BAD CUPID

Created By; Snow Marisvega

Chapter 111

"Dylan! Where are you?! We gotta go." I heard Jaxton shout from outside. The door to my room was closed and all I did was stare at myself in the mirror, all I could think of was Henry following me home and walking in the rain, sneezing and getting drenched. Deep down, I still hoped he was okay, why? I shouldn't feel anything for him anymore, I thought I had gotten rid of it all, so why did I feel that? Why did mom let him into the house? Why did grams offer him soup? Why did they take care of him? He was the enemy, so why?

"Dylan," the door burst open and I looked through the mirror to see Jaxton walk in. "Are you planning on leaving anytime soon?"

I gave a small nod and stood up, I picked up my backpack from the floor and threw it over my shoulder. "Let's go." I said in a quiet voice and with a nod, he walked out first, I followed.

"Okay, boys, I'm gonna go drop Sofía at school, I would give you boys a lift but it isn't the same route." Mom said as she packed Sofia's lunch.

"Oh, it's okay, I got Dom's car, I'll drive us." Jaxton said with a smile.

Mom frowned and so did I. "The question here is, since when did you know how to drive?"

"Well Dominic was teaching me for about three months." He chuckled. "So, yeah, I can drive."

Dominic taught him.

I still didn't know how to drive.

"Well, that's good." Mom grinned.

"You should invite him over sometime." Grandma suggested.

"Let's go." I said as I turned and began heading for the door.

"Dylan, your lunch money." Mom said. "And you're gonna leave without a goodbye?" She asked and I halted. "Not even a good morning."

I slowly spun around to look at her. "Would it make my day better? How about you call Henry and ask him for a good morning since you happen to love him so much."

"Dylan, where is this coming from?" Grandma Athena asked, her brows knitted in shock.

"I'm gonna be late, Grams, I gotta go." I said and exited the house, heading straight for the car.

"Dylan, what the hell was that?" Jaxton asked as he walked behind me.

"Can we just go? We've got a lot of student's hearts to win, remember? So just drop it."

"Yeah, but still-"

"Jaxton!" I turned to him. "You should know when to mind your business."

He swallowed. "Jeez, fine." He said and unlocked the car as he walked over to the driver's seat. I got into the passenger's seat, strapped my seatbelt and said nothing. Jaxton had slammed the car door in annoyance, he said nothing as well, started the car and just drove.

***

"And so, I will give you an essay which you will write on and submit next week, it will look good on your college application as well." Mrs. Alice, the English teacher said and walked to the board, her heels clicking. She picked up the chalk and wrote the topic boldly on the board.

"The girl child? That's the topic?" Quinn asked with a huff.

"Mmhmm." Mrs. Alice nodded and turned back to us. "Yes, this will be your topic. You are to write everything you can think of concerning the girl child, something that can help your application." She said with a smile.

"Well, that should be super easy and promising." Raven said and I turned my gaze to her. "Speaking of promising," she stood up. "My assistant and great friend, Gwen and I added some new meals to the cafeteria list and so, during lunch today, we hope you all will show up and have a taste, yes, it is free." She said, her hands clasped together.

The class praised her and all I did was stare at her, she looked so nice and rich in her student outfit. Dressed like she was yesterday, she was really trying to win them all. Raven flashed them all a smile and looked at me, she smirked and took a seat, crossing her legs.

"Thank you, Miss Frost for that notice." Alice said. I shifted my gaze from Raven to Jaxton who also looked at me and shrugged. I turned my attention back to the board and began brainstorming while Mrs. Alice's mouth moved, I watched her but didn't hear a thing she said.

I didn't realize I had completely zoned out during English until Jaxton tapped me, I blinked back to earth and noticed he was standing in front of me.

"Down to earth, Dylan." He said and I looked around to notice half the students had cleared out and the rest were leaving.

"Sorry, I zoned out."

"Obviously." He said and sat on the seat in front of me. "So, you have any plan? Raven is gonna win the students heart through their stomachs, she's got new interesting things added to the menu."

"Yeah," Jon suddenly chimed in, sitting beside me. "Gwen said they've got omelettes and porridges and two other stuffs she wouldn't tell me in the menu, I'm sure it's top secret cause it's that good."

Jaxton groaned loudly. "What are we gonna do?"

"I'm not sure. " Jon replied, scratching his chin.

"It's simple." I said, folding my arms. "All we have to do is steal her crowd."

"How?"

"The music shit, we'll do it during lunch."

"People love food more, Dylan, like you." Jon stated.

"Spread the word, but do not make it seem like we just came up with this now. Instead, make it seem like Raven knew and then decided to come up with her own idea on the same day." I said. "People do not fancy someone who can do such a thing, remember the posters thing? That was a step I took to bring her down, a step I took for a situation like this."

"Is that....is that okay?" Jaxton asked.

"Everything is fair when it comes to winning, Jaxton." I answered. "You are right, people love food," I said with a small nod. "But it is the person who serves the food that determines the amount of crowd that comes around."

"And this week she already got a stain in her reputation." Jaxton chimed in, suddenly fixing the puzzle.

"See, simple." I said with a smirk.

"How are gonna have everyone talking about this before lunch?" Jon asked, worriedly.

"This is a school, Jon, rumor spread faster than STD, we just need the right people for this." I said and suddenly Quinn rushed in, we all looked up at her.

