Caribbean Dialect Included.

The internet surely has its moments. You can thank it for the funny posts shared by thousands every day. The information is needed to move on with whatever projects you have. What about the priceless moments shared with distant relatives. The internet is a treasure haven. 

But.

The dark side comes out at times well maybe hundreds of times a day and the video that was now circulating through Spencer's youth has reached the adults. It took a day for it to reach certain ears and in a rather humiliating way. With the events unraveling one after the other, anyone who figured out the sender of the video was Bree, will immediately think that she knew exactly what was going to happen.

The people who were met with the shocking news in a very public setting were the grandmother and mother of Derek. Wanting to have a quick brunch date with her husband before he visits his 'father', Katie Tramaine-Winshall chose one of her favorite restaurants in Spencer to do so. They were seated next to the table filled with society matrons who looked too giddy in their pastel suits and gaudy jewelry. Two chairs were empty when both she and Bryan arrived, after placing their order, her husband had to take a sensitive call outside. During his absence, Derek's mother and grandmother arrived at their table. Katie had a great view of the table and was situated to make her eavesdropping be unseen. They were talking loud enough for her to hear every sarcastic tone and curious words that left their mouths. 

"Edith. Millicent. You made it. How was the charity dinner last night?"

A snort of laughter would have escaped Katie if she didn't compose herself in time. The middle age society mama's question was filled with so much curiosity and taunting it was near comical.

"It was predictable as always but the earnings were above last year's. How are you, Karen?" Edith was the one to answer, knowing how much her daughter disliked the woman. Derek's mother, Millicent gave her a stiff smile and situated herself in her reserved seat.

"That's great. The funds from last year were enough to help the shelter. This year I'm sure we can put the balance to some other charity that wants it."

Edith and Millicent gave her a stiff nod then quietly gave their orders to the waitress who scurried toward them. Idle chatter filled the ladies' table for a while, meals were delivered along with Katie and Bryan's who returned to the table a few seconds ago. He cleared his throat to stop laughing when he noticed his wife's eavesdropping pose. All the wives of their little group had a telltale sign when they are doing things out of the ordinary. 

"Who are they?" he asked under his breath as he took a sip of coffee. His out-of-the-blue question startled her, a small squeak escaped her causing her waffle to drop from her fork. Her cute pout made him laugh as she looked forlorn at the waffle that's now on her jeans. "B," she whined, allowing him to clean up the mess on her lap.

"Sorry, baby."

"Behind us are the society mamas. Derek..."

"Selby's idiot boyfriend," he interjected.

"Yes. His mama and grammy just joined them. Something is about to go down. Snarky queen Karen Garry is leading the conversation," she continued for his ears only. Bryan shook his head at how intuned she was of Spencer's society while they were all away. Janine and the other parents probably kept her and the girls informed. 

"Is that so? Hmmm. Wonder what it is?" he mused. Bryan found himself curious about the new town gossip. The two ate slowly wanting to know what's going on. 

Back at the table, Karen resumed her somewhat form of investigation. Thanks to her daughter's love for social media and excitable demeanor, she saw the video, in full detail. The other three women who sat at the table saw the video also and couldn't wait to hear the women's deflection. 
"How's Derek doing? We are so excited for his upcoming games," Karen asked.

"He's doing great. I wish I can tell him to ease up on the everyday practices but he's so adamant about being the next big football star, I can't bear to voice it out," Millicent said with the voice of an ultimately proud mother.

"It will be so great to have a town hero from our family again. My Dave was the last sports hero for the Iverson family for soccer. Derek is well on his way to uphold that position," Edith gushed.

"That will be splendid. Since Jayden Hector and the five who followed him to stardom with football scholarships. Though they weren't from the original families of Spencer, their good standing among their peers and wholesome family upbringing helped immortalize their position as town heroes." This was said by Marian Parks, a blueblood of Spencer whose family earned their riches from being plantation owners to investors.

"I won't say the Hectors had a wholesome upbringing. What parent in their right mind will allow their two sons to be involved with one woman? They are even married. Though I won't call what they have a marriage. One woman can't marry two men. Her parents strut around this town like royalty. They should be ashamed of themselves," Edith retorted. 

Katie and Bryan didn't react. The woman's holier than though attitude was common to them. The twins and Marielle faced bigger hurdles than a woman like Edith Iverson.

