Array
(
[text] =>

Jaden's picture →

~Corbyn's POV~

"Alright, girls. This weekend is my annual pool party, so we really need to brainstorm decorations, drinks, foods." I looked at four of the girls from my inner circle of friends, including Brooklyn, Tiana, Olivia, and Mae.

Of course, Mae wasn't nearly a friend-yet, but if I wanted her to trust me a little more, I needed to hang out with her. She wasn't a threat to me in any way, which was a huge plus!

The girls and I were sitting on my king-sized bed, which was across the wall-length windows that I had. The view from my windows was absolutely gorgeous because I could not only see the backyard pool and trees surrounding it, but much beyond the acres of land that my Dad owned. I did have dark purple drapes that covered the windows matching my bed's decor.

"Can't you just use the same theme as last year?" Olivia wondered, filing her nails absentmindedly.

"Liv, that's like social suicide. Corb has a rep to protect here, hello?" Brooklyn reminded.

I smiled at my best friend. "Exactly. And, ew, do not file over my bed thank you very much. Your manicure is like two weeks old; just get a new one."

She pouted and slid the nail filer in her purse.

"Do you have a hot tub?" Mae inquired.

Brook, Olivia, and I blinked at her in disbelief before laughing. "Duh!" I answered. "What kinda question is that? We have two indoor and one outdoor. Why?"

"You could put foam in the one outside. Kinda like one huge foam bath; it'll be so fun!" I could tell she was a very optimistic person, but not so much that she was oblivious to awkwardness.

I gasped. "Yeah, totally! And then my dad will hate my guts even more than he already does!"

She blushed. "Oh..."

"It was just an idea, Corb, chill," Tiana defended, putting nearly a handful of kettle corn in her mouth. Mae looked at her, smiling with happy eyes.

"Ooh, how about a neon theme? Everyone loves pretty lights and stuff. You could have glow in the dark balloons the size of beach balls, all different colors, and use it to decorate and light up the pools," Brook offered an idea, which wasn't a bad one to be honest.

"Wait... pools?" Mae's eyes widened. "You have more than one?"

I chuckled, looking at my friends. "We seriously need to give her a tour. Sweetie, there's an indoor one and outdoor."

"Like, keep up." Brook rolled her eyes, sucking heavily on her lollipop.

"I agree with B tho; you should get glow sticks and LED lights. You don't have to overdo the decor; everyone's gonna get blackout drunk anyway," said Tiana. I wrote their ideas down and nodded.

"So your dad hates you?" Mae asked me. I exchanged glances with my bestie and cracked a smile.

"Yeah, well, you know... dads..."

"I mean, he's our mayor. Seems pretty cool on TV-great sense of humor, surprisingly, and he's a philanthropist."

"So that makes him a wonderful person?"

"He just seems decent, that's all. But I completely understand if your relationship is rocky because my dad was a little iffy when I told everyone I'm homo... ish." She beamed, batting her mega huge blue eyes twice. "He's cool about it now though."

"When Corbyn came out, his Dad totally called him a faggot and other names."

"Liv!" I yelled.

"What? He gives you, like, a thousand bucks a month and a credit card in his name so it's not like it matters."

"Wow, it's like every day that passes you become an even bigger idiot than the previous one. Anyway, we should go shopping tomorrow to get all the decor and buy some outfits. Man, I wish we had more time but my mom only gave me Saturday. That's barely three days!"

"We'll figure it out," Brook assured, sliding off the bed. "I have to go. Cheer practice starts in 15."

Mae sulked, knowing she was no longer a part of the team. I smirked to myself. All in good time, sweetie.

"Omg, don't be late," I told her. We gave each other air kisses on each cheek and she hugged Tiana as well before walking out of the room.

"Liv, you're in cheer too."

"Oh yeah. Totes. Bye girls... and Corbyn." She hopped up, grabbing her purse and following Brooklyn. I put my planner away. "Liv is totally clueless. I need to kick her out of my inner circle, asap."

"You've known her since 7th grade!" Tiana exclaimed in shock.

"Yeah, so? I lose valuable brain cells around her and you can admit that you do too. Besides, she can't keep her mouth shut when I need her to."

Mae wrinkled her nose. "At least she's nice."

"Being nice doesn't get you anywhere if you have the IQ of a toddler."

Tiana scrolled through her phone, standing up. "I gotta head out as well. I've got homework and a manuscript to work on for my new story."

"Ooh, can I be in your story?" Mae clasped her hands in a plea.

"Inspire me first and I'll definitely consider it."

"Okay, I'll inspire you tomorrow, promise."

