Array
(
[text] =>

                                                                       Chapter 5

                                                            The Right to Wage War

 “Allen?” Laura's light, fluffed voice questions both of them still staring at me, scared.

“What’s going on here?”

They both start to stutter obviously not knowing how to answer. ‘”Allen, I can explain, it’s not what it looks like.” I look at Laura unconvinced. You know I should be pissed, but after what Matt just told me, and the person he displayed while I was questioning him I find it hard to care. However, I don’t like lying whoring slutty two face skanks. So my attention is fully directed at Laura, I narrow my hazel eyes at her and she flinches under my gaze.

“It’s not what it looks like,” I chuckle dryly walking towards the stage, “it looks like you two were dancing and embracing one another.” I climb the stairs leading to the stage top. Matt stays at the middle of the stage but Laura backs a bit in the back of him, as if he is shielding her from me.

“Why are you even here?” he spits, venom dripping off his tongue.

“I left something of mines.” I say calmly pointing towards my bag. I however, do not go over to it. I step forward, getting closer to the two.

“Laura, I want to talk to you for a moment,” I look Matt into his face “Alone.” I say keeping my calm tone. No need to get all dramatic about it.

“No, I won’t let you lay a finger on her.” Matt snarls, his eyes unusually tinged with rage. I cock my head to the side and divert my eyes to Laura.

“My mother taught me to never lay a hand on a lady.” I respond truthfully. I won’t ever touch a lady, it’s unjust. I see Laura’s eye flicker, she believes me.

“It’s okay Matt, you can go.”

I watch as he tenses, balling his fist into a tight ball. He steps from in front of her and comes over to me.

“If you even so much as touch her, I’ll break you face; your little boyfriend isn’t here to protect you.” He hisses. I smirk at his comment. Matt won’t hit me, he couldn’t I’m sure. The rage he is exhibiting is coming from an alternative source and the protectiveness he is displaying for Laura is wrongly placed. He brushes pass me and grabs his bag.

“Matt,” I call. I can hear him that he stops walking. I look back looking into his eyes. “Anger evokes stupidity, but jealousy does far worse.”

He just stares at me blankly, but he knows exactly what I mean. He’s not angry at me because of how I approached Laura, he’s angry at the fact that I’m Sean’s partner. He clenches his jaw before turning and storming out. The door slams and I turn my attention back to Laura.

“My mother taught me that it isn’t right to hit a lady, unfortunately for you, you are no lady.” She gulps.

“It’s not so the fact that Matt is looking out for the likes of you that I find reprehensible, I guess it’s a blonde thing and smacking you upside your head won’t do much good because let’s face it, there’s nothing in there. So, I’ll just ask you this simple question.”

I move closer to her, she doesn’t move this time though, she just stares into my eyes.

“Why on God’s green earth are you Matt’s partner?”I can sense her fear, though at the moment. She is looking unmoved by the intimidating tone of my voice.

“I am trying to protect you.”

I snort.

“Is that the best excuse your tiny little brain can come up with?”

“It’s true, you don’t seem to understand that Matt is both good looking and talented. He’s like a big chocolate bar and every girl in this school wants a lick.” I raise my eyebrow at the analogy and fold my arms. She continues,

“So to make sure he doesn’t stray I coaxed him becoming his partner to ensure he won’t be swayed by any of those vultures.”

You know, what she’s saying actually makes some form of sense…surprisingly

“Fine, but you better know what you’re doing.” She nods and smirks.

“Don’t worry Allen, there’s only one person for Matt…” her smirk remains and she adds a wink.

I can feel an uneasy sensation in my stomach, like something is warning me not to trust this girl but her point is valid. I may not be with Matt but that doesn’t mean I want anyone else to be with him. As selfish as that sounds it’s true.

“Alright,” I turn and walk off the stage. I head over to my forgotten backpack but before I leave I turn and look at her “but don’t think this means I’m not going to kick your ass in the talent Show.” I smile jokily towards her. She flips her blonde hair back and puts her hands at her waist.

