Life Of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 7

CHAPTER 8

“So…about Jenny,” I said loud enough to end all other discussions.

Everyone was showered and just hanging out in my room. Jerry would be sleeping on my futon, while Ken and Jeremy were in the other guest bedrooms.

Silence. Jerry’s face changed from the laughing exprssion to seriousness. Ken just looked downward. Whereas Jeremy and myself just sat waiting for the big reveal.

Jerry cleared his throat first, “Well…where do you think I should begin Ken. If I don’t give enough back story it doesn’t quite make sense?”

Ken finally lifted his head, but only to ponder looking at the ceiling. It really seemed like he was attempting to make no eye contact. “Hmmm…maybe just start on the first day of school… maybe I should tell it since I was actually there. You can pick up when you came home. Deal?”

“Yep, all good,” Jerry gestured to Ken to continue.

“Okay…”

.-.-.-.

First Day Of School

“Hey Jenny,” Ken called to Jenny who was across the yard with Brit.

Jenny and Brit came running over, “Hey Ken! How is the first day being back without George and Jerry? Are you missing them terribly,” Jenny and Brit hugged each other and pretended to be sobbing.

“Not cool. But yes. I am missing them. It’s going to be a long two years if I’m stuck with just this one,” Ken pointed at the slowly apporaching Matthew.

“Hey Jenny. Hey Brit,” Matthew called to them as he approached, “You ready for these next two years?”

“Wow…no acknowledgement for your only friend here,” Ken tried to punch Matthew but missed and toppled forward; he was sprawled on the ground because Matthew had swiftly dodged it.

Matthew started to walk away, but paused by the girls, “Do you two hear anything? No? Okay, let’s head to our classrooms.” Matthew reached over a grabbed Brit’s wrist starting to pull her along with him. Jenny followed.

“Sure just ignore me; me on the ground. I know, you know I am here, or you would not have dodged me,” Ken picked himself up and ran to catch up to his leaving gang. “No love for me. Matthew only cares about Brit I guess…” Whack! Ken almost fell to the floor again. “What do you mean by…” Ken started to say but Matthew cut him off.

“Sorry you too,” Matthew apologetically waved to Jenny and Brit, who were quite shocked by Matthew’s sudden hit, “I was swatting away a giant bug. I really do hate bugs who keep pestering me,” Matthew carefully glared in the direction of Ken without actually looking at him.

Laughter erupted from Jenny and Brit. Matthew also chuckled. Ken did begrudingly, but he did laugh more as they continued to their own homeroom classes.

“What do you know… I was hoping to see her, but I didn’t realize I would meet her on our first day,” a voice came from behind us.

Ken paused, “Why does that voice sound familiar?” Turning around, he realized why. There stood Jerk Jeremy’s two best buds. ‘What do they mean their “first day?”‘

Matthew and the girls also turned.

“So…Jenny, right? How have you been? Now that your guard dog George is gone, do you think I could, you know…” Derek, the backstroker, walked towards Jenny with a smug smirk. Before anyone could move he was next to Jenny attempting to put his arm over her shoulders.

“What’s your problem?” Matthew shoved Derek away from Jenny; he took up his spot in front of both Jenny and Brit. “Don’t touch her!”

“What’s it to you? Jeremy told us about how she is…” the other one spoke, his name was Trevor.

“Shut up,” Ken had Trevor by the collar and was ready to retaliate if need be. “That was just a stupid rumor that died the day we schooled you at that swim meet.”

Other students who were originally ignoring what was happening, had changed their plans, and were now creating a mob around our exchange. We could see phones all around us, probably trying to capture, what was happening, as a viral video. Jenny was silent and cowering behind Matthew. Brit was somewhat stronger; she was trying to support Jenny, as Jenny was beginning to falter.

“How about this, you can date her first and then I will…THUD!” Derek was sprawled on the floor.

Matthew had done the honors. Derek wasn’t moving, but he was breathing.

Trevor threw Ken off of him, and ran over to the almost unconsious Derek, “Are you crazy!?! What’s so wrong about speaking the truth. Jeremy gave us all the facts before we switched schools. I don’t know why you are protecting her anyways.”

Matthew walked up to Trevor and squatted down to his level, “Do I need to silence you too?”

Trevor hesitated and seemed to lean away from Matthew.

