Barriers

Barriers 9 - Striving for More

"So your uncle is here for a Vacation in the middle of September?"

"Yeah everything is terrible." I finally finished the explanation to Smith as we waited for Ken to come out of the Pharmacy with his mother's weekly meds. Talking about my shitty situation was better than thinking about Ken's. He eventually came out staring at the bag with a big smile on his face.

"Thanks as always Eric. Great news by the way. They're lowering the dosage because she's winning!" Ken beamed as Smith backed out of the parking lot and drove towards Ken's apartment complex.

"Great to hear man." I pat Ken on the shoulder not sure how to react.

"She can't wait to meet you dude. She keeps saying she wants to meet her other son." I guess Ken used the nickname even when I wasn't around.

"Whats your plan when you have more free time?" Smith asked as he drove into the complex.

"Work on my Project more. Probably find a girlfriend."

"Hell yeah dude! It's about time you found someone to date. Can't always hang off Johnny's coattails." I thought back to how Kimbal thought Ken and Jon were an item and couldn't help but wonder where Smith stood on all of this.

As we parked Ken noticed a car getting out as well and he waved to a small Hispanic kid inside. The kid excitedly jumped and as soon as Ken let himself out the kid hugged his leg.

"Kenny!" The kid screamed. "I haven't seen you in weeks!"

"How's it going buddy? You still practicing your layups?" He asked as he pat the kids head.

"Yeah I'm gonna get real good and be the point guard like your best friend! Just you wait!" He beamed.

"You can come watch us practice any time."

"Alright that's enough sweetie." The kids mom went to pull him off Ken's leg so they could go inside. "Thanks as always Kenny. You're such a sweet boy."

"You hear that mom? I can go watch the varsity team practice!"

"Yes dear, I'll have your dad take you this week before the game." She gave us all a quick smile before walking off with her excited child.

"What on earth was that all about?" I asked as I sat in the car with my legs hanging out.

"That's Cody. He looks up to me and Johnny. He wants to play basketball when he grows up and he's always asking me to play with him. It's pretty fun having a little fan like him." He pointed to his apartment block and made his way over.

"How is he not your little brother?"

"Ya know.i never thought about it until now. Oh well too late little bro." He fiddled with his keys and opened the door. "MA, I HAVE COMPANY."

"In the living room." We heard a tired voice meek out.

As we walked through the foyer, I couldn't help but notice the pictures on the wall. Younger Ken and his father were pictured on many a camping trip, a few of them with hunting rifles. I couldn't believe a big softie like Ken would be so actively into killing for sport.

"Ma! They decreased your dosage. That means you're getting better!" Ken turned the corner and there was his mother watching tv in a recliner with a blanket draped over her.

Mrs. Wilker looked like she had seen better days. Her pink bandana covered her head and she elected no makeup to hide her tired eyes. If I had to guess I would think she's about my father's age with a few more added on physically due to the chemo she was going through. She put her best smile on as we approached.

"Ken, we went over this last time. The meds make me nauseous so they cycle me off them so I can eat."

"But you said it was shrinking right? Maybe this is the last time you cycle off!"

"Let's hope so dear. Now are you going to introduce your new friend to me or is he just going to stand there?"

"Oh right!" Ken put the bag on his mother's TV tray and then brought me over. "This is him Ma. This is Jon's boyfriend."

"Oh my goodness. So this is my other son? It's so nice to meet you! I'd shake your hand but they don't recommend it."

"I understand. I've heard wonderful things about you and it's nice to put a face to the name." I waved wanting to be as polite as possible.

"Likewise. I bet Jon's a handful to deal with." She shook her head. "You know him and Ken have been inseparable since 6th grade and he was always so strong headed and bold I bet dating him is exhausting."

"I'm the exhausting one miss." I admitted. "Apparently Jon has really mellowed out since we started dating."

"That's an understatement. He doesn't drink. He doesn't party. He just spends his nights when he isn't working with Jason over here." Smith interjected reminding us that he was here as well.

"You know I really thought I'd never see the day Jon Han would actually settle. How have you been Eric? I've been a while hasn't it?"

As the three caught up with each other I looked around the living room and noticed more hunting gear. Backpacks and trophies lined the walls of the small two-bedroom apartment. In the center of the living room wall was a silver revolver hung up on a mantle and above it read "Sally". I felt gravitated to get a look at the gun, finding it odd that it would be so carelessly hung for someone to make a mistake with.

"Isn't she beautiful? It was my grandpa's favorite gun." Ken appeared next to me while Smith and Mrs. Wilker continued to catch up.

"You just keep it out here?"

"Yeah it's a family heirloom. All I have left from my grandpop. I can't wait till I'm old enough to take it to the range and see how it fires."

"Are you on about Sally again?" His mother raised her voice scaring both of us. "I swear you and your father are going to get in trouble one of these days with your dangerous gun obsession."

"Mom, it's all I have left to remember grandpop by." Ken whined.

"Alright that's enough out of you. I don't like you talking about guns when you're barely Eighteen." She turned to Smith "Can you get him out of here please?"

"Alright you heard your mom. Let's go get dinner Kenny." Smith must do this a lot because he began dragging Ken immediately.

"But I need to cook and make sure she takes her meds"

"I am not a child Kenneth. I can take care of myself for a night. You wait on me too much and are wasting your youth. You are going out to dinner with your friends and that's the end of it." She demanded continuing the same tone.

"Come on Kenny. We're going to The Hog, my treat." Smith was much stronger than he looked as he effortlessly dragged a protesting Ken out of his home. "Jason come on before he finds a dumb reason to stay."

"Oh sorry." I followed along stopping to say one more thing. "Thank you for having me in your home."

"Well hopefully I'll be able to get out of the house soon and we'll cheer the boys on at homecoming." She relaxed her demeanor since Smith has Ken handled. "I'm glad I'm finally getting better so I can have my son actually live his life you know? Don't keep them waiting now. You're welcome back any time."

"Thank you Mrs. Wilker." I waved one more time before rushing out to catch up. I got into the back of the car and dove into the argument the two basketball players were having.

"Fine Fine. She wants me out of the house."

"That's what I like to hear. We'll be there in ten minutes." Smith backed the car out of the parking spot and started driving to the mall. "Fuck sorry Jason. You're cool with a burger right?"

"Oh yeah I'm hella flexible." I piped in before slinking back.

"The Hog it is."

As we drove I felt by phone buzz telling me I had a text. I assumed it was Jenna finally deciding to apologize but I couldn't have been more off.

"Jason, can you meet me and Judy tommorow during homeroom?" This has to be Leena, nobody else refers to Judy by her first name.

"Why?"

"I have an idea."

"You need to chill I'm just your opinion columnist. How did you even get my phone number?"

"Jenna gave it to me."

"Why would she even give it to you if we aren't talking?"

"Probably because I would annoy you. Anyways tommorow morning. Thanks."

One of these days I'm going to grow a spine and tell her off. She just treats me like a lap dog and I still can't figure out why I even listen to her. Thankfully I didn't have to think about it much since we were at the mall. When we were seated, I zoned back into the conversation that the two basketball players were having.

"I'm telling you Kenny, it's a waste of time."

"I'm not ready to give up on Joey just yet, I have a few more ideas." Ken waved off Smith.

"He doesn't care, he think's you're only around because of Jon."

"You know I was wondering about that." I interrupted.