“We’ll see whose laughing last when it’s all over honey.” She says, her voice holding a charming tone. I guess her and Matt have something huge planned.

I exit and make my way to the front where Drew’s green Maxima is waiting. I quickly head over to it and jump into the passenger side.

“Hello little broski.” He greets me and ruffles my hair affectionately.

“Hey big broski.” I laugh and swatting his hands away from further attacking my hair. He starts the ignition and we start our journey home.

“So, how did today go?”

“It was, unusual.” He takes his eyes of the road and looks at me for a split second before returning back to the path ahead.

“How so?”

“Well, first off an ogre came to my Spanish class.”

“No way…” he snickers

“Way, then I got into a fight with Matt, again.”

“You two act like you’re in a relationship your something…”

I laugh and laugh. Nervously and he seems to notice by the look he gave me.

“Well when’s the talent show thing, I’d love come to see you perform.”

“Trust me you don’t want to go to any middle school talent show.” I assure still laughing tensely. Drew can’t come. If he does he’s going to see me singig with Sean and unlike mom who’d just think we’re friends, Drew knows better. He’s smarter when it comes to these things and I’d be caught in a minute.

“Nonsense Allen, I’d love to come. I’ll even sit in the front row.” my eyes bolt in his direction, both as wide as a full moon.

“Why are you so eager to go?” he shrugs and keeps his focus on the road.

“I just want to see what kind of talent you supposedly possess.”  

“Idiot.” I mumble, he uses one of his arms and hits me on the shoulder.

“I’m not an idiot…”

“Are too.”

“Am Not.”

“Are Toooo.” I say sticking out my tongue’

“Am NOT!” his hands tense on the wheel and I can tell he’s getting angry. :D

“You’re too easy to Drew.”

“No I’m not.”

“Are too.”

“AM NOT! Just Shut up Allen.” He spews.

“Why because you’re loosing?”

“I wasn’t losing.”

“Are too.”

“I’m not falling for that again.”

“Bet you will.”

“Will not…”

“Will to.”

“WILL NOT, not another word or you’re walking the rest of the way!” he yells at me. It’s fun messing with Drew’s emotions because he gets angry so fast.

“Will too.” I mouth staring out my glass window. The sky is getting dark and big grey clouds are starting to form at this point rain is imminent.

“Bet you we won’t make it home before the rain come down.”

“We Will.” He responds quietly; too focused on the road to show full interest.

“Will not…”

“Will too.”

34 brotherly-fighting minutes later

We arrive home and as I predicted it started raining before we arrived. Take that Drew!

I walk through the pathway and spot my mom in the kitchen standing over a pot

“Hey mom.” She looks at me and smiles before retuning back to the pot.

“Hello sweaty how was your day?”

“Good, did Kevin call?”

“Actually he’s in your room waiting for you.” She dips a finger in the pot and tastes whatever she has brewing. Her nose flares up and she starts to mumble to herself. I start walking again but quickly poke my head back in the kitchen’s doorway.

“Did Kathy Griffin pay you a visit?” she looks up at me confused, I wave it off.

“Never mind…” and with that I head up to my room upstairs. I open my room door, across from Mom’s and laugh when I see Kevin.

He’s standing in the front of my bed with red roses in his hands.

“What is this Kevin?”

He extends the flowers to me and I take them and push them against my chest as if I’m hugging them.

I bat my eyelashes at him and wiggle eyebrows.

“For me Kevin, oh you shouldn’t have.” I say with a stereotyped southern accent.

“Yes, it’s to bribe you to forgive me.” he admits and sits on the edge of my bed. I fold my arms over my chest and and move a little closer, placing the flowers in my drawer.

“Forgive you for what?” I put my hand on my chin and pretend to think. I pace backs in forward and forward and stop in front of him.

“Oh, you mean for skipping school and getting dairy treats from Ronald McDonald with Arianna?”

He bites his lips and droops his head to hide the ripe red color plastered all over his face. I tilt my head to the side and tilt his head dup to look me in the eyes.