"Interesting," Karen mused.

"Why is that interesting to you? You've heard my stance on the matter. God forbid if another polyamorous relationship stems from Spencer. They should keep such things behind closed doors," the Iverson matriarch said with her face becoming red by the moment.

"What was your take on homosexuality again? My mind is quite blank on that one, plus my grandkids have opened my mind somewhat to it." This was said by Enna Vance, a matriarch of one of the original families who preferred the background when dealing with events. She too saw the video, when she saw it on her feed. Her grandson the wildest one out of the five shared it to his page. Watching it made her... uncomfortable but it was hard to tear your eyes away from it.

"Mother. You will raise your blood pressure on such nonsense. Mrs. Vance if you wish to sully your grandkids with their continuous notion of such life, that is your own shortcomings. We have nothing to say about immoral acts. We've raised our kids the right way and that's that," Millicent voiced aloud. 

The ladies all sat back and waited for Karen to pounce on the ladies. They walked right into that social death trap. 

"Now. Now ladies, enough of that. We're happy that your Derek found such a sweet girl as Selby. How are they? Are we hearing wedding bells after high school? A good pick for the next Iverson lady."

"She's a good prospect. Hopefully, she can handle Derek's career and keep a home as good as us but he loves her as far as we can tell," Millicent replied with a smile.

"Oh thank heavens. I overheard Richie telling one of his friends over the phone that Derek doesn't 'swing that way'. You know these slangs are hard to keep track of." Karen was really playing the role of clueless grandmother really well. 

"I swear young people these days are creating. I think Richie was talking to my Kace, he did say a phrase like him being 'on the bus', I don't get it," Enna commented. 

"So they were debating whether or not he was gay?" Marian mused innocently.

"WHAT!" The unified shrieks of disbelief came from both mother and daughter. Behind them, Katie choked on her juice while Bryan did a comical spit take. The restaurant patrons who heard the women's shout all turned to the table curious as to what is going to happen next. 

"Why would your ruffians dare speak about my son that way? Don't they have anything better to do in their free time? Tread carefully, ladies," Millicent seethed. Edith was still in her seat, spine ramrod straight, face molten red with anger as she nods in agreement as her daughter spoke. Hands planted on the table the younger Iverson woman was ready to defend her dear son no matter what. Probably she will do so even if she saw the video.

"At least our ruffians as you say aren't part of an amateur porn with his partner being of the same gender," Karen said calmly.

"HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH LIES ABOUT MY SON!" Millicent yelled, now towering over the ladies. Enna and Marian continued to sip on their now lukewarm tea, with Karen sitting prim and proper in her perfect brunch outfit. Sandra Wilkes, the silent one of the group got her iPad from her large handbag and searched for the evidence they needed. The ladies never like the Iversons and only tolerated them. Countless times the women belittled them, humiliated them, and disrespected their families in the name of their background. Coming across such a treasure was the perfect tool to get back at them.
Sandra pushed the sleek device to the ladies and pressed play. The audio was suspiciously loud. Sexual groans and grunts reached Katie and Bryan's table and the other tables. Millicent's face went pale, Edith was clutching her pearls with a horrified look on her face. "No. This is fake. What have you done? Do you want my spot so bad on the ladies' community that you will stoop so low? This is my son's future you're trifling with," Millicent accused. 

"Come now. We may be devious but I doubt any type of camera trickery can make this video so realistic," Karen quipped.

'"Oh fuck, Shaun. I love you so much. Shit."

Derek's voice came out loud and strong, there was no mistaking that. "Off. Shut it off," Edith cried out desperately, trying to exit the video frantically. 

"You fucking old hags crossed the line in involving my son in your petty games," Millicent seethed. 

"This has been circling the internet since last night, little Millie. Instead of looking down on our kids who are enjoying their life, in their generation, you should have kept tabs on your son. I wonder how your prestigious family will fight this one. Maybe you will find out if he's gay or bisexual. Have a nice day ladies," Karen said steadily. They all got to their feet, looking down at the now pale and frail-looking ladies. In their eyes, you can see the disbelief and the plans they're probably making to clear their name. 
"We'll get the bill. Don't worry your little heads about that," Enna tittered. The four ladies left with their heads held high satisfied with what they accomplished. 

