Chapter 17

 

        Ever since the party, I started to try to push myself away from Jack. I didn't want to have anymore problems like I had at the party. It was too heartbreaking. Whenever he happened to try to talk with me, I just said a few words before just walking away. If he ever tried to call me, I made some excuse as to why I couldn't talk before hanging up the phone. I wanted to kill myself for doing those things some of the time, but it was better off that way. I just didn't want to go through anymore of this pain. If I happened to get lucky, maybe this ridiculous crush would finally end and I would be able to just concentrate on being his friend.

        It was now spring break and I was free to do whatever I wanted. However, there wasn't really much for me to do at my house, and it was a warm day, so I figured I would go out for a walk. It was better than sitting inside all day after all. I exited the house and slowly made my way down the street as I stared up at the sky, the sun shining down on the neighborhood from its peak in the sea of blue.

        When I got down the road, I had a choice of either walking around the trail that ran around the edges of the field, or on the nature trail. It had been a while since I've been in the nature trail, so I figured I'd go in there and walk around for a bit. Maybe being subdued in nature would help me relax a little more?

        “Hey, wait!”

        I could hear the faint sound of a door closing after Jack shouted that. I didn't bother listening to him, but instead entered the nature trail. The gravel path seemed to be much narrower than it was when I first entered this place. I could hear someone running from not too far behind me. I ignored them and just continued forward at a somewhat quicker pace. When I reached the steps, I was forced to duck because of how the branches were growing over them. It wasn't until I reached the top when I was able to erect my posture.

        “Hey, how's come you didn't stop and wait for me?” Jack questioned as he started to walk beside me.

        “Don't remember you telling me too,” I lied.

        “I was shouting from my house. Didn't you hear me?”

        “Guess not.”

        “Oh, okay.”

        I tried to pick up the pace a tad and Jack did the same.

        “We haven't really talked that much lately. Has everything been okay?”

        “Yeah, everything's been perfect,” I muttered.

        “Okay then.”

        It was obvious he didn't believe me by the tone of his voice, but I didn't care. All I wanted was for him to leave me alone. Jack started to talk a little more, but I didn't really pay much attention to what he was saying. If he ever tried to get me to talk, I said very little or just replied with a nod or shake of my head. If I ever did say anything, I didn't bother trying to hide the bitterness in my voice. I didn't care anymore. He was causing me just as much pain after all.

        A couple minutes later, we eventually arrived at the dead end. I was actually a little surprised to see two bamboo sticks laying on the path just a few feet ahead of us. Jack laughed—probably from noticing them too. He picked up the pace to go over and pick up the closest one. I just stopped in my tracks and looked to the side as if something caught my interest.

        “I can't believe these are still here,” Jack said before chuckling a little. “I can still remember when we first came in here.”

        I could remember it too. It was as plain as day. We were perfect friends then. . .

        He laughed. “You were scared out of your mind and –”

        “Just shut up!” I yelled. “I don't care, alright?!”

        I turned around so I wouldn't have to face him and I bowed my head as I clenched my teeth. My hands rolled into tight fists until my knuckles turned white.

        “Are you sure you're alright?” he asked. I could hear him walking up to me from behind.

        “I already told you, I'm fine,” I replied bitterly.

        “It doesn't sound like it.” He stopped walking. I could feel him standing behind me. “You can tell me anything you know. I mean,” his voice cracked a little, “that's what friends are for, right?” He tried to place a hand on my shoulder.

        “Just f**k off!” I shouted furiously as I smacked his hand away from me and took a step back.

        There was hurt in his eyes. My anger and hatred was quickly reduced to guilt. I opened my mouth to say something—to apologize, but nothing came out.

        “It's alright, don't worry about it,” he said, his voice emotionless. “I'll just leave you alone. It's what you want after all.”

        I watched him turn around and walk off to leave me alone there in the nature trail.

Author's Note

Is the dialogue good? Does any of it seemed a little too forced? Also, is it believable for Jay to snap on Jack like that?

Reviews

[Mekin]

I believe they're both assys. Jay is making things too hard on himself and Jack is not being to clear with Jay. Unless, Jack has a inner fear of rejection. But, at least he's trying to communicate with Jay and get him out his shell. I understand that his feelings were hurt, but he could've TALKED to him instead of snapping at him. It's clear that Jack isn't aware of his hurtful actions or of Jay's true feelings besides his own. I kind of feel more bad for Jack than Jay. And I'm glad that he walked away. Though, it was a bit sad. Other than that, it is slightly believable that he would snap on Jack. The dialogue is good. I'm hoping to see some developments in both their characters soon. Good work. :3

[Eidolon Michael]

Jay, you meanie!!*huggles Jack* It was believable that Jay would snap :-)

[Amund Schofield]

all very believable for Jay to finally snap on Jack. Jack is a bit of an a*s.