Tiana chuckled and hugged her briefly. "Bye girl. Bye Corbyn." She left my room and I turned to Mae, who was the only one left.

"Oh, shoot. I forgot I wanted to ask her for a ride home." She bit her lip, about to stand up so she could catch up with Tiana but I stopped her.

"I'll give you a ride, don't worry."

"Aw, thanks. Hey, I'm sorry your dad calls you names."

I shook my head. "It's cool." I stood up from my bed and walked over to my mini fridge, grabbing two small bottles of lemonade. I tossed her one and headed back to my bed, half lying down on it.

"It's not 'cool.' Why don't you stand up to him?"

I sighed. She wouldn't understand. "He just doesn't like me and... that's fine. Whatever." I shrugged. "But don't listen to Olivia; being gay has nothing to do with his dislike for me."

"But he called you a faggot," she reminded. I sat up a little bit.

"Yes because he just wanted to hurt my feelings. He's not homophobic which is the only reason he admitted calling me that was wrong."

"Okay, but why doesn't he like you then?"

I shook my head. "You're funny if you think I'd tell you. Not even Kris or Brooklyn knows. Drop it." Talking about my dad never angered me, only saddened. I could wish upon a star that things were different, but it'd be useless. I rather wish for anything else.

"Fine, I'll drop it. But I want my cheerleading position back. That cost my parents money, you know that."

I laughed then joked, "I could refund it."

She rolled her eyes. "Corbyn. If you have a heart at all... "

"It's not up to me, ask Brook."

Mae scoffed. "Says the person who preached about making or breaking anyone who goes to Whitewater. I hope you know I'm only sitting here for that spot back, as you promised. So if you're wasting my time, take me home and kick me out of your circle or whatever."

I fully sat up, sipping my lemonade. Then I gazed at her and she frowned sadly. "You know, for a big fat meanie, you have a very soft face. To think that you could actually be a sweet person until your mouth opens..."

I rolled my eyes at that. "I can be very sweet," I assured, making her laugh in doubt.

"This is the perfect opportunity then. Let me have my spot."

"Not yet. What did I promise you, Mae? Not just your spot back but guaranteed co-captain, which is even better. You're the one who will come up with routines alongside Brook and your coach. You're the person the college scouts want to see and get to know before other members on the team. But you have to work for that spot a little bit."

"You can't make me co-captain. You're not even on the team."

I continued sipping my lemonade, letting her doubt me all she wanted. "You like Tiana don't you?" I accused.

She was clearly surprised by my abrupt change of subject. "W-why would you think that?"

"All that lash batting you were doing caused dust to enter my eyes. Yeah, it was obvious. And then you asked to be in her story."

"Because she's a great writer!" She flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder, opening her bottle.

"Okay," I sang as she hit my arm.

"Shut up." She laughed it off. "I swear if you tell her before I do, I'm literally murdering you."

I laughed with her. "You'd be doing me a favor."

She stopped giggling to pout, her shoulders sagging. "Wait, don't tell me you're planning to hurt yourself."

"No, that was a joke. Duh, I was joking."

The disbelief was pouring into her eyes and she closed her bottle. "Corbyn-"

Mae was thankfully interrupted by soft knocks against my door. "Come in!" I permitted. My mother cautiously opened the door, looking slightly suspicious as she peered inside. Breathing a sigh of relief, she walked in, holding a tray of snacks. I didn't blame her hesitation. Once, she walked in on me and Kris doing naked, naughty things. It wasn't cool, but at least she learned to knock that day.

"I thought you guys might wanna try the cookies I made. They're warm."

"Ooh, yes ma'am! Thank you so much, Mrs. Starr!" Mae reached for the little tray.

"Mom, could you make me one of those green smoothies? Pretty please, you're better at it than I am," I requested politely. "I really like the ones with kale, banana, and pineapples."

"Yeah, of course. Um... I wanted to talk to you later but--"

"What is it?" She was acting strange. I mean, she'd been on edge ever since last year and I understood why.

"I-I saw him earlier today."

My face paled and I stood up, glancing at Mae. "One second," I told her, taking my mother's hand and pulling her out of my room. I stopped in the hallway, shaking my head. "What do you mean you saw him? I thought he would've moved as away from here as possible!"

"No, he was at a gas station about four miles away from your school. I left before he could see me."

I felt tears pool my eyes and nodded. "I just don't want anyone to find out."

"No one will. How can they? I'm pretty sure he's homeless or something, the way he looks. Whatever the case, you'll be fine. He barely knows you."

"He knows I exist and that's enough. Mom... are you okay?"

