Thinking Different Thoughts

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I was stopped in the doorway by Austin and a couple Mexican guys. I didn't recognise either of them.

"Hey?" I said unsurely. I held the straps of my slouching backpack because I didn't know what else to do or why they were talking to me or what was happening and I was suddenly really nervous and what was happening? Why was I so panicky?

Austin laughed. "Calmed down," he said. "These are Mike and Tony. Just some friends. I wanted to tell you that there's a party tonight. I texted you but you never said anything." He said.

I remembered my phone buzzing in my pocket, but Tyler suddenly freaked out a little and tried to... Brace himself? So I just ignored it.

"Oh, sorry man," I said. "I'll check it out, if I have time."

"Cuz he's got more of a life than any of us," the taller guy laughed quietly. I laughed, too, because it was so wrong.

I shook my head when they looked at me. "I promise I don't have anything near a life. I'll probably go," I said to Austin.

"Cool," he said, nodding. "You should bring someone if you don't want to be hit on." He added. I scowled a little because I wasn't sure if he knew I liked Tyler or not.

The two guys waved and walked off, talking about the Metallica and Nirvana genres. I thought it was funny how many people here cared about music here. It was cool. I had never really been allowed to experience music as a child. Now mom couldn't control me. It was nice.

"I haven't told anyone, don't worry," he said after they disappeared. We were almost alone now besides the teachers in their rooms and a couple other people who were trying to do things.

"What?" I figured I could play dumb.

"Don't try that. I know how you look at Tyler. You guys are really close all the time, too." He said.

"I'm sorry, what?" I asked, making a confused face.

He laughed. "Never mind. I must be crazy," he waved and left. I stood behind for a minute.

Why do I suddenly care what someone thinks about how I look at Tyler? I already told myself I wouldn't care. I shouldn't be scared of what someone thinks. Especially not someone like Austin. I mean, Tyler and I aren't dating, but still.

I looked up from my hands to see I was outside, walking towards the dorms. I was actually a little excited about getting back to see Tyler. I figured he'd heard about the party thing since he had so many friends and all. I did want to see if he was going, though, because if he wasn't then I wasn't. I wanted to go with him, I guess, or not at all if he didn't go.

I guess I liked Tyler?

I smiled a little after telling myself this, but after I saw the crumpled body on the ground with the same auburn jacket Tyler was wearing, my smile dropped.

I threw my backpack off before running over. If it wasn't Tyler then I guess I was being a good person.

"Tyler?" I managed. My throat felt tight and my heart felt heavy. Like it had dropped. Speaking in a cliché and all.

I didn't stop running as I dropped to my knees and I ripped huge holes in my jeans. My knees burned as the bare flesh underneath connected with the pavement.

Tyler was bloodied, his knees and face were coated in generous helpings of the crimson colour. His eyes were closed, so I assumed he was unconscious. A thin line of blood was slowly dripping from the corners of his mouth onto the pavement in a large puddle that probably soaked into some of his hair.