Chapter 10- Hakuna Matata

“…And then after two days of opposition from both sides they ultimately agreed on an outcome and split the inheritance.”

I sat there only half listening to the rest of Cam’s story of the events during his trip and nodded along convincingly. In reality was violently shaking on the inside and I couldn’t hardly think of anything else other than Cam’s reaction to the news I was about to delivery to him.

It wouldn’t be easy.

“I’m glad it all worked out,” I smiled sincerely.

Even though I’d only been half paying attention I got the gist of the story. His grandmother had eventually decided to let his Mother back in the will a few days before her passing so everything worked out good for him and his family. I’m not entirely sure what the whole disagreement between them was about in the first place, but I didn’t feel like it was my place to ask. After all, I was only his girlfriend not his wife.

I kept a close watch on the cafeteria door throughout most of our conversation watching for Aiden’s appearance. I hadn’t spoken to him since yesterday when I told him Cam was bringing me to school and I could only hope he didn’t feel like I ditched him for my boyfriend. Although, I’m sure it seemed that way. What could I have done though?

“Bailey, you okay? You seem kind of spaced out.” Cam’s voice brought me out of my thoughts and I quickly focus back on him.

My heart quickened up in pace with every second that went by without Cam knowing the truth. That’s what most of the nervousness was really about. I had failed to tell the truth and I was going to pay for.

“Actually, no.” I admitted. “In fact I really need to confess something to you.”

Cam didn’t seem to like this bit of information has his look became increasingly concerned by my words. “Why do I feel worried?”

I shook my head. “Just hear me out before you get upset, okay?”

An unreadable expression formed on his face as he stared back at me. “Uh…ok.”

My heart rate was dramatically increasing with anxiousness. I knew that I should just come out with it and get it over with, but I just couldn’t find the right words. How do you tactfully tell someone your best friend’s not gay?

Not exactly a conversation starter, is it?

Maybe if I just said it really fast and ran, I wouldn’t have to endure Cam’s wrath. It’s only expected. Although, if I ran, it wouldn’t take him long to find me. The same issues would still be waiting for me when we spoke again and I couldn’t go on avoiding him forever.  Sometimes I hate doing the right thing.

“Should I feel alarmed that you’ve not said anything for the past minute?”

I hadn’t realized I had zoned out that long. Well that’s embarrassing. See what getting lost in your own head can do?

I gave a light nervous giggle before convincing myself to do the honorable thing. Tell the truth.

“You see…there something about Aiden that you may have misconstrued before.” I gulped. “You see the truth is…he might not be as gay as I have let on.”

A mixture of expressions passed over his face, but he seemingly still didn’t get exactly what I was trying to convey.

“You mean like, Kinsey 6?” He suggested adding a certain humor to the atmosphere.

I grimaced. “Not even Kinsey 1.”

At that point I could tell that Cam got the message perfectly and he became a little puzzled. “Then why did you tell me he was.”

I held up a finger in protest. “Actually, for the record, I never said that. You did.”

My response only seemed to have irritated him and I instantly regretted it.

“So what, this is my fault.”

“No, it’s not anyone’s fault. It was just a simple misunderstanding.”

“Well it’s a little late for that.”

I stared at him in disbelief and proceeded to put some much needed distance between us. I understand being upset, but this is being blown way out of proportion. At least I willingly set the record straight. I could have lied…if I wanted to. But I’m just not that kind of person.

“What exactly does that mean?” I snapped.

“It means that half the school probably knows about it by now. I didn’t know it was a secret.” He explained in his defense.

That did nothing to comfort me.

“What did you do?”

That was a certain amount of vigilance in my voice that couldn’t be overlooked and even Cam noticed it. He tensed at my sudden reaction to the news.

“I may have told a few of our friends in first period to be welcoming and befriend him.”

“How many is a few?”

“Well….the whole class.”

Oh lord. Aiden is gonna kill me. He’ll never speak to me again for as long as we live. How could I have done something so stupid? I never would have suspected Cam to circulate the information that quickly.

“Great.” I muttered sarcastically. “It’s nice to know how the rumor mill is turning out these days. Full of fallacious hearsay.”

