Hero in the Hallways

This story is fictional. If you are not over the age of 18 or are opposed to this type of material please Do Not Read It. Also this story belongs to Green and reproductions without permission are not allowed.

Hi this is my story A Hero In The Hallways. Please tell me what you think. Email me Greenmeccatoon@aol.com.

A Hero In The Hallways by Green

Part One Synergy

Prologue

I smiled at him before I got into my car. He was the love of my life. He was perfection wrapped in a pretty little packet that has my name on it. He loved me and thats all I could ask from him, but he gave me more. I waved as I pulled away from his driveway. I was happy. A publishing company had bought my book. They were ready to distribute it nationwide.

Somewhere on the way home I began to feel sick. "Shit," I yelled remembering that I forgot my medication. I always forget my medication. I began to shake and then everything went black. I woke up in a hospital bed. Five people stood before me and I couldn't remember any of them. Including the boy that was the love of my life.

1

Have you ever noticed how different the world looks from the top of a building. Every thing is small and insignificant, and yet so full of life. People move in and out of cars and buildings. People shopping and talking. The cars move to their destinations. Some time they stop sometimes they don't. The clouds slowly move away from you as the sun takes away the light. It is like a metaphor for my life. I stand still as everything leaves.

I stand before this great world. A world too big and intimidating for me to exist in it. I am a spec of dust. A spec of dust living a life I am not quite sure is mine. You see I had lost my memory. I am living my life with a constant frustration. It scares me to think that at any time I could gain foreign memories of a life they said I had before.

Who are they? you ask? They are everyone around me. The ones that look at me and see the boy I was before. They expect me to be normal. They are the two wonderful people that treat me like their son. They are the people that call themselves my friends. They are my fans.

My agent placed before me three different contracts that they wanted me to sign. The contracts sold away the rights to my life. They wanted to make a movie based on a Novel I had written. That novel was based on a miserable year in my life. Yet I couldn't bring myself to sign them. I don't remember my life.

They wanted me to sign away a life they say is mine. I don't remember anything not a shred of my former life. My doctors constantly ask me to read that novel. I have not been able to bring myself to open that Book..

I was told that I was inspired by the rough year of high school that I had. They say I had lost and gained a lot. That my book spoke to those that needed to be saved. Interview after interview. Book signings after book signing. I am tired of living my life through what I'm told.

Three movie studios wanted the rights to my novel. Two TV stations wanted to make TV movies based on it. Another wanted to make a series inspired by it. At the same time I had trial pending somebody that is in my book is claiming that I wrongfully portrayed them and wants retribution.

"These three contracts are offering seven million a piece and twenty five percent share in DVD sales. I recommend the first one they also offer a ten percent in box office sales." I looked up at my agent. "The second is offering you the right to pen the script, but they also want first choice on future projects. I don't think we want to limit ourselves just yet." He wanted to sell that life.

I was a prisoner to this novel I had written before I had lost my memory. The words that could bring truth to my life. They were that life.

"I need to think about these," I said. He gave me an dissatisfied look.

"John this is going to make you a lot of money. You cant just pass on this. Think of your parents and your future."

"I am taking it seriously. But I have to read the book first," I said as I shook his hand awkwardly. I left his office knowing he would call my parents as soon as I left.

The novel is called "Hallway Hero." The jacket says "This novel was written at a point in time when the author was at his lowest and the only release was in writing this book. Writing his life." The jacket also has a picture of me standing at a podium. In the picture I looked happy. There was confetti all around me. My mother told me that it was a picture a friend took as I won the junior election.

I walked out of the office building and headed for the subway. I was no one here in New York City. Everyday several hundred people see me. Nobody Knew more than I did. Nobody seemed to care. I liked that I wasn't important. That I was just another guy riding the subway.

Every once in a while I would see people reading the novel. Some people would look at me and then back at the dust jacket and think that maybe just maybe it was me. They were all too shy to ask if I was that happy guy standing behind a podium. Some would look at my somber face and see no trace of that boy. They would turn away and feel silly for even thinking that I was him.

