My Boy

Chapter 3: Shifting Tides

The weeks following the big game seemed to fly by in a blur of stolen glances, shy smiles, and intertwined hands. Jamie watched as Trevor and Riley's relationship blossomed, each day bringing a new reminder of what he couldn't have.

Monday morning: Trevor waiting by Riley's locker, his face lighting up as she approached. Their fingers brushed as she handed him a coffee, and Jamie could see the spark between them from across the hallway.

Wednesday afternoon: Study hall in the library. Trevor and Riley huddled close over a textbook, whispering and giggling. Jamie pretended to focus on his own work, but his eyes kept drifting to their table.

Friday night: The local ice cream parlor. Trevor playfully dabbing a bit of ice cream on Riley's nose, both of them laughing as she retaliated. Jamie, sitting a few tables away with Alex and Zoe, felt his heart constrict at the sight.

Saturday afternoon: The park. Trevor teaching Riley how to throw a perfect spiral, his hands lingering on her waist as he positioned her. Jamie, who had declined their invitation to join, watched from a distance, unable to look away.
With each passing day, Jamie felt the distance between him and Trevor growing, even as they still spent time together. The easy camaraderie they once shared now felt strained, overshadowed by the secret Jamie carried in his heart.

The following Monday, Jamie trudged through the school hallways, his backpack feeling heavier than usual. As he rounded the corner to his locker, he spotted Trevor and Riley by the water fountain. Trevor was leaning against the wall, laughing at something Riley had said, his eyes crinkled with genuine mirth.

Jamie hesitated, then forced himself to approach. "Hey guys," he said, mustering a smile.
"Jay!" Trevor's face lit up. "Perfect timing. We were just talking about getting a group together for the movies this weekend. You in?"
Before Jamie could respond, Sophie appeared, slinging an arm around Riley's shoulders. "What's this about movies?"
"We're thinking of going Saturday," Riley explained. "You should come too, Sophie."
Sophie's eyes flicked to Jamie, her gaze sharp and assessing. "Sounds fun. Jamie, you joining us?"
There was something in her tone that made Jamie feel like he was being challenged. He squared his shoulders slightly. "Yeah, I think I will."

The bell rang, cutting through the tension. As they all started to move towards their classes, Jamie couldn't help but notice how naturally Trevor's hand found Riley's, their fingers intertwining. Sophie caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow, as if daring him to react.
Jamie quickly looked away, mumbling a goodbye as he hurried to his first period, the weight in his chest growing heavier with each step.
A few days later, Jamie found himself alone with Trevor for the first time in what felt like ages. They were in Trevor's room, ostensibly studying for an upcoming history test, but Trevor couldn't seem to focus.

"Man, I can't believe how great things are going with Riley," Trevor said, closing his textbook with a soft thud. "It's like... I don't know, Jay. I've never felt this way before."
Jamie's pencil paused over his notebook. He took a deep breath, steeling himself before looking up at his best friend. "Yeah? That's... that's great, Trev. I'm happy for you."

Trevor's face broke into a wide grin. "Thanks, man. You know, your opinion means the world to me. I was actually kinda nervous about how you'd feel about all this."

"What do you mean?" Jamie asked, his heart rate picking up.

Trevor shrugged, suddenly looking a bit sheepish. "I don't know. I guess I was worried things might change between us. You're my best friend, Jay. I don't want to lose that."

For a moment, Jamie allowed himself to hope. He could feel the words bubbling up in his throat, the confession he'd been holding back for so long. But then Trevor continued.

"Riley's amazing, but you're irreplaceable, you know? I'm so glad I can have you both in my life."
And just like that, the moment passed. Jamie swallowed hard, forcing down the words he couldn't say. "Yeah, of course. Nothing's going to change between us, Trev. You can count on that."
Trevor's relieved smile was like a knife to Jamie's heart. As Trevor launched into another story about Riley, Jamie pretended to return to his studying, all the while wondering how long he could keep up this charade. The distance between them felt greater than ever, even as they sat just feet apart.

That night, Jamie sat at his desk at home, math textbook open but forgotten. His pen tapped against the blank paper as his mind wandered. The house was quiet, his parents still at work, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He replayed moments from the past few weeks in his mind. The way Trevor's eyes lit up when he talked about Riley. The casual touches they shared. The inside jokes that were forming between them.

Jamie's chest felt tight. He'd been Trevor's person for so long. His confidant, his support system, his other half. Now, it felt like he was being slowly but surely replaced.

He picked up his phone, thumb hovering over Trevor's name in his contacts. What would happen if he just told him? If he laid it all out there? But the thought of potentially losing Trevor altogether was too much to bear.
Jamie tossed his phone aside and buried his face in his hands. How long could he keep this up?
The following weekend, Trevor was hosting a small get-together at his house. Music pulsed through the living room as their friends chatted and laughed. Jamie nursed a soda, watching as Trevor moved effortlessly between his guests, always gravitating back to Riley's side.
"Hey," Trevor said, suddenly appearing next to Jamie. "Can we talk for a sec? In private?"
Jamie's heart leapt into his throat. "Sure," he managed, following Trevor out to the back porch.
The cool night air was a stark contrast to the warmth inside. Trevor leaned against the railing, his profile illuminated by the porch light. Jamie stood a careful distance away, hyper-aware of the space between them.

"Is everything okay, Jay?" Trevor asked, his voice laced with concern. "You've seemed... I don't know, off lately."

Jamie's pulse quickened. This was it. The moment he'd been both dreading and longing for. "I... Trevor, I need to tell you something."
Trevor turned to face him fully, his brow furrowed. "What is it?"

Jamie took a deep breath. "The thing is, Trev, I... I've been feeling—"

"There you are!" Riley's voice cut through the tension like a knife. She appeared in the doorway, smiling brightly. "We're about to start a game inside. You guys coming?"
Trevor's attention immediately shifted to Riley, his face softening. "Yeah, we'll be right there, babe."

As Riley disappeared back inside, Trevor turned back to Jamie. "Sorry about that. What were you saying?"

Jamie's resolve crumbled. The moment was gone. "It's... it's nothing. Don't worry about it. Let's go play that game."

As they headed back inside, Jamie's unspoken confession weighed heavily on his chest. He'd come so close, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to potentially shatter the fragile balance of their friendship. As he watched Trevor slip his arm around Riley's waist, Jamie wondered how much longer he could keep his feelings buried.