“Easy.” Cam snubbed. “I thought it was true when I spoke it.”

As much as I wanted to hold him responsible for how this awful thing started I couldn’t bring myself to do it. If it was anyone’s fault then it was mine and mine alone.

“I know, I’m sorry.” I apologized. “I’m just upset with myself right now.”

“The rumor is the least of my worries.”He admits abruptly. “What I what to know is how worried I should be about this. I’m not so sure I’m okay with you having this guy best friend that I never knew about.”

I was aware that were currently sitting in the lunchroom full of people but that didn’t help me in controlling my anger that’s about to spill out at any given moment. If anything I wanted to throw my books in cams lap and storm off in a fit of anger, but I held back. No need to make a scene or give Sage exactly what she wants to see. I must remain tactful in this situation.

So I calmly look over at Cam and speak. “That’s a little unfair, don’t you think? You were okay with it when he was gay, but since he’s not you can’t accept it. Do you not trust me or something?”

I was not the one that he should have trust issues with. In fact the roles should be reversed, but I promised I wouldn’t bring that up again so I wasn’t. It would be a low blow on my part. I’ll just have to resort to other measures to get my message across.

“No, it’s not you who I do not trust, its other guys whom I’m worried about.” He stated. “Friends of the opposite sex are a hazard to any relationship and it doesn’t look good.”

“Oh that’s a bit Pious. Says the guy who is best friends and next door neighbors with Charity Bloom and let’s not even get started on Sage Owens. I have never doubted your faithfulness tome so why do you do it to me? Lord knows you’ve given me plenty of reasons.”

And like that, a slip of the tongue. I guess the whole not bringing it up again thing is out the window. I immediately feel guilty for saying it and wish with everything I could take it back. But I can’t. Cam’s disappointment in me shows greatly which only increases my guilt. Why, oh why, did I even open my big mouth? The whole part of our moving on deal was subject to letting go of the past and here I am refusing to let it die.

Ever wish a hole would just open up and swallow you completely?

I averted my gaze from him to anywhere else in the room and almost instantly take note of the current onlookers. Apparently we had gathered more attention than I had realized. This didn’t help. This would surely make the rumor mill tomorrow.

I ruefully looked back at my very surprised boyfriend and sigh. “Look Cam. I’m sorry I said that. It was way out of line and we’ve made our amends over it. I just wish that you’d give me a little more credit where credit is due. If anyone has a right to be distrustful it’s me.”

Cam was still speechless after my reasoning and I was losing any hope that I could make amends for this. Maybe it was hopeless.

I had no say what I did after I’d forgiven him, but somehow I did anyway. Why was that? Am I purposely trying to sabotage my relationship? Things like this are why we couldn’t stay together before and I’m ruining it.

“Hey, sorry I’m was late. Sage needed my help with one of her homework questions. Oh and your invited over to my house for dinner tomorrow nig-”

Aiden’s voice slowed when he looked across the table and saw an unfamiliar person giving me a deadpanned look and cut off.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.” He said kindly. “I’m Aiden.”

I became a bit nervous when he held his hand out for Cam to shake and he didn’t take it or speak but I sent a pleading glance in his direction which only softened him slightly to my surprise. Maybe he didn’t hate me after all.

“Hey man. The names Cameron.”

When he finally shook his hand I let out a breath of air I didn’t know I was holding and felt relieved to have avoided a disaster.

Recognition crosses Aiden’s face at the name and he smile brightened a bit, but I couldn’t tell if it was real or not. Aiden always tried to be nice to everyone whether he wanted to or not. He was jus that kind.

“So you’re Bay’s boyfriend.” He gestured to me.

“The one and only.”

I didn’t miss the double meaning in his words. This was the more territorial side of Cam-the one that caused problems. I just hoped he wasn’t planning on getting into a pissing contest with Aiden because that would be one contest he would lose. Aiden new me better than anyone and he wasn’t afraid to show it should he need to.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.” Aiden admitted.

“I wish I could say the same, but you know how information is sometimes.” He responds looking directly at me. “It can be misleading.”

And here we go again.

My best friend raised his eyebrow to Cam while wearing a puzzled expression. “I’m not sure I know what you mean by that.”