"Hey, boys. Has anyone seen Christian around? I kinda need him for something urgent." She said with a sigh.

I suddenly smirked wickedly. Jaxton slowly turned his head to look at me, cracking a knowing smile.

"What? Why are you three smiling like that?" Quinn asked, sounding confused.

We had the perfect person.

***

Before lunch, the rumor had spread like wildfire and all I could do was smile. I wonder if Raven had heard about this. She was trying to come after me, she really thought she could win against me?

I snorted.

Jaxton was talking to the music group, of course we needed people to play the instruments and Jaxton had insisted we sing something that gained their attention and have them cheering and probably dancing. Yes, it was gonna be a duet and he suggested we sing Hands to myself and I just nodded. I didn't really care about what we were going to sing, we both knew the lyrics so that was good, right?

"Oh my God, Dylan." A blonde girl called and approached me.

"Um, hi?"

"I heard about your performance, I promise to come support you during lunch. Raven can be such a bitch, how are you still friends with her?" She said in concern.

I sighed softly. "She's not all that bad, she's just full of surprises. Evil surprises."

"Well that is just cruel, my friends and I will come and support you, you already have our votes."

I smiled. "Thank you. That is so sweet of you."

She grinned and with a small nod, walked past me and went her away.

This was all too easy.

I continued walking until I saw Henry and Zach talking against their locker, Zach was saying something while he just smiled at whatever it was Zach was saying. Zach slightly punched his shoulder and Henry began to chuckle, I swallowed. He was so relaxed, he was so-

Suddenly, I remembered him following me home and my family actually letting him come in when I had told them not to. Fuck you, Ashcroft.

I clenched my fists.

I knew what he was doing, he was trying to win them first and then use them to get to me. I wasn't gonna let him think he can just climb back into my bed, I still remembered every word and I just wanted to reap his head off.

They want a song? Fine, I know exactly what to sing.

***

Jon's P.O.V

It was lunch, the instruments had been set outside and there was already a small crowd standing right in front of Dylan and the pussycat dolls.

That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

"Why are you smiling like that?" Dylan suddenly asked, his brows knitted.

"Nothing," i shook my head. "Good luck."

Dylan gave a half smile and went back to testing the microphone. He really had no idea how much I had missed him, how much we missed him, the real Dylan. The past two weeks had been horrible, we had been stuck with the demon version of Dylan ever since what happened happened on the first of November. He didn't smile like he used to, I missed his sarcastic side, we all missed the goofy Dylan. This Dylan didn't have any humor, any soul, he was just.....dead inside. He needed us, I knew that much, which is why I didn't care about this side of his. I wasn't a fan, yes, but I'd be damned if I left him alone because I hated how he seemed now.

I walked backwards, standing in front of the crowd who couldn't wait. Dylan was a whole new person, yes, but every of his plan worked. It was like he had a split personality and this version hated the smell of failure and refused to step into it, every plan of his worked exactly as predicted. We all know Dylan always has a good plan, but I mean sometimes the first plan fails a lot and then his plan B comes to save the day. But this one? He was all about winning, all about graduating, all about being the best.

Jaxton smiled at the crowd, of course he wasn't nervous as he spoke. He had sang in front of the school before and had given a speech at the assembly before, plus I wonder why he wasn't contesting, he would make a good addiction to the student body council. He was all brains and he and Dylan worked better together, they made magic with their heads. Did that sound too sexual? Ugh.

Dylan walked to the boys who were to play the instruments and began saying something to them which made me frown, they exchanged looks and then nodded. He turned and walked back to the standing mic with a smile, a smile that wasn't real. Dylan was my best friend, I knew when he was faking a smile and when he wasn't. Sometimes his fake smile looked too real but if his eyes had no sparkle then they weren't and for the past few weeks, Dylan had no sparkle, his eyes were just plain.

Dylan stopped Jaxton from speaking and said something to him which seemed to surprise him, they began whispering to each other and I became concerned. Should I go up there? What were they talking about?

"What in Satan's name is happening?" Raven asked, shuffling herself through the crowd and appearing beside me with Gwen.

"Oh, you're here?"

"Yeah, everyone literally left the cafeteria." She said and I looked behind me to see that the crowd had increased. Hell, teachers were here as well and even principal Evans.

I smirked. "This is entertainment."

"Why would he do this now? He knew I had plans at the cafeteria."

"Are you actually that surprised? He doesn't care." Gwen said and I looked over at her.

"Or he had plans as well." I corrected.

"He didn't. If he did, I'd have known, you'd have told me." Gwen said and I pouted.

"Are you saying I talk too much?"

"No, I'm saying you love me a lot to tell me everything."

"But you don't tell me everything, like the top secret dishes."

Gwen flashed me a smile and I gave her the middle finger which made her smile the more.

I stuck my tongue out at her and she rolled her eyes at me, folding her arms. "A musical, seriously?"

"Well, it did gather the crowd, didn't it?" I chuckled.

"I see he took his idea." Zach said, appearing at my left with Henry by his side, a big smile on his face.

"This is gonna be a win." I smiled.

"What are you boys on about?" Raven asked, confusion mixed in her voice.

"He's gonna do great." Henry said, looking proud.