At the other table, Katie and Bryan held each other's shocked gaze. They wanted to move and make some calls but they were frozen by the multiple questions in their mind. 
"Check?" Bryan asked fumbling for his wallet.

"Definitely. Meet you by the car," Katie quickly said. Grabbing her bag, she speed-walked out of the restaurant, searching her bag for her phone. Finding the damn contraption she quickly dialed the first number she remembered offhand.

"Hey, you. When are we getting to see you?" the person answered.

"Probably when you guys finish school because I need info, stat," Katie hissed into the phone.

"Ohhhhhh. Did it reach the adults already? How did you find out?" It was Ayanna who she called. She can always depend on the girl for correct information.

"You won't believe me if I told you," Katie gushed, walking towards Bryan's jeep. 

"Then you need to tell me so I will know if I do," she retorted.

Katie laughed aloud, going into the jeep when she heard it unlocked. "The society mamas publicly shamed the Iversons moments ago with a very explicit video of their darling."
The cackle and the amused curse that came from Ayanna added to Katie's excitement. The little bookworm was turning into a bold butterfly. 
"No way. They actually viewed it to confirm it was Derek? Ewwww." Ayanna's comment upped her amusement.

"Let's not think of that any longer. Hearing his voice and groans in a restaurant was cringeworthy. What's the atmosphere at school?" Katie asked eagerly for more information.

"The headquarters of TMZ and E! News have been relocated. Rumors are going around the school like wildfire but the truth is popping up randomly."

"And Selby? How is she?" 

Ayanna became quiet for a moment before she released a sigh. "I don't know. We don't know. It's nearing lunch hour and no one has seen her nor Derek at school. The girls and I did wonder about her state of mind but something is telling us to let nature run its course," she answered. 

On Katie's end, Bryan entered the jeep and motioned for her to tell him where to next. She mouthed the word home and resumed her call with Ayanna. "Is that everyone's feeling?"

"Yeah. Since she cut ties with all of us over Derek's deception, she changed over the weeks. It's like the sweet Selby we all grew up with. She stuck under Derek's arm most of the time, and from afar we saw how the other girls tried to include her into their group but she was one foot in, one foot out. We don't know what to do or say about this situation. At the moment we're trying to keep Elijah calm," Ayanna answered. Anyone listening in on the conversation can hear the teen's genuine confusion about their situation.

"What's going on with Elijah?" Katie was curious about Selby's change in nature but their sweet Elijah not being calm is something to be mindful of. If he's anything like his older sister, his temper and actions will be explosive.

"Shaun is MIA also and his phone is off. It's been hard on Elijah. He considered Shaun one of his closest friends outside of the group. It stung when we discovered his sexuality but it's hurting a lot more for Elijah since Shaun has been rejecting his calls. To make matters worse, he wants to strangle the life out of Bree."

"Wait. Bree. Where does she come into all of this? Isn't she someone of the past?" Katie asked. She was trying to remember if any one of them told her of Bree lately.

"Umm... well. She has been kicking up a storm over something she alone has an issue with. Bree is the source of the video."

"WHAT!" Katie shrieked. Bryan winced at her exclamation and continued to listen to the conversation through the speakers of the jeep. The call was put on handsfree after the mention of Elijah. 

Ayanna laughed nervously. "Yeah. A lot has been going on and it's one thing after the other. This stunt she pulled, pushed Elijah over the edge because of Shaun. This can hurt his chances of the scholarship he was going after. You know about his family background."

"We'll handle the backlash for him. You guys need to focus on Shaun," Bryan interjected. Silence entered the conversation as the hidden reason reached them. 

"We will," Ayanna returned softly.

"I'll let you go, sweetie. Call us if anything is needed," Katie added.

"Sure. I'll keep you updated."

The call ended leaving the ride back to the Winshall's home a bit melancholy. "You're thinking about Isaac and what happened back in high school, huh?" Katie asked softly.

"If he didn't have a support system back then, the world may have never known Isaac Bronson, renowned chef and artist. Shaun needs that group, he might think he's an outsider but I know how much Elijah quietly supports and worries about him. I pray his resolve is strong. The kid went through enough shit with his father, now this," Bryan replied in the same tone. 

"What in the world was Bree thinking?"