“No,” Cam agreed. “I guess you wouldn’t but I’m sure Bailey here does. Why don’t you ask her?”

I internally groaned as Cam got up to leave the table only to have Aiden begin questioning me. This was payback and I knew it. I guess that means he’s not forgiven me yet. Joy.

“Friendly boyfriend you have there Bay.” The sarcasm was clear in his voice. “What was his problem?”

I was still left shocked by Cam sudden departure that I couldn’t even for words in my head to answer him. How do I explain this to him in way that he won’t be upset? It just doesn’t seem possible.

“Bay?” He asked again.

I force myself to come out of my reverie to answer him. “It’s just a small rumor that may be going around about you.”

He chuckled at my statement. “Me? What could it the student body have come up with so quickly? I’ve only been here a few days.”

I answered him and grimaced. “Um….that you’re gay.”

I squinted my eye waiting for him to explode, but was shock when all that came out was a hearty laugh. “You’re kidding right?”

I shook my head at his still laughing figure and grimaced. “I wish I was.”

His laughter halted at that, his look suddenly become very grave. I take it he didn’t find it so funny anymore. I suspect I’ll be dead any minute now.

“What did you do?”

“Hey, why do you automatically assume it was my fault?”

His quiet response and the knowing look on his face was enough of an answer for me. “Okay so I may have said something that could have been taken the wrong way but it really wasn’t on purpose.”

My quick explanation caused him to question me further. “What kind of something?”

“That you don’t date girls, but at the time you’d said you hadn’t expect that once. How was I to know he’d take it the wrong way?”

He placed his hands in his palms and shook his head. “It all makes sense now. That’ why Bobby Langenberg gave me his number after class and said he knew it all along.”

I knew I had no right to laugh at that, but I couldn’t help it. It was kind of funny to think of Aiden in that position.

“Bobby hit on you?” I giggled. “I’ll have to admit he’s kind of out of your league.”

“Bailey, this is not funny.” He warned looking up at me.

Uh oh. I’m in trouble alright. He used my full name.

“If it makes you feel any better he is a really good guy. His last boyfriend made Valedictorian his graduation year. I have a class with Bobby this semester.”

“It doesn’t actually.” He retorted. “Seriously, how are we going to fix this? And by we, I mean you.”  

                I shook my head at him only being able to think of one answer, but I was afraid to say it thinking he would take my advice. He’d need a girl friend or at least to show some PDA with one. It was the only thing that would be convincing enough for people to believe.

“I don’t know Ade. We’ll figure something out before the party tonight. You still coming over?”

“Won’t your boyfriend be there?”

“Not likely. We aren’t exactly on the best of terms right now.”

The plan was that Cam would come pick me up before the party and he’d bring me. Now I’m not so sure. I’d be lucky if he even spoke to me tonight. He was known for holding grudges- Another one of our many problems. It seems that history is repeating itself again.

If it was anything like the last time we argued he might speak to me again at school on Monday, but not anytime before. Of course that was before he knew about Aiden.

“So does that mean I’m driving you tonight?”

“Please,” I asked hopeful. This would be just what Cam needed to see to know that two friends can be totally platonic and nothing more. That’s all Aiden and I had ever been so how would tonight be any different?

“Fine, but you owe me after what happened today.” He warned.

“I know. I’m so sorry. I’ll figure out some way to fix this. I promise.”

He nodded and seemed to accept my attempt at an apology and nudged me in the shoulder with his own before smiling. “This could only happen to you Bailey; Only you.”

His words made me feel increasingly better that he wasn’t holding a grudge towards me like Cam was. If only he could see that it was not intentional, what I did. Though I don’t think the misconception is the only thing he’s upset about. It’s Aiden.

Cam and I pulled up outside of my gray two story house and sat quietly while he waited for me to get out of the vehicle. He hadn’t spoken to me the entire way home. A few times during class I had considered sending him a text that Aiden would drive me home so he wouldn’t have to, but I figured it would only make things worse than they already were between us so I refrained. It was just best to endure the silence and not talk about it anymore today.