“Did you two do anything?

“No…” he mumbles. I search his eyes and they are a mixture of embarrassment and disappointment. I feel a shift in the air and mood of our conversation.

“Kevin, sex is something you can wait for.”  He shakes his head.

“Yeah, yeah I know but, I was going to her ask to be my girlfriend.”

“But…”

“I chickened out.” I smack him on the backside of his head.

“What is up with you guys denying your feelings?”

“Ow! And what are you talking about you guys?”

“Matt decides to act like a dick head and outright denied answering my questions and on top of that chose Laura as his partner for the Talent Show but really only did to get back at me for being with Sean and Laura just doing it to protect me and I am rambling so I will stop right now after this sentence.” I take in a deep breath and but one finger over my mouth. Kevin just looks at me blankly…blinking.

“You know I think you should just be friends with him. You know, just ride out a friendship and maybe feelings will develop.”

“That’s just it, I already have feelings and I am damn sure he does too, why he doesn’t just man up and tell me.”

“Have you told him?” I open my mouth to answer but it suddenly hits me, I didn’t tell him either.

“No, but that’s not the point.”

“How isn’t it the point, this isn’t a story Allen, the new bad boy isn’t always going to tell that sarcastic kid that they like them, it’s more complicated than that.”

“I know that Kevin, what should I do?”

He picks up one of my hands and places it in his lap.

“I say tell him how you feel but decide only to be friends, don’t push it might freak him out. Let him admit it on his own.”

“You think that’ll work?”

“I can’t be sure; I’m not a psychic like your mom but I think it’s the best route to go.”

“Well, tomorrow’s Saturday and he and Laura are practicing in the auditorium and me and Sean will be there as well so I guess I’ll tell him then.” He smiles and I return it. He keeps my hands in his lap, gently rubbing them.

“You know Kev, you are the best friend any guy could have, and you’re my Oprah.”  He laughs out loud and snorts in the process.

“And you are the best gay friend I straight guy could ever have, I love you Allen.” He leans his forehead in closer and I do so as well until our foreheads touch together.

“I love you too but you know, you should ask Arianna, to be in the talent show with you.”

“You’d really think she would, I mean after today?”

“You bought her ice-cream, that crap is expensive; she owes you.”

“Touché, Mr. Halliwell but you just signed your own contract to get a whoop ass next week Friday.”

“Bring it.”

Meanwhile…

                                                                   Matt’s POV :D

“How are you feeling?” I ask my little sister Eve. Mom and Karen, my big sister aren’t home and ask me to watch her tonight. I enter her yellow and pink tinted room, filled with toys and an overly girly design and a poster of her idol Dora: The Explorer hanging on the wall.

“I’m okay.” Her tiny meek voice answers. She’s very afraid of thunder storms and judging by look and the lightning flashing outside, thunder isn’t too far behind. I raise the covers up to her chest and watch as she snuggles into them. Her raven hair, a trait she received from dad is up against the pillow that her tiny little oval head rests on. The thunder rolls and I hear her let out a quick tiny squeal.

“You know, as your big brother I’m obligated to protect you from anything.”

“You can’t’ stop thunder.”

“No, but I won’t let it hurt you, or monsters, dragons, witches, harpies or your icky kindergarten teacher with that mole on her cheek.” I poke her face and she softly giggles.

“You know why.”

“Why?”

“Because I love you, more than anything on this planet, more than life itself.” She stares at me for a moment, with her big glassy blue eyes but reaches up and places a kiss on the side of my mouth.

“I love you too.”

“I know you do, but let me ask you a question. If I was…different from everybody else, would you still love me?” her head tilts to the side with a questioning look. I can’t believe I’m asking a four year old this.

“If I was not the same as you, mom, or Karen would you still love not matter what?”

“You’re already different silly, you’re a boy.” I chuckle lightly, she’s a smart girl.

“I know that, but what if I was more different and I’m scared you guys won’t love me anymore if I told you.”

