Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Jaime's P.O.V.

Something is going on. 

That's the story of  my life right now. I feel like the third wheel that's shoved all the way in the back and can't get a good look at where we're headed. I can't see the screen properly, but I get glimpses from time to time. I can hear it all, but without an explanation, they're just words. And the harder I try, the farther behind I get pushed, shoved deeper into a well of stories and lies that I will drown in. None of them are mine. Jaime, I need this... It's nothing, Jaime... You're the best, you know that, right? 

I'm sorry... I won't ever get away from the glances I get from other people. I carry the burden of being the one who can make anyone's day. I'm the nice guy who gives advice when needed. I'm the easy-going bass player who'll let you ruffle his hair. I'm the best friend who will keep your secret.  

I'm also the teenaged kid who can have problems too. I'm tired too. I'm having a bad day too. I'm feeling down as well. I guess it doesn't matter though. 

I'm just the nice guy, right? 

Vic drums his fingers against the tabletop, the cafeteria humming with human voices. He casts a look around and then waves someone over. Kellin Quinn emerges from the swarming crowd that always incases him and sits down at our table. 

"Do you mind?" He directs the question towards me. 

Something is going on. 

"No, you can sit here." I answer. My gaze flicks over towards Vic, who gives me an I'll Give You An Explanation Later look. 

"So, how are you?" Kellin asks us. Vic shrugs as a response, and I find it odd that he isn't seething with irritation just about now. 

I take a bite of my sandwich, swallowing. "Everything's fine, you?" 

Kellin looks over at me. A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and it isn't his usual I'm Better Than You smile. "I'm great." I catch the quick look Vic gives him, but he goes right back to eating his food. After a few moments, him and Kellin start up a conversation. 

I awkwardly finish my sandwich and leave the cafeteria without another word. I feel like I missed something. A miracle maybe? 

The rest of the day passes without anything important. I did ask Jenna Whyler to prom though, and that's good news. She said yes, which made me very happy. 

The end of the school day goes by normally. Vic meets me at my locker, whistling the chorus of his favourite song. 

"You seem rather happy." I say. It's strange, yet it's also good. Vic shrugs. 

"Nah, just have a good song idea in mind." Ding. Another lie to add to the mountain. 

"That's cool." I say, smiling, and he smiles back. He drives me home like he always does, and we talk about things that, being best friends, we usually laugh about. 

"Oh, so about Kellin," Vic says, "We started talking after that game on Saturday and he's a pretty cool guy." Enough with the lies already. I know there's something more going on. But obviously, Vic isn't willing to tell me. 

"That's good that you're making friends." I tell him and he nods. 

We arrive at my house and I get out of the car, walking up the front steps into my house. My mom is sitting on the couch reading a magazine and petting the cat, Arnold. I place my backpack on one of the kitchen chairs. I root around in the fridge until I find a Cola stashed far in the back and pop the tab. 

"You don't even say hi to your own Mama when you come in?" My mom says, and I give her a hug. 

"Sorry, Ma, it was just an off day." I tell my mom, and I sit on the couch. Arnold hops into my lap and I take a sip of the Cola. 

"That's not good." She answers, sitting beside me. 

"No, it's not. I mean, I scored a date for prom, but the problem is Vic. There's something going on, and he isn't saying anything. He's my best friend. I know him well enough to tell when he's hiding something from me." My mom nods, taking it in. 

"It's good that you got a date sweet heart." She says, "But you have to know Vic has a right to his privacy. He may not be ready to tell you what's wrong. He might not be for a long time. Just give him time and be his friend. Okay?" My mom smiles and gives me a hug. 

"Thanks Ma." 

I then head to my room, where I text Jenna for a little while. I can't believe how adorable she is. I'm glad I'll be taking her to prom. 

I eventually pick up my bass and play a few songs, thinking of the way Kellin looked at Vic. I'm missing something. But like my mom said, I just need to give it some time. 

I eat supper with my family, which is nice. But I still feel lost and a little peeved that I can't figure this out. 

And that's how it is all week. It feels sluggish and fake almost, like I have to force my laugh to surface or that I'm spewing  lies myself. The drives home with Vic have become awkward, and the next week after that doesn't sit well with me either. Kellin has been hanging around us more, and Vic is more easy going with him. I can even see that they're becoming friends. Vic didn't even show up at my house like he always does every Saturday for the past two weekends. 

It's the beginning of the third week of confusion. Jenna skips up to me and links her arm in mine. We've officially started dating, which makes me very happy. 

"How is my Jaime doing?" She asks, her auburn curls bouncing as she walks. I get lost in her pretty green eyes that are full of intelligence. She laughs. "Earth to Jaime." She pokes me in the side.

"I'm doing great." I say. I truly am, though. I have a great girl by my side and plenty to look forward to, I shouldn't be making my life miserable just because Vic is acting unusual.

"Hey, so how did your science test go?" Jenna asks. I shrug.

"I got a C. It could have been better." Jenna nods.

"I guess that's a pretty good mark. I'm having a test today, so wish me luck!" She lets go of my arm since we have arrived at her first class. 

I chuckle. "You don't need it." She grins and walks into her class, and I turn to go to my own. I weave through people who are rushing to get to class, and I feel the need to find Vic. I haven't really talked to him properly in a while. 

He should be loitering around his locker since he arrives at school a few minutes late. But I don't find Vic there. I shrug this off. He could already be at his first class, or in the bathroom... My eyes widen. Ah hell. 

I should have seen this coming. Over the past two weeks I should have noticed that he'd do it again. I run around the corner, searching for his preferred hiding place. Mr. Jenkens, my first class teacher, bumps into me. 

"Mr. Preciado, shouldn't you be in class?" He says, regarding me over his wire rimmed glasses. 

"Uh, yes sir, but I'm just looking for another classmate. I need to see if they're done their side of the project we're doing in uh... English class." I say, nodding my head. I am definitely a terrible liar. 

"Alrighty then." says Jenkens. "You better get to class in four minutes." I nod, walking past him and keeping my cool. Godammit Vic... 

I finally find the hallway that leads to the bathroom and check the clock on the wall. "Shit." I mutter to myself. Jenkens will have my head. 

I jog to the door and slowly push it open, hoping not to cause Vic to panic, if he is here. I walk in silently, and am shocked to find that Vic is not alone. 

Kellin Quinn is with him. He has both arms wrapped around Vic's waist and they are without a doubt sucking face. 

They don't notice me, so before they do, I back out of the bathroom and begin my trek to class. I don't want to intrude on my best friend's affairs, he can do whatever he wants. But I can't believe what I saw.

Kellin and Vic... Kissing. 

A/N: Snap, snap, snap. I've been writing a lot this weekend. Strange enough, it's also been a pretty busy weekend. I hope the kiss wasn't too quick. The next chapter you'll find out the whole story so it's not like one of those "Oh hey, Kellin, it's been two weeks, and now I like you. Let's make out and be lovers!" No, it's not like that, just so you know. Anyways...

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Peace, Love and Chicken Grease

Rebeka >;P