I waited on the platform for the express to arrive. Further down the platform a street musician played a tune I knew I had heard before. It was somber and slow. Nobody else really paid any attention to the musician. I listened intently wondering where I knew that song from. The word Love came to mind as he played the song.

"Love" I thought as I rode the express to Lincoln Center. Why the word Love? I saw a girl holding a copy of Hallway Hero. She smiled at me when she saw me looking at the book. "Have you read this book?" She asked me. I shook my head. "I love this book. I've read it three times."

"Wow is it that good?"

"Oh yeah. You should read it. Here have my copy I have another copy at home." She handed me her copy.

"Do you have a pen?"

"Um sure," she said looking through her purse. "Here she said. But why do you need a pen?"

"So I can autograph the book for ya." Her eyes grew wide when she recognized my face.

"Oh my god. I cant believe it."

I made another fan happy. She thanked me a million times. I smiled as I exited the subway train. She waved at me from the trains window and once again thanked me.

"Some people think that everyone is a celebrity," said a man from behind. I smiled as he walked away.

Before I knew it I was heading the store loomed in front of me. I was going to one of those big book store chains. They had a huge banner advertising "Hallway Hero" as a New York times best seller. I walked through the rotating doors. The store had three floors. There were copies of "Hallway Hero" everywhere. I walked over to a table and grabbed a paperback copy.

I walked over to the counter and paid for the book. There was a coffee shop down the block. I walked over to the shop. I ordered a cup of tea and sat at a table near the back. I opened the book and began to read.

2

They were just halls. Weren't they? Just hollow spaces that led the masses to their destination. They were just the spaces between that really shouldn't have mattered. Yet they did. They were the most destructive, sometimes offensive, Important, scary and fun few minutes of space you will encounter. They are like this at every high school. At least I think they are. I used to think that they couldn't take me down. That I was always one step ahead of them. I was blinded by my own ego.

"I am afraid of a school that will never change. I am afraid to go to a school from which I will never learn. Why not make that easier. I am the person to give you that. Do you need more time to get from class to class. I'm that person. Do you want more school dances. I'm that person. Trust in me to carry you through our junior year. Vote for me. I'm pathetic." I read out loud the speech I was going to give at the student election. I was ready to throw up.

"So you care a little. How is that pathetic? Helene's going to shit when she hears your speech," said my friend Michael who was walking next to me.

"Look at me. Every day I try something new. I join the student government, I do charity work, I help around the school and I play basketball for the school team. I'm trying to change something that I know will never change. With all that I do I have no time for my friends. Soon I wont have any."

"And what do you call me? I mean you have too many friends anyway."

"I said soon. Not right now, and you can never have enough friends."

"Right! Listen I have to go to peer mediation."

"Why?"

"They're afraid that me and Charlie Ireson will fight because of that small argument we had in homeroom."

"You mean the small argument where you almost picked up your desk and threw it at him. I remember that,"I said remembering how mad they both were. It was like two roosters in a cockfight. Every body just slowly walked away from them. I had to pull Michael away before they killed each other. Charlie was always high strung anyways.

"Hey, Hey I was only deflecting anger."

"Well, just make sure you don't deflect your anger at me."

"OK, OK," he walked away laughing.

This particular hall I walk in is the mecca of this schools social crowd. We practically owned this hallway. Nobody outside of our social crowd ever stopped in this hallway. We had rules and they were expected to be followed. We never walked over to back of the school where the skaters were or to the bleachers where the punks were. We knew where we stood and we never ventured out of it.

I approached a group of four guys I sentimentally called the all American dream team. They were all the same really. I mean they played football, they had cheerleaders girlfriends and they all lived on the same block. They were all good people really, just a little repetitive and completely predictable.

"Hey John what's up," Jason said to which they followed suit.

"Nothing much just reciting my speech."

"I can't believe you have the guts to do this. You know half the school hates you," Eddie said.

"Yeah but they just hate me because I have what they want," I answered.