At that moment, they began to play the instruments and my smile slowly vanished. "Wait, this doesn't sound like the song Jaxton said they'd sing."

Dylan held the mic, he looked like he was up to something, I had gotten so close to him that I could tell mischief.

"He doesn't kiss me on the mouth anymore
'Cause it's more intimate, than he thinks we should get
He doesn't look me in the eyes anymore
Too scared of what he'll see, somebody holding me"

"Oh, shit." I cursed and his eyes found us, more like him, Henry.

"When I wake up all alone
And I'm thinking of your skin
I remember, I remember what you told me."

He paused and I swallowed, I looked at Zach who's eyes were bulged. So this was what he and Jaxton were talking about. Shit. Shit. Dylan, this wasn't how it was supposed to go.

"Said that we're not lovers, we're just strangers
With the same damn hunger
To be touched, to be loved, to feel anything at all
We're not lovers, we're just strangers
With the same damn hunger
To be touched, to be loved, to feel anything at all"

I wasn't gonna lie, Dylan's voice was flawless, he had a beautiful voice, I knew, but I had never really heard him sing until today. Although his voice was captivating and perfect for the song, I was more worried about Henry, about our plan. He was literally singing the one song that contained every detail Henry had told him when he was in his trance. Of course this was a song by Halsey and Lauren, he had changed the word she to he and used this to his advantage.

Did that mean Jaxton didn't tell him about Henry?

I looked at Jaxton and he started singing his part, although he seemed down about Dylan's choice of song, he still sang and his voice could win souls.

"He doesn't call me on the phone anymore
He's never listening, he says it's innocent
He doesn't let me have control anymore
I must've crossed a line, I must've lost my mind."

"Are they supposed to sing that?" Raven asked and I slowly shook my head.

"No, not at all." I answered as I watched Dylan, his eyes didn't leave Henry. He was speaking to him and Henry just stared back at him, he was dumbfounded and I knew he was sad since he paid attention to the lyrics but he said nothing and didn't show any emotion.

"Well, the students loving it." Gwen said, looking around and she was right, they were moving their body to the song and that was because they didn't know the message in the song, or did they?

"I am ruining this for him." Raven said and as she took a step forward, I pulled her back and she glared at me.

"Do you really want to piss him off?" I asked her, she swallowed in response.

Dylan threw his hands in the air as he sang, his voice captivating and trapping them all.

"When I wake up all alone
And I'm thinking of your skin
I remember, I remember what you told me"

I was damn sure the chorus was Dylan's favorite line because he sang it with such cold yet enticing tone, as if passing a message to Henry.

When both voices came together, they created magic and I couldn't help but be impressed. Jaxton kept hitting high notes, both boys harmonizing like they were part of the pitch perfect. Jaxton was a much better singer than Dylan, I mean music was his passion and he used to have training but Dylan was great too, not as good as Jaxton but you wouldn't be able to help but appreciate and love both boys when they sing. Everyone knew Jaxton was a great singer, I was sure they were impressed and surprise Dylan was also amazing.

"I miss the mornings with you laying in my bed
I miss the memories replaying in my head
I miss the thought of a forever, you and me
But all you're missing is my body, oh"

And they were back to the chorus.

I swallowed and looked away from the boys and at Henry who for a second didn't take his eyes off Dylan, he just stared.

"Shit, this brings back memories." Raven said and I frowned.

"What?"

"I mean Henry's...pause." She said but i was still confused.

Zach sighed. "When Dylan got rushed to the nurse's office, Henry remained like this for a while."

"When was this?" I inquired.

Raven looked at me. "The day you pushed him down the stairs."

"Oh."

"I didn't say it for you to feel bad, it's just....he carried Dylan and...I don't think he's okay." She sincerely said, her eyes fixed on him.

The song finally came to an end and the crowd of evil students cheered, even teachers and that was when I realized I should have been clapping too, so I did and so did everyone.

Everyone except Henry who had somehow disappeared.

"Where is he?"

Zach looked beside him and realized he was gone. "Shit. I'll check inside." He said and fought his way through the crowd and back into the school.

"Hello everyone," Dylan greeted, breathing heavily. "I want to thank you guys for coming out and giving me this support, it really meant a lot and uh, please do not forget to vote me as your student council president." He said, smiling at them. It wasn't the kind of smile he used to have, but it was a smile that said "accomplished."

The students all cheered him, clapped and showed how much they loved him. I approached Dylan, a smile on my face as I clapped.

"That was really impressive, your voices are really powerful." I complimented.

"Thanks." Jaxton replied. "Dylan changed the song last minute."

"But they still loved it, and it was the perfect song." Dylan responded.

"It doesn't matter, the students loved it and that's all that matters." I said, trying to calm the tension.

"What if the instrumentalists didn't know the song?" Jaxton asked and Dylan turned to him.

"That is why I asked, do not try to make a scene Jaxton, it will only end bad for you." Dylan stated coldly and smiled afterwards to avoid students thinking something was going on.

This was worse than I thought. Students complimented both boys and while Dylan responded without hesitation, Jaxton was trying really hard to act like nothing had happened.

"Dylan!" Raven called, angrily approaching him. "You fucking cheat."

"Raven," Dylan smiled at her. "I am glad you could make it, how did your food thing go?"

"You really are full of shit. You knew what I was gonna do and yet you pushed this event of yours to the same time I was gonna do mine. How could you do that to me? This was my time to show them how much I cared!"