"Wondering about what?" Smith said dumbfounded.

"Well you're right. Kimbal thinks Kenny just hangs off Jon's nuts."

"He does not..."

"Ken. He thought you two were fucking before we got together. He thinks you're around because of Jon." I narrowed my eyes and Ken, attemping to shut up his optimism about the situation.

"I told you!" Smith punched Ken in the arm. "Like I was willing to put up with his dumb ass because he was playing well last year but he's such an asshole and he's playing like shit. Tell coach to bench his ass."

"I can change his mind." Ken spoke with that wide eyed optimism that was so god damn annoying. He seemed to jump between this and his panic attacks and there was never any in between. "I think if I show him some plays that put him front and center, he'll care a bit more. You don't mind trying that right?"

"What do you want Eric?" We all looked up to see Veronica Lopez staring at her notepad waiting to take our order. Her black hair was tied into a ponytail and her eyeshadow was a bit lighter than it normally was, probably from the long day she had. She had her standard waitress garb complete with the apron. All I could do was picture her blowing my boyfriend so I clammed up real quick and dove into the menu.

"OH MY GOD JACKIE THIS ISN'T FUNNY!" She screamed to the front realizing who Smith was with.

"I find it pretty funny, what about you Eric?" Ken chuckled ribbing his friend.

"Damn I thought Jackie was your friend." Eric cracked joining Ken

"I'm not doing this." She flipped her notepad and shoved it in her apron and tried to walk away before Smith grabbed her.

"Now hold on. You two don't need to be weird around each other."

"I mean she has no problem talking shit about me online." I spit out from behind the menu immediately regretting it afterwards. I don't have anything against her, it's just...well...awkward.

"Ok great now that that's settled, I'm going to find someone to cover this table." She tried to release her grip from Smith but he wasn't budging.

"How about this? If you wait on us, I'll take you out on a date on Friday and make you forget all about Jon Han." He stared straight into her eyes getting a blush.

"How about you just take me out anyways?"

"That's too easy. I'm sure Jason doesn't hate you anyways right?" He looked at me expectantly over the menu.

"Don't talk shit about me I don't talk shit about you." I shrugged as I figured out what I wanted.

"Great. Now take my order. I want it brought here by you." I heard as I rolled my eyes.

The meal went on as normal. Veronica stayed close and talked to Smith and Ken while I ate in silence. Eventually I was able to escape and pay the check at the front desk leaving a sizable tip to Veronica for sucking it up and getting over our little spat. As I walked back my phone rang and as I expected Jon was on the other line. I decided to take it outside in case I got angry at him.

"Good to see he didn't break your arms." Who knows what they were up to over there?

"Where are you?"

"Just getting out of the Hog. I figured I had to eat since I wasn't invited." Knowing my uncle, he made an entire show of it complete with his cooking.

"Are Eric and Kenny with you?"

"No, I had to sneak out the pay the check." He didn't need to know about Veronica yet even though we had pretty much gotten past it.

"Well your uncle says it's time to come back and babe I would listen to him."

There it was. Jon was captivated by the man that was Calvin Andrews. "God he just has every dumb Asian hanging on his every word doesn't he? Sure, I'll have Smith drop me off."

"Ok, see you soon babe. Love you"

"Idiot." I made my way back to the table to see Smith standing courting his new date and Ken standing behind him rolling his eyes.

"Alright boys, the keeper has summoned me. Sorry to break this up but we must be on our way."

"But the check..."

"I was trying to tell you." Veronica smacked Smith's arm. "Jason paid for everything already."

"Alright, I owe you." He turned to Veronica one more time. "As for you, I'll see you after school on Friday."

"Alright you. I'm over this." Ken pulled Smith away to my relief and the budding romance was put on hold for now. "Let's get Jason home before he gets into trouble."

With Veronica out of the picture, Ken and Smith went back to the conversation about their less than Stellar friend. I had nothing to add so I zoned out. As we hit my street, I saw Jon pacing back and forth next to his car. He definitely dressed the part for the dinner. His black dress pants gripped his legs in all the right places and his undershirt was breathable without being see through so it showed his prominent chest he had been working out more recently. I couldn't believe I was thinking this but I really did miss him when we were apart now. I definitely was going to see him less now for a while since my uncle was in town. When we parked and got out of the car my knees and arms felt heavy and the only thing that would fix that was holding him and nuzzling into him.

"Babe." Is all I could muster.

"Did you guys bully him like you do with Kenny?" I heard and I rested on my boyfriend. They went back and forth and I wanted to join in but didn't have the energy.

"KEN WAIT." I shouted a bit too loudly startling everyone.

"Oh god what did my uncle say about Ken?" I squeezed him bracing for impact

"No, it's just...He's in a business meeting with someone in Texas and he said he needs quiet." My parents were in Texas too so I imagined it was something to do with the family trust.

They continued on until Ken had Smith drive him home leaving me alone with the one person I wanted to be with.

"What's wrong babe?" He gently pulled my chin forcing me to look at him

"Missed you." I mumbled as I put my face back into him. "Wanna hold you since you can't come in."

"Actually...he said I could stay tonight if I wanted to. Think you can be quiet?"

I looked up at Jon's incredible features I hadn't noticed until now. He had this great stubble that only showed in the dark and his eyes were that lime green that showed up when he felt everything was perfect between us. I couldn't deny it anymore, I had finally fallen for him. All these months of his incredible patience, waiting for me to trust him had finally paid off.

"I think I can be quiet. Come on." I grabbed him and pulled him up the steps and he followed with no resistance. We opened the door and I could hear my uncle pacing back and forth in the office he had set up. He would always tell me that the secret to the success of the Andrews Clan was that we never took vacations.

"Absolutely not Beth." We heard before he closed his office door. Him and my mother had a precarious relationship. They pretty much despised each other but always managed to stay civil when it came to the family business. I learned from my dad you just stay out of their way and just nod and agree whenever one would complain about the other. My uncle would constantly say my dope of a dad could do so much better and my Mom would say my Uncles a spoiled brat who's never actually worked a day in his life.

"What do you want to do?" He asked wisely as we made our way downstairs.

"You're always so horny." I snapped.

"Only for you babe." He grabbed me from behind after hitting the basement floor and kissed that spot at the bottom right of my neck that drove me wild.

"Can we just relax for a bit?" I moaned as he continued pressing his lips against my neck. "I'm exhausted from today."

"Anything you want babe." He whispered into my ear before dragging me to the bed. We stripped down as we normally would and got under the covers. I didn't bother turning on the tv because it's all trash on Netflix anyways so I just laid there in his arms while he played with my hair.

"I'm so lucky to have you." I said breaking the silence.

"Nah, I'm the lucky one." He moved my hair out of my eyes so I could look up and see his soft smile. "Every time I have you like this, I fall in love with you just a little bit more."

"So corny." I chuckled before moving up to kiss him on the lips.

"I don't care. I'm over being this hotshot playboy. I have no problems being like this if it makes you smile."

"What's gotten into you? What did my uncle do to you?"

"You know I can't tell you that babe." He sighed looking away ashamed.

"I figured as much. Did he pull out the line about how powerful he is?"

"He did several times."

"Well sadly it's true. I guess you found out about the castle and the trust fund too."

"Are you seriously looking at a hundred million when you turn 21?"

"No, it's not that much. Whoever told you that is exaggerating. I will never have to work a day in my life and then have money left over though." I dotted his nose and laughed as I resumed my place on his chest.