"Yeah they're just assholes, but you know you got my vote," Terry said and again they all followed his lead.

"Cool, thanks guys but I have to go."

They all slapped my hand and I walked away. Several feet away from them amongst the cloud of body spray and squeaky talking were the cheerleaders. I loved them all and they loved me. They were self absorbed, shallow and conniving bitches, but that's what they were supposed to be. I mean they were cheerleaders.

"Hi John!" They screamed at me as I passed them.

"Hi girls. Keeping Up the good... uh cheer." They all smiled at me as I approached them.

"He's so cute," I heard one of them say as I passed them. "I wish he would just ask Mel out. She has it so bad for him." I wondered if they knew how loud they were when they were trying to whisper.

"Girls! Girls! I am still within hearing distance from you," I yelled they all giggled and continued having their own conversation.

I was well known by my fellow class mates. Some didn't like me and some worshiped the ground I walked on. But to my group I was just one of them. I was part of the popular crowd. It bothered me some that we had to put labels on our selves even in high school but I have to be honest with myself, it was easier. I mean we had it easier. Nobody made fun of us (not to our face at least) except for the punks. We never had to go far to have fun and there were always the fair share of recreational substances. Not to mention the generous helping of girls, but that is where my trouble lay.

Now back to my theory on halls. See you had to keep up an image particularly in this high school. there were three things that would immediately require you to leave our group. Number one would be to be labeled poor. Number two would be to be caught socializing with a lower crowd. Number three and mind you this is the worst and the one I secretly suffer with is to be gay. And where would these three most likely things take place? They would most likely take place right here in the hallways of our high school.

I walked further down the hall right buy the preppy crowd and those that fell into our group by default because their parents were rich. Nobody particularly liked them but they were part of our crowd nonetheless. They all waved at me and gave me thumbs up.

"You guys gonna vote for me right?"

"Sure," They all said in sporadic order.

"Thanks guys."

I waved good bye and noticed some of the punks were mocking me. "What you guys aren't voting for me?"I asked and walked by them. I mean what are they doing away from their bleachers. This was the social crowds hallway. But I couldn't be put down by their stupidity, I had to keep positive today I was going to give my speech for class president.

I walked towards the end of the hall where the Auditorium was so I could rehearse my speech. I was a nervous wreck. Several of the drama kids stood by the door. Some snickered at me as I passed. I just kept walking. The auditorium was empty as I made my way to the stage. The balcony and the stage were already decorated for the campaign. I stepped up to the stage and walked over to the podium. I hit a bottom and the microphone turned on. I tapped the mic and took a deep breath before I started on my speech.

"I am afraid of a school that will never change. I am afraid to go to a school from which I will never learn. Why not make that easier. I am the person to give you that. Do you need more time to get from class to class. I'm that person. Do you want more school dances. I'm that person. Trust in me to carry you through our junior year. We need a place for our prom, we need a place for our senior trip and we need the money to achieve these things. The year book needs to be printed and I am sure you all want it in color. I want us to go to school without having to worry about all these things. I want us to go to a school where we can focus on graduating and going to college. I will work my hardest to achieve this goal. If you chose me I will work for those things that are needed. Some of you will vote for your friends, some of you wont vote and some of you will vote on who you feel is the right person to go. I am asking for your confidence. I am asking for your vote and I hope you make the right decision. Thank You my name Is Jonathan Williams." As I finished my speech somebody started to clap.

"Who's there?" I yelled.

"I like your speech."

"Who are you?"

As I asked he came into view. I was stunned. "What are you doing here?"

"Hi Jonathan."

"Do I know you?"

"No."

"Then how do you know my name?"

"Well, you just said it when you said your speech."

He was beautiful. If I wasn't so deep into acting straight so my whole social, educational and personal life wouldn't collapse I would be all over this guy like white on rice.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was sitting over there waiting for my cousin when you walked in. You looked determined to do something so I didn't bother you."

I barely heard what he said because I was more focused on his beautiful blue eyes that shone as he spoke.

