Truths Taste Better Than Bitter Lies

CHAPTER 7: Just Friends

Jake's POV

Oh, wow. Michael kissed my cheek. How embarrassing. For a second, I thought perhaps he was gonna kiss me on the mouth. Oh well...

Getting my hopes up was pointless.

...

Michael was unusually quiet the whole drive to the food place. I found my eyes tracing every distinctive feature on him. He was so handsome. The way his dark hair was in a hot clutter left lingering barely above his cutting eyebrows. His shirt wrapped around his well-built frame nicely. I couldn't help but stare at him.

"Alright, we're here!" Michael announced, rushing into the small blue and yellow place. There were a few cars in the drive-thru. I and Michael were sitting in silence at a fast food place called "The Fat Burgers." The place sure did bring back old memories. Me and Michael used to go there a lot when we were hanging out. It was the best.

I was going through a lot... I remember Luke, an old friend of mine. We were pretty close until he started hating me. I guess he knew what I felt for Michael. I couldn't hide it well enough. I'm glad it's summer. No school means no annoying jerks. I hope Luke never comes back to Normal high, the school I and Michael still go to. I still have two months of summer...or one month and a half left. I wish summer would never end. I mean, I'm gonna be a senior this year so...it shouldn't be that bad. One more year of hell.

"Hey, what are you ordering?" Michael patted my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts. Omg! His hand was so warm. It was still resting on my shoulder. Ugh. I need to calm down. He leaned in and whispered, 'Don't think... I didn't notice you staring at me the whole car ride here, handsome.'

"U-u..uhm..I'll order the big fat burger!" Oops...I thought as a few customers turned and looked at me. How embarrassing. Michael removed his hand from my arm and reached for the menu.

"Oh alright, what about drinks?" Michael glanced up from the menu. He looked quite comfortable in the blue padded seat that was connected to mine. He had an arm slung around it. So close to touching me. If he had his arm lower it would've been around my shoulders. Like we were a couple.

"Uh..Dr.pepper..I guess, I shrug my shoulders, like it didn't matter much. I was so nervous. He always makes me feel this way. I swear I could feel butterflies in my stomach.

"Hello, how are you guys, and what would you like to order?" A sweet lady in a uniform asked. She was beaming genuinely at me and Michael. She seemed nice.

"We'll have two fat burgers, one dr. pepper and a sprite, thank you." Michael nods his head at her. The sweet lady leaves after getting the orders. I and Michael wait a few minutes when she shows up with our food and drinks. I take a bite from my burger and gulp down half of my dr.pepper when Michael says, "Wow, Jake slow down!" He laughs, taking a sip from his sprite.

"I am taking my time," I retort back. I lied. My face turned red and I began taking smaller bites and sipping on my dr.pepper. I noticed him staring at me most of the time. I tried ignoring it.

We were silently eating when I felt his leg barely brush against mine for a second. It was a small touch but...I felt a spark when we touched. I was left wanting more. I knew it was probably an accident when Michael grazed my leg but...I craved more of his touch...

"We still have some time left if you want to go shopping." Michael interrupted my thoughts. I noticed he scooted over a bit in his seat--leaving more space between me and him. I was sad he scooted away from me even if just a little. Maybe he didn't like me. Or he felt uncomfortable being so close to me...

"Yeah.Maybe..." I answered, looking down at the crumpled wrapper in my hand. I finished my burger and tossed the wrapper and the drink. Michael followed. He looked worried for some reason.

"Maybe... What do you mean? Don't you need furniture in your house and what about groceries?" Michael asked, looking me in the eyes as we left the burger place. It was still light out and very busy. People were walking their dogs, eating out, and going shopping.

"Well, I do. I can do that in my own time. I've troubled you enough, Michael. You let me stay at your house and paid for my food." I didn't want to bother him with any of my problems.

"So, I want to help. Let me. I am your best friend, come on, Jake." Michael smiled, patting me on the shoulder. We were standing in front of the car. Michael had his hand on my shoulder. It was comforting. But the words best friend hurt like a punch in the gut.

"Yeah, true, we are friends. I still don't like troubling you though..." I faced the parking lot on the opposite side of where he was standing. He left his hand resting on my shoulder. It was warm. I couldn't stop thinking about his touch. I couldn't let my mind wander off anymore. But...Michael's hand, his leg brushing against mine, his lips on my cheek, and words off of his mouth-- all of it made me weak. Only if he'd stop teasing me for one day. And now he still calls me his friend.'

"It's fine, Jake. Really. You know...we can go back to my house if you want. Since you don't want me to take you shopping." Michael draws me out of my thoughts again. Go back to his place? What would we do? I mean, we hang out all the time. So it's nothing new. I stayed the night yesterday. Nothing major happened. I recollect him giving me a goodnight kiss. Omg! That won't happen again, will it?

"I guess...why not?" I laugh nervously. I still have to do my part-time job anyway so...It maybe another night at his house. Also, his parents will be coming back soon.

"Alright, let's go!" Michaels exclaims, enthusiastically, hopping in the car and starting the engine. I follow in after him sitting in passenger.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Sorry guys it took so long.

I know it's short.

I hope you enjoyed it!!!