***********

While the group was trying to get a hold of Shaun, he was at home desperately trying to get a hold of Derek. Locked in his room, with the windows shut and the laptop shut, he was lost as to what to do. Since the video was posted, his social media account has been busy, numerous calls texts, slurs, and taunts began. To be thrown into that whirlpool of shame and disgrace once more was jarring. He wanted to know that everything will be okay. Reaching out to Derek was the only thing he sought to do. That video not only showed him but Derek and the college kids they befriended a while back. 

 His secret relationship with Derek has gone public. Fear of something like this happening made him stop badgering Derek to make them official. When his sister and Bree caught them in the locker room, he was living on the edge for days. He begged Natalie not to expose them, he did whatever she ordered him to do so that he can keep his secret hidden a little bit longer. All Shaun wanted was to find the right time to tell his friends about his sexuality and actually go public with the man he loved.
It seems everything he did for his sister was in vain. 

She took him for a fool. 

She betrayed him. 

How can she choose a friend's action over her own brother's request? Many times he stood up for her, covered for her when she disappeared for days but one thing he asked of her, and she chose a friend who's using her over him.

"Pick up. Pick up. Pick up." The desperation lined his voice, the one person he needed wasn't there for him.

Shaun lost count as to how many times he dialed Derek's number for the day, he was losing his mind. He blocked his entire contact list beside him and still no call or a text. He didn't know what to do. 
The reputation he rebuilt after his father was jailed for insurance fraud was now in shambles. There may be same-sex supporters but this was a town with old-time ideals. There will always be a stigma against things that don't make sense to them. It has been years since the Bronson blow-up and the Hector-Johnson Trio but there's still scornful gossip surrounding them. His father's wrongdoings were still a hot topic, now that he brought another shame to his family, he expects the public to go harsher on them.

"Where are you?" he said through gritted teeth.

Ending the outgoing call, he threw the phone against the farther wall letting his pent-up anger take over. The sound of the phone breaking into pieces triggered it all. Anger consumed him, the betrayal from his sister, the abandonment from Derek, the shame his father placed on his head, his weakness of not knowing what to do took over. Taking the baseball bat he had below his bed, he smashed everything in sight. Shaun didn't care what was being destroyed. It felt good to hit something. He screamed to the top of his lungs as he swung the bat, tears rolling down his face with each blow. Anything in his sight was clear to destroy, he didn't care what it was, he needed to let it all out. 
Shaun swung the bat around his room creating an unsightly mess until his arms were tired. Dropping to the floor at the center of the aftermath, he gave in to it all and reality settled. 

He was on his own. 

He had to face this new shame on his own once more. No one truly is to blame for what happened. He agreed to a secret relationship with a guy way out of his league and knew how to manipulate any situation.

"What am I supposed to do now?" he said to himself. 

The banging of his front door jolted him from his dark musings. Scared to face the world at the moment, he listened on as the person continuously banged on his door. For some unexplained yet sobering reason, he knew it wasn't Derek. Seconds later the identity of the person was revealed.

"Open the fucking door, Shaun. I'm already pissed that you didn't tell me and decided to let that cunt be your first partner. Open up now. You better do it or I will let Trey kick the door in." 

His eyes widen with incredulity, Elijah Johnson angry? He never heard his friend so ticked off, not even when Bree called him a cheater before the entire student body. 

"SHAUN!"

No answer.

"Fine, then I will keep banging like the fucking police and let your neighbors hear every word I say. I know you're in there."

Shaun hung his head in shame. Lord knows he wanted to 'come out' to Elijah but... Derek said they won't understand nor accept him. He stupidly believed him forgetting the group had a gay older brother. 
Still, he couldn't face his friend.
Rising to his feet, he slowly made his way to the front door and slide to the floor with his back against the door.
"Elijah Johnson angry, I wish I could see that," he said aloud. It couldn't be helped by the defeat and sadness were in his voice no matter how upbeat he tried to sound. Shaun felt it when his friend fell gently against the door and slid to the ground. 

"More like hurt," Elijah countered.

The two stayed silent trying to get their words right.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Is it because our friendship wasn't strong enough?" Elijah asked. 

Shaun heard how vulnerable his friend was. Guilt racked through his mind because he listened to Derek's lies. "I-I-..." He tried to explain but couldn't.

"You don't have to answer. I don't care about sexual preferences when it comes to friendships. That's not what friendships stand on. It was a shocker though but not only by that but your partner......" Elijah started.