"That's insane. You can actually do whatever you want with your life" He trailed off looking like he was losing himself in all the possibilities for me.

"I do my best to not think about it. Too many choices and my brain pops." I told him honestly. "I just need to find my passion."

"I'll help you as much as you want. When you're happy I'm happy."

"You're actually such a fucking loser. If people knew you were like this with me..."

"Are you kidding? I want to be like this in school. I want to kiss you before you leave for homeroom. I want to find a stairwell and make out with you between classes. I want everyone to know how much you mean to me and anyone who has a problem with it can take it up with me."

"Alright I get it." He was doing his stupid lion routine again and the sincerity of it made me gag. "Relax ok?"

"Ok babe, whatever you want." He brought my face up one more time and kissed me softly. We kept repeating the motion, getting a bit more involved with every kiss. "I thought you said relax." He interjected once he moved his hands to the back of my head.

"Are you complaining?"

"Absolutely not." With the permission he just got he went straight to work, bringing my head in close and splitting my mouth open. I opened my eyes to see his right green eyes turn into that deep emerald color that signaled his lust for me. Between my uncle's sudden appearance and the whirlwind of drama that I couldn't seem to escape we didn't have time to be intimate. Jon was going to jump on every opportunity he got from here on out.

"God I missed your body." He whispered as we broke apart. He grabbed my ass pulled a loud moan out of me. All he could do was chuckle as he picked me up and placed my ass right on top of his rock-hard dick. Only a few thin layers of fabric separating us. I arched my back and pressed my hips down, getting him to growl and curse as he held me down.

I inched closer to the head of his dick despite the good amount of resistance he was giving me. We both knew what was going on. I was addicted to the rush of making him anxious on top of feeling his dick pulse between my cheeks and he loved it the same.

"Fuck I can't take this anymore." He growled before flipping me on my back and shoving his tongue in my mouth. He put as much pressure on me as possible as he held my legs up removing any remaining clothing between us. "You trust me right?" He asked looking straight into my eyes as he kept his distance as he held my legs up.

"Jon..." I cried as he sat there.

"You trust me right? He repeated.

"You won't..." I didn't want to finish the statement so I looked away. I wanted to be ready but I just wasn't yet. I still couldn't figure out what was holding me back. I hurt that I couldn't share the most intimate part of me with him but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

"You trust me right?" He said one more time as he leaned into me bringing his face forward.. "I won't hurt you. I know you don't want to yet."

I looked up to him and felt his softness once more. I just didn't know what was going on. Why was he testing me now? He touched the side of my face as I laid there frozen and it was enough thaw me out of my racing thoughts and say what I needed to say in that moment.

"Yes."

"Thank fucking god." He said breathlessly as he kissed me once before he went back to the position he was at before. I watched as he positioned his dick as if he was getting ready to fuck me. He looked at me one more time and mouthed "Trust me." before he proceeded. I felt the wet sponge that was his head and I moaned as it felt incredible. Even if he wasn't going to fuck me, I probably would have been helpless to stop him. He pushed his head down onto the top of my ass crack and suddenly it all made sense. He continued to watch himself as he grinded against me, making sure he wasn't penetrating me. "Are you ok? Am I getting too close?"

"Shut up and come here." I demanded as he had figured it out. He wanted to be as close as possible to me, to share the next level of intimacy we could and it felt incredible. His dick touched every nerve on my hole and was in heaven and he rocked back and forth. The incredible amount of precum he was leaking was making things easier acting as lube. He did as I asked and I returned the incoming kiss and gave everything I could as he continued to grind against me. I felt his hand grab and stroke my dick in rhythm with him. Jon's experience in bed was showing in strides here and it was bringing me to a place I never been before. Every touch had this warmth to it, like he would never give this to anyone else.

"I fucking love you." He growled as he broke the kiss not missing a beat. "You're so fucking perfect. This is so much better than anything I've had with anyone else in my life."

I threw my head back and arched my back into him getting a bit too close to penetration. The sensations were amplified and kept me right in place for what felt like an eternity as he kept going.. Something in me told me to finally return it, to let him hear the words he had been waiting for all this time.

"I love you too." I cried as I backed onto him more.

Suddenly he stopped. As I realized this, I looked up to see that he was quivering and after that I felt it. He was shooting between my ass and the bedsheets. He gripped my dick tight as he blew his hot load all over me. This had to had gone on for well over thirty seconds as it seemed like it would never end. When it finally did, he collapsed on top of me absolutely breathless.

"You ok over there?" I teased

"You...you said it." He said between breaths. He moved his hands to the hair in front of my eyes to push it away. "You said you love me." He continued with increased emotion.

"I did." I answered wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I love you."

"Fuck." He said one more time before using the last of his energy to move us to a comfortable position to go to bed. I felt on top of the world, like things really made sense for once. There were no thoughts plaguing me, just the impenetrable shell of my boyfriend's love for me. Within minutes I heard his gentle snore behind me and I decided to drift off on my own.

"Oh christ. You didn't actually do it did you?" My uncle's sharp wit woke me up what felt like was way too early.

"Uncle not now." I groaned as I turned over into the chest of my boyfriend. For once we didn't move an inch in our sleep.

"Wait..." My stupid lion grumbled before he realized what was going on. "Sir. I swear we didn't." He yelled as he got up and out of the sheets.

"You know lad, you being naked under there isn't really selling it." I heard my uncle chuckle as I refused to open my eyes.

"AH FUCK." Jon screamed way too loud as he stumbled to find his clothes.

"At least I know my nephew was satisfied." He quipped one more time before I heard his footsteps walk away. "Come on you two, breakfast is almost ready."

I found the energy to open my eyes after I heard the basement door close. I turned over to see Jon groaning into his hands with my sweats on.

"You're actually so stupid." I muttered as I got up and walked to the bathroom.

"Babe I promised him I didn't fuck you and then the next morning he finds us like that." He groaned again as he followed me in.

"But we didn't. It's not like you're lying."

"I never want your uncle thinking I'm lying to him. I never want to see him mad." He turned on the shower and slipped off my sweats as I relieved myself.

"He likes you too much to not believe you unfortunately." I admitted. "Now lets make this quick before he comes down again."

We did our best speed run of a shower and threw on some school clothes before making our way up. As expected, my uncle was there with a spread that would make a resort jealous.

"Uncle don't torment him this morning. He's deathly afraid of pissing you off."

"JASON." Jon exclaimed. It was fun having him on the receiving end of this for once.

"If you two snogged I will have a problem." He looked up briefly from his book to scan me for a lie.

"We didn't. I would be in a lot more pain this morning if I was. Where's the press?"

"Next to the stove. Make your man a cup, maybe it'll stop his shakes." He looked over the Jon being a muttering mess.

"Sir, I promise you I didn't." Jon cried putting his hands up

"I believe you. Jace is far too relaxed. The boy would be losing his mind along with you if you did the deed." He sipped his coffee before going back to his book.

"What time is it anyways?" I asked as I poured two cups out of the press.

"A little after six. I was going to wake you up at five but I heard you two when I came down for water so I decided to let you sleep in."

"Gee, thanks." I said as I made my way to the table handing Jon his mug. After a couple of minutes of silence Jon seemed to return to normal. We ate in silence although I could tell there was a mental war going on between my boyfriend and my uncle.