I sighed and waited to see if he would at least kiss me goodbye before I got out, but he didn’t. However, this did not surprise me. I mumbled a barely audible goodbye and went on my way without sparing him a second glance. It was the only civil thing to do. I doubt speaking my mind about his childish and unfair behavior would make thing any better.

I couldn’t have been happier once I reached the inside of my house. I could breathe again. The absence of the tension I had endured all the way from school was now forced to the back of my mind and I tried to concentrate on the party that was only a mere three hours away. I still had so much to do. I needed to shower, find the perfect outfit to wear, and then spend the remaining amount of time getting ready. All of that combine would take me at the very least three hours.

I’d be lucky to have a minute to myself beforehand.

Mom and Martin were going to be out late tonight visiting with Grammy Clarisse and Poppy Oliver, Martins parents had requested me call them that, and they had already gone so the house was completely mine.

Mom had all, but begged me to skip out on the party and go with them to visit my newly adopted grandparents but I declined. As much as I liked Clarisse and Oliver, if I have to sit through one more story about something that martin did as a kid or look through anymore photo album I’ll kill myself. I’d never willingly sacrifice my Friday night to endure that one again.

The evening passed by rather quickly and I had gotten accomplished everything I had meant to. I finished my shower, looked through my closet trying to find a dress I hadn’t worn in at least a month and once I found it realized why I hadn’t. The side of it was ripped exposing at least two inches of my skin. I had meant to get it fix, but never got around it. That was four months ago. That little hiccup set me back about thirty minutes but I quickly deal with the problem, by stealing a dress from my mom’s post dad and pre-Martin wardrobe. They were her “meet new people” phase.” She wouldn’t mind. I was the one who had talked her out of donating them when she said she didn’t need them anymore. Now I’m glad I did.

                Once I threw on the little too short casual red dress I completed my outfit with accessorizing. By then time eight’ o clock rolled around Aiden was already knocking on my door.

“Hey,” he greeted me with a smile. “You look great.”

“Thank you,” I blushed.

Aiden held his arm out before him motioning for me to take the lead and followed behind me to the car. He proved to me that chivalry wasn’t quite dead when he opened the door for me and waited until I was inside the car before getting in his self. It some small way, it kind of felt like we were on a date and if I didn’t know any better I’d think we were. But I did know better so thinking of it like that would be absurd.

“Nervous?” Aiden looked at me curiously.

I shook my head before I answered. “No. Why?”

He smiled in my direction but still kept his eye focused on the road. “I don’t know. You just seem unnaturally quiet and…” He trailed off looking a bit unsure of himself before speaking the last part. “You know, seeing your boyfriend after what happened today.”

“He’ll get over it.” I sighed with annoyance. “This is nothing out of the ordinary for us.”

My words must have taken him by surprise as he looked a bit shocked and bother by it all at the same time. “What do you mean?”

At my words I realized I shouldn’t have said anything to him and decided to change the subject. Aiden worries entirely too much about me. It’s not good for him.

“Don’t worry about it. I just really want forget about it. Hakuna Matata.”

I was pleased that’s all it took to distract him. He cracked a wide smile at me.

“Hakuna Matata, really? Are you quoting the Lion King now?”

“It means no worries.” I was just teasing him now.

“For the rest of your days.” He finished.

“Let’s see if we can get through tonight first.” I laughed.

My mood felt slightly lifted already and for a split second it felt like this entire evening was going to turn out alright. But then reality set in.

Aiden and I pulled out to the large brick house that served as the meeting place for the entire student body now and out of all the people there the first person my eyes landed on was him. And he wasn’t alone. Apart from a few of his friends who were keeping him company one girl in particular hung loyally by his side-Sage.

Although they were only talking and I had no right to be angry I was. Not because I was jealous, but because after the lecture he gave me today about Aiden he was just rubbing it in my face now. Well if he thinks that I’m gonna come to him in a jealous rage and admitting that he was right after all he has another thing coming. Tonight I was at a party and I was going to enjoy it. Hakuna Matata.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N

Hey. So I hope you enjoyed the update. Let me know what you thought. The next chapter will be all about the party and what comes after. (Not Edited) 

Please be sure to –

Comment…Vote and Follow!

Banner to the side by @Starryflames (If this is you please let me know your new username) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>