"Poor judgment on that one," Shaun commented. 

The laugh from Elijah was heard and felt by him. He smiled at the thought of not losing the quiet Johnson as a friend. 

"Are you okay?" Hope that he thought he lost due to the events that led up to his present state came back because of that one sincere question.

"Somewhat. It's a mess out there huh?"

"Everyone was looking out for the three of you. Some girls were crying because you're gay. The ignorant assholes are having their fun. The person who is to blame is missing as usual. I swear on my first manga that I will strangle the life out of her. Her childish behavior is going too far. I blame the mother though but that's another story. Are you definitely okay?" Elijah replied.

Shaun understood the double meaning of his friend's sentence and those stupid tears resurfaced once more. 
"I'm not that far down the rabbit hole. A few days are needed to get back to my old self. Lesson learned and all that jazz. Thanks for coming by and for being a real friend."

"Anytime. Everyone is out here. The girls put together some things for you." On the other side of the door, the girls placed the basket of goodies they personally got for him, the boys added their own things too. 
Shaun buried his face in the crook of his arm and silently cried as each girl gave her own words of acceptance and support. He listened on when Alec and Harem spoke and chuckled when Trey simply gave two firm knocks on the door. Surprisingly he understood the guy's silent language. 
"We are all here for you. Take your time in returning to school, you have to toughen up though. You know how they are. Call me at least twice on the days you decide to stay home. If you need anything, tell me. Don't make me worry too much. My girl is already mentally packing a hospital bag if I get a heart attack over you..." Elijah started. His laugh was taken over by Erica admonishing them both. Shaun muffled his laughter and waited for his friend to continue.

"I can't step out of line with this one.  Anyway, those rules are simple and no hassle. When you're ready to talk we're here."

"Thanks for everything. I mean it," Shaun returned wholeheartedly.

"We know. See you around, dude."

He listened to the group's farewell and the leaving of their cars. Gingerly he unlocked and opened the door and stood in amazement by the large gift basket at his feet. He laughed seeing the rainbow-colored bow on the basket handle and the miniature LGTBQ+ flag stuck between whatever goodies his friends got him. 

"How can these people shun me for my true self?" he muttered to himself as he got the basket. Not wanting to return to his room, he opted for the living area and emptied it all on the floor before him. The gifts all had post-it notes as advice or encouragement. Shaun realized the time and effort that was spent on such a gift. Checking the time on the clock over the tv it was nearing six in the evening, he has been out of it for some time. 
Reaching for the first item, he knew who it was from immediately. A thick notebook with the gay pride logo and a sketch of a boy on the cover with the words 'Proud of who I am.' It was commonly known as an LGBT support notebook. The sticky note had a simple rule. 'This is to be used to discover the 100% you. - Ayanna'
"That will take some time," he said out loud. 
Next was a homemade candle with affirmations on the label. 'You are loved. You're amazing. You're that hot best friend.' "After all this drama, you need to simply free your mind. Find your zen, this candle will help, Raine", he read. 
The other gifts he looked at were new games, gift cards, an assortment of junk food, a bracelet, and a few novelty t-shirts. They were all from the guys with a simple note saying, 'Chill then get back on this stupid teenage ride.'
The last gift made him laugh so loud that he momentarily forgot that his emotions were all over the place.
"You need good examples for the perfect partner. Let me help you make up your mind, Erica."
Her gift was four books on gay romance and a pair of grey sweatpants. An additional note was on the sweats 'The greatest power. Use it wisely.'

"What am I going to do with you guys? I'm one lucky bastard."

Thanks to the group, he regained an ounce of confidence and decided to move forward from this shit storm. He can do it. 

**********

As promised Shaun called Elijah twice on the two days but his calls didn't reassure him that he was fine.  The next two days tested their friendship, patience, and temper. What happened wasn't expected by the group, heck no one expected it.

But.

Since it was done, only one twisted mind can do it.

Tuesday proved to the group how high-handed and vindictive Derek Iverson truly was. The reason for Shaun's absence was revealed. The rumors of three shaved down to two, all due to the footballer's manipulative streak. His words filled his loyal lackeys' ears and the shared video became a gold mine to him. His very own golden sex tape now rivaled a certain celebrity's. 