"You have therapy today Jace. After we're going clothes shopping for some workout gear." He told me as we finished up.

"Here it is, where I lose what little control I have over my life." I threw my hands up after washing my plate.

"Shut it you little goblin." He immediately retorted. "You're not to talk to me like that."

"Yes uncle." I replied rolling my eyes out of his sight. "Jon I have to meet Leena this morning. Let's go."

"Hold on, I need to ask one more thing of your boyfriend." My uncle said putting his hand on his shoulder. I heard an audible gulp as I walked out the door.

"Yeah sure whatever." This meant he wanted me to buzz off so they could conspire more. "I'll wait out front."

I sat on my steps waiting for Jon and basked in the morning while hitting my vape. Everything still felt like it was in place. I was still perfectly comfortable with what had happened last night and wondered when I would actually be ready for the next step.

"Sorry babe." He apologized as he closed the door.

"Yeah yeah more secrets."

"No, this one I can tell you. He just wants me to get tested, which is fair. I don't think I have anything but always better to have the papers to prove it."

"Oh." The thought didn't even cross my mind. He was awfully close last night as well. I decided to break the through with a hard hit of my vape as we walked to school.

"Babe. I was always safe when I was screwing around. I would never endanger you. Especially now because apparently your uncle has an HIV scare when he was younger and if I did anything close to that he said he would ruin my entire life without remorse."

"That's my uncle, the emotional capacity of a walnut." I replied throwing my hands up.

We made it to school and as usual, the eyes and whispers were all on us. I seriously didn't get it. How boring was this fucking town that two dudes dating happens to be buzz worthy news for an entire month. I dragged him to my home room to let him know I was with Ms Cantera and when we go to her room, Jon gave me a long deep kiss before leaving me to check on Ken. I was embarrassed but it was just something I was going to have to get used to.

"You're late." Leena was sitting at the computer while Ms. Cantera graded papers.

"You didn't specify a time." I countered looking at my phone for the texts.

"It's fine you're not late Jason." Ma. Cantera picked up a newspaper from her desk and handed it to me. "First things first, read over your column and make sure it's what you want before we release it on Friday."

I had completely forgotten about this dumb piece. It felt like it had been weeks since I last wrote it but really it was less than one. I shrugged and decided to give it one more go over.

Expectations

Hi, I'm Jason Andrews your new opinion columnist. I still haven't figured out if I'm doing this under duress or of my own free will but nonetheless here we are. I'm a senior. That means that bin everyone in my class is picking out colleges this year. The first thing they ask you in a college interview is what do you want to major in? I'm sure most people are made up by now but I'm not. It's weird to tell someone "I have no aspirations as of right now." because you're viewed as lazy rather than lost. The more I think about it though, the more I realize It's better that I don't throw myself into something so young. So many people get caught up in the appearance and the effort towards a goal that they find themselves without an identity outside of that goal. I know of many adults in my life who are heavily committed to their career even though they despite it. Maybe I'm idealistic, but I want to be a complete person as I grow up and not regret spending time working towards some career that I end up not liking and being stuck. So, if you feel like you have no idea. That's ok. Just keep working on it and becoming a better you. You should do your best academically though because that actually opens doors.

"Yeah sure this looks good." I said handing it back to her

"Ok great!" Leena started. "So now onto my idea."

"Leena." Ms Cantera stopped her.

"Oh come on Judy you haven't even heard it!"

"You won't shut up until you get to say it so let's go." I was not in a mood to be buttered up for one of Leena's projects.

"Alright, you and Ken Wilker are close. He's also the most exciting thing to happen to this school since Karen Han."

"Ok what do I have to do with this?" I crossed my arms not liking where this was going.

"If you could get an interview with him it would be such a good front page story for the November edition."

"No."

"But..."

"I am not going to compromise my relationship with a new friend for an article I'm not on for."

"Come on this is right up your alley."

"Leena you are doing it again." Me Cantera said saving me. "He is the opinion columnist and that is it for now."

"Ugh fine!" She turned around and went back to the computer.

The next two hours were spent on my phone not caring about the book we were reading about how to write college papers. This shit's easy and I'm not remotely worried. Ms. Cantera reminded me that today was the paper meeting but I explained I had a doctors appointment and that I would have something ready for her by next week so I wouldn't be there today much to her disappointment. She told me everyone appreciates my input since I'm so forward and I appreciated the compliment.

"Hi babe. " I walked up to Jon waiting for me and give him a kiss on the lips surprising him. "Hows Ken?"

"I'm sorry what did you say? He said after of 10 seconds of standing there dumbstruck.

"I asked how Ken was." I chuckled as I grabbed his hand. Me being more intimate didn't change the fact that I needed to make it to the other building for my next class.

"Oh, he was in a good mood trying to figure out how to get Joey to play better." He responded as I tugged him along. "I don't know babe, Kenny's too pure for this world I think we need to bench Joe to get his head straight."

"Yeah, Eric said the same thing last night."

"Ah so you like Eric now huh?" He figured out I call my close male friends by their first name.

"Shut up."

"He's real excited about homecoming. I'm glad you can trust him."

"Yeah yeah. I'll miss you today." I said as we approached the point where we needed to break off. "Thanks for being so great recently."

"No thank you." He replied before kissing me in earnest in front of my next classroom. "Call me when your uncles through with you ok?"

"Ok." I meeked out as I walked into my next class blushing.

"Coach I'm telling you. He doesn't care and Ken's too much of a pussy to bench him, you have to do it." Eric was arguing with our History teacher as I walked in.

"I'm not listening to this. I agree with Kenny. Sorry." Coach Mathews waved off his Power Forward and went back to his paper.

"When we lose on Friday you'll know why." He turned around and bumped square into my staring blankly. "Jason! Whats up bro?" He brought me in for a hug that I awkwardly returned.

"You better not distract my star player. "Mathews look up from his paper to give me a side eye as I pulled off the hug. "I need his focus to replicate last season."

"I know how important this is to everyone. I'll stay out of the way." I answered honestly.

"That's what I like to hear." The bell rang and he put his paper down and motioned us to get to our seats. Eric wouldn't shut up about hanging out at my place this week and I told him we could probably figure out plans for homecoming on Friday after I got out whatever my uncle had planned.

After class I stumbled to my place against my will and found my uncle out in the back yard on the phone.

"Ok. He's here now. Say hello to the dogs for me. Love you too. Alright, lets go."

"No pleasantries? No snide remarks about my day?" I asked as I followed along the outside of the house.

"I know I've been harsh Jace but I'm not the Jackal you make me out to be. I know its your moms side by do give me some benefit of the doubt here."

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever." I groaned dreading the incoming session.

The drive was a little under an hour out. It worked out as a medium between my parent's work and our house. The lobby was one of those fancy wide open setups you would see in the movies. It's to be expected as my mother would never come to a place unless it was such.

"Hello, here for the youngest Andrews." My uncle told the woman at the front desk as he typed something on his phone.

"Right on time." She picked up a clipboard and walked back motioning me to the back. "Jason, please follow me."

I looked at my uncle and he nodded telling me he wouldn't be joining me so I followed the woman as such.

"How are you feeling today? Can I get you anything to drink? We have Water, Sparkling Water, Tea, and Coffee."

"No thank you." I answered as we walked what seemed like forever.

"How many drinks have you consumed in the past week?"

"None in the past four days but I drank about fifteen drinks the days before that." Hearing it out loud made me cringe but honesty is the best policy.