"Who Is your cousin?"

"Helene Mayer."

Helene Mayer was one of the other candidates I was campaigning against. She had hated me since fourth grade when I accidentally tripped over her at lunch and my food landed on her, forever labeling her Meatball Mayer. She was a total bitch. Or should I say the total bitch. I have seen her make freshmen drop out of school because they were terrified of her.

"You are Meatball Mayer's cousin."

"Meatball Mayer?" He asked questionably. "Yeah I guess I am."

"So I guess I don't have your vote."

"Now, I didn't say that."

"So you are going to vote for me over your cousin?"

"Well, technically I cant vote."

"Why not?"

"This isn't my high school."

I felt like an idiot. I was turning into a reddening and shrinking blob as he stared at me." I would if I went here. I would always vote for a cute guy like you." I blushed an even redder shade. Just then the door burst open and Meatball came walking in.

"So I see you met the bastard. Don't talk to him Dominick he's an asshole."

His name was even cute. I smiled and started to walk away.

"Bye Dominick and see ya later Meatball," I yelled as her face became a bright shade of red. It was like a mixture of hate and outrage.

"Fuck you!" she yelled back.

As I reached the door he grabbed my arm and put something in my pocket.

"Call me later," Dominick said as Meatball stared at me with anger.

"I will," I said and then walked away.

Now gossip Is the single most destructive thing that could fly threw the halls of my high school. It was like a heat seeking missile that was directed at you weather you liked it or not. Luckily I had not been the recipient of the rumor missile. I've gone through several friends that have had there fair share of gossip and now they are part of other groups. It's just the way it was. I always saw somebody that was part of my group that for some mishap or other was kicked out. It was a rule that was understood and respected.

"Hey John," Michael said as I walked by the main office.

"Hey Michael how did it go?"

"It went."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm not supposed to talk about it, but he thought I was going to kill him for."

"For what?"

"John He's gay."

"No shit. No shit. Are you serious."

"Yeah but don't spread that. If you do I will get in trouble."

"But he's the captain of the football team."

"Yeah and? I mean he can play and I don't care if he's my captain I just don't like him because he's always talking shit about me. I mean I didn't really mean it when I called him a fag earlier."

"Are you sure you are all right with this?"

OK now I was fishing for answers. If he was all right with Charlie then he would be all right with me being gay.

"Since when are you a homophobe?"

"I'm not it's just that he's the first to... you know? And then he's a part of our group," I said thinking about myself and wondering how it would be if he knew.

"Yeah, Just keep that quiet because it means my ass and if I'm going down you are coming with me." I nodded and we headed towards English class.

I was once again stunned. I always had a crush on Charlie. He was my fantasy every time masturbated. I always thought about his long golden hair and his beautiful chiseled body. I thought about caressing his body and kissing him. I'm my fantasy we always ended on my bed and I would give him oral pleasure and then he would fuck me. Then I would fuck him and then we would lay together and then I smacked hard into something and fell to the ground

"Hey are you OK?" Michael said as he pulled me up. "You walked right into the door. That must be some speech."

"Huh what?" I said as I realized I still had the speech In my hand. "Yeah I--I'm just nervous."

"Don't be you'll win."

My English class was like a reunion of sorts for our group. I always sat with Michael in the back and every body sat around us.

"Hi John." Melissa Palmer said. She's been after my ass for years.

"Hi Mel," I said as I sat behind her.

"Are you taking anybody to the dance?"

"You know I don't know if I'm going."

"Well, I would like you to go."

"I'm sorry Mel I cant."

"OK but If you change your mind call me."

"Sure Mel."

Several students started to pile in. The cheerleaders and the football players sat near us and Then Charlie walked in. I tried to stare away but he sat right next to me on the opposite side from Michael.

"Hi john," He said.

"Hey," I said back.

"Do you have a minute after class."

"Sure but you have to make it quick I have to give my speech."

"It will be quick."