“You’re my brother and I love you and I’d love you no matter what.” I feel this tug in my chest; it’s the sweetest thing someone as ever said to me.

“You think I should tell them?” she nods her head enthusiastically and I laugh again. I don’t think it’s possible for her to get any cuter!

“Alright kiddo try and sleep, I’ll be back to check on you later.” I tuck her in and place a kiss on her forehead. Then motion over to her open window, the breeze blowing in is soothing but knowing Eve, she’ll probably be afraid some monster is going to climb in and steal her toys. The sky is dark but it is occasionally lit up with a flash of lightning followed by a sinister rattling roll of thunder. It’s funny how she isn’t afraid of lightning, which can kill you and is of thunder which is harmless. I snap out of my thought and shut the window tightly and locking it.

I take one last look at my little sister, fast asleep in her bed. Her chest slowly rising and falling and her mouth slightly open before exiting and closing her door.

I lean against her door and ponder on the talk we just had.

I think she’s right, family should understand so maybe I can tell mom and she won’t kill me, but what do I know or a four year old for that matter. She probably thinks being gay is a Spanish phrase Dora uses for eating chocolate or something. But it’s time I man up and tell my family I like guys, then maybe I can try and pursue that special someone.

The Next Morning – 9:45am

 

I head downstairs after an almost sleepless night, filled with thoughts of telling my mom and Karen that I’m gay. I have to go to school to practice with

Laura so mom woke Karen up to drop me there. I can already hear talking in the kitchen. I push open the swinging door leading to it and the smell of pancakes and eggs hit me in the face. Slapping with its delectable aroma. Mom, Karen and Karen’s boyfriend Anthony are all sitting at the counter eating and talking about adult stuff I guess.

“Morning everyone.” They all mumble a morning towards me in return. Wow, this is already going bad. Maybe I should just tell them up front.

“Um guys I have something to tell you.” Both mom and Kerry look up at me but Anthony’s head remains in this morning’s paper. I huff and breathe in and out.

“I’m gay, well not all gay I mean I kind of like girls too. But guys are just better to me, not saying that girls are bad, but yeah I like guys.” The two of them stare at me for a moment before Karen gets up and heads to the fridge. Mom looks at me with a blank face a little while longer.

“Can you pass me the salt please?” her light voice requests and I hand it to her. The room falls into silence.

“D-Did you guys not just here me?”

“Yes you’re gay, we heard you.” Karen says annoyed, taking the milk and examine it. “Is this spoiled?”

“I think so.” Anthony answers his head still in the paper.

What the hell? I just told them a life changing revelation and they are asking for salt and milk?

“You know you guys can act a little more surprised. I just told you something big.” Mom looks at me and smiles.

“Not really…” I shoot a look at Anthony and he shrugs.

“Anthony’s right Matt, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Yeah, no one cares if you’re gay Matt, you’re still a loser.” Karen mocks me while doing the loser sign.

“Well aren’t you guys going to at least act stunned.” Mom’s attention returns back to me.

“What do you want us to do?”

“We’re supposed to fight over this and then you disown me but then after seeing how much you hurt me, we get back together and have a great family moment of overcoming our differences, haven’t you guys ever watched any gay movies??”

“I saw Legally Blonde.” Anthony pipes in and I throw a pancake at him.

“Again, no one cares if you’re gay Matt.”

“You know for a 23 year old you sure are immature.” Karen sticks out her tongue at me and exits the kitchen.

“Matt, we’re your family. We love you honey and I could never disown you. Let’s face it you’re my future because,” she leans over the counter “your sister’s kind of stupid.”

“I heard that.” Karen yells, playfully hitting mom in her shoulder. I mouth I love you to mom and she touches her chest where her heart is.

“My point is we love you for who you are, gay or straight.” Karen shivers.

“This is getting to ABC family for me, let’s go Anthony.”

“Okay, see you two later.” He waves and we both return the gesture, as soon as they leave mom’s head snaps in my direction.

