For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 27: "Lines Drawn in Silence"

Jarren leaned forward, his expression softening. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but pushing him away like this? It doesn’t seem like it’s helping anyone.”

Ray glared at his tray, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “You don’t understand.”

“Then make me understand,” Jarren said simply.

Ray shook his head, unwilling—or unable—to open up. “It’s complicated.”

Jarren sighed, but he didn’t push further. “Okay. But just so you know, shutting people out doesn’t make the pain go away. It just makes it lonelier.”

Ray’s chest tightened at Jarren’s words, but he said nothing.

---

After school, near the parking lot

Claire found Ray as he was heading to his bike.

“Well, well,” she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. “Look who’s finally making new friends.”

Ray didn’t even look at her. “What do you want, Claire?”

“Relax,” she said, stepping closer. “I just thought I’d remind you of our little agreement.”

Ray froze, his grip on his bike’s handlebars tightening. “I haven’t forgotten.”

“Good,” Claire said with a smirk. “Because Matthew’s better off without you. You’re doing him a favor, really.”

Ray clenched his jaw, willing himself to stay calm. “Why do you hate me so much?”

Claire’s smile faltered for a moment before she shrugged. “Hate’s a strong word. Let’s just say I know what’s best for Matthew. And you? You’re not it.”

Ray didn’t respond. He got on his bike and rode off, Claire’s words echoing in his mind.

---

At Matthew’s house, that evening

Matthew sat in his room, staring at his phone. He had lost count of how many times he had typed out a message to Ray only to delete it.

He glanced at the photo on his desk—a picture of him and Ray from their first year of high school. They were smiling, arms slung over each other’s shoulders.

“What happened to us?” Matthew whispered to himself.

A knock at the door broke his thoughts.

“Come in,” he said, his voice heavy.

His mom poked her head in, her expression soft. “Everything okay, sweetie? You’ve been quiet lately.”

Matthew forced a smile. “I’m fine, Mom.”

She didn’t look convinced but didn’t press further. “Dinner will be ready soon.”

“Okay,” Matthew said, nodding.

As she left, Matthew sighed, picking up his phone again. This time, he didn’t hesitate.

We need to talk.

---

The next day, at school

Ray saw the message first thing in the morning, and his stomach churned. He shoved his phone into his pocket and made his way to class, doing his best to avoid Matthew.

But Matthew wasn’t about to give up.

He found Ray in the hallway between classes, cornering him near the lockers.

“Ray,” Matthew said firmly, his eyes searching his friend’s face. “We need to talk.”

Ray avoided his gaze. “I’m busy.”

“No, you’re not,” Matthew said, stepping closer. “You’ve been avoiding me for weeks, and I’m done waiting for you to come around. Whatever’s going on, just tell me.”

Ray’s heart pounded as he searched for the right words, but before he could speak, Jarren appeared.

“Hey, Ray,” Jarren said, his tone casual but his presence protective. He glanced at Matthew. “Everything okay here?”

Matthew’s jaw tightened. “This doesn’t concern you.”

“Maybe not,” Jarren said, crossing his arms. “But Ray’s my friend, and he doesn’t look like he wants to talk right now.”

Ray took the opportunity to slip away, leaving Matthew and Jarren staring each other down.

---

To be Continued...