"Or how much you wanted the spotlight." Dylan corrected with a slight chuckle.

"Same thing!" She angrily replied. "Why couldn't you have done this after school or tomorrow? I had told you and the entire class my idea."

"You wanted to showoff," Dylan said, placing his hands on my hips. "I just put you in your place."

"You think this is funny? I put my blood and sweat into this!"

"Stop screaming, Raven." Dylan said in a calm tone. "You will only attract attention and disgrace yourself more than you already have, we all know how this will end, with you at the bottom." He shrugged. "Be careful, this school is filled with students who film everything that could get them views and destroy someone's carrier. If you really wanna get into Yale, you should probably start acting like a student in Yale already. Do something stupid and you might just have to settle for one of these schools that you hate and think a nobody deserves." He said, and as he spoke, a smile never left his face.

"You are cruel, Dylan."

"I accept my fate." He shrugged. "You should probably accept the fact that I won this already and you didn't, if I were you, I'd have quit." He said and let out a sigh.

"Dylan," Gwen called. "What the hell is wrong with you? The least you could do is apologize"

"But I haven't done anything wrong," he chuckled. "I saw an opportunity and i took it, it is that simple."

Raven was red with anger, her fists clenched, I knew she was beyond hurt but was holding herself back because we all knew Dylan was right, one wrong move and it could cost her Yale.

"I have to go now, I really need to use the bathroom." He said and with a smirk, walked away.

***

Dylan's P.O.V

I walked down the hall, a fixed smile on my fave as I replied a 'thank you' to the compliments the students threw at me. I walked into the bathroom and with a soft sigh, I ran a hand through my hair. I froze once I saw Henry, his arms folded and his back resting against the wall, his eyes locked into mine.

I swallowed and walked over to the sink, I didn't say a word to him and I didn't use the toilet anymore. How was I gonna pee with him in here, staring? Now I had to keep it in. I washed my hands so it wouldn't seem like I came here for nothing, I'll have to hold this pee a little longer.

"That song," he spoke, breaking the ice. "You chose it because of me, didn't you?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I said as I dried my hands. "But if the shoe fits, feel free to wear it." I said and just as I spun around to go, I almost slammed myself into his chest. I gasped and took a step back. I looked away from his chest and upwards, he was staring down at me.

"Those lyrics, they match that night." He said, he waited, expecting a reply but I remained silent. "I understand why you are so hard on me but, why can't you just....give me a chance to make it up to you?"

"If everyone was to get a second chance, the world would run out of opportunities and everyone would be hurt again." I replied. "I will not make the same mistake I made, Henry, and besides we have nothing."

"Dylan," he called softly, his eyes sad. "We have something, something a lot of people don't have,and you know it. Deep down, you know what we have is special." He said, holding my hands.

I looked away from him, swallowing hard. "I made a mistake and I am sorry. I don't know how the fuck that happened, and I-I miss you." He said, sincerity dripping from his words.

"I can't give you what you want, Henry. What we had is in the past now."

Henry shook his head again. "You still love me. If you didn't, you wouldn't be so bitter about everything."

"I am not bitter."

He scoffed. "Have you seen yourself lately? You look like a villain from a 2015 movie."

"So what? You wanna experiment again? Try the other gays in school, I hear they have a club."

"I'm not letting you go, Dylan." 

"Well then, fuck you, Henry, seriously." I snarled.

"Isn't that my job?" He cockily replied and I realized something that had me shocked instantly.

I had almost cracked a smile.

"Get out of my face, Henry." I pushed him backwards and was about to head for the door but he grabbed my hand rapidly and pulled me towards him, my chest bumped into his and before I knew it, we were as close as salsa dancers in an outdoor restaurant. His right hand suddenly around my waist and my hands on his shoulders, our eyes pierced each others like star crossed lovers murdered by their boss for defying him and a minute away from dying.

Those eyes, those green eyes brought back so many memories. I found myself staring at his lips again, they had attracted me on the first day, everything about his face had drawn me like a spell by witches who practiced black magic.

His arms, I had almost forgotten what they felt like when they were around me. A touch from him would weaken my legs in the very beginning, everything about him remained perfect, but he wasn't perfect, no one was.

"Didn't.....Jaxton tell you anything?" He asked, pulling me back to reality.

"About what?" I asked in an angry tone.

"The things I said."

My frown deepened. "I have no idea what you're talking about and I would like to leave now." I said and tried to escape him, but he wouldn't bulge.

"He didn't tell you, did he?"

"What are you on about?" I curiously inquired.

"That night, when I said all those stuffs, it was h-" the door burst open, interrupting him and two laughing students walked in. Bryce and a boy from the team too.

"Oh, it's Henry and Dylan." Bryce announced, smiling widely. "Didn't you two break up already? And people were rooting for you too." He mockingly laughed. I slowly turned my head to face him and once he saw the look on my face, his laughter died.

"You should be careful the words that come out of your mouth, Bryce, I might just decide to follow your footsteps and spill some words to the entire school." I said, smirking afterwards while he looked like he had seen the ghost of his dead lover. "Do not push me." I said and looked back at Henry, he hadn't released me and I didn't even try to escape his hold when the boys had walked in.

