Monday morning. I despise Monday's. At least I used to before I finished school. Now, I only moderately dislike it. I still have to wake up early, get my brothers ready for work and school, and get all bored until Dally comes over. And today, Dally wasn't coming over. He had to go to some rodeo with Buck to bet. Apparently, that's how he makes money.

I sat on the couch, feeling sorry for myself, when I decided to go to the DX. I could talk to Soda and Steve so I wouldn't die of boredom.

When I got to the DX, oddly, Sodapop was working on a car and Steve was talking to someone at the counter. Weird. Usually, Steve would be working on cars and Soda would be workin' the counter, chattin' with some girl.

I was walking up to Soda when a guy's hand came down on my shoulder. I turned around to see who is was. Rowan. Uh oh. Bet ya 20 bucks that he wants to pound my face in.

I looked at him. At first, he seemed angry. Then, I looked into his eyes. They were greenish blue with a gray tint. He looked like he was gonna start bawling. Then, he did.(I guess I owe ya a 20.) He put his head on my shoulder and stared crying.

"Hey, Row?" I asked. "You okay?"

He tried to wipe away the tears, but they continued to flow, faster and faster. "Yeah... But Nick isn't. Ain't I ain't talkin' physically, either. Sure, he's got him 3 broken ribs from that Dallas guy, but he's more upset than anything else...? He came home the other day, from his job at Dairy Queen. I asked him, 'Hey, bro. How's your day been?' He didn't answer. I put my arm round his shoulder. He starts cryin' his eyes out... The poor guy.. I ain't never seen my brother cry... He's usually tough... He's broken, Ash." he said, stuttering. Mumbling that last part.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked, sincerely asking what I could do to help his brother. I didn't stutter and my voice didn't make me sound like I was upset... But I was... The thought of my best friend, tough as nails... Crying... And it was my fault.

"Ya got any plans, today?" Rowan asked.

I shook my head. "Nope."

"Then, lets head over to my house... Nick really needs a good friend to talk to."

I nodded. We hopped into Rowan's car and drove to his house.

... I truly did feel back for Nick... He was one of my best friends in grade school... I just hope he's okay...