“So who’s the lucky guy?” I narrow my eyes on her smiling face.

“What guy?”

“The one who you’ve fallen in love with?” I could lie to her and lay this cat and mouse game but, honestly she’s going to find out anyway.

“Well, there’s this guy in school and I’m unsure of my feelings for him. He’s sarcastic, witty and hates blondes.” I laugh bitterly at the ending line.

“So he’s perfect for you.”

“Yes, he’s the type to not let anyone walk over him but still affectionate and I’m sure he likes me too.”

“Then why haven’t you told him you like him?”

“That’s the thing; I’m too scared to do anything about it and then we had a fight.” she sighs and shake her head disappointed.

“You know Matt, there’s a story that you’re father used to tell Karen a lot. He said to her that love is like a TV show. When it’s airing you like it but rarely pay attention to it because you know it will always be around and will re-air on television. But once that show is no longer available or has been cancelled or ended, you realize what you’ve lost and want it back.”

“Dad said that about love?”

“That or he was still angry over Seinfeld’s cancelation.” She admits laughing.

“So you’re saying I should tell him how I feel?”

“Yes, see where it leads. I took a chance with your father over another man and look at me now.” I get up and go around to her hugging her. She returns it with a tight hold

“Well, Karen left so I’ll drop you since Eve is on her little playmate next door.” She says getting up from her seat, she grabs her keys and we walk side by side out the floor door.

“Mom, who was the guy you left to be with dad for.”

“It doesn’t matter, I picked your father.” I give her a skeptical look and she sighs “Bill Gates.”

Later 10: 45 am

I and Laura practiced vigorously together in the school’s auditorium. We’ve practiced three routines just in case.

Michael Jackson’s “The way you make me feel” blasts through the speakers as we danced.

Our routine is simple but effective, I’m a guy chasing her around just like the video. You may think it’s little but hey, we’re blonde, popular and really good looking. That’s enough to win votes. I dip her as the music ends and she stares me in the eyes.

“That was…good.” She doesn’t say anything, her head leans forward and she crashes her lips against mines. She attacks inside of her mouth with her tongue viciously. I’m in too much shock too even respond. I just let her go and she falls to the floor. I start to wipe at my mouth, trying to get her taste out off of my tongue.

“What the hell was that?!”

She gets up and places her hands on her face.

“That was me, asking you to be my boyfriend.” My eyes widen and she frowns a bit. What? Asking me isn’t good enough?

“I’m sorry Laura but I don’t like you like that.”

“Why not?” she snaps back quickly. “I’m popular, beautiful, talented and blonde.”

“I’m not all about looks.” She comes in closer, like a snake watching their prey waiting to attack.

“That’s not the reason; you’re in love with Allen.”  I remain silent. Could I deny it? Yes. I could have fought on it, but after the conversation I just had with my mom, I’m not about to. She laughs with vindication and malice.

“Matt, let’s be real. This school may not be homophobic but there are going to be people in this world that are. Don’t you want to be a football player?”

“Yeah.”

“Name one gay football player.” I remain quiet and she smiles evilly.

“Exactly, to achieve your goals you can’t be any fag, it doesn’t work that way.” My jaw clenches and I ball my fist, trying to fight the urge to wrap my hand around her neck and throttle her.

“You are going to need a trophy wife, a woman behind the man plus we’d make beautiful blonde babies.” She pushes herself against my chest and looks me in the eyes, a seductive glint swimming inside of them.

“Why are you doin this?”

“Why else, popularity, we’d be the power couple of this school. Your popularity would sky rocket, pushing you past Allen, even Sean. We’d be crowned King and Queen at Prom at the end of this semester.”

“Is this only about popularity to you?” I hiss, disgusted at her. If she thinks I’m going to be her tool she can think again.

“I like you as well, you’re fit, smart and have this bad boy look to you. Plus, do you really think you and Allen would last?”

“Yes, why not?”

“Allen for one hates blondes; second he’s strong about keeping his virginity so you won’t get any of what’s in his pants.”