I pulled his hand away, glaring at him. "Leave me the fuck alone." I told him and turned to the boys. "Don't forget to vote for me." I said and walked psst them and out of the bathroom.

Once I was out and walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but hold the arm he had pulled me with. "I really hate you." I said under my breath but now I was confused, I didn't know if I was talking about him.....or me.

***

Jaxton's Club wasn't so bad, except the non staring like I was once a member of the Destiny's Child and the brightest of them all, Beyoncé. I couldn't help but look at them like they were.....weak, I didn't mean to but I did. Half these kids couldn't stand up for themselves, listening to them speak about their experiences, I couldn't help but huff and say weak in my head.

But then, I realized something as this one boy spoke, it made me finally pay attention. Hearing them all talk about their experiences as queer people, about their parents who either stopped talking to them or wanted to send them away before accepting them. I just stared like I had no emotion, but when this boy came out and spoke about his fear, how he was scared to open up to his parents and when they did, his father beat him and treated him like an outcast, I could hear and feel the sadness in his body and somehow he was able to transfer that to a lot of us. Make us feel his story through his words.

That was the one experience that hit me hard because I understood all too well how that felt, to live in fear. Right before I had told my parents, I was being cuddled by fear and darkness in those few weeks of torture by Lord Eric who was now somewhere in England. I couldn't help but think, what if I had told them and they didn't accept me? What if I had his kind of parents? All loving and then they turn against me like my dream? What if? What if they ended up hating me and cut me off? What if? And after he spoke, I felt all their emotions, everyone of them.

I noticed Jaxton had been staring at me, whenever they would tell their stories, he would look at me. I didn't notice him at first until afterwards, and it became clear to me what all of this was. This fucker. He wanted me to feel something, he knew their stories would move me and he wanted me to cry. When I realized what he was doing, my heart tightened and I went back to being the way I was. I almost slipped right there and brought down these walls.

"Hey, okay, so I've got fresh ideas." Jaxton said and quickly sat beside me after the whole therapy session he had hosted. I was currently having a great alone-time in the library when he came here with Jon.

"I'm trying to study, Jaxton."

"You've been studying all day." He groaned. "Listen to this, I think it is amazing."

I looked up at him. "What idea do you have? Another club? Maybe the science club?" I shrugged. "And oh! You could have them talk about scientists who died risking their lives for us," I said and he frowned.

"What?"

"Or scientists who lost their lives after coming up with exams for students, maybe that would break me and make me normal." I stated and his eyes widen in realization.

"What? You thought I wouldn't know what you were doing?" I scoffed. "Using other people's trauma to accomplish your goal? Seriously? How terrible can you be."

"I just wanted to help. It's not like that."

"A word of advice, Jaxton, don't be too predictable and stop giving signs that you've got a trick up your sleeve." I closed my book and stood up.

"Dylan, just relax." Jon said. "Let us all just talk and-"

"I can't talk." I said as I packed my things into my backpack. "I've got a speech to write and our S.A.T ain't far from now." I said and threw my backpack over my shoulder.

"Dylan, I can explain." Jaxton said, standing and blocking my path.

"I thought that was to help me? But then you had to try and use that to get me to break, sad traumatic stories in exchange for a tear from Dylan? Really mature."

"I was only trying to help! Have you seen yourself? I know you're hurting but everyone goes through breakups, I know they all have different ways of dealing with it but let us help you! You need us but you wouldn't even let us close to you! This isn't you, this whole....wolverine thing. You need to stop letting you hold you down! Cry! Scream! Anything because this isn't right."

"Well, I am sorry that I am not like the rest of you who just cries because their boyfriends cheated or because he wasn't interested anymore. I am sorry that I don't have the energy to waste my time on a boy who clearly choose a vagina over someone who dedicated everything for him and fucking took a bullet for him, so forgive me if this wolverine thing doesn't sit well with you because I couldn't care less. You experienced something like this, didn't you? You of all people should understand." I said and walked past him.

"You are right! I went through this and that is why I am trying to help you, because you're taking the wrong route. I wasn't like this, I wasn't....off and cold towards everybody that cares about me."

"Please," I turned to him. "You were pathetic and miserable when he cheated on you, so don't even pretend like everything was okay."

"Dylan, that is enough." Jon said, shocked by my words but I didn't stop. Jaxton looked horrified that I had said those words to him but he needed to know when to stop.

"I saw through you, you tried to act like it was fine after our talk but you were still miserable because the man you loved fooled you. And that is what they all do, so forgive me if I refuse to be as miserable and pathetic as you were early in the year because unlike you, I choose the stronger path." I snapped and angrily stormed off.

***

"Did you fill your college application yet?" Isabelle asked from over the phone.

"Yeah, you?"

"Yeah, I should be able to get into Yale."

"You're smart, of course Yale would take you."

"Aww, you are such a sweetheart and I know Harvard would love to have you as their gay mascot."

"Really funny, Isabelle." I replied with an eye roll.

I was in my room, my laptop on my bed and several books. The S.A.Ts was just a couple days away and I needed a high score if I wanted to get into the school I wanted.

"How's sweet Jaxton?"

I scoffed. "You have his number, call him."

"Why do I smell malice? What is going on?"

"Dylan." A knock came on my door and I sighed.

"Isa, hold on, mom's at the door." I said and dropped my phone on my bed. I walked over to the door, unlocked it and opened it. "Yeah?"

