Days Like These

It’s Wednesday again. Kellin hated Wednesday’s with a lively passion. The only good thing about today was that Kellin hasn’t seen his father at home. He felt content, maybe even happy. When Vic noticed the small smiles, he of course asked what was up. Kellin always and only replied with ‘I just feel nice today.’ He had no idea where he was and honestly, he did not care. Yeah, they only had each other, but what is the point of worrying over someone who did not value you as a human?

Vic’s parents were not talking. They ignored each other like the motherfucking plague. It did not bug Vic, the silence was fine, but it was awkward during dinner. Both parents being too caught up in their own lives did not notice the way their younger son has been acting. Mike started hanging out with the wrong crowd. Vic was worried but he reasoned with the idea that he wasn’t responsible for his brother.

As they sat through the boring lecture of atomic masses and equations, Vic ripped out a sheet of paper and began writing.

Wanna go off campus ? – V

The teacher finally, finally, understood that the boys worked well together and got more done then placing them with people they don’t know.

Are we aloud to do that – K

Not until we’re seniors but ya’know Y.O.L.O. – V

cx ok, I’ll go but only if you stop saying that – K

Vic smiled as he read the little note until suddenly, “Victor, I hope you’re smiling because you’re ecstatic about learning how to find the atomic mass of Zinc.” their chemistry teacher said.

“What, oh yeah, totally. Ya’know, go …” he looked at the bored quickly. “Finding atomic mass and stuff.” Vic ended with a nervous chuckle. A few of the kids in the class giggled, including Kellin.

“Would you like to show us how to find the atomic mass of Sulfur?”

“I’m good, actually. I don’t want to take the lime light away from you.”

“Then pay attention.” With that, she turned around and continued with the lesson.

“You’re bad.” He heard Kellin whisper in his ear with a giggle.

So, maybe, just maybe, Vic might have fallen for his best friend at that moment. He’d never be able to just use Kellin as a rebound because it wouldn’t be fair to anyone. The rest of the day passed with ease. Kellin was giggly and talkative. As they walked home, Kellin skipped around Vic humming happily.

“Seriously Kells, what’s up with you? Are you high?”

“No, silly goose! I told you, I’m fine.” With a sigh, Kellin walked normally again. “Where’s Tony, Mike and Jaime?”

“Skipped last period so they could get high.”

“Jaime and Tony get high?”

“Well, I don’t know about Jaime but Tony started when Mike offered.”

“Have you ever gotten high?” Kellin asked.

“Once or twice, here and there. Not something I’m proud of but I wanted to try. How about you, ever get high?”

“No. I’m not reckless like you.”

“Oh shush. You love my recklessness.”

Kellin scoffed playfully before talking. “You wish I did.” They reached Kellin’s street but before they walked, Kellin pulled his hand. “Are we still on for Friday?”

“Of course we’re still on. What time are you coming again?”

“Around seven thirtyish. Is that alright with you?”

“Yeah.” They began walking slowly, trying to get as much time together as possible. “Knock first and if no one answers,
then there’s a key under the mat. Or would you rather have me pick you up?”

“You can sleep in. I’ll find a way to not get caught.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, thanks for the offer though.”

They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence, absorbing then nice San Diego sun in November. Well, Vic was;
Kellin was sweating a bit but he could blame it on the walk. They got to Kellin’s house but neither one of them made the move to leave.

“Do you really have to go inside?”

“Yeah, the sun is getting to me.”

“Take off your sweater then.”

“But it’s like my second skin. Makes me feel safe.” He grumbled.

“Ok, whatever makes you feel safe.” Vic replied with a light smile. Before anything else could be said, the front door opened. The smile quickly disappeared. Kellin turned around and saw his dad walking out.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kellin whispered. “Hey, dad. Um, where you going?”

“Out. I will be back in an hour. I want you showered and dressed nicely. I’ve got a surprise for you.” Kellin walked inside before anything else could be said while Vic and his father had a stare down. “You could join too. I’m sure the men would enjoy you too.”

The chill that ran down Vic’s spine made him sick. “Where are you taking him?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“To make some quick cash.” Kellin’s father walked to the driver side of the car and before stepping in, he said, “They love a young piece of ass.”

Vic stood there stunned as he drove off. When he turned the corner, he ran to the door and found it unlocked. Upstairs
he could hear the shower running and someone singing to the music playing. He walked up the stairs, taking two at a time, and knocked on the door that had steam coming from underneath it.

“Kellin!” he shouted and his fist banged against the door. “Kellin, open up please!”

The shower turned off and the music was turned down. Kellin slowly opened the door and peeked his head out.

“What are you doing in here? You need to get out before my dad comes back!” Kellin hissed

“Kellin, I have to get you out.”

“What, why?”

“You’re dad-.”

“Is he ok?” Kellin asked worriedly.

“Why do you care if he’s ok? He’s a mon-.”

“My dad may be a lot of things but he’s still my dad.” Kellin said firmly, surprising Vic and himself.

“He wants to take you to some orgy thing!”

“No, he’s taking me somewhere nice.”

“He told me himself that sleazy old men like a nice piece of ass Kells! That doesn’t seem very nice. He’s even doing it for money, for Christ sake!”

“You’re, you’re lying!” Kellin accused. “My dad may be a bit mean and a drunk but, but he’s still hurting from when mom left.”

“Kellin please, why would I be lying?” Vic begged.

“Because you want to take me from him! We’re all each other have! Leave!” Kellin shouted.

“What?” Vic asked surprised.

“Get out! My dad may not show it but he l-loves me an-and he’s a bit crazy but wouldn’t do that to me. He wouldn’t sell me for money!”

“Ke-.”

“Get out!” Kellin shouted again, before he stared whispering to himself. “He was right.” He laughed a bit. “He-he said you only wanted to take me away from him. But, but no one will.” He stared shaking his head no and his whispering stop, only his mouth moving.

With one final sigh, Vic backed up. There were unnoticed tears running down his face that he quickly wiped away. “Fine then, don’t believe me; but don’t come crying to me when you see I’m right.” He wanted to take those words back when he saw the hurt flash across Kellin’s face. “I’m done helping you.” After those words left his lips, he ran down the stairs and out the house.

Kellin closed the door after he heard the door slam shut before he closed the bathroom door. Leaning against it, he sank to the cold tiled floor as tears ran down his face. He wanted to believe Vic but believed his dad wasn’t that evil. No, no there was no way his dad would do that. Its plain crazy and even a bit extreme for his dad. Nah, his dad was taking him somewhere nice and Kellin let himself believe it.

Notes

Thanks to a certain someone, I have the eniter ch 7 ready to finish and I believe you guys will hate me for a bit but it's worht it <3 you know who you are annon <3