A Slice of Life - 2. What more is there to explain

“What is the deal with you and that guy anyway? He has been avoiding you like the plague or shooting you with glares ever since that day at the burger spot.”

Kyle had been trying desperately to avoid this topic but somehow Jasper seemed to find a way to bring it back up. It had been almost two weeks since the last time he has had an actual conversation with Xavier, while at the same time Jessica decided it may be best if she kept her distance as well.

“It's a long story, there is a log of history there, some of which is better left unsaid,” Kyle sighed. “We all used to be really good friends until something unfortunate put an end to that.” Kyle slammed his locker shut before hurrying off.

“Well, have you tried apologizing or setting the record straight with him?” Jasper was caught off guard when Kyle swiftly turned around pinning him to the lockers.

“What make gives you the right to assume that I was the one that did anything wrong?” Kyle shouted while looking like he was on the verge of tears.

“I was only making an observation and from your reaction, I gather you may have done something you have come to regret.”

Kyle's face was a mix of anger and sadness. “I've already apologized, several times in fact and he doesn't give me the chance to explain.” Kyle released Jasper and slung his bag over his shoulder.

“I don't think there is anything to explain, I saw everything for myself. What more could you possibly say to enlighten me on the situation? Go ahead make it seem like you are the victim in all of this,” Xavier screamed, they hadn't heard him and Jessica walk up and Kyle stood there dumbfounded.

“Well, that certainly escalated quickly?” Jasper turned to Jessica who was leaning up against the lockers as they all watched Xavier storm away. “I hope we can get back to a peaceful coexistence soon. Look there are some things that you are probably better off staying out of, just a word of advice,” she said before she and Kyle walked away leaving Jasper standing there with only more questions.

Sitting on a bench outside of the school Xavier was oblivious to the world around him as music played from his earphones trying to push everything out of his mind. He nearly jumped out of his skin when someone placed their hand on his shoulder. Taking out his headphones he looked up to see Jasper's eyes staring down at him.

“Sorry I didn't mean to frighten you, I wanted to make sure you were okay after all of that and I thought you could use the company,” Jasper explained before taking a seat beside the boy. For just the briefest of moments, their hands came into contact sending a jolt through both boys before Xavier quickly pulled his hand away. “You don't talk much and when you do it's rather explosive. I wonder what's going on behind those pretty eyes of yours.”

Xavier blushed as he looked away, shaking his head to rid himself of these thoughts. This is how it all started before and he would be damned if he walked down this road again. “I'm fine I just prefer to be alone, makes it easier to avoid the pain,” Xavier let out sadly. The hurt was still there, he stared at the ground blinking away the tears hopeful Jasper wouldn't notice.

Jasper couldn't understand the draw to Xavier and before he knew what was going on he was lifting the boy's face with his finger. “Why the long face, what happened to you to cause so much pain and suffering.” Jasper moved to wipe a tear from Xavier's eye but was stopped short when Xavier grabbed a hold of his wrist.

“Please stop, I don't know what your game is here but I won't be drawn into it.” With that Xavier collected himself and his belongings, seeking to get away from Jasper and slow his rapidly beating heart.

Jasper looked on as Xavier made his exit wondering what was going on in that head of his. “You are playing with fire,” Jessica said sitting down where Xavier had previously occupied the space. “He won't let anyone in that easy, at least not after what he has been through.”

“Can you both stop being so cryptic and just tell me what happened to him. Granted I don't know him all the well yet but he is still punishing himself over something. Between you and Kyle I don't know where to get a straight answer from.” Jasper was practically begging at this point.

“I have to get going and make sure Kyle is alright, again I'll say some things might be better off left alone. You are trying to pick at wounds that have barely begun to heal...for all of us.”

“Is anyone home?” Xavier yelled out as he closed the front door behind him. Walking into the kitchen he noticed a note left on the fridge by his parents they were out for a date night leaving him on his own for the night. Falling fast first onto his bed he couldn't help but look up at his desk and sigh when he noticed the upturned picture frame that he had yet to dispose of. Getting up and walking over to his desk he absentmindedly traced the faces of the boys in the picture, so happy with the arms around each other's waist. Xavier didn't realize he was crying until the tears were falling on the frame leaving him to wonder why he had been hurt so much, why had Kyle slept with her, and ruined what they had.