"Are you on any medication?"

"I took a benzo the other day to help with my lightheadedness and general sensitivity."

"Is that prescribed? It's ok to say no. If they help we can work out if you need them. It does make sense that would be taking them after being cut cold turkey."

"It isn't."

"Any other drugs we should know about? Cannabis, Cocaine, Meth, MDMA?"

"Only Nicotine. I recently switched from cigarettes to vaping."

"Any suicidal idealation?"

"Not in the past month." Finally, an answer I can feel good about.

"Wonderful to hear." She had a soft smile as she filled out the clipboard as we stood in front of the therapists office before opening the door. "Your two o'clock is here Dr. Lee."

"Ah perfect." She closed her laptop and took the clipboard from the assistant. "Jason Andrews. The son of Calvin and Beth. Thank you, Anna."

"If you need anything just buzz." She said to me before walking out and closing the door.

"An improved mood over the past month and no reckless drug usage besides the alcohol which you stopped cold turkey very recently." She asked as she browsed the clipboard

"Yes maam."

"And you're self-medicating with a painkiller to help with the withdrawal effects. Have you taken one in the past day?"

"No. I took one when I couldn't bear to go without another drink but it's been over a day now."

"Well you should know those are very dangerous, you could become addicted to opioids and eventually heroine if you use them recklessly. Please don't do so in the future." She gently reprimanded me.

"My uncle handed it to me and I've kinda just been following him. He is the reason I'm here funny enough."

"I wished he told me this when he came around yesterday. I would of recommended something weaker." She shook her head as a woman of her experience does when she sees terrible advice given. "I'm so sorry Jason, please take a seat."

I followed her instructions as she opened up her laptop and typed some things down. It was about five minutes of my staring blankly at her before she continued.

"Sorry, just putting in your information in your family file. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xiu Lin. I'm a therapist who specializes in family dynamics. I have a double masters in psychiatry and psychology so I am able to prescribe medication as I see fit but I only use it when I truly believe it can only be solved with medication. With your parents seeing me for over five years I have a good idea about your upbringing so we're able to skip that."

"Thank god."

"I still need to ask. How do you feel about how your parents raised you?"

"Terrible. They weren't in my life. I'm almost certain I was an accident and as soon as I had any form of agency, they left me to my own devices."

"Why do you think you were an accident?"

"The way my mother would look at me any time I was a big problem to her is my biggest clue."

"How do you think your father feels about you?"

"He's well-intentioned but absolutely terrible at execution. I learned from my uncle that he leaves cartons of cigarettes and bottles of liquor around on purpose so I can be a "cool" teenager and have tons of friends."

"What about your uncle?"

"He's probably the only role model I've ever had in my life but he's just so frigid sometimes. He thinks he knows best and frankly he's the only one in my family to protect me so I don't really have a choice but to trust him."

"So you would say that he's also well-intentioned but much better on the execution?"

"I guess. He disappeared when I was Nine and I didn't see him until I was forced to fly to him every summer when I was fourteen though."

"Tell me about your interpersonal relationships. Any standout friends or relationships?"

"My boyfriend of a month has been the best influence in my life." I said surprisingly easily.

"Tell me about him."

"We're both seniors. He asked me out six months ago and somehow waited up until the beginning of school before I was ready to date him. He was known as a player in school but when we started dating, he turned into a much gentler and patient person. He tries really hard to make sure I'm never uncomfortable. I don't get it honestly. I'm just this loser who can't hold any friends and drinks himself to forget his problems and he has no problem loving me."

"Do you feel you're undeserving of love?"

"Absolutely. I've done nothing notable with my life despite my incredible background and connections and I freak out whenever I'm faced with a hard decision. I turn to drinking to cope with life and I don't even have that any more since my uncle forbids it. I hate everything about myself and I probably would have killed myself by now if I didn't have him."

"Do you have any close friends besides your boyfriend?"

"My best friend hates my boyfriend so I haven't talked to her in weeks. Before that she was the only person stupid enough to hang out with me. I'm beginning to believe its because of my abundant supply of vices though."

"Vices?"

"Booze, Cigs."

"Ah. So you haven't heard from her at all since you started dating your boyfriend?"

"I last heard from her last week. She was really nasty about my other friend and I told her to get out."

"Your other friend?"

"Yeah, he's the sweetest, purest guy I've ever met. He comes from the shittiest situation possible. His mom has cancer and his dad has to work two jobs to keep everyone afloat so the guy has no support system. Thankfully my boyfriend makes sure he's there for him as much as he can be and I've started doing what I can as well. When I heard her talking shit about him it made me uncontrollably angry that I drank myself stupid to calm down."

"So you haven't heard from her since. Do you think you should make contact?"

"Absolutely not. She needs to realize how fucked up she was being or she can disappear for all I care."

"You're very protective of this other friend. Why do you think that is?"

"He's everything I wished I could have made of myself. He has accolades from everyone in school, he works himself tired whenever he can and he's there for other people to an unbelievable degree. Him and my boyfriend...they just cover each other's flaws so well and it makes me really happy to see how they interact every day. It's just so great to be around the guy and if anyone wants to be an asshole to him, they better think twice about it." I found myself exhausted talking about how I felt about Ken. Every word of it was true.

"Do you have any Jealousy of the interactions between your boyfriend and this friend?"

"Jealous in the way that once upon a time I could have had their relationship, but I ruined that when I was twelve."

"Expand upon that."

I felt the lump in my throat come up. I really didn't want to talk about this quite yet so I just sat there nervously.

"Do you feel uncomfortable talking about this?"

"Very much so yes."

"No problem we can move on from that. We will come back to it every week though so please get your thoughts together about it and we will talk about it when you're ready." She typed something about my reluctancy into her laptop then looked back at me. "Let's talk about your drinking habits to end the sessions. How do you feel today without the Benzo and the liquor?"

"I couldn't focus at all today. I was preoccupied with school drama but I definitely noticed I was sluggish and not feeling my best."

"Do you think you can continue on without the benzo?"

"I mean, it helped a lot. I was able to be calm and think about my feelings last night. I managed to tell my boyfriend that I loved him for the first time."

"Do you find it hard to tell the people close to you that you love them?"

"To genuinely mean it? Absolutely."

"And you believe that you were relaxed because of the drug."

"Thinking back on it, I was very calm yesterday. It all makes sense now."

"Alright, well as I said before, it's a very dangerous class of drug. They go down a very deep rabbit hole that I think we should avoid as much as possible. I want to see how you do for the week while you withdraw from alcohol and you should avoid it as much as possible until we figure out how you feel without it for an extended period of time."

I thought about homecoming next week. My uncle wouldn't be there so I'm free to go wild and there would certainly be a drink or two involved.

"Does this seem doable? It seems like the benzo was an afterthought so I think you'll be fine without them for now."

"I think so." I lied.

"Alright then. This week I want you to think about how you compare yourself to other people and how it alters your self-worth. You seem very emotionally intelligent for someone who didn't have the proper upbringing you wanted. It's also excellent your boyfriends very patient and understanding of your flaws and I hope that continues to go well.

"What are my flaws?"

"What do you think your flaws are?" She replied effortlessly as if she had been asked that question a million times.

"Impatient, unstable, unforgiving, arrogant." I listed off the top of my head immediately as she wrote down what I said. "My uncle says I have no tact but I've really been working on that since I hurt my boyfriend earlier this week.

