(Brendon)

For the first time in my life, I wasn't listening to the sermon being preached in church. I'd probably be able to focus more if Ryan hadn't starting texting me as soon as I entered church. I regretted giving that boy my number. Not really but kind of. And my phone being cracked wasn't helping. It took me twice as long to reply back. Meaning my phone was out twice as much. I could slowly feel myself sinking to hell.

I glanced up at my mother and father. Making sure they hadn't noticed. And they hadn't. They were best friends with the pastor and his wife so they sat at the front of the church with them. Pete and I usually sat in the back. So Pete could sleep and I could wake him. But today it was just me.

Ryan: What are you wearing, church boy?

Brendon: Clothes. Why does that matter?

Ryan: You're such a good boy lol

Brendon: I know. Thank you.

Ryan: Not a compliment. What time are you coming?

Brendon: After church.

Ryan: Skip church

Brendon: NEVER going to happen!

Ryan: Dude, I almost died!

I rolled my eyes. I knew that one was coming. But it was not going to work this time. Never in a million years would I ditch church.

Brendon: Not happening.

Ryan:.... You also kinda left a mark where you bit me. I look like I was attacked by vampires.

I laughed out loud. A few people around me turned and glared. I slipped the phone under the bible in my lap. Again, I looked up at my parents. They weren't paying attention to me though.

Brendon: Grrrr

Ryan: Vampries don't 'Grr' idiot

Brendon: Then what do they do?

Ryan: Idk? Hiss?

Brendon: No. Cats hiss. Stupid.

I hit send and my heart began racing. What if he got offended because I called him stupid? I didn't really think he was stupid. Of course he wasn't. Oh my goodness, what if he hated me now? I'd never be able to apologize enough.

Brendon: You're not stupid. I was kidding. It was a stupid joke. So I guess that means that I'm the stupid one. Sorry.

Ryan: Calm the fuck down dude. I'm laughing so hard.

Brendon: Really?

Ryan: You worry Wayyy to much.

Brendon: I know. Sorry.

Ryan: are you serious?

Brendon: Yes. I'm sorry.

Ryan: Make it up to me then?

Brendon: ... How?....

Ryan: Visit me. Now.

Brendon: Can't. Church.

Ryan: what's more important? Me or church?

Ryan: Wait. Don't answer that!

I laughed again. This time when I looked up, my mother was staring at me. I slipped my phone into my pocket and held the bible tighter in my hands.

"We all sin." The preacher was saying when I finally began paying attention again. "It could be as small as a bad thought or as big as murder. But we all do it and we shouldn't hide from it. Instead we should ask for forgiveness. So will all the sinners in the house stand up."

I looked around. A large majority of the church were now on their feet. Should I stand up? Did I sin? I did lie to Ryan's parents. And just this morning, I lied to mom and dad about going to see Sarah when I was really going to visit Ryan. But that wasn't so bad if I just didn't lie again, right? Right.

So I sat still in my seat. I could feel my mother staring at me again. This time when I met her gaze, she was smiling. Probably proud of me for not being a sinner like the other boys my age. Oh, mama. If you only knew.
****

I rushed to get in my own car after my father drove us home from church. I told my mother I'd be back home for curfew and I would be. I checked to make sure my phone had a decent battery life. It was on seventy-three percent. That was good enough. I also noticed ten messages and three missed calls. Probably all from Ryan. So I ignored them. And started driving.

It didn't take long to get to the hospital. When I entered I noticed the nice nurse from yesterday walking past with her clipboard in hand. She stopped when she saw me. Staring into my face for a few seconds before smiling.

"Your boyfriend has been talking about you nonstop."

"Really?"

"Yes." She laughed sweetly. "He won't shut up about how awesome you are."

"Well, I can't say he's lying." I gave her my winning smile.

"I was just headed to his room. Come on with me. I'm sure he'll be dying to see you." She closed her eyes briefly and shook her head. "Sorry. Bad choice of words."

"It's okay. We have a certain humor about it all." Well Ryan did anyway.

She walked into his room ahead of me. Motioning for me to stay outside the door. I nodded my understanding.

"Mr. Ross, I got you treat!"

"I thought I wasn't allowed sugar or happiness."

She smiled. "Well I can promise you one of the two."

"I'll take the sugar." I heard him say. I laughed.

"Well I am known to be sweet." I said as I walked into the room.

"Brendon! About fucking time."

"There's that potty mouth." I looked at his clothes. Jeans and a T-shirt. What happened to his hospital gown? Where were his machines? He must of noticed my confused face.

"I'm going home today." He hopped off the bed. "I have to go to a therapist for a while. But at least I don't have to go to some nut house."

"That's awesome! Why didn't you tell me?"

"I texted you, you asshole." He stood directly in front of me. Gosh he was tall. "I have to wait for a few test results and then I'm out."

"I'm really happy right now." It was true. My newest friend was going to be okay. Mentally and physically.

"Thanks for saving me, Bren." He pulled me into a hug I wasn't expecting. But of course I hugged him back anyway. As tightly as I could.

"You guys are relationship goals." I heard the nurse say. If only she knew how badly she needed to rearrange her goals.