and Spot had stayed, Blink sitting on the couch with Mush crawled on his lap, almost asleep. Spot said in a small circle with Romeo and Race, playing cards, Crutchie was sitting with them. They had moved the table so there was more room in front of the couch and chairs. Davey was seated at one of the chairs, Jack sitting on the arm rest, both had switched from red cups to fancier glasses.
“Anyone want something from the kitchen?” Race asked, as he played his deck of cards down, getting up from the floor.
“Can I get a refill,” Romeo held his cup up, pouting when Race shaked his head.
“You had enough,” Race was normally not the responsible one but he did not want Romeo to end up in a hospital. As the rest, except for Jack, only shook their heads, he walked towards the kitchen.
The boy stopped in his track, taking in the situation that was happing in the kitchen. Elmer was seated on the counter, his legs wrapped around Albert’s waist. Albert, who had excused himself to go to the bathroom over an hour ago, had his arm around Elmer’s waist. Their lips were pressed against each other, as Elmer’s fingers were entangled with Albert’s red hair.
Race did not want to interrupt them, but he was rather thirsty. As the two boys were so focused on each other, Race managed to grab the six-pack of beer on the counter closest to the door, slipping back to the living room before either of them noticed.
Back in the living room he sat down, placing the six-pack on the ground and picked up his cards. His lips were curled in a small smirk.
“Okay, speak up Racer. What’s with that smirk?” Jack asked, motioning him to throw him a beer.
“Nothing, I’m just thinking how I’m goin’ beat all their asses in this round,” he said, taking a can out of the pack and tossing it to Jack. They played one more game of cards before they gave up on that as well. Half way Albert and Elmer came back. Elmer wished everyone a great night before he headed home, declining everyone’s offer to walk him home.
“We should spice things up,” Romeo suggested, dropping himself on his back so he was laying down.
“You are drunk, but okay. What are you suggesting?” Race shoved the cards back into the package.
“I’m not drunk. Not drunker than you.”
“Drunker is not a word,” Davey corrected him, there was no doubt he was the soberest of everyone.
“Stop being a party pooper,” Romeo groaned, before he pushed himself up on his elbows. “Race, truth or dare.”
“Oh my god, we are not in fucking middle school,” Albert sighed, sitting down next to Race.
Race sighed, turning a bit to rest his head on Albert’s shoulder. “Dare.”
“You already drank from the toilet before, right? I need to be original.”
Race could see how Blink, Spot and Sarah’s eyes moved to him, none of them knew that story. “Please think of something quick,”
Around half an hour later, everyone had, had several turns in the game. Jack had to down two glasses of scotch, which he hated, Albert had to eat nacho’s while standing on his hands. Sarah and Katherine had made out, which both seemed rather happy with, while the boys were not too happy with the dare that had come from Katherine.
“David, truth or dare?” Spot asked, playing with a small lighter he had pulled from his pocket.
“Truth,”
“Okay, no. You’ve been picking truth all night. You’re not getting away with it so easily,” Spot smirked, sitting up a bit straighter. Race, who was sprawled over Albert’s lap, moved up, leaning on his elbows.
“If he wants truth, let him pick truth. We can’t all be daredevils like you, Conlon,” he snapped. Spot only raised his finger, motioning him to be silent.
“For your dare,” he emphasized the dare. “Make out with Jack. So, you guys can finally hurry that thing up instead of being both so oblivious. Cause just this one night is already making me sick.”
Davey’s gaze moved from Spot to Jack, who gave Spot one deathly look, before he moved towards Davey, pressing their lips together.
Race’s jaw dropped. Everyone had been convinced Jack and Davey were into each other from day one, but neither of the boys ever acted upon it. Jack’s fingers entangled with Davey’s hair, as they kissed each other.
“I’m goin’ be sick,” Sarah muttered, as Romeo quickly got up from the floor, running towards the bathroom. Race had lost count after Romeo’s tenth drink so it was inevitable for him to throw up tonight.
It felt like hours had passed by the time Jack and Davey’s lips parted. The look in the eyes from both boys was so soft, but quickly changed.
“Spot,” Davey called out. “Truth or dare?”