"You have a visitor."

I frowned. "Who the hell is it?"

"Me." A hoarse voice said and Mr. Frost appeared beside mom. Mom sighed and folded her arms, turning to face him.

"Mr. Frost?" My brows knitted deeply.

"Didn't I ask you to wait downstairs? Aren't you an adult who should like....respect other adults?" She questioned.

Mr. Frost huffed. "Didn't I tell you to direct me to his room and not worry about calling him?"

"What kind of a parent would I be? You're a guest, you should do what I say and if I say sit in the living room, you sit."

"I am not a dog, Mrs. Dexwell."

"Are you sure because I can see some similarities." She retorted. I expected him to get mad but he didn't and instead clapped back.

"You're the one barking, you should look in the mirror."

My brows flew.

Mom tilted her head to the side with a small smile. "I see you must have hit your head on your car window a couple times which would explain why my X-ray vision can see your braincells have reduced from three to one and a half."

"You have an Xray vision and couldn't see your son needed help?" He scoffed.

"You sound like an expert in so many things and yet you couldn't tell your daughter needed help when she did?" Her brows cocked.  "I guess we could say you were lacking in the parenting department by a lot."

"I am a good father."

"Pressuring your daughter for straight A's , meanwhile you were having an F in the one duty you should have been good at. Sure, you really are a charming father."

Mr. Frost remained quiet for a bit and then huffed.  "I see where Dylan got his attitude from."

"I'm his mother after all."

"Mom," I chimed in and they both looked at me. "I'll take it from here, thanks."

She stared at me for a while, I gave a small nod and she sighed softly. She turned to Raven's dad and smiled. "Ten minutes and you come downstairs, Dunk."

"No, you get to call me Mr—"

"And what did I say Dunk?" Mom asked, cocking her brows at him.

He gulped. "Ten minutes."

"Exactly. Leave this door open." She said, opening the door a bit wider. "I don't really trust rich people." She said before walking away.

Mr. Frost was dressed in a wine colored suit, his white hair perfectly combed backwards. He sighed as he looked at me, shaking his head softly and taking off his glasses.

"May I come in then?"

"Would you rather have a conversation outside my room?" I asked, then nodded. "Of course, come in."   I picked up my phone and sighed. "I'll call you later, I've got company."

"Sounds like drama, don't forget to." She said and I hung up.

"Uh, you could sit there." I said pointing at the chair in my room.

"I'm fine standing, I don't know what I might get if I sit on one of your furnitures."

"Maybe dignity, decency, a sense of significance communication, worth." I shrugged. "Amongst other things."

"Don't get smart with me now, boy." He said.

"Your mother." He said, softly. "She's got fire. I see where you get your whole thing from."

"You two look like you've argued before."

"Oh we have, when you were in a coma." He replied.

"What about?"

"You ask her." He said and I slowly nodded. "I don't think she likes me."

"How many people do?"

He rolled his eyes at me.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Frost?"

"I came to speak some sense into you."

I frowned, confused. "What does that even mean?"

"I heard you've become a 1980 horror movie villain."

"How come I didn't get a call that i got the part?"

He gave me a look and I pouted.

"They say you've lived up to your prophesy." He said, staring right at me.

My frown deepened. "What's that?"

"The Antichrist."

I rolled my eyes. "Good joke, Mr. Dunk."

"Dylan, what is going on with you?" He questioned.

"Nothing," I shrugged, sitting on my bed. "I'm fine." I chuckled slightly.

"Are you? Because from what I've heard, you're losing your friends and acting like you want to be a lone wolf."

"So, you've become the new school principal or what? You're spying on me?"

"I have a job that pays me more than your parents earn combined. Trust me, spying on you does nothing for me." He said and I scoffed.

"But I have spent time with you, and dare I say know you." He said and I looked up at him.

"You are filled with anger, Dylan. Bitterness, coldness. You are furious. I can see it in your eyes, they are clouded with all of it and your heart is slowly turning black."

"Did you just come here to tell me that, or did you come to give me the keys to a car you bought me which is currently outside?"

"I would, but looks like the number one thing on your wishlist is," he looked at his palm and gasped. "Ah! Loneliness." He said, and looked back at me.

"Why are you so angry, Dylan?" He suddenly inquired.

"I'm not." I chuckled.

"Why are you so angry, Dylan?" He asked again.

"I'm not, I'm fine."

"Dylan, what makes you tick? What is it that makes you wanna explode and scream and hurt someone or everyone. Why are you so mad? What triggers you? Why are you so hellbent on pushing everyone away and covering yourself with a cold cloak?"

"Because he fucking hurt me, okay?!" I yelled and I saw him relax, just when I was boiling with rage. "And I can't take it. I can't take the fact that he did such! I gave him my everything, I fucking loved him and I got this in return."

"Do you want to forgive him?"

"Like hell I will, I want him to feel pain!"

"Then why are you hurting everyone's feelings because of what Harry did?"

"Henry."

"I don't care what his name is." He rolled his eyes. "You are angry and because of that, you are hurting everyone around you."

"And why should I care? Why do you even care?"