“Good. Then shut up,” Matthew stood up just as Brit called…

“Help!” Jenny had collapsed into her arms; Brit was craddling the unconscious Jenny in her lap as she sat on the floor.

Both Ken and Matthew rushed to Brit.

“Give her to me,” Matthew quickly placed his backpack next to Brit and scooped up the limp Jenny, carrying her to the nurse’s office.

Brit grabbed Matthew’s backpack, and then both Ken and her ran after Matthew, weaving between the onlookers. Leaving Trevor and Derek still on the floor…

Life Of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 6

CHAPTER 7

Jerry was determined; he of course won. His reward was to throw Ken in the pool. I must admit it was hysterical. Ken splashed dramatically asking someone to “save him.” Jeremy was the one who reacted, but he used a floaty to fish him out.

“I was not about to get wet. It’s cold out here,” Jeremy pulled Ken up out of the water.

“I know now who my true friend is,” Ken attempted to drape his arm over Jeremy’s shoulder. He gave up after two failed attempts, because the moment was gone.

We were all walking back into the living room, as Mom and Dad came through the front door. “Wow!” Mom exclaimed, “It looks wonderful in here. Thank you so much,” and Mom once again was on her hugging spree.

We all just accepted them, except Ken who was still soaking wet.

“Oh, Ken,” Mom just shook her head.

‘She must be used to this happening.’

“Go shower and change like always. Who did it this time?” Mom gave each of us a questioning look.

Jerry proudly raised his hand; his smirk could be seen from outer space. “This was my doing; believe me he deserved it,” Jerry stood quite proud of himself.

‘I missed this. The guys. Mom. Dad. I will be sad to leave again.’ I looked over at Dad.

“Everything good?” Dad mentally asked raising his eyebrows.

“Yep. All is fine now,” I answered back. ‘Its cool that we still have that capability.’

“Well, am I taking you three home?” Dad picked back up his car keys again.

“Nah Mr. Matthews. I don’t know about these two, but I’m staying the night,” Ken said as he dashed up the stairs to probably go shower.

“What about you two?” Dad turned to Matthew and Jerry.

“I’m staying,” Jerry sat down on the couch. “You?” He asked Matthew.

“I wish I could, but my parents requested my presence. Probably wanting me to make a decision about my future again. So if you don’t mind Mr. Matthews,” Matthew swung his backpack over his shoulder.

“No problem at all,” Dad kissed mom on the cheek and headed back to the door, “I’ll be in the truck,” Dad left.

“I’ll see you tomorrow hopefully, unless my parents forcefully ship me somewhere,” Matthew gave me a quick hug. “See you Jerry,” Matthew waved. “Thank you so much for invinting me Mrs. Matthews,” Matthew called in the direction of the kitchen.

A loud, “Of course!” rang out; we all laughed.

“Tell the idiot I said bye,” Matthew, of course, was talking about Ken.

‘Ha. That’s fitting.’

“Bye Jeremy. It’s cool, one buddy came back and I gained another one,” then Matthew quickly disapeared out the door.

“He is a man of few words, isn’t he?” Jeremy said realxing down into a recliner.

“That was a lot of words for him,” Jerry and I chuckled.

“Well, let’s head up. Hopefully his majesty is done, and he didn’t use all the hot water again,” Jerry started towards the stairs as Jeremy followed.

I grabbed Jerry’s arm stopping him on the fifth step, “Jerry. If we are still awake do you think you can tell me what happened to Jenny?”

“Yeah. I was wondering when you would remember. Let’s get ready for bed first, and then I’ll finish her story. Without rattling this one,” Jerry thumbed at Jeremy.

“Cool. I would rather not be riled up again,” Jeremy shoved Jerry foward to continue up the stairs. “Come on, Geroge,” Jeremy said as he followed Jerry up.

‘I’ve missed this. The guys.’

…

Life Of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 5

CHAPTER 6

We still just stood there. I thought once my parents were gone and we were in an empty house, Jerry would just explode. “Well, until you all want to discuss things,” I grabbed some trash bags and headed to the nearest table, “let’s clean up the house. I have to actually do the excuse I gave to an extent.” At first it seemed like Jerry was going to start things, instead he too followed my pursuit and started cleaning. The other three did the same.

‘Fine. If they don’t want to talk I will at least get some help cleaning.’