“Sex isn’t everything and I can dye my hair.”

“Sure, most guys say sex isn’t everything but,” she licks her lips and her head “you know it’s important.”

“Ami I interrupting something?” a familiar voice asks and we both whip our heads to the seats. Allen is standing there with his hands on his waist, his hips cocked to the right and a questioning look on his face.

“No,” Laura answers and walks off stage. Allen’s eyes follow her until they reach one another then she looks back at me “think about it Matt.” And then she leaves. Allen takes a minute but proceeds to the stage as another Michael Jackson song starts to play.

“What was…”

“Nothing, why are you here?” I interrupt him and sit on the stage’s edge.

“Well,” he sits next to me and stares ahead “I and Sean are practicing today and I came to apologize for yesterday.” Okay, didn’t see that one coming.

“Why?”

“I was sort of out of line I guess. I shouldn’t have just sprung the question on you.” I could see him looking at me in the corner of my eyes but I didn’t look at him, I couldn’t…

“It’s okay, I was acting immature anyway.”

“Soooo, friends?” No, I want to be more. But that bitch’s voice is in the back of my head. What does she know anyway? She’s just trying to get me to be with her for popularity. So might as well see where it leads us if I say I like him.

“Allen, I want to be more than just—”his phone rings.

“Hold that thought.” He says digging into his pocket.

“Hello, yes mom.” He goes silent and I can hear a voice, obviously his mom talking to him. His face soon pales and he curses under his breath.

He looks over to me with an apologetic face but I wave him off.

“It’s alright, we can finish this later.” He smiles at places a hand don my shoulder. A surge of electricity bolts from it and travels though my body. It’s a feeling that I can’t really explain because I’ve never felt it before.

“I’ll be back in a minute.” He assures and exits the room.

“Shit.” I curse at myself. I should’ve just told him when he walked in. Maybe Laura was right.

No. she isn’t, she can’t be. I can’t just suppress my feelings because one girl on a quest for power tells me I shouldn’t. Screw being a football player if it means taking away my happiness.

The door opens again.

“Wow that was….”

Sean

“Fast…” I trail off seeing Sean enter the room, thinking it was Allen.

“Hello to you too.” He says walking over to me.

“What do you want?” I hiss at him but he doesn’t flinch, not even a little.

Cocky bastard

“Allen told me to tell you that he had a family emergency and had to leave abruptly.”

“Good, thanks, now goodbye.” He just smirks and advances towards the stairs and over to me. If only he knows how much my entire body is aching to knock him out.

“You know, I think I’ll stay for a bit.”

He’s trying to provoke me. Don’t hit Him, Don’t Hit Him.

“I can see right through your sweet act, Allen and the other guys you have fooled might not see it, but I do.”

“Really now.”

“Really,” I take a menacing step forward. “You better stay away from him after this is done.”

“Why, because you want him?” he scoffs

“Yes.” I admit.

“You can have him, if I wanted him he would already be mines.” I clench my jaw. Who does this dude think he is?

“Let’s face it Matt, if it came between me and you…I’d have Allen in my bed by sundown.”

That’s it!

I throw a punch but he grabs my fist twisting it in the palm of his hands. I start to grit my teeth and he smirks.

“Stop that, it’s very annoying.” He snarls.

“Let. Go.” I warn and he smiles this time but let’s go anyway.

“Face it Matt, you are no competition for me, not in this Talent Show or for Allen’s affection. You better be happy that I’m not going after him.” he exits the stage and walks down the aisle but spins around quickly.

“Have fun with the second place trophy.”

 

Oh SNAP! LOL. I really didn’t like this chapter and was going to redo the entire thing buuut I didn’t want to keep readers waiting too long so here you go! The talent Show is next and will be divided into two parts as two separate chapters. I will post them separately of course sometime between Saturday and next week Monday, maybe sooner. I LOVE YOU.

VOTE and COMMENT for me please?

XOXO

[text_hash] => c766e9da
)