"Because you will end up alone. You will end up being a bad fruit, you will end up hating yourself. You should care because these people care about you and love you but you keep treating them like shit. Raven came home earlier and when her mother asked about her day, she ranted frustratedly and cried. I heard about the other boy. What do you think you are doing, Dylan? Playing with people's feelings and using them like a piece of rag."

"So what? Raven is a sore loser, she's just mad that I stole her shine."

"And I applaud you for that but what sort of stunt is this? Since when did you play such cards? Every good thing comes to an end, Dylan, that's how it works." He said and i swallowed. "You either let it go or you become the bad thing and right now, you are becoming the bad thing because you haven't let go of the good thing."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I'm talking about Henrik." He replied. "You never really broke up with him, did you?" I didn't answer. "Did you?" He asked in a demanding tone, daring me to remain silent.

I shook my head. "No."

"Because you didn't want to let him go completely. You're still holding on to him and if you keep doing that then you will become your greatest enemy, Dylan. You need to make a choice, do you want to forgive him and go back to him? Or do you want to let him go and move the fuck on?" He asked and I clenched my fist, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"You need to choose or you will lose everyone whom you love, who cares about you. You should know you are also hurting the boy in question, Haggard." I had given up on correcting him. "Deep down you care about him but you can never admit it and that will ruin you and ruin everyone around you if you do not make a decision today. The boy loves you, I know, so free him from his burden. Let him know if you want him or if you are done. What is your choice?"

"I don't...I don't know." I stuttered.

"Do you think your friends enjoy seeing you like this? Looking like a mafia boss's son in training, if Nixon had this look you had, I know he'd be more famous and so I will tell you this, keep this for when you get into college and have to make it big. You will need this aura of authority and power, not now, not when you have all these friends. Not when you are hurting other people who will only help you move forward, change you for the better." He said and I felt the tears drop.

"When I don't feel, it's easier."

"Easier but deadly." Mr. Frost said and I ran a hand through my hair. "You need to choose what you want kid, or you destroy yourself."

"If I were your child, would you tell me all these?" I enquired and he remained silent. "Tell me."

"No, I wouldn't." He sincerely answered, as calm as ever. "I would tell you to keep this up and not let anyone deceive you, I would tell you that this would take you far and make you great, but that would be said for my selfish interest, I would be ruining your life for my betterment and you will end up miserable in the future."

I looked down at my fingers. "I am such a fool, aren't I?."

Mr. Frost walked over to sit beside me, he hesitated at first but did. "You are not, you just wanted to protect yourself. The only problem is, you went about it the wrong way." He said and I wiped my tears. "You are an amazing kid, Dylan, you are smart and one of the most brilliant minds out there. I see myself in you actually. When I was kid, I was just as bright as you, but then I took a path I wish I didn't. I mean I got all I ever wanted, but it affected my relationship with my kids." He said, sounding a little regretful. "Don't make the same mistake I did."

I placed my head on his shoulders and he sighed. "You are going to ruin my clothes with your tears, aren't you?"

"It is only fair." I sniffed. "You understand because you went through the same thing I did."

"I never said it was a relationship problem."

I snorted. "Did she marry someone else?"

"I didn't say it was a relationship problem."

"But it was, you don't need to tell me."

Mr. Frost sighed. "The truth is; Cupid, can be a bitch. And no matter what happens, half your happiness lies with that boy." He said and I turned my head, placing my face on my shoulder and I did what I hadn't done in weeks.

I cried.

***

I waited impatiently as it rang, my back resting against the wall. I had called Jaxton over, he was the first person I apologised to and he had forgiven me without a sweat, he also told me about Henry and the things he said that night. Apparently it had been Jaxton's idea, I guess that was what Henry was trying to tell me in the bathroom. Jaxton had told him to say all of that to get me out of flashpoint and it had worked and I had let it destroy me.

He finally answered.

"Hey, Dylan, hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, I am." I nodded. "Hi."

"Um, sorry, my phone was sort of far from me."

"Can we talk?"

"Uh, sure. I wanna talk, we can."

"Not on the phone. Could you meet me at HOES by eight?"

"Of course, eight o'clock, sure."

"Thanks. See you there, Henry."

***

HENRY'S P.O.V

"What did he say?" Mom said nervously.

"He wants to meet." I said with a grin. "Said eight o'clock at HOES, he wants to finally talk."

"Oh, my baby, I've been praying." Mother said with a smile. "Do you think the Jax boy finally told him?"

I shrugged. "I think so."

"You have an hour, Henry, go get dressed!"

With a big smile, I left the living room and ran up the stairs to my room. I quickly called Zach as I went through my closet for an outfit.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Dylan called me."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, said to meet."

"Bro, that's awesome. He called Jaxton earlier, I think Jaxton finally told him."

"What if it isn't what I think?"

"What if it is? Be positive, bro. Negativity never got anyone far."

"You're right, I'll uh...I'll call you later?"

"Alright, call me with the details."

"Okay, bye." I hung up.

What to wear?

After my ninth outfit try, I finally got it. I had never cared about what I wore and Dylan always loved it but this time, I found myself looking for the perfect clothes to wear. I was dressed in a pair of black jeans and a colored shirt with three unbuttoned buttons; I had settled for casual.

I arrived at the location, my heart beating at an unusual speed. His friends had been coming up with ways to bring down his wall and he had called me himself, it hadn't even been a day since our encounter in the bathroom. I got out of the car, shutting the door and locking it. Combing my hair with my hands, I walked into HOES acting like I wasn't love struck.