…

I was happy for the help, but enough was enough. Jerry was helping, but purposfully bumping into Jeremy; causing Jeremy to fall and making things worse. “Enough! What gives? Are you really so unable to realize that everyone makes stupid mistakes when they were younger,” I walked across the room and helped Jemery stand back up on his feet. “That yeah, he was a jerk in sophmore year,” I paused somewhat to make sure Jeremy understood.

Jeremy regained his composure, “No arguments there. I was definitely an immature jerk back then.”

“Only back then,” Jerry said under his breath.

“Say it loud enough for everyone to here. I thought we were friends. We never kept things to ourselves, we would just say whatever needed to be said to the other’s face. Have you changed so much that you are a coward now?” I was done with the slide remarks. We needed to move past this. Jerry was about to speak but I cut him off; I was not done. “Did you hear what Jeremy said. “An immature jerk.” Immature. Meaning he has now matured.” I could see that Jerry was fuming, but I was too.

“So what if he has matured. Should he really be forgiven for ruining someone’s life? So what if he was…what was it again?” Jerry looked to Ken.

“Verbally abused,” it was Jeremy who answered instead, “and since you have luckily never experienced it before, I would prefer you not speak your mind like you know anything about it,” Jeremy answered calmly, but his body was on edge.

“Fine. I won’t assume anything about what you went through. But can you understand that what you were dished for so many years, you in turn, did it to another human being. A girl,” Jerry waited for a response.

There was none. ‘I’m guessing because Jeremy couldn’t refute that. He did dish what he was served.’

“Why am I the only one chewing him out? What about you Matthew,” Jerry swiftly turned to the silent Matthew. “You had more to say after I got back; what happened to all your opinions?”

I looked at Matthew. He looked down, and then away.

‘What happened?’ Silence…

Slowly Matthew lifted his head back up; he looked me in the eye. It was an apologetic look. Then he turned to Jerry, “I judged Jeremy based solely on rumors. I apologize to you, dude,” Matthew looked to Jeremy, “I apologize for talking behind your back without knowing the facts.” Matthew waited for a response from Jeremy.

Jeremy just nodded.

“Jerry. You have to admit that you were wrong in your assumption. The rumors were that Jeremy was just a spoiled rich kid that just wanted to ruin other’s lives. I’m just quoting the rumors,” Matthew threw up his hands claiming innocence. “But seriously dude, now you know what he experienced throughout his entire young life, how can you still dislike his guts this much?”

Jerry didn’t answer.

“What I am more curious about,” as I spoke Jerry’s head snapped up, “you went to school with Jeremy for the past two years. You moved past your differences quickly. Why did you completely flip your opinion of him after you got home? What happened that I don’t know about?”

“Do you actually care?” Jerry spat out.

“Of course I do. What’s your deal?”

Jerry stepped towards me, “You…” Matthew pulled him back.

“It’s not unreasonable that Jerry said that George,” Ken finally chimed into the conversation. “You haven’t actually been here, virtually or present, these last two years.”

“I…” I stopped and just looked at them. I knew what they were saying was true. But they should understand that there was no way for me to be more present, with my schedule these last two years. “I get it. I know I was not there these lasts two years, but I was so busy. I’m sorry.” We need to get back to the real issue. ‘I do feel somewhat sorry for not being there for the guys these last two years, but I am not sorry about my choice.’

Matthew and Ken both slugged me on the shoulder while answering together, “No problem bro. We weren’t the best at keeping in touch either. School was crazy.”

I let the slugging slide, because we were good now. ‘Now Jerry.’

“Yeah. Fine. We are good,” Jerry said, but didn’t move.

‘That was painful to watch. At least we were past that.’ “So, since we moved past that…can someone tell me what happened?” there might have a tone to my voice, but it was just exhaustion; still, I wasn’t about to end this conversation until I found out the details.

They just looked at each other. Jeremy was silent next to me, but Ken, Matthew, and Jerry seemed to be talking without actually speaking. “Out loud…”

“Jenny was harassed in junior year,” Ken blurted out.

‘What!?!’

Matthew sighed, “Yeah. A couple of your old buds,” regarded Jeremy, “transferred to our school in our junior year. They tormented Jenny for days, saying it was your idea. That you told them to continue your legacy while you were gone,” Matthew looked to me.

