Little Life of Nolan Parks - 6. Relationships and Tragedy - Friends

These last few days have been filled with just everything. I arrived in a new town, new friends and a new person for my brother to whore me to. Although, he's not all that bad, maybe he'll be cool.

Today though was chaotic. I learned a lot of things about everyone! Everyone except Henry that is. It started this morning in English:

I didn't realize that I had Randy in class, but I found out when he sat down next to me and smiled, “Hey, Nolan, what's up?” I sat there and stared at him. He laughed, “You look like you've seen a ghost. You okay?”

“I have this class with you?”

His laugh increased in volume, “Yes, I just didn't know who you were yesterday. I'm not one to start conversations usually. Most of the time its Richie who does.”

I smiled a little bit. “You can make fun of him no problem though.”

“He gets what he deserves. It's also easy when he hates his 'nickname'” He even did the air quotes. “My brother can be annoying at home. We have to share a room, and he likes being... clothes less.”

“Clothe less?” I questioned him.

Randy rolled his eyes, “He likes to flaunt his junk.” He started to whisper a little bit, “He's a little bit bigger than me, but I have more pubes.”

My eyes opened wide. Did he just tell me things about his... that region? Like as much as I kind of want to know, he seems really confident about himself. “Oh... I see.”

“You don't say much do ya?” I shook my head, “Well, let me tell you about me. I've lived here my whole life and have been in the swim club for a year now. I'm the older twin and usually outspoken by my younger sibling. I don't know what else there is to know...

“Richie says when I get talking I can't stop, and that I get louder.” He's not lying. “I guess I get nervous and just want to keep the conversation going...”

“He's not lying, you know? You are getting louder.” Randy blushed and gave out a nervous laugh. “Who's a better swimmer, you or your brother?”

“Oh, me for sure. We have races regularly, and I win most of them. I don't know about diving, but the coach says it's even. Did you know you actually have gym with my bro?”

“I do?” Was he the kid that Justin talked to?

“Ya, he felt bad for trying to get Justin away from you but I think he's going to sit with you today.”

Suddenly the teacher spoke up, “Randy, Nolan, it's time we start the lesson. That was 3 minutes ago, so please quiet down and listen.” That was the end of our conversation.

The next one was during recess. Dylan had walked out of the bathroom as I was passing by, and we ended up walking and talking together. “My dad told me about how you're learning to swim. Henry is teaching you that's what dad said at least.”

I nodded, “Ya, he had me floating on my back on the first day. It was kind of fun...”

“It's easy once you get the hang of it. If you want, I could give you some pointers too. It doesn't have to just be Henry.” His voice and smile sounded like he had other intentions in there...

I lowered my head and blushed, “No, I think I'll stick to just Henry. I'm sure you're good, but I think I should stick to one teacher for it.”

I got pulled in close to him. I flinched, “It's okay, I can't wait for you to get in the deep end and swim around having fun with us!”

“Thanks... Hey, why do you like swimming so much?” Why did I just ask that? His dad is a swim coach, of course that's going to be the reason.

Dylan smiled and chuckled, “You'd think it's cause my dad is a swim coach, but it's not.” Well, there goes my theory. “It started at summer camp when I was 10. My camp counselor would swim the length of the lake we were at and back every morning. I thought it was amazing and wanted to do it.”

“So some stranger made you want to swim?”

Dylan waved his head back and forth, “I guess. I just thought it was so cool that someone had the physical capabilities to do that kind of stuff. I was this scrawny kid with an athletic dad. I guess my dad had something to do with it, but it was mostly that one guy.” He seemed to drift off into dreamland.

We just walked down the hallway together in silence. “I have art next; I should probably get going there now... I missed it yesterday.” Wait why'd I say that?

Dylan's eyebrow raised, “You missed it yesterday? How?”

I lowered my head and blushed. How could I tell Dylan that my brother whores me out, this time to a grade 11. Tracy would kill me if I told anyone! “I, I got lost and didn't find the classroom till there was only half an hour left... so I didn't go.”

The eyebrow didn't move. He must be skeptical of me, “I know that's not the truth, but I don't know what is, so I'm going to accept it for now. You're right though let's get to class. I'll see you at lunch!”

So I walked into my art class. The teacher didn't even ask why I wasn't there yesterday. That means I'm good, right? I won't have to explain to a teacher that I was 'lost' until the last few minutes of class? Good.

By attendance I did get noticed by Richie, “Where were you yesterday for this class? I mean, it's only the first day of class and we basically just sat here but still!”

My head sank, “I got lost on the way here...”

“Bullshit!” Richie whispered. “I saw you right outside the door but then some older guy took you away. Who was that guy anyways, he looked like you but older.”

I nodded, “He's my older brother, Paul.”

“Oh, cool you have a bro too. Still where'd you go?” He was looking me dead in the eye. I remained silent for a long time. “Fine if you don't want to tell me, you don't have too. I'll just sit here and continue to draw.”

I looked at what he was drawing; it was amazing! It was someone diving off of the high dive at the swimming pool. He hadn't gotten to the actual person yet, but the background was amazing. I was in awe looking at his drawing.

The teacher came by, “Nolan, instead of staring at Richard's artwork try making some of your own.” I got handed a folder, like the one Richie had.

“It's Richie ma'am.” He spoke without moving.

