Thursday

October 24, 2019

After the argument on Monday it's as if Peter and I have swapped roles. He avoids me at every turn. I try to speak to him in homeroom and I get an icy glare that promises death by decapitation if I come near him. In the hallways, he acts as if I don't exist and at lunch, he sits on his own, as far away as possible from where I sit. He even goes so far as to block my number so I can't text or call him.

Shit. I deserve it for the way I acted. For the things I said.

"But it's not like he's any better!" I hiss as I slam my locker closed, the final bell chiming overhead signaling the end of the school day. My depression over the matter has been shifting over the last couple of days to that of anger and annoyance. Had I been in the wrong? Yes. I'd dealt with things in the worst way possible thanks to my cowardice, but that doesn't mean Peter is any better avoiding me and making me feel like shit about not coming out. "Not everybody can be as confident in themselves as you!" I growl out in annoyance as I spin on my heel only to collide with my best friend.

"Whoa, slow your horses there cowboy," Gwen said as she rubs her nose. I cross my arms over my chest and look away.

"It's King." I mutter and it only gets me a raised brow so I tac on an apology.

"That's more like it. Anyway, I'm calling an intervention and neither you nor Carmen can get out of it." She says matter-of-fact sticking her nose up in the air as if she's the queen and everyone else nothing more than loyal subjects.

Wouldn't that mean we'd be dating?

I shudder at the mere thought and banish it from my mind. "An intervention? Why? I don't have time. There's practice tonight, plus I've got homework, and mom wants family dinner." They're all excuses, no matter how true. The last thing I want is to spend time with anyone. I know I'd just ruin the mood with my attitude.

"Tough. There will be other practices, your grades are already too far gone to be changed by one assignment, and mother dearest will have other dinners."

I flinch. Gwen doesn't pull punches, that much is for sure. "First of all, ouch. Second of all, why do we need an intervention anyway? There's no problem."

"Are you serious?" If I didn't feel like a complete and utter moron before the look and tone Gwen shoots my way changes that in an instant. "Ever since Monday you've become the King of moping. You won't talk to Carmen nor I about it and miss video game creator herself has been worrying herself sick over it. Not to mention she's been a goddamn zombie all day though I'm sure you haven't noticed, lost in your own world of problems. And as for me, well I just want my friends back." Her voice had started out heated but as she'd continued to speak the anger had left and been replaced with a pleading note.

"Gwen."

"Ever since last week shit has hit the proverbial fan and we've all been stuck in our own problems. We've barely even spoken with one another and it feels like our whole trio is just disappearing. I get that this is our last year together, but I'm not ready to lose you guys just yet." Gwen's bottom lip wobbles as she speaks, and I know she's holding back tears.

"Oh, Gwen. I'm sorry bud. I didn't mean to get lost in myself or hurt you. It's just hard for me to talk about my shit." I apologize as I pull her into my arms for a hug. She locks her arms around my waist, burying her face in my chest.

"You talk about it with Carmen." She points out and I sigh as I look up at the ceiling, resting my chin on the top of her head.

"I know. If it makes you feel any better, we only just started talking about it last week. Since then it's never been mentioned between us."

"It doesn't."

I snort at her straight forward and quick reply. "But you're lucky you're good at giving hugs. I'll forgive you for now." She pulls back an inch and looks up at me. I meet her eyes and I already know the question she about to ask and the answer I'll give. "But, will you tell me about it tonight?"

"I'll try." I know it's not what she wants to hear but it's the most truthful reply I can give her. While Gwen chews on her lip, dissatisfied with the answer she lets it go seeming to understand that I'm doing my best.

"Fine." She said, pulling out of my hug. I smile and she returns it, nudging me with her shoulder and meeting my eyes with complete seriousness. "Just know that I'll always love you no matter what Steve. You, me, and Carmen? We've been thick as thieves since the beginning and nothing's gonna change that."

My heart swells and my nose begins to burn with oncoming tears of appreciation. I swipe at my eyes and nod before turning and tossing my arm around her shoulders and saying, "Alright then, let's go get out third musketeer for this intervention."

"Hell yeah! So, what's an intervention?"

A/N: If you enjoyed this chapter don't forget to click the little star button below. Also, drop a comment about your current thoughts on what's going on! I live hearing from you guys!