"He seems like a huge source of your emotional progress. Does he know he means this much to you?"

"Well I managed to tell him I love him yesterday. I think I only did it because I knew I wouldn't see him as much with our time being preoccupied."

"It's good to see you can say it at least. You don't have many people close to you." She closed her laptop and got up. "Alright Jason, we're done for today. Please think about how you compare yourself to others and we'll start off discussing that next week. I'll have your uncle monitor you for withdrawal symptoms and should anything bad happen we'll make the call there for medication."

I thanked her as I got up and went through the door and she followed. I walked outside while she discussed my session with my uncle and hit my vape. It felt...strange to be this open about everything. It was incredibly surreal to see how much meaningful progress I had made in a month. This wasn't going to be enough for the people around me though and as expected my uncle was the first to demand more.

"Sounds like it was productive. Sorry about giving you the benzo. I knew my friends used them to get off the hooch but I didn't know past that." He had this weird side eye as he walked back to the car. "Anyways sport, time to buy you some clothes and we're off to the gym."

"Uncle, must we do this today? That was exhausting." I pleaded trying to look as tired as possible.

"There's a red bull in the car. Let's go I'm not having it." He motioned my over to the car before getting in and I begrudgingly followed.

We stopped by your generic athleticwear store and uncle threw five shirts, five pairs of shorts, three bundles of socks and two pairs of shoes into a gym bag which he swiped for. After that we ended up at the fabled gym that met my uncle's ridiculous expectations and I immediately saw why. I have no idea why rich people use so much polished marble but here was in abundance in the front. The sapphire colors doors led to an open lobby with a circular desk in the middle.

"Good Afternoon, Welcome to Life Systems Fitness. Can I check you in?" An incredibly good-looking guy wearing a uniform polo greeted us as we approached. He couldn't have been older than twenty, but he was built quite well. His arms bulged but there was a decent amount of fat on them so he didn't look veiny. He had a chest about the same size and Jon but his gut was bigger in a way that made him look normal rather than ripped like my boyfriend.

"Yes, Calvin and Jason Andrews."

"Ah, welcome Mr. Andrews. You're all set but your Son..."

"Nephew."

"Sorry, your nephew hasn't had his BMI checked yet. We use it to help all our clients achieve their workout goals. Can I take care of that now so we can create a plan for him in the upcoming weeks?"

"Oh yeah sure." He waved off freeing me temporarily. "Find me after you're done Jace." He demanded as he walked to the back.

"Follow me please." He picked up a clipboard and walked me over to a small room with an electronic scale. "Step on the scale and take off your shirt please."

"Uhh..." I stood there ogling him for longer than I would like to admit.

"Here, just stand here, take off your shirt, take everything out of your pockets on the table over here." He grabbed my arm and brought my closer to it. His touch was surprisingly soft for a guy of his stature. I felt...calmer than I normally would if a stranger grabbed me. He quickly took my weight and used a caliper to measure my body fat and we were done. "Seventeen, fairly underweight but it's why you're here right?"

"Well I mean I'm here because my uncle demands I come." I answered as I followed him back.

"Well what are your goals, do you have any?" He sat down at his desk and started typing at his computer.

"I guess a respectable weight, arms like yours. You look pretty great."

"Thanks man. You have a great frame and you could look like me in a couple of months if you try hard enough." He flashed those perfect teeth again. "Alright, we're all set, in a week when you come in a trainer will talk about a potential plan for you. According to this it's all prepaid so you just come in and we take care of the rest." He printed out some papers and put them in a folder along with a pre-printed map of the building before handing the folder to me. "Welcoming to Life Cycle. Enjoy your workout."

"Thank you." I felt the blood rush to my face as I took the folder.

"I hope you greet his boyfriend the same way." My uncle snided behind me.

"UNCLE." I shouted as I turned around. "What are you even doing here?"

"I realized you would have no idea where you were going so, I came back." He thanked the front desk guy and dragged me away. "Look at you ogle other men while you're in a relationship." He continued on as we walked down the hall.

"I was not ogling him." I snapped back.

"It's fine Jace you two probably won't last past the holidays let alone the year, enjoy it." He finished as I walked away.

Those words really bothered me. I had heard them once before from Martha and while it was more than likely true, I didn't like the idea that my first true love would be out of my life so quickly.

The workout was about as miserable as you would think. He started me on a beginner cycling course which I failed miserably, wheezing for air at the end of the forty-minute ride. After that he tested my aptitude on several machines, some of which I could barely do the minimum weight on. We topped it all off with a massage which was nice but I was still coughing and sore as we left.

"Enjoy it while it lasts. It only gets harder from here bucko." Calvin cracked as he pat me on the back eliciting more coughs out of me as we walked out. "Yeah, those smokes really catch up to you."

"You smoke too uncle." I reminded him

"Yeah, I should quit too." He sarcastically joked a he lit one after getting in the car.

We got dinner as we drove back. Typical rabbit food that was bland as shit. At least I got fried chicken on top of it. I devoured it in the car so my uncle would dismiss me as fast as possible. It really was too long of a day and this was going to be the first of many until he leaves. I needed to just talk to Jon to decompress.

"How'd it go?" He asked with a mouth full of food.

"Absolute hell. Therapy was awful and the workout was worse."

"He has you going to therapy too?" I heard Ken with an equal amount of food in his mouth. "Yikes."

"Why do you have me on speaker?" I yelled immediately.

"Relax, we're on my deck eating some stuff Ken made. Nobody else can hear you."

"You should tell me I'm on speaker."

"It's fine babe. You love Kenny."

"Whatever." He was right I didn't actually mind if I thought about it but he still should tell me. "What are you up to tonight?"

"Need to do homework and Ken wants to go over the enemy for Friday."

"I told you guys I would have Joe come around." He shouted from further away than he was before.

"Alright Ken we get it." I could hear Jon rolling his eyes. "Joe played decently today so everyone's hopeful. I still don't buy it but I'll try my hardest tommorow."

"I miss you." I blurted out surprising both of us.

"Really now? What do you miss about me?" I heard him pick up his phone as Kenny whistled like he did last time.

"Shut up. I just miss having you next to me and putting my face in your chest."

"I knew I would get to you eventually."

"Yeah well I'll never get much time with you now."

"We'll have some time next week. Your uncle leaves on Wednesday and won't be back until Monday."

"How do you...right he's telling you about everything." I groaned as I hit my bed.

"I tell you what I can and I know you understand."

"Yeah yeah. I bet he's gonna have you make sure I go to everything too."

"He didn't say that but he sure implied it." I heard Jon shiver, probably from recalling my uncles stone cold gaze. You get used to it after the twentieth time but I understand why he's scared of it.

"I hate both of you."

"I love you too."

"Babe, everything is stressful. Everyone wants me to do everything. Even Leena was asking me to interview Kenny for the paper."

"Wait what? She wants to interview him?"

"Yeah, she wants me to do it too because we're "close". The nerve."

"KEN. YOU WANNA DO AN INTERVIEW FOR THE PAPER?"

"Jon. Stop."

"YEAH LEENA WANTS YOU FOR THE FRONT PAGE. MORE PEOPLE WILL KNOW ABOUT YOU."

"Lil Bro. You serious?" Ken snatched the phone from Jon

"Uhh..." God I really don't want to do this but I also don't ever want to disappoint this dude

"That's awesome! I'll totally do it. I get to be on the front page too?"