The girls were lounging at the back of the school when they heard a few students crudely commenting on Selby's lack of attention to her man and Shaun's malicious ploy to clear his family's name. They all wanted to defend their friend but they listened to the new rumor mill. Derek played the sympathy card of being blackmailed by Shaun so he can gain more popularity. He was simply looking for a quick lay at the party because Selby wasn't 'putting out' and got lucky with a freaky college girl. The joining of the other two males, including Shaun was a surprise. Apparently, he was made to say those words out loud and to have anal sex.
Judging by the students' retelling of the most idiotic story, it was being accepted by the masses. Derek even made his experience with the same sex being mature in sexual activities. 
The school turned on two students by a few words of deceit. 
Erica didn't have to tell Elijah what was going on, nor did the other guys have to be notified. The mill was working rather efficiently. Ayanna and Erica made an attempt to defend Shaun but were shot down with homophobic slurs towards him. 
It was proof that moves were made to protect Derek and whatever future his family had for him. Karma was waiting for him. In due time he will receive his comeuppance. 

The group wanted to visit Shaun once more but on his second call on Tuesday he begged them to stay put, assuring them that he was fine.' He had to cough up the truth of his now damaged phone to them when Trey pointed out his use of a landline. Being the doting friend he was Elijah purchased a new phone with a new number for Shaun with only their contacts on it. Erica got to see a side of her boyfriend that she couldn't help but love even more. She got to witness Elijah who goes all out for his friends, gets angry on their behalf, and simply wants them to be happy. 
On Wednesday though, she came to terms that she too does the same in the most unexpected way. The school was probably waiting for the showdown that happened. Again Shaun was M.I.A and they all understood why, who can blame the guy. He was returning their texts and keeping his promise. The school was still going through their E! News faze with King Derek keeping the newsroom afloat. The buzzing got louder when Selby arrived at school during the 3rd block of the day, fresh as a daisy with a plastered smile on her face. It wasn't until lunch hour the group saw her. She strutted into the cafeteria and ordered her lunch, ignoring the low hum of whispers with her as the topic circulated around the room.

"Something wrong wid dis school. Being cheated on is all good now? An' why dat ass ain't tell de truth. Dis real mess up," Erica muttered. Her eyes followed Selby when the blonde made her way to an empty seat and began to eat. Two of the girls who tried to get her into their little clique approached her. They didn't need to know the specifics of their conversations because their facial expressions said a lot. 

"How long does she think she can act like a tough cold bitch?" Harem said aloud. The entire table turned his way, he too was watching the silent interaction. He shook his head sadly and returned to his lunch. Selby had a very cold look on her face as she spoke to the girls who looked in every way embarrassed and upset. They left her side hurriedly and rejoined their friends.
"You think it's all an act? We've all watched her change drastically, maybe this is who she really is," Raine voiced.

"Maybe. Maybe not but I know she isn't as composed as she's portraying. If any of us were in her shoes, could you stand on two feet and smile so freely two days after shit went down." he asked.

"I would die," Erica answered truthfully. Elijah took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Same," Raine and Ayanna answered re-focusing on their own meals. 

"Be cautious when you approach her," Trey said after a lull of silence.

"How... Do you miss anything about us? I just want to make sure that she's okay. She was our friend though she was the one who cut our ties, she was a part of this group."

No one said a word after Harem's firm statement but they understood his sense of duty to his childhood friend.
"Ah doh have a good feeling bout that," Erica commented.

"What's the worse she can do?" Harem asked with a laugh. 

"The minds and actions of females are mysteries to us males."

The entire table turned towards Trey who kept their gazes in return with the most composed look ever seen on a teenager. They will never get over how mature the guy is. That was one of the many moments he silenced them with his little packet of wisdom. 
"How old yuh is again?"

*******

"I don't need a bodyguard, Erica. Why don't you go watch Elijah practice?" Harem said while glancing over his shoulder. His cousin's girlfriend had so many factors to her which he liked. Whatever she does or says always surprises them or makes her even more lovable.

"Nah, ah watch enough football...."

"Soccer," he corrected out of habit.

"Yeah. Dais wah ah say. Anywho. He knows I would be bored so me coming with yuh ain't a problem," she answered. He laughed at how adorable she looked with her backpack on her back, dressed in short coverall and her hair in two cornrows.

"Fine. This will be quick."