I looked around and finally found him sitting alone, a glass of raspberry smoothie before him. He was staring at a woman who was having a conversation with her little kids like they were grown ups, a smile on his face. The diner wasn't crowded, it wasn't empty and still didn't have lots of people yet. Havana played through the speakers, it wasn't loud but decent enough. He looked so beautiful, he didn't need to go all out to look his best, he had a yellow top on and black pants as well. I smiled, he was so lost in the kids acting like they were grown ups.

I made my way towards him and as I got closer, he looked up and I smiled.

"Hi."

He smiled back. "Hi."

I sat across him and rubbed my hand together under the table. "You look amazing."

"I'm not the one dressed like he's got a concert to go to." He said and I chuckled.

"I didn't know what to wear."

"Since when did you care about that?"

"I'm sorry," I threw my hands in the air. "It's on me."

He snickered but only for a couple of seconds before awkwardly looking away. "You hungry?" I questioned but he shook his head.

"I'm fine, thanks."

He never used to say no to food.

"I'm glad you finally want to talk, Dylan."

"Jaxton, he told me why....you said the things you said."

"And I have been trying to explain myself." I said. "I am glad you called me," I held his hands in mine. "I know you are mad at me and I know what I did was wrong, I am really sorry. I really need you in my life, Dylan. I'm so crazy, I know." I scoffed. "But thank you for this opportunity, I didn't think it would happen and-" I trailed off when he pulled his hands away.

"Henry, I love you." He said and I smiled.

Hearing him say that brought back memories and made me feel like myself again but before I could reply, he continued.

"I love you, always will. You taught me what it was like to be in love, I have a lot of great memories with you and I am sorry for the way I treated you, like a villain from a horror movie made in the 80s." He chuckled slightly.

"We can make more memories, Dylan." I said, suddenly scared he might say what I feared.

"No," he shook his head. "Every time I see you, I...I see her and I can't get her out of my head. I can't get that morning out of my head." He said sadly, he was trying not to cry.

"Dylan, please, don't."

"I'm breaking up with you, Henry." He finally said it and my heart sank. "I'm breaking up with you. We can't do this, I can't. I wasn't going to break up with you over the phone." He said, faking a smile. "It's over, so please, move on. I guess we weren't made for each other."

I just stared at the table, I didn't move, I said nothing. My heart was racing and all I wanted to do was scream, I felt suffocated, I felt stupid.

I looked up at him, I was fighting back the tears. "Is that what you want?" I asked and a tear from his eyes.

He quickly wiped it off and nodded. "It'll be better for both of us. Excuse me." His voice almost vanished, he got up from his seat, picked up his phone and walked away.

I remained seated. Shattered. Broken.

***

Dylan's P.O.V

I pushed the door open and stormed out, breathing heavily I wiped off my tears to avoid stares. I hugged myself and began walking home in the cold night, I couldn't help but relive our old memories. The fun we had at Westbrick, homecoming, how we fooled around after the kiss at Quinn's.

I wanted to forgive him, I wanted to take him back but I couldn't. I needed to protect my mental health, I love him but like Camilla said; I love me more.

I didn't know how long I had been walking, it was starting to drizzle but I didn't care. My throat felt tightened, I wanted to cry so bad but I needed the rain to fall so no one could actually tell the difference.

A black car suddenly stopped beside me and I halted, I looked as the windows rolled down and brown eyes frowned at me.

"Dylan?" Zach called. "Hey, it's almost raining." He said as he got out. "You okay?"

I faked a smile. "Yeah, I uh, I broke up with your best friend." I swallowed. "So, I guess we're free." I shrugged.

He looked at me sadly as if able to see through me and only that look took down the tough expression I had on. I softened and looked away from him as I felt the tears threaten to fall.

"Hey," he pulled me into a tight hug. "It's okay." He said and I sobbed.

"You should be with Henry, not me. He's your best friend."!

"Well, I'm here. So, shh." He said, gently patting my back.

For the second time today, I cried; and he didn't let me go for a second.

Mr. Frost was right, cupid was a bitch.

***

HENRY'S P.O.V

I walked into the house, shutting the door behind me and headed straight into the living room where mom stayed with the nurse hired for her from the old home she stayed, they were both watching telemundo.

"Hey, hijo!" Mom called with a grin. "How was your date?" She asked.

I said nothing and just walked up to her, I sat on the floor and rested my head on her lap.

"Henry, what's wrong?" She asked and I found myself crying. I tried so hard not to let out a sound as I cried but when she heard me sniff, she became alarmed. "Hijo, what happened?"

"He broke up with me, ma." I cried. "He broke up with me."

"Oh, sweetie." She placed her hands on both side of my face and kissed my head. "It's okay, sweetie, it's okay."

I shook my head. "I lost him, I....I lost him, it's all m-my fault." I cried. "I hate myself." I said and punched my chest. "I hate myself." I punched again.

"Hijo, stop." Mom ordered. "Stop, it's gonna be fine, I promise." She said, her voice breaking.

I had lost Dylan, I knew it was all my fault.

I had lost the one person that mattered to me more than anything.

Author's Note.

Currently working on the next chapter, I wanted to wait to publish both but meh.

Thoughts on the new chapter?