"Yeah..."

"Sweet! Let's do it on Saturday! Thanks bro it means a lot! Here you go Johnny."

"Look how happy you make him. I love you babe."

"We are talking tommorow morning you asshole." Hearing Jon's voice snapped me back to reality and with my senses regained I was angry that he once again enforced his will upon me.

"I don't want to do this babe. I know you hate it, but Kenny's over the moon right now. He deserves to be happy. You know?"

I took a deep breath and sighed. "I do babe."

"I promise. I'll make it up to you sometime this week."

"You fucking better. I'm gonna go yell at my uncle. He should of told me he was leaving at the very least."

"Ok, love you."

"Love you too, keep Ken contained."

I walked upstairs and found my uncle at the dining table reading the same parenting book as always.

"So you're leaving for Scotland for the weekend?"

"Jon told you huh?" He replied not looking up from his book.

"So I just get the weekend off from everything."

"Of course not. I have someone who's going to keep you in check. She'll be driving you to your therapist and then you'll meet your wonderful and go to the gym."

"She? My mother isn't due back for a month."

"So close." He put down his book and got up. "It's ok Jace, you don't worry your little head about all of this. Just relax for once. I'd give you another benzo but the therapist was very clear she's against them since you have such an addictive personality. Get some rest, we're getting up nice and early for a run tommorow. Good night kiddo."

I want to scream. I want to fucking drink myself into a coma and die. Like holy fucking shit I've never been so frustrated in my life. The vape isn't doing my any favors either, worthless piece of garbage. All I had left to do was to fall asleep and hope tommorow would be better even thought I knew It wouldn't be. Still I did as I walk told knowing my uncle wasn't playing games any more and sure enough I was being shaken awake right on time.

"Come on Jace. This is what we're doing on your off days."

"Ten Minutes."

"I'll give you a cigarette after if you get up."

My uncle knew how to get me going. That shot me right up and into my closet. The run was still incredibly torturous. The warm days were quickly disappearing and bitter cold ones were replacing them. The wind was not doing us any favors either. After an hour we ended up back at the house with me wheezing and my uncle laughing at the sight.

"That wasn't even that bad Jace. You're being dramatic."

"Shut up and give me my dart." I panted. Any source of relief was welcome at this point, I might go ask the school burnout for heroine at this rate. "After breakfast I promise."

Like clockwork Jon pulled up and parked in the driveway. I stood there waiting for him while my uncle got breakfast started and he kissed me on the cheek like he always does.

"You need a shower." He commented as he got my sweat off his face.

"I fucking hate you all. Go help my perfect uncle and conspire more while I shower then." I sniped back coughing a bit.

"Babe." He started.

"I've been up for an hour. I haven't had a drink in three days and I'm coughing up a storm. Forgive me if I'm a BIT cranky." I replied as I slammed the door open and stomped down.

"Sorry babe. I love you." He said following my inside but walking towards the kitchen to see my uncle.

During my shower I noticed my legs were quickly plumping up. I guess everyone was right about my frame and genes being too good for working out. I decided to be bold and put on a band shirt, black jeans and a red hoodie and I crept up the stairs to hear my two assholes upstairs talking.

"I assure you Jonathan, you two will do better if you part ways."

"I know but like..."

"WHAT THE FUCK?" UNCLE ARE YOU TELLING HIM TO BREAK UP WITH ME?" I slammed my bedroom door and stomped out.

"You really are your mother's son." My uncle said completely unphased by my anger. "I was talking to Jon about him and Ken. They are doing well now but Ken can go to a better program in the state and be around his mother. Meanwhile Jon should chase his dream in Ohio. Here, I suppose I've been too hard on you lately. You are in withdrawal mode after all." He tossed me a pack of menthols from his pocket. "Go smoke. Him and I need to finish this conversation.

"SURE. FINE." I picked up the smokes on the ground and stomped out, looking at Jon's terrified face on the way.

"Uh sir I think..."

"You should stay here while he decompresses. Yes, good idea. Help me with the toast." I heard my uncle say as I opened the door outside.

Fuck I missed real cigs. Maybe I needed to up my nic on the vape but it just doesn't hit the same. I smoked two down to the core and calmed down into a perfect spread of breakfast. I sat next to my uncle as Jon wasn't a big fan of the smoke and we had a quick breakfast.

"I have nothing planned for you today but I expect you home after your newspaper club. Jon when is that over?" He picked up our plates and moved over to the sink.

"Uncle, I don't leave the house unless Jon makes me anyways. You have nothing to worry about."

"Well Jon? When is it?" The blatant ignoring was annoying as fuck.

"Around 6 sir." He answered meekly also eating the glare I gave him for answering properly.

"I'm keeping the darts." I demanded as I walked to the door. "Come on, stupid."

"I expect you home at 6:30." He yelled as I walked out the door leaving it open for Jon.

The rest of the week was nice and dull. Ken would come over when his mom kicked him out of the house and Jon and I figured out how to find some time in my basement alone. (With the door open of course, blasted uncle.) On Friday though I knew things would be where everything came to a head. Jon told me he wouldn't be stopping by in the morning because he wanted to make sure him and Ken had everything down for the game against St. Dukes. They had met in ro32 last year and that was when the big upsets started happening and it goes without saying that St. Dukes was out for vengeance.

At about five I made my way to the gym to see the idiots play but on the way I would end up running into people I was happy to have out of my life.

"Jason!" The only voice I could live without hearing was shouting for me and his stupid girlfriend was following suit.

"Not today." Honestly, I was in a good mood but I couldn't show that to this of shit.

"Look man, I just wanna apologize for being an asshole again." He continued as I walked away from him into the building.

"Yes yes, you got caught and now you're sorry I get it. Typical Houston."

"Great now that that's out of the way." He blocked my way into the building and I wanted nothing more but to clock him right then and there.

"Move dipshit."

He looked past me and narrowed his eyes at his girlfriend. I turned around to see her scratching her arm like she always does when she's incredibly uncomfortable.

"Ok great, you want to apologize for talking shit about Ken too. CBA(Can't be arsed), out of my way dipshit." I pushed him aside and walked into the gym to see the horde of people waiting around for the game to start. Since their miracle run, people were coming out in droves to see the team and unsurprisingly the gym was unable to handle the capacity. I stood around scanning the crowd until someone caught my attention.

"Jason!" Heard someone yell from the disability section surprising me. It was Veronica with...Mrs. Wilker in a wheelchair and a Large man behind her that had to be Mr. Wilker. As I approached them, I saw Mrs. Wilker thank Veronica confirming my belief they were here together.

"Hello Mrs. Wilker." I waved as I made

"How are you dear?"

"I'm well how is everyone?"

"I'm honestly surprised you're here." Veronica replied. "You must really be in deep with Johnny."

"I am." I replied cheerfully. Any animosity between us has been extinguished via Eric so we were able to talk honestly now.

"I can't believe that boy has seriously found someone to calm him down." Mr. Wilker spoke for the first time. The man looked about as energetic for someone who worked sixty hours a week. I was surprised he was here considering all of that. He was clearly Kens father as he had the same exact hair and facial composition just without the acne. He exuded strength as he stood there behind his wife. He rested his arms on his wife wheelchair as he continued. "It's nice to meet the guy who offered my son a place to hang out when his mother can't stand him."

