Disowned
by Victor Thomas
Chapter 20
Javier
'I'm sorry I didn't answer your calls. Needed some time to clear my head. I think we should break up. You deserve someone who makes you happy.'
I leaned against the seat and thought about the text message from Kenny I had read just before Joshua came back with the cokes and popcorn. After the initial disbelief, the message began to sink in, and it made absolutely no sense. Nothing had happened between us that would explain his irrational decision or else I was completely blind.
One thing was clear; I had to leave right now. Even if there was a hundred Ms. Sherman's waiting for me at the front door, I had to talk to him, and it was better to do it sooner rather than later. I could only think that it had to be one big misunderstanding.
I looked at Joshua and opened my mouth to give some excuse why I had to skip the movie, when the lights were switched off. My restless legs were still about to stand up, but I felt his hand touching mine.
"If this becomes too scary, remember that I'm here," he said.
I wanted to respond with some witty comment, but he interfered with my concentration by petting my hand. The bright opening scene lightened his face and the mischievous grin on it. He leaned in closer.
"The guy sitting next to you assumes we're on a date," he whispered into my ear, "and he doesn't look too happy about it."
"I don't give a shit."
I took a better hold of his hand.
From the corner of my eye, I saw movement. A small smile grew on my face when I realized the guy on my right switched to sit at the end of the row. For a fleeting moment, it felt sweet to sit hand in hand in the theater, but then it got a bitter aftertaste when I remembered it wasn't Kenny. Quickly, I pulled my hand away.
I tried to concentrate on the movie, but a million questions exploded in my mind. Soon, they dissolved in the dark thoughts I couldn't prevent, conquering my mind. I wanted to scream, kick the seat in front of me, or do anything that would stop the growing anger.
Fucking Kenny. Why are you doing this?
Bitterness filled my body, and I popped a handful of popcorn into my mouth. If he didn't want to be with me, the rational conclusion would have been to forget the idiot and move on. Unfortunately, it was annoyingly difficult not to think of the sweet guy who had a big heart and apparently no discretion.
Fine. You ditched me. Dick move, but at least I have someone else here to take my mind off this.
Stuck in my head, I barely heard the haunting music that blared from all sides. The camera moved forward down a rickety bridge and a cracked sidewalk, busting through the boarded-up doors of the old dull factory. The whole room sat there in silence, waiting for something to happen.
"Already pissing yourself?" Joshua whispered.
I turned and saw a grin on his handsome face. His black hair was stylish, and his white shirt emphasized his tanned skin. Our eyes met, and I leaned closer.
"My briefs are still dry," I said.
I gave him a chance to check his own crotch.
"I don't wear any."
The playful grin on his face grew broader, and he opened his legs now, giving me an opportunity to study his groin, which I did. It was only a brief glimpse, but we both knew where my eyes had been.
"Just kidding."
He laughed and poked me on the shoulder.
"You need nothing to cover such a small thing."
"A small thing?" he raised his eyebrows. "I haven't introduced you two yet."
I rolled my eyes. I wasn't sure how seriously he was flirting with me, but it helped me forget Kenny for a few moments. Then my thoughts drifted back to Kenny's cute face and beautiful blue eyes, and how wonderful it was to hug him gently. I didn't want all that to be over.
I need to talk to him. I decided the time for the discussion would be tomorrow at school. Maybe he needed to sleep it off so he could come to his senses. The likelihood might have been small, but it gave me enough hope to watch the rest of the movie.
An hour later, the last scene came, leaving the movie open ended. I stared at the credits rolling on the screen. The couple behind me speculated about if there would be another movie. Probably there would, we just had to wait for another two years. I didn't care. The only thing I was able to think about was Kenny.
The two of us sat there until most of the people had left. Then we stood up and began walking toward the exit. When we got to the hallway, Bryan was hanging there with two older guys I didn't recognize.
"Well, well." He had a cocky smirk on his face. "The little faggot has a new boy toy."
"Fuck off," I grunted.
He walked closer, fisting his hands.
"Coach isn't here to save your ass."
The older guys didn't say a word but followed the discussion with their arms crossed. The one on the left, wearing a black leather jacket, looked a bit like Bryan, a robust jaw, a hawk nose and a simple-minded look in his eyes. I assumed they were probably brothers.
Before I managed to say anything, Joshua moved between me and Bryan. The asshole clearly hadn't expected it, and for a moment, his expression was even dumber than normal.
"Your interest in his ass comes as a genuine surprise," Joshua said. "I still suggest you keep your hands off."
"I'm not interested in his ass," Bryan said in a defensive tone.
"In that case we don't need the coach here, I guess."
From the corner of my eyes, I saw amusement in the older guys faces when me and Joshua left the hallway. Bryan gave me an angry glare, which I ignored. Some people never grew up.
"Such a douchebag," Joshua commented, switching the topic. "Did you like the movie?"
"Uh huh. Thanks for the ticket," I said.
With each step, I felt my mood getting lower and lower. The movie had helped for a little while; it was an escape from what was happening.
"Shame that cute guy dies so early."
He gave me a cheeky smile.
"Yeah."
We came to the front doors and walked out. It was pitch dark outside, only lights here and there illuminating the parking lot. Farther on the left came the noise of cars driving on Rangeline Road. When we'd arrived, the lot was full. Now I saw only Joshua's Mustang, a hundred yards in front of us.
Melancholy filled my mind, and there was no escape. I would have to go home and go to bed, wishing I could talk to Kenny and reverse all this. If I could just wrap my arms around him and kiss him, everything would be okay again.
"Is everything okay?" Joshua asked suddenly.
I stopped and turned toward him, still looking down.
"Huh? Yeah."
There was a period of silence. When I dared to raise my gaze, I saw him studying my face. Our eyes met, and for the first time since arriving at the mall, his playful grin switched into a more severe expression filled with a hint of concern and sympathy.
"Are you sure?" he asked, taking a step closer. His eyes flickered to my chin and back up. He wet his lower lip and murmured, "if you need anything, let me know."
I didn't move my feet, but swayed forward enough to realize what was happening. Or, was I just imagining everything? I blinked rapidly, trying to get back to my right mind and took a half step back.
"We need to go. It's a school night," I said.
He nodded. A moment later, we were sitting in his car, driving out of Joplin. I didn't know what would happen tomorrow. The sole thing I knew was that big warm tears were running down my cheeks.
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