“Dare, I’m not a pussy,” the boy shrugged, shoving his lighter back into his pocket.
“I dare you to make out with Race.”
“Pardon me?” Race called out. “I’m not goin’ make out with that –“ his protest got cut off when Spot roughly pressed their lips together, his hand gripping on Race’s blonde curls.
“Oh, fucking hell,” Race could hear Albert sigh, as he was still basically on Albert’s lap.
Spot’s lips were like Race expected. His kissing was rough, but his lips felt so soft. His free hand found his way to Race’s hip, just resting there. Race must be drunk, like really drunk, that was what he convinced himself when he kissed back. It felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest, like his skin was on fire. It was just him and Spot.
Then, Spot pulled back, his lips and hands disappearing. “See, not that hard, nothing to complain about,” the boy grinned.
“Oh, go choke, Conlon,” Race snapped at him.
“I rather choke you,” Spot called out as he moved back to his seat, crossing his legs. The entire room was quiet as they watched the two boys.
The silence got broken when Romeo entered the room again, leaning on the doorpost. His hair was a mess and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. “What did I miss?”
On Wednesday, Race and Romeo had their final class together. The nightmare of every teacher.
When they exited the classroom, Romeo wrapped his arm around Race’s shoulder.
“I can’t believe you have a study date with Spot Conlon,” he sighed.
“It’s not a date.” Race shrugged, pushing Romeo’s arm away.
“Kind of sounds like a date. At least one of us is getting a romantic love story.”
“It’s not a date. He’s still a dick. Talking about romance, have you spoken to Specs yet?” Race opened his locker when they arrived, placing most of his books on the small shelf.
“No.” Romeo leaned against the other lockers, his arms crossed.
“He’s looking for you, he asked us where you were, when you skipped drama class yesterday.”
“Yeah, well that happens when you avoid someone.” Race closed his locker, shoving his backpack on his back.
“I just don’t feel like talking with him, you know. It was stupid to assume anything when I invited him to the party.”
“Okay, this is not my Romeo,” Race turned towards his friend, placing his hands on Romeo’s shoulder. “Pick yourself up, take a deep breath and go get that boy. Be straight forward and then kiss him until his glasses fall off.”
“I don’t know” Romeo’s eyes avoided Race’s.
“You’re named Romeo for fuck’s sake. If I can survive making out with Conlon, you can do this.”
“You made out with Conlon?” Romeo’s eyes shot up to look at Race.
“It was a stupid dare, you were busy throwing up.”
“Oh my god, this chances everything. Was it good? Did you feel butterflies? You’re really having a study-date. How did you not tell me this earlier!” Romeo brushed Race’s hands away. Race could basically see the energy running through his body.
“I shouldn’t have told you,” he sighed.
“Higgins!” Someone called out. Both boys turned towards Spot who was crossing the hall. “You ready?” he asked. Romeo nudged Race’s shoulder, a boyish smirk on his lips.
“Yeah,” Race mumbled, following Spot.
“Well, have fun you two!” Romeo called after them.
“So, my mom is at work ‘till late. But we got pizza’s in the freezer and a cupboard full of snacks,” Race said as he unlocked the front door. He walked towards the kitchen. “You want something to drink?”
“A water is fine,” Spot followed him, his eyes wandering through the house. “You have no siblings, right? Quite a big house.”
“Yeah, my mom and father bought it when they were still planning on having more kids. But my father was sort of surprised by the amount of work a kid takes, so they decided to just have me. Loan was already paid off by the time my father left, so my mom never saw a reason to move.” Race handed Spot a bottle of water and grabbed a bag of chips. “Living room has best Wi-Fi.” He said, nodding his head towards the living room.
Spot nodded, following Race, who sat down on the white couch. Spot sat down on the love seat facing the couch, setting the bottle and his bag down.
They managed two hours of work, without bickering, before Spot sat his iPad down. “Okay, I think we should talk about Saturday night,” he stated, hating to be the one of reason.
“Why? What is there to talk about?” Race looked up from his laptop, taking the pencil, he was chewing on from his lips.
