Before I Break by Alec John Belle

Author:Alec John Belle
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

December came quickly that year, and all the months in between I had not spoken a single word to Avery. Melissa, who was still friends with him, told me that they were doing the Bible Study at her house now, and even my own mother still went, but for some reason he didn’t want to see me, just like he’d said that night.

It wasn’t like he didn’t have a good reason to hate me, because I certainly did rush to conclusions about him hurting himself, but I was only trying to help. He even blocked me on Facebook, making it feel really official now. Our friendship was over and there was nothing I could do about it. Now Winter Break was on its way in just a week and I had no plans, not even with Melissa, who said she’d be going with Avery to Massachusetts over the break to see some of his family.

Monday afternoon was pretty lonely during lunch, as it had been the last few months, because I spent most of my time in the library working on school work. Taking all these AP classes was not that good of an idea as far as I could see. While working on a paper for my AP Language and Composition class, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, there was Avery, looking the same as he had the first day we met. Only difference was, this time he seemed nervous.

“Hey,” I said, not feeling like talking, especially when I was busy. A small part of me was grateful for him talking to me again, though, and I wasn't manly enough to admit that. “You’re talking to me again?”

He took the seat beside me, not saying anything at first. He stared at my paper and asked, “You need help?”

“You’re in AP?” I asked.

He nodded. “I took Language and Composition last year. I am graduating early.”

Wondering why it took me so long to learn this bit of information, I said, “This year? Why didn’t I know this when we were friends?”

Avery shrugged, saying, “I didn’t know that I would be until last week. I have enough credits to start college next year.” He picked up my rough draft and began reading. “I can help you if you want.”

A really strong part of me wanted to say yes just so I could hang out with him again. I really missed our talks and the time we spent together, but I couldn’t express that—it would make me sound gay, which I really wasn’t. Was I?

“I’ve got it,” I replied, taking the sheet from him. “What do you really want? You’re certainly not here to help me with my paper for no reason.”

As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I knew they were true. Avery hadn’t spoken to me in months, and this was not just some random offering—he wanted something. Sitting back in my chair, I waited for his response.

“I got some good news last night,” Avery said, a small smile forming on his face.

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