"It's not a problem sir." I waved him off as I had something else on my mind. "How do you two know each other?"

"You're gonna beat them again and prove you guys are the best! You're gonna win the entire season this time!" A familiar little voice shouted behind me.

"Remember Cody, you play to do your best, you don't play to win." Ken lectured him has he walked past me and handed him off to Veronica.

"Yeah but you're gonna beat them!"

"I'm going to try buddy. Here you go Ronnie, I'd keep him longer but coach wanted him out."

"Yeah he never shuts up." Veronica said as she rolled her eyes away from Cody. "Thank you for bringing him in there."

"It's no problem. Hi Jace! I'd talk but I have to go. Wish us luck!" And like that Ken zipped out of here heading right back to the locker room. I had to admit Ken looked good in his uniform. I briefly stared at his ass as he walked away before getting back to my question.

"So he's..." I pointed between Veronica and Cody.

"My brother yeah. My mom has to work a night shift so she made me bring him here tonight. Whatever, at least Eric's taking me out right after this."

"Oh he is? You know he's had his eye on you since freshman year. I'm surprised it too this long."

"I mean I was dating Mark at the point."

"Houston?"

"Yes, your nemesis." She signed "I totally get it by the way, he's such a fucking smartass and such a little bitch when he's wrong and caught. We should totally ruin his life."

"Interesting. I'll consider it." Were the last words I got out before the announcer came on to start the game.

The game started out fantastically. Jon was crushing the offensive getting the ball to exactly who he needed to in every situation and Ken was impressively stopping most of the transitions on the other side of the court. However, as the game went on they started hard locking Jon in place whenever he got the ball. Now this is where your guards and pivots are supposed to come in and pick up the slack but Kimbal was not nearly as aggressive as he needed to me which lead to way too many conversions and by halftime the game was split right down the middle.

"Duke has figured out the game. Shut down Han, shut down Wilson." The announcer boomed through the intermission. "I hope they come out of that locker room with a different plant because at this rate, the lead that Han and Wilker worked for will be for nothing."

"Fucking Joe." Veronica spit out. "Eric was telling me he would do this today. That ungreatful piece of shit."

"When did you get so invested in basketball?" I realized that Veronica was here and not cheerleading this year. "I figured you would be out there with them."

"I can't be bothered Jason." She sighed. "Jon's right. All the drama from him and you made me realize how fucking catty everyone is. Like even Jackie, my best friend can't stop making jokes at my expense as you saw the other day. I'm over it. Just gonna work on me for now."

"How mature of you." I sniped in.

"Just think, if Jon didn't start this crazy chain of events we wouldn't be here today." She chuckled before running her brother out. "Yeah yeah, lets go get popcorn Cody."

"Yay Popcorn! Do you want anything Mrs Wilker?" The brat asked much to my surprise.

"Oh, sweety thank you for asking but I'm good." She pat Cody on the head before he ran off with his sister trailing behind. "That boy reminds me so much of Kenny when he was younger."

"Yeah he's even getting into sports too." Mr. Wilker added. "I hope he doesn't have the same acne problems Ken had."

We all couldn't help but laugh and after we got our fill, I excused myself for a smoke outside. It was dark so nobody cared that I was doing it on campus but I still went to the back to hide.

"Mind if I bum one?" I heard someone asked as stared into the night sky.

"I figured you'd come around Jenna."

"I didn't realize you two were so close Jason I'm sorry."

"Jenna, let me be clear. Ken is probably the greatest guy that has ever entered my life. If you ever say anything like you said the other week, I'll gladly cut you out and not regret it one bit."

"Yeah, Leena told me how close you two were."

"Of course, the school gossip has everything to do with this." I tossed her my pack as I went back to my self-reflection.

"It's crazy you know. We've all become friends now. I just wish you and Marky..."

"Jenna." I started

"Do you think I'm deaf Jason? Everyone else is saying the same thing you know. He's a bit of an asshole I admit, but he's seriously changed and realized how much he hurt you and he just want's to know how to make it up to you."

"I'm not doing this. Give me my pack back, I don't have an unlimited supply because my uncle has me on lockdown."

"Wait your uncle's back?"

"Yeah. And it's hell." I took my pack back and moved past her. "Feel free to come over but we can't get drunk like we used to, he has that under lock and key."

"I like hanging out with you Jason. I hope you know that." She said before walking off.

I groaned as I walked back into the middle of the third quarter. The crowd seemed to be in good spirits so that meant that the team came out with a better strategy and the scoreboard reflected it. What surprised me was that Jon was sitting out.

"What on earth?" I asked as I came back.

"Yeah. Joe's playing Center now. It's working and that's all that matters I guess." I think I heard a bit of satisfaction in Veronica's voice but I could understand the source of it. Jon did do her dirty after all.

"My son is a madman, switching players into different roles to make them happy." Mr. Wilker added in. "Ken's gonna be in the NBA before we know it."

"I sure hope so dear..." His mother trailed off like something else was on her mind. Mr. Wilker noticed it too she he whispered something in her ear and kissed her cheek and she because red all over. It must have been good.

The game ended in thunderous applause as the new point guard created the same lead that Jon had made to start the game and Wilson High was looking good to repeat another run again this year. Jon was already up and out of the locker room by the time I said goodbye to everyone and he caught me off guard by kissing my cheek, much to the amusement of Mrs. Wilker.

"See babe I told you, nothing to worry about."

"But you didn't play the second half..."

"Yeah I made the call to bench myself. It's a game we need to win and if Joey's gonna play better when we swap him in then I'm all for it. Less work for me too." He showed his signature grin as he grabbed my hand and walked me to his car.

"I figured Ken called for it."

"He wasn't going to until I made him. I swear he needs to be more decisive. He spends all week letting Joe play Point Guard and was about to not use it until I made him. I worry what will happen when I'm not in his life anymore babe."

"You know you don't have to take my uncles advice right? Like he can be wrong and has been several times."

"Nah, he's right. Ken should stay near his family, it's all he has. I'll miss him but that's what Skype is for."

We got in the car and drove off to get dinner by ourselves. Jon told me there was a big party but he was adamant about keeping me away from any temptation and while it was sweet, I wanted to strange him at the same time. I told him about the revelations I discovered in regard to Jenna and Veronica and he laughed. After a satisfying dinner at a top tier steakhouse in the area he dropped me off and told me that him and Ken would be around tommorow to cook for Eric, my uncle and I like they had two weeks ago. They also wanted to discuss next weekend and that was one conversation I wasn't looking forward to.

I came home to an empty house. My uncle was probably off taking care of some local office stuff knowing him so I decided to just head downstairs and hit the hay. The whirlwind that was my life wasn't going to stop and I might as well be rested for whatever comes next.

Authors Notes:

Sorry for being late. The original timeline for this one was Thursday but life got in the way. (End of Year at my Job which was hell.)

A huge thank you to nifty for hosting this story as always. Please donate to them if you can afford it, if it wasn't for nifty I would have never started writing.

I'm probably going to need more time than normal to get the next chapter right so please be patient and anticipate it. It's probably the climax of this book so it's going to peak with a bang. After the next chapter I'm going to do a full Q&A along with the chapter after so if you have any questions feel free to send them in. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Lastly I know the character names haven't exactly been consistent but I'm working on going back and fixing all of them, Thanks for bearing with it.

Stay safe, don't die and I'll see you in a little under three weeks.

• Frank