“We kissed, Race. And you’ve been avoiding me ever since. Even know you want talk to me when not necessary, when before you were the one constantly distracting me with talking and whining and whatever.”
“We kissed, we were drunk. Big deal. Move on.”
Spot took a deep breath, from inside he wanted to scream at the boy, make him understand what he wanted. But Spot was not that person, to just talk about his feelings. He did not like being vulnerable like that, but he did like turning it around.
“So, it didn’t mean anything to you?”
“Nope,” Race shrugged, his attention moving back to his laptop, anything to avoid Spot’s eyes.
Spot placed his iPad on the table, getting up from the love seat. Race ignored him, when Spot sat down next to him, his cheek’s burning.
“Race,” Spot said to make him look up.
“You said yourself, we have a project to finish,” Race whined as he looked up to Spot. His breath faltered in his throat as he felt Spot’s lips on his. This time there was no taste of alcohol, but mints and faint coffee. He could smell Spot’s cologne, it reminded him of the forest. Spot’s fingers entangled with Race’s curls, his other hand on Race’s cheek. Where Spot’s hand touched his skin seemed to burn up, almost like a fever. Race’s hands dropped in his lap, careful not to move, even though everything inside him screamed to kiss back.
Spot slowly moved back, his hands moving away from Race’s hair and face. His dark eyes carefully took in Race’s reaction.
“That meant nothing to you?”
Race took a second, desperate to not show his failing breathing. “Nope. I mean you’re not a bad kisser. But that’s all.”
“Well, thanks, I guess.”
“Does it mean something-“ Race started before Spot interrupted him.
“Anthony! Albert is here!” Race’s mom called out. The blonde boy quickly grabbed the backpack that was stalled out on his bed, shoving his last stuff in their before heading downstairs.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, mom,” he said as he grabbed his jacket from the coat hanger, closing the front door behind him.
“You excited?” Albert asked, shoving his hands in his pockets, he was wearing a jean jacket and his backpack. His red hair hidden under his usual cap. Race shrugged, putting on his jacket before he shoved the backpack on his bag. “You’re regretting inviting Conlon?” Albert’s shoulder nudged Race’s.
“Nah, I just hope not too many people will show up, like Tyler’s party last year. That was way too crowded.”
“We’re not that cool, don’t worry.”
“yeah, well there will be beer, so there will be people wanting free beer.”
Jack’s house was not that far away, it was a twenty-minute walk through a quiet neighbourhood. When they arrived, everyone was already there. Romeo was sprawled out on the couch with Mush sitting on the floor before it. Jack and Davey were in the kitchen and Crutchie was the one opening the door for them.
“Bags can go in my room!” Jack called out from the kitchen as he heard Albert and Race greeting the other boys. The two boys quickly went upstairs to drop their bags, returning downstairs when Katherine appeared from the basement, holding three bottles of whisky.
“Oh great, you guys are here. Suddenly I need my drink now.”
“Always good to see you, Kath,” Albert smiled before heading into the living room, dropping himself on the couch next to Romeo, who immediately placed his legs over Al’s lap.
Race sat down next to Mush on the floor, crossing his legs. “There is pizza in the kitchen if you want,” Mush said, a smile on his lips.
“Thanks,” Race smiled back. Crutchie sat down, placing his crutch again the chair.
“Oh, I got some news,” He said when Jack, Davey and Katherine walked into the living room, placing down multiple glasses on the table. Everyone looked up to Crutchie, who was smiling bright. “I’m getting a brace for my foot and ankle and a small cane. The doctor thinks it’s possible for me to walk without my crutch, and maybe in the future without the cane,” he explained.
“That is great!” Davey smiled, sitting down on one of the other chairs, Jack sitting on the arm rest of the chair. Katherine said down on the floor opposite from Mush and Race
“I’m not goin’ call you Bracie,” Romeo shrugged, his own way of congratulating Crutchie.
“What Romeo is trying to say, that is amazing, Crutchie,” Mush spoke.
“We should drink to this!” Jack reached out to grab two glasses, giving one to Davey. He urged everybody to get a glass. “It’s a gin-tonic,” he explained when Mush looked a bit suspicious to the clear liquid in the glass. When everyone had a glass, Jack held his high in the air. “To Crutchie, who soon can’t be called Crutchie anymore, but we will figure that out later!” Everyone made agreeing sounds, raising their glasses high, before drinking from it.