The class dragged on for what seemed like ten hours before the bell rang I waited for him out side of our class. Several students greeted me and said good luck as they exited the class. Charlie was the last to come out.

"Hey lets talk In here," he pulled me back into the room.

"So what do you need to talk about?" I was secretly hoping it didn't have anything to do with him being gay.

"Well, I just wanted to say good luck with your campaign. You have my vote."

"Thank you Charlie but I don't think this is why you wanted to talk to me."

"Well, John."

"Charlie?"

"I like you John."

"I like you to."

"No john I mean like a boyfriend," he said as he leaned in closer.

I turned pale and walked away. "I have to go do my speech," I yelled before I ran away from him.

3

My cell phone rang tearing me away from the book. I flipped it open and answered the call. "Hello?"

"Hi hon. How did the meeting go?" My mother asked.

"It went well but I'm not sure I can sign the rights over."

"Well honey you do what you think is right."

"I cant sell with out knowing what I'm selling," I said hoping she would understand.

"Sure John. I can understand that."

My parents have been very supportive through my whole memory loss situation. They never read the book out of respect to me. They said that I had asked them not to before my memory loss. After reading that first chapter I guess I'm kinda glad they did.

"I just finished the first chapter."

"Oh john that is great. I'm glad you've finally made it around to reading your book."

"Mom I have some questions."

"I would imagine that you would."

"Well I guess the first question is where is this guy Michael? It seems like were were good friends before. How come he hasn't been around?"

She hesitated before she answered my question. "Well honey I think you should finish reading the book before you talk to him."

"Why mom I just want to talk to him?" "It's for the best dear. I promise. Some times you need to discover things and hear it from others mouths."

"I see." I said feeling a little frustrated. I guess I understood where she was coming from.

"In time john. Answers will come," she said trying to reassure me. "That novel will tell you more than I can tell you."

"OK mom I have to go. I have a TV interview tonight."

"OK honey. Please call Mel. She's in the city. Shes back at school."

"OK mom. I'll keep in touch."

I walked to my apartment that was a few blocks down from the cafe. I had moved here a year ago. It was easier than going back and forth every time I had an interview in the city. My agent also worked here.

"HI Mr. Williams," said the door man as I entered the building. Ronald had been working there thirty five years and he said I was the only one that ever said hello to him. I like Ronald. He was the type of person that could bring you a smile every time you saw him. Even when you have a bad day everyday.

"Hi Ronald how was your day?"

"Just fine. Mr. Williams Just fine. Mr. Williams by the way a beautiful girl came by today. She said her name was Melissa and that she would be by later."

"OK Ronald if she comes by today please just send her up."

"OK sir I will do that."

I live alone. It is a conscious decision I made for myself at a point when I did not think I needed anybody. Now it's just a cold lonely place. Sometimes I feel like there is a void here. Like there is place for more here. My apartment just reflects me. A empty shell. I think there is place for more inside of me. I had very little furniture. It kept people from staying long when they visited. I wasn't ready for people.

I had three messages on the answering machine. I pressed play as I walked by it. I listened for the first message to play. "Hi john this is Mel. I just got in to the dorms and I was wondering if we could go out for dinner or something. If I don't hear from you before three I will just come by your apartment."

The answering machine clicked and the second message played." Hi john this is Mel again I missed you again. Please call my cell phone. I'll try to contact you again."

The machine clicked again and played the third message. "Hi john this is Don please read over those contracts. I need an answer by Friday. OK and by the way don't for get you have an on air interview tonight." I walked over to my bedroom. I needed to pick out something nice to wear for the Interview. I picked out a shirt and a sports jacket. I also picked out an expensive pair of jeans and white sneakers. I proceeded to take a shower. As i was coming out of the bathroom the phone rang.

"Hello," I answered.

'Hi John. God your hard to locate. I've been to your house and your door man said you were out."

"Yeah Mel I had a meeting with my agent."

'Yeah anything good?"

"I don't know yet."

"Oh well I just called to see if you wanted to meet me for dinner tonight? I know this little place that serves the best food."