I wish he hadn’t. I was fumming. Not at Jeremy, but the thought of what Jenny must have gone through. I couldn’t speak.

“Now do you understand why I hate this guy?” Jerry pointed once again at Jeremy.

“Can you not do that,” Jeremy changed his stance; he was now prepared.

“What? This!” Jerry thrust his hand almost inches from Jeremy’s face.

I reacted. I stopped Jeremy before anything could happen. Jeremy slammed into my back sending me forward into Jerry; we both laid sprawled on the floor. Jeremy just stood there controlling his shaking. I had seen this once before… Jeremy was doing a lot better than last time.

I stood and helped Jerry up. Then I walked over to Jeremy, “You good?”

Jeremy didn’t answer, but the shaking subsided. Before, Jerry’s face would have been rearranged. Jeremy has really changed this past year.

“Is he good?” Ken asked. He had just watched what happened, but seemed glued to the floor.

“Yeah. Just one of the many aftermaths of being abused for years,” Jeremy huffed out, bending over catching his breath. “Sorry,” he was now speaking to Jerry, “the pointing is a trigger. My dad and old coach used to do that, so much that I associate the pointing to what happened to my mom…” Jeremy stopped.

‘A whole new can of worms was just opened.’ I looked at Jeremy; Jeremy seemed annoyed that he said those last words. Silence. All eyes looked at Jeremy; when they got no response, they turned their gaze to me. Again I looked to Jeremy, and he was staring at me. I couldn’t tell if it was a, ‘You talk and your dead stare, or an explain for me stare.’ “I can’t read your mind, dude.”

“Just tell them,” Jeremy sat down on the couch and dropped his head into his hands.

“Jeremy’s mom was almost killed by his dad,” I stopped. With good reason, because all of their faces showed true horror. “Thankfully, his dad was not successful,” I added because I could see the questions forming on their faces. They all sighed of relief. “I know that his dad is serving time now for attempted murder. But the important part is, his…” I looked over a Jeremy’s hunched body; I knew I needed to say the next part, but I didn’t want him to feel the guilt all over again… “after hearing his mom’s side of the story, pointing became a trigger. I guess his dad did it to Jeremy’s mom just before he was going to…you know…” I wasn’t about to say it. “So Jerry, no more pointing,” I sat next to Jeremy; he was still working on his breathing to stay calm.

Matthew and Ken were the first to walk over to where we were sitting. They gave Jeremy reassuring pats on his shoulders. ‘I think Ken smacked him a little too hard, but Jeremy didn’t seem to notice.’ Finally Jeremy lifted his head up; he was calm once again.

We all sat there waiting for the fourth one to own up to his mistakes and put in the effort. I looked at Jerry; his face was still stunned. He wasn’t looking at me; it seemed like he wasn’t really looking anywhere. Finally he moved. Jerry finally stood in front of us. He still looked like he was in a daze. Nothing…

I was about to help him along, but…

Jerry looked up, “I’m…I…” and he dropped his head back down. Silence.

Jeremy got up and extended his hand to Jerry, “We good now?”

Jerry’s head bolted up. He looked at Jeremy’s face and then his hand. He just stood there looking at Jeremy’s hand…

Again, I thought nothing was going to happen, and I was about to smack Jerry out of his daze…

“Yeah. We are good,” Jerry shook Jeremy’s hand. “And…I’m sorry, I…”

“No problem, but no more pointing. I don’t know what would have happened if George didn’t step in between us. Your face might have been rearranged, like the last guy,” Jeremy chuckled.

“Maybe you should have done it,” Ken stood up from his chair, and walked towards Jerry, “he might actually get a date if he had a scar.”

We all laughed. Including Jeremy.

“Sleep with one eye open Ken…one eye,” Jerry stepped towards the laughing Ken.

Jeremy was the one to stop Jerry. “He’s my bud now,” Jeremy said stepping backwards to Ken and swung his arm over Ken’s shoulder.

“I like this,” Ken smuggly nodded accepting Jeremy’s statement this time.

Again we all abrupted with laughter. ‘Good. All things were fine now.’ Looking around I notice that the house was still as messy, as it was when my parents left. “Well since we are good now, do you think we can do a little bit more cleaning before my parents get home,” I scanned the area surrounding us…

“No problem,” Jerry took charge, “let’s divde it up.” Jerry drew imaginary lines in the air seperating out our spaces. “The first to finish their area wins. He will get to have a free pass of anything. Anything,” Jerry smiled creepily at Ken.