Crutchie smiled bright when he sat down his glass on the table.
By the time they finished their first drinks, more people showed up. The living room soon got crowdy and people started to spread out to the kitchen. Music was blasting from the stereo.
Race had moved to the hallway, leaning against the wall as he talked with Blink, both a half full cup in their hands. Mush had left his boyfriend for a bit to help Davey with snacks.
“Hey Spot!” Blink called out when he saw his friend entering the house. He softly patted Race’s shoulder as a way to say goodbye before he headed to Spot.
Race shrugged, walking back to the living room. Romeo had dragged Jack’s bean bags from his room and dropped them in a corner, where he now was sitting with Albert.
“Did Elmer really bring his tap shoes?” Race asked, dropping himself next to the two boys.
Romeo nodded, downing his glass.
“Isn’t it adorable. Look how good he is,” Albert sighed. If the empty cup in front of the bags were from the two boys, it explained how Albert was so publicly swooning over Elmer.
“Please don’t drool,” Romeo sighed, nudging Albert’s shoulder, almost falling over on his lap.
“If any of you two throw up, tonight. I’m cleaning it with your clothes for tomorrow,” Race sighed, downing his cups with beer and placing it on the floor next to the rest.
“First of all, I’m not drunk, Anthony. Second of all, I’m getting refills,” Romeo pushed himself up from the bean bag, surprisingly steady, heading towards the kitchen.
“He is drunk,” Albert said, his eyes still on Elmer, you could tell the boy was drunk, or at least very close to being drunk, but he still tap-danced like a pro. A group of people was cheering for him.
“Just go ask him out,” Race suggested, his eyes moving from Albert, to Elmer and back.
“I can’t. He is drunk. I’m drunk. He’ll think it’s a joke or that I don’t mean it,” Albert sighed, letting him fall backwards on the bean bag.
“Al, you are so overthinking this. He likes you, you like him. It’s not that complicated.”
“How do you know he likes me? Did he say anything?”
Race sighed, dropping himself next to Albert. “No, but it’s obvious. You should see the way he looks at you,”
“Scoot over, love birds,” Romeo called out, barely managing to hold three cups in his hand. Both boys moaned irritated when they sat up straight, making place for Romeo, who handed them their cups.
“Romeo, are you okay?” Race asked when he noticed how his friend’s hand was slightly shaking.
“Oh, everything is okay. Specs is making out with some girl in the kitchen. I’m fine. Just goin’ drink my heartbreak away.”
“He is doing, what now?” Albert asked, almost dropping his cup.
“Just making out with someone else. Maybe I should’ve mentioned to him that this was a date.” Romeo sighed, almost downing his cup in one go.
“Okay, you’re not going to drink yourself into a coma, Romeo. It must be a mistake or something.” Race leaned over Albert to grab Romeo’s arm, softly. “He’s like drunk or stoned. I don’t know.”
“I don’t know. I don’t care. There are enough boys on this planet for me. I’ll find my Julien. I don’t him with his stupid glasses and smile and beautiful eyes and sexy voice.”
Race and Albert exchanged a look, both filled with worry for their friend, both unsure what to do now.
The library was empty during lunch break on Tuesday. It was the week of Jack’s party and the entire group was getting more hyped every day. But the current situation was Race and Spot sitting in the abandoned library to work on their project. Neither would normally be this dedicated to a project, but since Pulitzer hated both of them, they needed to make it the best thing they had ever written just to get a pass. And they both needed a good grade desperately. Besides both had after-school activities so every bit of time they could spend on the project during school, was already good.
“Do you think he will be pissed if we don’t use those scholar sources?” Race asked, his head resting on his hand as he started to the computer screen.
“Definitely, he’s goin’ treat it like a fucking college essay,” Spot was scrolling on his iPad, his feet resting on the table. Even the librarian was out for lunch, so there was no one to tell them off for talking to loud or putting your feet on shit. Race wondered if she had dared to leave if it was him and Albert.