"Actually Mel I cant."

"God are you still avoiding people," she said sounding annoyed.

"No Mel I would love to meet you but I have an interview at seven. Maybe you could meet me at the studio."

"Sure. I'll meet you there I just have to get settled here then I'll head over there."

"Yeah I'll send a car for you."

"Great see ya later."

The studio had an assistant show me to the green room. She made sure I had everything I needed and introduced me to the host of the show that was going to take the interview. I was left alone as the show began to tape. They told me it would be an hour until I would be interviewed on air. There were several other people in the green room. One was a stunning woman that was yelling at her cell phone because she didn't have service. She smiled at me. I smiled back. I think she was a movie star but I couldn't be quite sure. There was also a man that i recognized from the news. He is a politician that was adamantly against gay marriage. I didn't really smile at him. He noticed who I was and immediately and turned away from me.

"Hey I know you," Said the stunning lady. "You wrote Hallway Hero right?"

"Uh Yeah." I answered back a little embarrassed I was waiting for a reaction from the politician.

"I love your book. It's great. I hear that they want to make it into a movie."

"Uh yeah I haven't signed on it yet." "I understand they are always trying to screw writers out of their material."

" No actually they have been very generous. I just don't that I should sell my story If I can't remember it."

"Oh yes that's right you forgot your memory. I forgot all about that. Either way don't let them get to you. You do what you feel is right."

"Thank you."

"Sure hon," She said before getting back to her phone. I sat out somewhere near the window and started to read again.

4

The confetti flew and the crowd cheered as the winners were announced. I was elected class president to the dismay of the punks that booed me as I walked on stage. I caught glances of Dominick as he sat next to meatball that wasn't really happy with my being called for the president position. He smiled at me and I waved back. Charlie stood near the back clapping he just frowned at me. I felt bad, but was I supposed to do? Jump on him right then and there? "I can see you nodding but I cant all right." I said to myself. I made it a point to go and talk to him after.

Michael ran up to me and gave me a hug. "You won dude I knew you could do it."

"Thanks Michael I was so nervous."

"Yeah I saw you."

"Shut up ass."

Mel also hugged me. She won the vice president spot. "I'm so happy we got elected. God did you see Meatball's face when you won? Shit did you see her face when they called her name as treasurer? She was so pissed."

"I know. I think she hates me more now than ever before."

"Aw don't let it get you down buddy," Michael said as we stepped off stage.

Several students and teachers shook our hands as we made our way out of the auditorium. I nodded to Dominick as we passed him and his now furious cousin Meatball. She was cursing something as we passed and then she came up to me.

"Listen asshole I hate you. You took away from me the last thing I wanted but your going to pay. I'm going to be like your shadow from now on. So if you fuck up I'll be the first to tell. Pray that I don't find out anything about you. You hear me you little fuck. Pray fucking pray that I don't find out any little secrets you might hide," She said as she walked away. A teacher heard her cursing at me and reprimanded her as she walked away.

I was genuinely unafraid. I mean I was used to people hating me. Meatball In general was their ring leader.

Dominick came up after me after she left."Hey I'm sorry for my cousin. I never thought she would hate you so much."

"It's a long story really. I just never let it faze me."

"Yeah she always takes it personal when she hates people. I mean she once beat me up cause I got the game she wanted for Christmas. Deep down she still hates me. but she cuts me slack because I'm family."

"Wow and here I thought that her evil was just directed towards me."

"So would you like to tell me this story? Maybe over dinner?"

Wow this guy was forward. I really wanted to go with him but I was being given the eye from Melissa and Michael. I had a party to throw and the host couldn't disappoint.

"Um I can't, I kinda have plans with my friends tonight."

He kinda gave a dumpy look that was totally adorable. "OK maybe some other time just call me OK. I really Like you Jonathan."

"Thanks I will, bye Dominick."

I searched the auditorium trying to find Charlie. I couldn't see him so I headed over to my friends. "Who was that? He was cute," Melissa asked.