She brushed my hair and shrugged. "Yeah, I just thought you should know." She pulled me into a hug and I embraced her back, appreciating the gesture. I knew that it was tough for her, and that my face was a constant reminder, but she loved me so much. I loved her too.

Pulling away, I said, "I have to get back to Mae. She needs a ride home anyway."

"Okay. I'll have your smoothie ready when you get back."

I walked back into my room to see Mae nibbling on the cookies. "These are really good. And who's this guy your mom was being weird about?"

"No one," I snapped, grabbing my car keys. "You never heard a thing, got it?"

She lowered her cookie and slowly nodded, almost as if she was afraid. "Yeah, got it."

"Come on, let's go. I'm taking you home."

~Jaden's POV~

"This is a darn good story," I commented out loud as I scrolled through Tiana's book on my laptop. I was in my room with Kari, and we missed Mae's company. Or at least I did. I didn't realize that becoming a part of Corbyn's inner circle would impede on our time spent together after school. "The script is a little different though. Shorter, more focused. I still can't believe I got the part."

"I can't believe you had an actual conversation with Kris," my friend murmured. She smiled at her phone. "Ooh, I just found a cool new porn website."

I ignored her last statement, simply because her first one was much more of interest to me. "Yeah, he wants to talk to me during PE. Get to know me, I guess."

"Well there you go. Isn't that what you've been dreaming about?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "Something happens to my heart when he's that close to me. Almost as if I'm walking on holy ground and I have no right to stand next to him. And his eyes... have you ever looked into them? They're like jewels. He even has these tiny little laugh lines that you'd miss if you weren't right in front of him. He's so dreamy."

"Need help building a shrine?" I saw her eyes widen as she stared at her phone.

"If I needed help building a shrine, I'd just ask Nico. You know, my demon possessed friend." I sighed, sitting up. "I miss Mae already."

"Relax; she's only been gone a day or two."

I looked outside my window. "I wonder what Corbyn has her doing. He said she has to work for her spot back. What do you think he means?"

Kari stole a glance at me. "It's Corbyn. Nobody knows what goes on in his mind."

"I kinda miss being a nobody. I know that's gonna change come Friday."

My friend started giggling in earnest, quite the rare sound. "I can't wait to watch Corbyn flip his sacks when he sees your name next to the role of Jaxxon on that list." Her hand went to my shoulder in mock comfort. "Don't worry. Tomorrow's Thursday, so just look on the bright side."

I glared at her. I knew better. Every time she said 'look on the bright side' it was always anything but that. "And what could that be?" I asked anyway.

She shrugged. "You have one more day to be a nobody loser. After that, I feel... very sorry for you. Might wanna start looking for new schools." She continued laughing. "No worries; I'll keep your address a secret."

I rolled my eyes at her. "I'm gonna practice on my violin." I slid off my bed to retrieve my beloved instrument. "I've gotta learn this new song."

"And what would that be?" She inquired.

I swallowed, gazing at her. "The one I plan to play for Kris someday. If I ever get the chance."

🎻🎻🎻

"You bailed on me, Jaden," my orchestra instructor sighed in disappointment that Thursday morning. I stood in front of her small desk, my hands clasped in front of me.

"I know. I'm sorry; but I couldn't follow through."

She looked at me, unimpressed with my explanation. "You were my source of entertainment."

"Well, Corbyn Starr somehow found out about our plan. I don't even know how that's possible; we were the only ones in the room."

"Someone might have eavesdropped from the door."

"Then they must have supersonic hearing. Doesn't matter; I'm already on his hit list. I don't know why he feels so threatened by me. It's not like I have any chance with his boyfriend."

"Why do you think little of yourself?" she leaned forward on her desk, smiling softly at me. I looked down at my hands, playing with my fingers.

"Do I?" I whispered.

"You do. And I don't mean that to sound rude. I'm only saying you're so much better than you believe. You have the gift of music. So what could it be? Where's this insecurity coming from?"

I shrugged, not looking at her.

"Yesterday, when you were overwhelmed, you mentioned something about wanting your mother to come back home. You wanna talk about it?"

I finally looked at her, painting a smile onto my face. "No, I'm okay. I should get going." I picked up my backpack. "I'll see you during class, Ms. C." I quickly walked out of the large room.

As much as I wanted to speak to Kris during PE, I managed to avoid him yet again. I thought I'd be happier, but I kept thinking of my mom. She did say she would come home to make dinner for us, and I tried to be hopeful.

I just couldn't shake my sadness.

🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗

[text_hash] => b2782605
)