She smiled and nodded, “Right, sorry Richie.” She continued on her way around the room.

I sighed, “What am I going to draw on here?” I took out a pencil and just started at the yellowish piece of paper.

“Draw something you enjoy.” I looked over; Richie still hadn't moved. He did once I stared at him for a few moments. “Draw something you enjoy, like a movie or video game. What kind of stuff do you do in your spare time?”

I shrugged, “Nothing really... I don't do much.” I gave him an awkward smile. “You like swimming a lot don't you.”

His face went dark red, “Ya... it's one of my favorite pass times.” He turned back to his drawing and continued to work on it. “What about you, what kind of stuff do you do?”

“I just told you; I don't do much...” I bit a piece of my lip. I didn't want to look nervous, but I needed to bite my lip.

“Oh... Oh ya..” Richie's eyes were moving back and forth between me and the folder in front of him. He looked nervous too, “I think we're both a little awkward right now aren't we?”

I swiftly nodded looking away, “I hate being the new kid...”

Richie giggled. Like a little girl's giggle, “I know how you feel. I joined the swim team out of nowhere. I didn't even take public swimming lessons. My Aunt is the person who taught my bro and me to swim. Randy didn't want to join the swim team, but I did.

“It was a new feeling. I hadn't gone to school with anyone on the team, and I wasn't in any other sport. You blend in eventually and get into your own groove, and it becomes awesome.”

“I don't make grooves easily...”

“Dude you already have!” I looked over at him raising an eyebrow. How have I made a groove already? I've been in school two days. “People are talking about 'the kid who talked to Connor.' You're that kid! You already have a groove in this school.”

“All because I spoke to a single kid?”

“No one has ever sat down beside him for lunch. No one. You had to have made Connor's YEAR with that. Honestly dude, you're my hero right now. I wish I had the courage you do.” He blushed and turned away again. “Anyways, why don't you draw stuff from your past school or something...?”

That entire class was spent drawing. Richie and I had some awkward conversations throughout the class. Overall it was a fun class, more so at the end. Our conversation sped up, and we were just chatting away. When the bell rang, I was kind of sad it was over.

We didn’t end up talking again until we got to the cafeteria though. Richie left me at the table as he went and bought his lunch. I was left alone with Tobi. I offered him a “hey” as I sat down.

He rolled his eyes, “Hey.”

I sat there as he glared at me for no reason. I didn't do anything to him all I said was 'hey.' From the first time, I saw him I've gotten this feeling he doesn't like me, and I don't know why. I've been quiet and haven't said much at all.

We sat at the table in an awkward silence until I saw Connor come into the cafeteria. I immediately started waving at him, “Connor come sit with us!” He stopped in his tracks and just stared at me.

A bigger kid came up from behind him and pushed him out of the way, “Don't stand in the middle of the road looser.”

Connor got up and dusted himself off and walked over to me, “You want me to sit with you?” I nodded. “Why? Everyone hates me...”

“I don't and I'm part of everyone.” Henry came out of nowhere, smiling, and “I'm sure Nolan feels the same! How 'bout you Tobi?”

He shrugged, “Doesn't bother me if he sits with us.”

You could see a smile forming on Connor's face. It kind of faded when Richie and Dylan came to the table. “Are you going to sit with us today Connor?” Richie seemed excited. “Come on sit down dude! You're always welcome at our table.”

Connor's smile grew again to a full grown smile and giggled. He sat down between me and Richie. “Thanks...”

“Why don't you tell us about yourself Connor?” Dylan smiled and took a bite of his very greasy pizza. He continued to talk with his mouth full. “We've seen you around but know nothing about you. Same with you Nolan.”

We both looked at each other and blushed. “There isn't much to know about me...” I bit my lip. Please Connor talk! PLEASE!!!

“Same here... I'm not all that interesting. I don't know what to say about myself.” He offered everyone an awkward smile.

“BOO!” Randy scared Connor, Henry and I. Connor let out a little scream and then looked like he was about to cry, “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry man.”

Richie gave him a good punch on the shoulder, “First day he sits with us, and you're already ruining it!” Randy went and sat down on the other side of the table. “Why'd you have to do that?”

Randy shrugged, “Seemed like a good idea at the time. I am sorry, like I said.” Connor nodded and then started eating.

The table got quiet as we all started eating. I just looked around at the group of friends I had found in just a short amount of time.

I had a set of twins who looked the same, but were very different. Randy speaks his mind about everything. Richie likes to stay in his own little head but calls people out when it's needed.

Then I had Dylan, the coach's kid. He looks like some of the guys my brother used to recruit to fuck me... I don't think I'm going to get over that one. He's a jock, strong, and has a stocky build... the exact kind of people I hate.

Tobi I don't get though. I have maybe said two sentences to him, and he just glares at me. Why does his glare bug me though? Pretty much everyone at my old school glared at me every day. If someone didn't glare at me, it was pretty much a gift.

Then there is Henry and Connor. Both of them I want to hang out with more and more. Both of them I find myself attracted to. I've only known them for two days, and I've already developed these feelings I've told myself I would never get for someone. Oh god, don't I like Tracy too?

Okay... How in this hell am I going to manage this? Two boys my age, a guy three years older than me and my brother all either want into my pants or I want into theirs or both! HELP!!!

Chapter End.