"He's Meatballs cousin Dominick. He just came over to apologize for Meatballs tantrum."

"Really? You should have invited him to the party," Michael said.

"I should have, but what would meatball think? Hey have you seen Charlie?"

"No haven't seen him since English class," Michael said.

"I saw him leave a few minutes ago." Melissa said next.

"Shit I need to talk to him."

Michael turned pale. Melissa gave me a questioning look.

"Why do you need to talk to him?" Melissa asked. She and him had dated and he cheated on her. She never seemed bitter about it, but she always avoided the subject all together.

"Well, I think he needs help."

Michael shook his head at me and walked away. "I cant believe you John."

"What's up with him?"

"Melissa I cant tell you OK. But I think Charlie really needs my help. Ill see you later at the party," I said and I ran after Michael.

"Michael wait."

"I cant believe you."

"What?"

"I told you to keep quiet about Charlie."

"I didn't say anything."

"Yeah but just talking about him."

"Mike he told me he liked me."

"He what?" he asked with a smile.

"After English class he wanted to talk to me and he told me he liked me."

"Shit man what did you do?"

"I just walked away."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I just panicked."

I panicked all right after I left the room I ran all the way to the auditorium to just get away.

"Don't you like Him?"

"Huh?"

"John I know you like him. I mean you used to drool all over him in class."

"Mike I'm not."

"What you're not gay? You have the hottest girl in school practically on your nuts and you never try anything."

"Mike I just like her as a friend."

"Sure and you weren't just literally jumping on Meatballs cousins head back there."

I was frustrated, scared and getting sick fast. "I need air." I walked speedily down the hallway and exited the building. It was coming and it was coming fast. I nearly reached the garbage can when it all came out. I hated vomiting but I couldn't stop it. I heard the doors slam behind me and somebody held my hand as it came out.

"Are you OK?" His deep voice said.

It felt like it was never going to stop. But when It did he helped me walk to a bench. It was Charlie. I mean how Ironic when I thought he needed help he came and helped me.

"Stay here I'll go get water."

I watched him leave and then Michael and Melissa walked out of the building. "What happened to you? You look like shit," They both asked in unison. "You look like shit." I didn't answer had nothing to say so I watched as their mouths dropped open when Charlie walked out with a bottle of water.

"Here drink this," he opened the bottle and handed it to me. I took a sip from it and felt dizzy.

"What happened to him Charlie?" Melissa asked.

"I saw him run out and he looked sick so I chased after him to make sure he was all right."

The door burst open again and meatball came out. "What's going on here? Is that asshole sick?"

"Shut up Helene," Michael and Melissa yelled back.

"Hey it's a free country. I just wanted to know if he was suffering," she yelled back which made me feel like vomiting again. I stood up and walked away. I couldn't be there anymore. They were suffocating me. They were too many people to deal with. There was only one place I could go.

I ran to my car and drove shakily to the cliffs at the edge of town. It was the place I came to think. The cliffs were the only place I could be myself. I never walked here anymore not since he left.

When I was younger I had somebody. It wasn't sexual or anything but we knew it was special. We were just kids and deep down we knew we were meant for each other. His name was Craig. Craig and I were inseparable. At school they used to call us the twins. What we had nobody could have shared.

Everything would be different. I remember how the sun reflected on the rocks every morning when we met here. The water crashed against the rocks. He used to always count the seconds between the water hitting the rocks. He said he was coming back in a year and everything would be the same. That was when we were twelve.

I waited for a year and he never came back. I missed him. I used to cry myself to sleep. I even rode my bike by his house to see if he was back.

I walked away knowing one thing. Things never stay the same no matter how much we want them to. No matter how much we try. He will never come back and I wont see him again.

I guess you can say that after he left I recovered. Somewhere down the line I guess I gave up hope. I met new people, made new friends and somehow I forgot about him. The pain he caused just faded away. If he would have stayed I'm sure I wouldn't be a part of the group I am now but I'd be happy.

"Hey I thought I'd find you here."

