Chapter Thirteen: Dan's POV*

I sat in science with my hands balled into fists. I didn't listen to or process what the teacher was saying at all, PJ sat next to me with a worried look on his face mixed with confusion. Clearly he didn't like the situation either.

"I don't trust him." I whispered.

"Of course you wouldn't you're jealous." PJ said bluntly. I opened my mouth to protest but the look he gave me made me shut it and huff. "But ... you do have a point. He's part of the popular's and Phil has some trust issues after .... uhm." He trailed off.

"I know what happened to him it's fine." I sighed.

"Oh." He said. "Well then ... I don't really understand why he'd go quite so ... willingly. I thought he had a crush on y-" He stopped himself, pursing his lips. 

"What was that?" I asked, eyebrow raised.

"Nothing, just a silly theory." He brushed off. I shrugged but I was still raging like a hurricane. What did he see in that twat?

He's attractive

He's funny

He's cute

He's popular

I was sort of popular I guess but in my own weird way ... anyway off topic. 

"PJ, what am I going to do?" I sighed sadly, and rested on my arms. He gave me a pitying look and bit his lip.

"Well ... it's only one date right. I mean, maybe there's a lot of flaws we don't know about him. Maybe he is only out to get Phil but Phil seemed so sure that he wasn't .... I'm not sure." He sighed. I glared down at my lap."I guess ... we'll just have to wait and see. If things don't go to plan, we'll be there for Phil and his stupid mistake. If something sparks ... then we'll have to be the bigger people and step down." PJ suggested wisely. 

It broke my heart to think of Phil leaving me and dating Jack but ... I'd rather see him happy with Jack than unhappy and miserable with us. 

Godamnit Phil, how did you wrap me so tight around your stupid adorable finger?

Next Day - Friday

I watched Phil closely as he laughed with Chris, Chris was oblivious to PJ and I's talk so he supported Phil entirely. I thought about telling him but I don't feel ready to another person. I glared as PJ tried to make conversation with me.

"Isn't that right Dan?" Phil asked me.

I snapped out of my glare. "What?" I asked, raising my head from my hand.

"Hey, you okay? You've been acting a little ... weird since yesterday." Phil asked, a worried look on his face. He's so oblivious. SO FUCKING OBLIVIOUS. I felt a small unexpected anger surge through me. It's happening all over again. You love someone only for them to be snatched away. 

I angrily got to feet, my hands in tight fists at my sides. "Dan?" Phil asked, looking slightly fearful. I turned and swiftly stormed off in the opposite direction and falling down next to a tree a good bit away from them. I rested my head back against the bark and felt my throat catch as the tears threatened to appear.

"You have me."

Phil's voice echoed in my head. I had you, it's ALWAYS a had. I had people before, one fucking died and the others left me. EVERYONE fucking left me, why is he any different? Why am I even bothering? Why don't I just go back to be by myself, where NO ONE can hurt me? A choked sob left my mouth and I slapped my hand over it, so nothing could escape.

I gulped the tears back and put a hardened expression on my face. "Dan?" A timid voice asked. I looked up through my lashes to see Phil with a very worried look on his face.

Why is he any different?

"Because he isn't only your crush, he's your best friend. One who listened to you when you needed it. One who lied to his friends to be with you and comfort you. One who laughed and watched movies with you late at night. He's your BEST FRIEND." A voice said in my head. I smiled to myself and stood up, hoping I didn't look like I had been crying or I was about to start crying.

"I'm fine. Just a bit ... weird. Some weird memories coming back." I replied, my voice a bit wobbly.

"Dan ... you're going to give me a heart attack one of these days." He smiled sheepishly and wrapped his arms around me in a reassuring hug.

"This is why you stick around. Because he's still there for you even when he has other friends and possibly likes someone else."

"Come on, lets get back. Chris and PJ are getting worried." He grinned and slipped his hand into mine, dragging me behind him.

My god, what is this boy doing to me?