“According to Google, the best job I can get without a high school diploma is McDonalds manager, that doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Okay, first of all. You are supposed to look up sources for our project, not your future plans. Second, how do you become a manager without a study? Don’t you need to do a special manager study for it?” Spot pushed himself up a bit, his eyes moved from his iPad to Race.
“The recruitment page for McDonalds claims you can follow their McDonalds academy. It sounds really good exactly,” Race’s eyes were focused on the text on the screen.
Spot was about to ask more before he softly shake his head. “Race, focus,” he warned, his attention moving back to his iPad. “I wish we could print without having to ask Miss Carter,” he sighed. “I can’t figure out how to highlight text on this thing.”
“About that printer ban,” Race kept his eyes on his screen, fighting every urge to look at Spot.
“Don’t tell me it’s because of you.”
“Also, Albert,” the blonde boy defended himself.
“People say it’s because people printed out pictures of dicks and shoved them in the mailbox of the principal.”
“That is not true,” Race said. “Though that is an amazing idea, I should’ve thought of that,” He moved a bit on his chair to be able to see Spot better. “We printed out every weird Harry Potter smut on Tumblr and shoved it in Jack’s locker. We repeated it when Davey joined our group.”
“You really are fucking crazy, aren’t you?” Spot leaned back in his chair, his eyes moving between his iPad and Race.
“Crazy and proud,” he stated.
“I was almost forgetting I hated you, thanks for reminding me,” Spot shrugged, his eyes back on his iPad.
“I’m growing on you, aren’t I, Conlon?” Race pushed his chair a bit away from the computer, completely focused on the other boy with a self-indulgent smirk on his lips.
“Don’t get full of yourself, Higgins. You are still a little shit,”
The bell rang loudly through the library, announcing the end of the lunch break and the start of the next class. Race and Spot both got up from their chairs, shoving their belongings in their backpacks.
“Hey Spot,” Race stopped the boy who was already on his way out. Spot turned on his heels, shoving his backpack over his shoulder. “Jack has a party this Saturday.”
“So, I heard.”
“Since Blink and Specs are coming, I was wondering if you wanted to come as well. Seems rude to invite only half of a group,” Race shoved his hands in his pockets, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
“Sure, sounds fun,’ Spot shrugged before he turned around again. “See ya tomorrow,” he said as he left the library.
“Anthony Higgins!” Romeo entered the library, arms crossed before his chest. “Did you just invite Spot Conlon, the boy you hate with all your heart, to Jack’s party? Spot Conlon?!”
“Fuck off, Romeo,” Race growled, picking up his bag from the table. “He’s not that bad, and we invited his friends. How would you feel when we all go to a party and you’re not invited?”
“But this is Spot Conlon. The boy who threatened to hit you with a baseball bat when we were eleven,” Romeo already pushed himself up to sit on a table, leaning back so he was basically lounging.
“We need to get to class, Romeo.”
“Jack, this is the last time I’m allowing you in here during drama club,” Medda warned when Jack strutted over the stage, dropping next to Albert on a bean bag. The school had picked Into The Woods as the musical for this year, completely ignoring any request from Medda or the drama club. But they were getting used to it. Medda was helping Davey and Crutchie with picking out audition songs and monologue’s. Being a part of drama club meant you would be guaranteed of a spot in the production, but your audition would determine which part. And Medda was hard to impress.
“So, who is coming over this Saturday?” Jack asked, shifting in his seat.
“I invited Blink, he really enjoyed when we all went to dinner,” Mush stated, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed.
“Romeo asked Specs and Ruby. Kath asked Sarah, very surprising. I asked Elmer,” Race could see how Albert’s head turned towards him, his eyes narrowed. “Eliza and Spot.” Race continued. “Smalls and Mike are not sure if they are coming, but we made clear they are welcome.”
“Wait, you invited who?” Albert asked as he slowly sat straight on the bean bag.
“Elmer.”
“And?”
“Eliza.”
“And?” Albert’s voice got more pressing.
“Spot.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Jack objected.
“We invited his friends, it’s seemed fair.” Race explained. He made sure to straighten his back, trying hard to not show the doubt he had over his earlier decision.