"Huh?" I said before I turned around to see who it was. It was Michael.

"How did you know?"

"You used to always come here when you were mad."

"I hate living like this."

"I know you do, but it comes with the territory. Trust me I know."

"Yeah, I remember when I used to come here and just be happy."

"We cant always get what we want. I mean I hate being popular just because my parents have money, But I don't let it bother me. I live my life. You need to live yours too. lets go because there is a guy out there waiting to be happy with you."

"You brought him here?"

"Yep and Mel Is here too."

"You told her?"

"She doesn't care. She still likes you."

I smiled and we both headed away from the cliff. That time In my life was over. Maybe it was time for me to be happy.

I drove with Charlie back to my house. We kept stealing glances at each other on the way back. The drive back was silent because we didn't want to ruin the moment. The comfort of having him there was good enough for me. The party was apparently In full swing. My parents greeted me at the door with hugs and kisses. Charlie smiled at me and walked inside. I greeted a couple of the preps and headed inside. The dream team stood around each other drinking from cups I knew my parents hadn't provided. I made my way over there and grabbed Eddies cup.

"What's in here?"

"Just coke."

'Yeah. Yeah and a little additive. Or should I say a lot. Just make sure your girlfriends drive," I said and they all nodded. Speaking of which I made my way around to the cheerleaders that were all staring at some girl I'm sure they hated and would soon be hit by the rumor missile. They all squealed as I approached them.

"Hey John congrats. I knew you would win," Amy said.

"Thanks Amy."

"Yeah like God did you see Meatball she was like ready to go gun ho on your ass," Tiffany added.

"Yeah she already swore death for me."

"Don't worry We'll take care of her for you," said Catherine.

"Sure and speaking of which who's tonight's victim?"

"Oh It's Sheryl Riley. she's been flirting with Eddie and I am going to teach that bitch who's man she's fucking with," Amy said In a very malicious manner.

"Well, just take it easy," I never involved myself with their past time I just let them indulge themselves.

"Yeah sure I will."

"Well, OK girls I have to make my rounds so have fun and please look after your boyfriends until my parents leave. They're drinking."

They all nodded and I made my way to Melissa that was sitting next Charlie on a lawn chair in the patio. She smiled at me and then waved me over.

"So I hear that you might have somebody new in your life."

"I might."

Charlie was smiling and he looked so cute when he smiled.

"You know something Charlie and I made up that story about him cheating on me. He told me he was gay a long time ago. He felt that maybe I needed to go date somebody else."

"Any prospects?" I asked.

She looked over at Michael that was having a conversation with my parents. "You know Michael Isn't half bad. He's kinda cute." We all laughed and she made her way towards him.

"You know they could be a cute couple," Charlie said as we watched her hug Michael.

"Yeah."

"What about us? Could we be a cute couple?"

"Yeah I think we could be. Come on lets go somewhere more private."

I spent a good part of the night just talking to him. The more we talked the more I liked him. He was funny interesting and very adorable. I was falling for him.

"So you had a crush on me huh?"

"Yeah a slight crush."

"I used to follow you around in the hallways just so I could look at your ass," Charlie said and I. Blushed.

"Stop your making me blush."

"No, I'm not kidding I really do like your ass."

"Well, I used to stay late after basketball practice to watch you shower."

"Yeah I know and I used to take just a little longer."

"So are you going to kiss me?"

"Not until you brush your teeth. You vomited remember."

We both giggled and I brushed my teeth then we headed back to the party. Sometime at the end of the night when everybody left we kissed. His lips were so soft.

"Mm minty fresh," he said as we parted.

"Your lucky I brushed."

I'm lucky I have you."

I blushed. "God your so sappy."

"Hey better to be sappy than not having me at all."

"OK it's time for you to go," I said shoving him out the door.

"What had enough of me already."

"No just saving a little for later," I said as he reached his car. I smiled at him as he pulled away. The phone rang as I closed the door. I walked over to it and picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hi Jonathan it's Dominick."