(Brendon)

I was sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast with my parents, when my phone rung. I glanced down and saw it was Ryan. My mother and father obviously heard it ring and were waiting for me to pick it up. But what if I did and Ryan said something ridiculous? My mother had the hearing of a bat.

"Your phone is ringing, son." My father told me as he read his paper.

"I-uh. I know that."

"Then why aren't you answering it? Is something wrong with it?"

"Yes." I can't believe I just lied to my mother again.

"Well, why didn't you tell us that?"

"I didn't want to worry you."

"You see, Peter! I told you there had to be a reason he didn't call or text us. And to think we were so hard on him!"

"I'm sorry son. Though you did come in late, I can understand. When I used to court your mother, I'd lose track of time too."

I'd never felt more guilty in my life. It was making me physically sick. "I need to be excused. I have to go to the bathroom."

I stood up and rushed to the powder room on the first floor. I didn't have time to go up the stairs. As soon as I lifted the toilet seat, everything I'd eaten at breakfast came back up. This was so terrible. I needed to stop lying. I was on a downward spiral to destruction. My phone went off in my pocket again. This time I picked it up.

"Hey, Bren." Ryan greeted.

"Ryan."

"You want to drive to school with me?"

"We don't go to the same school, Ryan."

"I know that, idiot. I'll drop you off and then pick you back up."

"I don't know-"

"Come on! I owe you for saving my life."

"You don't owe me anything, Ryan. I was happy to not let you die-"

"But I still want to make it up to you. So either you let me drive you to school. Or I have save your life."

"Fine. I'll text you the address."

"See you soon, Bren."

I walked out of the bathroom still feeling bad. Knowing I was going to have to lie to my parents again. My mother stood up when I reentered the kitchen.

"Are you okay, sweetie?"

"I'm great. Mom, can I ride to school with a friend. It's just a- I have to be there early and I don't want Pete making me late."

"Sure, sweety. If it's okay with your father."

"It's fine."

****

(Pete)

I woke up at 7:00 am. Which was way too early for my liking. But there was no use in going back to sleep. At least I'd have time to shower today. I wore my normal gear. Black pants, white uniform shirt, loose tie and cardigan tied around my waist. Though today I actually combed my hair. I don't know why. I just felt like it. It looked okay.

I walked downstairs and my mom and dad were at their usual spots at the table. There was something missing though. Oh yeah, the annoying little shit faced boy with the dumb smile. Where the hell was Brendon? Eh, probably polishing his shoes or studying for some test we don't even have.

I saw that my mother cooked again. But I'd had enough of her cooking yesterday. I didn't feel like eating her food again. Once in the morning was good enough for me. I reached in my favorite cabinet and took out pop tarts. My mother just shook her head. She knew there was no point in arguing.

"Pete, your brother rode to school with a friend."

"So?"

"So, he can't drive the car today. Which means you have to drive it."

"Seriously?" I piped up. They never let me drive. Thank goodness for Brendon's nerdy ass friends!

"Yes, seriously. Please don't crash. Or get a ticket. Or let it run out of gas. Or pick up hitchhikers. Or-"

"I know what to do with a damn car."

"Peter!" My mother called.

"Watch your language, Pete." Sometimes I wondered what the hell was in my dad's paper that was so important.

"Sorry. Where are the keys?"

My mother held them up in her hands. I could tell she'd rather be doing anything else. "Pete, please don't-"

"K." I snatched the keys and rushed out the door. I was early, but I didn't care. I wanted to be in the driver's side of that car for as long as possible.
And I knew just where I was going to go. I made sure to pull out of the drive way perfectly. Knowing my mother was probably watching from a window. And I headed to a place I wasn't entirely familiar with. But I knew where I was going. And it didn't take long to get there. I stopped the car and hopped out. As I knocked on the door, I hoped I wasn't too late.

"Yes, can I help you?" Hello Mrs. Milf!

"Yes, I'm Nicholas's friend from school. I was wondering if it would be alright if I gave him a ride today."