“If he ruins the party, I know where to find you, Race,” Jack warned, his eyes dark.
“Anthony, glad you could join us as well,” Medda was seated in one of the front seats in the small theatre. “Sorry,” Race said soft, but genuine. Medda was the only teacher he could stand and she was not really a teacher. She only did drama club, but she rocked it. “I hope you have a good excuse.” She sounded stern, but he knew she did not mind since auditions hadn’t even taken place yet.
“History project,” he explained, dropping his backpack in front of the stage, next to the pile of bags already laid down. He saw Romeo’s head pop up from the small couch he was seated at. His eyes were filled with curiosity. Instead of heading towards Romeo, Race sat down on a bean bag next to Albert, who looked up from his school book.
With the drama ‘season’ not really starting yet, the member of the drama-club just hung out at the theatre for 2 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to get their extra credits. “You calmed down yet?” Albert asked, his arms leaning on this book. “Yeah, we discussed shortly what our plan is going to be. You know how Pulitzer can be a bitch when it comes to grading.”
“Yeah, good luck with that. I swear to god Romeo if you put Rewrite the Stars on, once again I will kill you!” Albert yelled out, getting up from the bean bag. “But Zendaya and Zac Efron!” The other boy yelled back, reaching to the tablet that was connected to the aux cable. Elmer was quicker, grabbing the tablet, putting on Cabaret. “Oh my god, you are amazing, Elmer. I love you,” Albert sank back in the bean bag, making an air kiss motion with both hands towards the boy. Elmer’s cheek’s coloured a soft red, smiling at the redhead. “What?” Albert asked when he saw Race’s curious eyes. “Nothing. It feels like I’m watching a romantic comedy but in real life.”
“Oh, will you shut up,” Albert hissed, picking up his book. “You know it’s impossible for me to shut up,” Race shrugged. Both boys turned around on their beanbags when they heard the door of the theatre slam close. Jack was making his way down the aisle, hands in his pockets. “Medda!” He called out, smiling bright. Medda sighed, before she turned around in her seat. “I thought your bus went fifteen minutes ago,” she said, playing with the pen in between her fingers. “Yes, but I’m still working on my piece for art class. So, I was hoping I can ride along with you. But that was not why I came here,” he sank in the chair next to her. Race and Albert shortly looked at each other, carefully leaning closer towards the edge of the stage on their bean bags. “I want to throw a party,” he stated, his feet resting against the row of chairs in front of them. He ran his fingers, covered in paint, through his hair. Medda softly hit his legs, motioning to get his feet of the chairs. Her answer was too soft to hear from the stage but the grin on Jack’s face betrayed a successful conversation.
Not too much later Jack got up from the chair, waving shortly to his friends on the stage and left the theatre. Not too later their phones buzzed. At least five people on stage grabbed their phones at the same time. Jack had send a message about the party in their group chat: the nerdiest people you will ever meet. “Mush should take Blink with him,” Albert stated, shoving his phone back into his pocket. “Definitely. He can should take Specs with him for Romeo,” Race suggested, dropping his phone in his lap. “Specs and Romeo?”
“Have you seen how Romeo draped himself on Specs lap the other day when Medda was taking suggestions for this year’s musical. That was even too flirty for just casual Romeo,” the boy shrugged, his gaze focussed on Romeo who was talking with Specs. If Romeo had long hair, he would’ve played with it like girls always do in those movies. “But if Blink and Specs are coming, they are taking Conlon with them for sure,”
“Better then Mush moping all night about missing his boyfriend,” Race shrugged. “You should invite Elmer.” He expected Albert to sigh, or tell him to fuck off. But instead he noticed how his friend was looking at Elmer. “I don’t know if he’s into parties,”
“Of course, he is into parties, he’s the most social person we know,” Race said, softly bumping his shoulder against Albert’s. “What if he says no because he thinks it’s a date?” the nerves were clear in his voice. “Al, It’s so obvious how he’s into you. He would never say no to you,” The blonde boy reassured him, trying his best to make his friend a bit more confident. “I don’t know.”
“Albert, you can at least try. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe this party is going to be the start of several relationships.”