‘Anything.’ That reminded me of Jenny. ‘What happened to Jenny in the end?’ Before I could ask I heard and loud, “GO!” and everyone started to swiftly clean their areas. I’ll have to ask later…

…

Life Of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 4

CHAPTER 5

Not everyone, I had hoped to see, was at the party. I was told that Coach, Mrs. Bailey, and Lily were on a trip. It was still a great party, but I was constantly drawn back to our talk from earlier. But I spent most of the party with Matthew, since Ken was off hanging with Jeremy for most of it.

‘It’s strange to be back.’

“So dude, how is it being back home?” Matthew and I were outside, taking a breather, by the pool.

“It’s good to be back, but it feels different. Like…” I couldn’t really put my finger on it.

“Like you are a vistor and not the resident,” Matthew answered.

“Exactly. Wait…how did you know what I was trying to say?” I glanced at Matthew.

“It’s pretty much what Jerry said when he came back,” Matthew took a sip cola. “I’m amazed you will be going back again. I know it’s your plan to continue swimming, but I thought you would have missed your life here, a little bit,” Matthew kept looking forward.

‘I understand what he is feeling.’ “I do miss it here. If there was a way to reach my dreams by staying, I would; but right now the only fesible way to reach them is to return back home…I mean Montana.” ‘Crap. I’m sure that doesn’t help.’ “But what are your plans for College,” I swung my arm over Matthew’s shoulders, “after all the straight A’s in high school I assume you got some prestigous scholarship?”

Silence. ‘Was I wrong?’

“Yeah. Well we will have to see. My plans are kind of up in the air due to various reasons,” Matthew shrugged and sipped his drink again.

‘What?’ But I decided not to push the issue. Mostly because Matthew’s posture told me he was done discussing it. ‘What have I missed these last two years?’

“Well we should head back in there. Your mom put in a lot of effort, and you should do your job as the main character at today’s party,” Matthew stood and pulled me up with him. “Let’s go.”

Matthew walked back into the house, leaving me wondering; ‘What on earth is going on?’

…

Well…the party lasted about six hours. I was exhausted; more importantly, I was surprised that Jeremy was still functioning. He and Ken had spent most of the party
together. Probably talking things out and figuring out how they would interact from now on. There was no Jenny today. Dad had mentioned that she might try to make it, but that it was a long shot; I guess she has been super busy. Hopefully I could catch her before I go back.

“Where were you dude?” Ken had walked up to me just as the last guest left the house. “It seemed like you disappeard the entire evening.”

I laughed. ‘It was more like they disappeared.’ “I was around. Matthew and I pretty much made our rounds several times these last six hours. More importantly, I am amazed you are still functioning,” I said to the half dead looking Jeremy.

Yawning before answering, “I have probably had about ten…,” first looking to Ken; Ken nodded, “yeah…ten coffees. I too am amazed I am still awake, and not having a heart attack.”

All four of us laughed together. It seemed like everything was fine between us, but I forgot there was one missing… ‘Jerry.’ Just as I thought it, Jerry came out from the kitchen, slowly walking towards us. The laughing died. Nothing was said. We five just stood there in the living room.

“So…” Mom and Dad also came out of the kitchen; they probably stopped talking seeing the weirdness of us standing around without talking.

“Everything alright son,” Dad walked towards us?

“No problem at all. Thanks mom for the wonderful welcome back party,” I walked to mom and scooped her up into a big hug. “But to thank you, why don’t you let us clean most of it up for you. You and Dad,” I paused giving Dad a signal to tell him to take mom out, “go out for a date night, and don’t worry about anything.”

“What?! We cannot leave you this huge mess…” Mom pulled away from me to head back into the kitchen.

“Hon. Let’s listen to George on this. Anyways, you deserve a break,” Dad understood and started pulling Mom to the front door. “Don’t rush Son. We will go out for a late night dessert,” they were in front of the door.

“Oooo…” Mom’s face lit up, “I can’t say no to dessert. Thank you George,” and before I could say anything Mom pushed Dad out the door.

I chuckled to myself, ‘that’s my mom.’