How to Act "Correctly" ~*~ArsonBros/RichJake~*~

4. Improve His Life

          The school year flew by, but so did the summer. It was a few days before school started again when I got a call from Jake.

          "Rich? Oh, Rich, you answered!" He sounded upset, but also relieved that I answered.

          "You've been gone all week, man," I was worried about him, honestly. He was my best friend! "What's been happening?"

          "Well," He paused for a moment, as if thinking. "For one thing, Chloe broke up with me," He didn't seem to care. "Said that she found someone better? I can't remember his name. Rob or something? Rox? I dunno. But that's a thing that happened."

          "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, bro..." I felt bad, sure, but Chloe was a bitch, anyway. Jake deserved better than her. "I'm sure you'll find someone better than her!"

          Like me-- Wait, what? Some shock ran through my body and I flinched. It hurt like a motherfucker, but I didn't want Jake to hear me.

          "Thanks, man. Uh, I also got a job!" His joy was fake, but I don't think he was really trying to mask that.

          "Oh, that's cool! Not to be rude but, uh, why?" I really was confused.

          Jake stayed quiet for a moment before answering. "So, uh, you know how I told you that I don't know what my parents do for a living?" I responded with a simple 'yeah'. "Well, uh, I kinda figured out? Turns out they were laundering money. They're on the run... I had no choice, I need to be able to pay the bills..."

          "Oh, dude..." This poor guy. "I'm so sorry..."

          "No worries! I'm holding up fine!" Jake chuckles.

          "Well, if you ever need anything I'm here for you... If something happens and you can't keep the house, tell me. You can chill at my place until you get back on your feet!"

          He also told me about this girl he got with, her name was Madeline. She sounded nice, kind of cute, maybe. Probably not my type, though. After about an hour of talking, we hung up. It was late, so I went to sleep, preparing myself for school in a few days.

          The first day of school arrived quickly. I smiled as I walked into the building, a little later than I usually would. I waved to people as I walked down the hallway, not noticing Jeremy in front of me. When I did look ahead, I didn't have enough time to move ahead before he ran into me. I growled, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. "Don't touch me, tall ass!"

          Give him what he deserves.

          I... What? What do you mean?

          Do you remember your old backpack?

          Yes... No, you aren't suggesting I... That would be horrible... You can't make me do that!

          Oh, don't worry about it! You don't need to write something that bad, just... He's, like, really close to that one kid, Michael, right? Mess with them both! Write "Boyf" on one and "Riends" on the other

          I nod to myself, this wasn't that bad. I think Jeremy was trying to apologize, but I cut him off by grabbing him by the backpack, pulling out a Sharpie and quickly scrawling 'BOYF' in big letters.

          I forced him to look at me, grinning. "You wash that off? You're dead," Then I noticed Jake, and I was even more happy than before. God, what was wrong with me? I don't have... Feelings... For Jake, do I?