Page 39 of The Friend Scheme
We go back to the waiting room. Everyone is in the process of slowly gathering their things to head home. It seems like I’m the only one staying.
That suits me just fine. Luke’s company is always welcome, but the others…
I’d rather be alone.
I take a seat and watch as everyone leaves. A few of the guys shake my hand as they go, each one crushing my palm with their grip. I also get a few emotionless hugs from my aunts. But that’s it.
And then I’m alone.
It’s moments like these that my lack of friends hurts the most. I’m just not close enough to anyone to talk to them if I go through something rough. All I can do is pretend I don’t feel anything.
I think that’s what my family wants from me. To be like Luke, so strong, so okay with everything that happens in this family.
But I’m not.
I’m just not built like that. I could cry right now, but I feel like I can’t.
I wait for a while, just thinking about my life and Dad. Mostly I’m just wishing that he will be okay. I’m not ready to lose him. I know we don’t see eye to eye on basically anything, but he’s still my dad.
I can’t lose him.
It makes me think I’ve been taking him for granted. I know he raised me on his own. And he’s never complained about me being so obsessed with movies, and he lets me buy as many as I want. He’s been a good father, and I haven’t given him any credit for that.
Then I think about Jason. This feels typical. I have one really fun night, and my family swoops in and wrecks it.
Plus, he’s gay. I haven’t even had time to deal with that revelation.
I still don’t know where this is going. It makes at least as much sense as him just randomly seeing me in a bathroom and deciding tobe friends with me. People aren’t normally super friendly to strangers, unless they want something from them.
I check my phone and see he’s messaged me a few times.
Okay, I think the coast is clear. Attempting to break out now.
Eddie just wants to keep playing fetch. Worst guard dog ever. Haha.
I’m outside. I feel like a criminal right now, you have no idea.
MISSION COMPLETE! Wow, that was fun. Thanks again for a good night, I always have such a good time with you.
I find I’m smiling.
He’s such a goof. I start typing a message.
I’m glad you made it home okay.
The typing bubble appears right away.
What happened?
What do you mean?
It sounded serious. Is everything okay?
I told you, it’s a family thing. Something bad and it sucks. But don’t worry, I’ll be okay.
The typing bubble appears, then vanishes. Then appears again, only to vanish once more.
Finally, a message comes through.