It was after-school hours and the two were headed for the dance studio. Harem knew one thing that will never change with Selby. Dancing will never be forgotten by her. She can be happy, sad, angry at the world even sick, Selby will be practicing her techniques.  It wasn't a scheduled practice day which means the entire dance studio will be hers for another two to three hours. 
Reaching the doors to the studio, they both entered the entryway, hearing loud music blasting from behind the door ahead. Ditching their shoes at the designated area and taking the disposable slip-on, they entered the studio Selby currently occupied. 

Having been at her practices so many times and watching her practice on her own, her graceful moves always amaze him.  Her knowledge of different dances toned her body perfectly, her arms and legs moved smoothly as she moved from the first position to fifth position, the basic ballet positions. She paused at fifth then relaxed, her eyes were closed but he saw from afar the dried tear tracks. A new song began to play over the speakers, not too good with classical music he surmised it was one of many played for a ballet recital. Selby launched into moves that made her look like a butterfly fluttering from flower to flower. 
Erica and himself were standing a few feet away from her but she can clearly see them in the wall of mirrors as she danced. She didn't falter at their presence but he caught the quick change in her expression.

"She's so cool," Erica said in hushed awe.

"She is." His tone was melancholic which made Erica alert. She knew the guy was crazy for Stacia but his entire demeanor was confusing her. He sounded sad but his eyes showed a lot of indifference. His body was tense with him clenching and unclenching his hands repeatedly. Was he nervous? 

They stayed silent until she finished the entire routine, took a drink of water, and approached them.

"What?" she snapped.

Erica took a step forward when Harem flinched at the crude greeting. He stopped any further steps from her with a raise of his hand, pushing her behind him.

"I'm worried about you," he answered.

Selby scoffed and turned her back on him. "Harem Kertalis is worried about me. I should be so happy. Oh. My. God," she said in a condescending voice. 

"Is it wrong of me to do so? We were..."

"Oh shut up. Don't say what I think you were about to say. Friends? We were friends. What a joke. If we were such good friends why didn't you tell me the man I loved was a closet gay and cheating on me with someone I considered a friend. I had to see that shit for myself. Everything is burned into memory when I want it all to go away," she countered.

"Wait. Wha?! Yuh crazy or something? He was trying to tell your ass but yuh snake of a man fuck with yuh head," Erica shouted ready to invade Selby's personal space.

"Whoa there, Miss Layla Ali. Let her have this one," Harem said trying to smother his laugh. Holding Erica back was a bit tough but she complied after a while. She stomped back to her position behind him, muttering curses under her breath.

"I will take your comment as you forgetting key parts to the ending of our friendship. I am genuinely worried about you but it seems like it was all in vain. You've changed Sellie. I thought it was Derek's influence having you this way but it seems like it was a hidden side of you. Anyway, the shit that has been going around the school probably the town by now will tear at you. The act you're pulling will crumble if you keep it all in. I'm here if you...."

Harem was unable to finish his sentence when he felt a hot sting on his cheek. His head turned with the power of the slap and in time for him to see Erica using his body as a base to spin around him and returned the slap to Selby.

"Are you fucking crazy?"

The blonde touched the corner of her lips to check for bleeding and stood before the two. Harem was still in shock, he didn't realize Erica took over for him. 
"I doh know what's going on wid you and I doh know why you ain't recognize the person who always look out fuh yuh but doh be hitting mih boy, cuz I will deal wid yuh worse."

"Whatever. You're annoying as ever, that's why. The goody-two-shoes bit was annoying and still is. I'm fine. I don't need anyone's help especially from you all.  This is high school, these things don't last forever.  Now leave."

"Erica. Let's go." Harem came out of his stupor. Selby's words stung even worse than the slap he was dealt with. Was this the real her? Was she pretending to be of a sweet nature when they were all friends and showed the real to someone else? He doesn't know what to make of it but she made it clear. His advice nor presence was needed. She told him loud and clear. Hopefully, she makes the right choices in dealing with the rest of her senior year.

"But..."

He gave Erica a harsh glare, resulting in her silence and compliance. Not looking back, Harem designated this moment of his teenage life, a lesson learned and a point to remember. Selby Moschovitz was no longer his friend, indefinitely. He can now stop worrying about her silently. She doesn't need him.

Why force a lending hand to someone when they will only reject it?