Ander

Archie shoots one ball through the loop before turning back to me. His team members come to him to congratulate him thereafter they continued playing their ball. He turns to me, pretending like it's the first time he's seeing me.

“I have things to do. Say what you want to say." I say slightly impatient.

His next sentence isn't directed to me, but to them. “Okay, I'm leaving. Give me back my ball." They grumble, complaining about how the game isn't over. They can't do anything though because it's his ball.

“Archer." I call out to him when he walks away to the bleachers. He doesn't respond initially so I contemplate leaving.

"Do you want the entire world to hear our conversation? Come here.“ He doesn't even look at me as he speaks. The prick knows I'm still going to follow.

We go to the bleachers and sit under them. Archie offers me one of his protein shakes, and I do not politely decline. I'd rather drink urine.

"Where were you taking Vicky to?“ He asks finally.

“Oh would you like to know. But I'm sorry brother, not everything concerns you."

He scoffs, rests his back on the chairs. There's a distant look in his eyes, and I can tell what he's thinking about. The past. “It does. Anything that concerns Vicky concerns me."

I squint. Not because of the sun rays, but because my brain will assimilate that information with my eyes half closed. “Since when did you care about Andrez? I thought you didn't care. You said it yourself. You aren't gay."

“You said it too. You probably used that phrase more than I have done my whole life." That statement is true for sure. Even when I first met Jesse, I told him I was as straight as a ruler. Maybe I became a rubber one.

“But now I love men. What's your own story?. Living in so much denial you lie to yourself about Madeline."

Archie rolls his eyes, then passes his fingers through his hair. “I love Madeline. There's nothing else to say about that."

“But," I taunt because I'm annoying. “Something about Vicky draws you to him. You can't let him go. Can't and won't. Dare I say you love him?"

Archie reaches to smack my head but I dodge. He stands up and snatches the bag from the chair beside him. “Think whatever you want to. I've said my own. Stay away from Vicky. Focus on your boyfriend."

“What if my boyfriend isn't as interesting or as captivating as Vicky? What if I want Vicky? What are you going to do about that? Stop me?"

“I'm leaving. Make sure to call dad. He's been asking after you.“ Archie is talking to me but his attention isn't on me. I follow his gaze to see he's staring at Vicky. I scoff so loud.

"You're a lost case Archie my man.“ I place my hand on his shoulder but he shrugs it off. He shoves me lightly and walks away.

When he's out of my sight, I pull my phone out of my pocket ready to call dad, but a call from Ria comes in.

“Hey what's popping?"

“My pimples. Where are you? I have a lot of ranting to do." I tell her my location and as I wait for her to come, I call my father. He picks up after the ninth ring.

“Hey champ." His voice is dry with age. I can almost imagine the crinkles in his eyes as he's smiling. They weren't there before, but that's a story for another chapter.

“Hi dad. How are you? I heard you're been missing me so badly you can barely breathe."

He guffaws. The hearty throaty laugh I used to love hearing when I was much younger. His laugh made Angie laugh as well. I smile.

“You're still crazy I'm guessing. How are you? School? Your mother told me you've decided to take up basketball. How's it going?"

I shrug but then realize he can't see me. "I'm playing but not officially. I do it for fun for now.“

"That's a shame. It'd be nice if both my boys were basketball champions.“ That, wouldn't be nice because all I'll do is stay hidden by my brother's shadow. People are always comparing him to me, enough is enough.

" Yeah. Such a shame. I hope you're eating healthy. You aren't stressing yourself right Alexander Matheos?“

He sighs. He has been stressing himself. "I'm fine. I've cut down on my soda consumption. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables now.“

I spot Ria and wave her over. “That's so boring. I've gotta go now. Take care of yourself okay?"

“You too. Make sure you study hard. And don't bring any reckless boys home." I end the call before he can give me any boy advice.

Ria finally walks to where I'm sitting. She collapses on the chair, her books following suit. "Professor Marcus is the reason people know frustration. How can someone that hot be so wicked? “

I let Ria keep her head on my lap as I stroke her hair. It's never been soft since I knew her. "So what happened with him?“

"So, don't tell anyone but he's dating Johnny. Johnny is one of his students. I know relationships with students aren't allowed but they're so cute. You wouldn't get it.“

I ask rolling my eyes,"Did he give Johnny an extra grade? Why are you pissed? “

"Ooh I'm getting there. So Johnny says there's something he doesn't understand. Okay prof, explain it to your boyfriend, why do we all have to write a paper on it? And Johnny isn't getting the assignment. So unfair."

I chuckle. "Ria my dear, do you know what you need right now?"

"A pizza? Spa date?" She's already sitting up, waiting for her best friend to spoil her.

I scoff, shaking my head. "You need to let loose. I have a party this evening, and you're so coming. It's goth themed and I totally think you'd rock it."

Her fingers are twirling her hair. "I'm only accepting to follow because hot men take the tension off my shoulders. Nothing else."

"Cool. Get your ass back here in 30 minutes. I'll for real leave your ass if you're late." Ria squeals, picking her things.

"I'm leaving o wise one. See you in a bit."

I go back to my dorms to shower and wear something that actually looks gothic. I settled on black clothes and eyeliner. I look more like a punk rapper than anything. As I open the door of my room, I'm faced with Jesse and Gideon.

"Where are you going looking like that?," Gideon asks laughing. Jesse doesn't seemed amused. Pissed is the expression on his face.

"Didn't you read my text?"

Saying no is obviously the wrong answer but I genuinely didn't read his text. "Could you be kind enough to remind me. I'm getting forgetful." My arms are already reaching out to hold him.

"You were supposed to sit with me and watch the series I've been anxiously waiting for. I told you about this weeks ago." I cringe at how Jesse's tone changes. He's pissed and upset. Things I hate seeing my boyfriend be.

I hug him. "I'm sorry I forgot. I won't go for any stupid party. I'll get the eyeliner off my face and then we'll watch whatever you want."

That cheers him up instantly. I text Ria to go on without me, that I'll be late. I wash my makeup off but don't get out of the clothes.

Jesse is seated excitedly on the couch when I go back. He taps the space beside him, and I take it with zero complaints. He cuddles closer to me, deciding to be the little spoon. I don't mind. Anything for my boo.

I love Jesse, but his taste in film is just so unbearable to watch. I'd rather watch puppets. Maybe he feels the same because he's snoring gently on my chest. And here was I trying not to sleep for him. I lift him gently, taking him to his bed. Vicky isn't there but I don't care.

I leave when I'm sure Jesse is in one of his famous sleep comas. Ria is already sending me pictures about how fire the place is. I drive there as fast as I can without dying. The party is already in a full blast. I take a shot of tequila from the counter, and let my alcohol filled brain think the rest of the night.