Chapter 19 – Jack

''What happened with Josh?'' I asked Alex. We've talked about this before, but the only thing he told me is that he used to be best friends with a boy that moved away. He also told me had sex with him, quite a few times actually. That's everything I know about this Josh dude. I could see he was really upset by him.

''H-he... he did some really nasty things before he left.'' Alex said, still shivering a little.

''What did he do?'' I needed to know and I wanted to protect Alex.

''He was upset because I wouldn't date him, so he told everyone I'm gay...'' I was rubing his back gently, listening to him patiently.

''He said I was giving it for money, s-so I got bullied all the time and this one time, I almost got raped behind the bleachers.'' His mouth was curving and I could see he was about to cry.

''Oh, Alex. It's all gonna be okay.'' I pulled him closer into a warm hug and kept rubbing his back, it seems to relax him.

''Did he say sorry?'' I asked.

''N-no, he didn't. He didn't care. He said he hates me and the next day he was gone.''

''Shh, it's alright. I'll never let anything happen to you, I promise. Okay?'' I assured him. He nodded and put his arms around me, burying his face into my neck area.

''Besides, you're not the Alex you once were. You've changed a lot and you're stronger than before. He's got nothing on you. Don't let his presence intimidate you. Maybe he won't even talk to you anymore.'' I said. I was hoping I'm right, because I swear I'm gonna kick Josh's ass back to where he came from if he dares to hurt Alex in any way.

''Yeah, you're right.'' He said and lifted his head up.
''I won't let him get to me. I got you now, I don't need anyone else.'' He looked a bit better than before, I'm guessing he just needed to hear some encouraging words.

''Alright, Lexypants, how bout we go out for a beer with Vic later and forget all about this stupid shit. What do you say, you up for it?'' I asked. Vic was nice and maybe Alex just needed some people around him, some good people.

''Sure. You call him, I'm just gonna change and brush my teeth.'' He said and walked to the closet.

I called Vic and asked him if he wants to hang out at Fleur's or something. He said he and his friends are hanging out at the skate park, chillin and playing some music. I said we'd come down and join them later. Alex was thrilled, he loves music and finally we're gonna meet some more awesome people. If Vic's friends are anything like him, we'll have a really good time.
Alex got dressed and I was kind of still laying in bed, being a lazy fuck, but eventually I got up and ready. Vic texted us the directions to the park. As we were walking, Alex grabbed my hand, interlocked our fingers and pulled me a bit closer. His lips were silently saying I love you. It's not that he didn't want to say it out loud, it's just our little thing.

''I love you too Alex.'' I said and smiled at him. I was glad to see he returned one, I adored when he showed those beautiful white teeth. He looked beautiful, as always. He picked out these black skinny jeans that fit him perfectly. They went great with his red v-neck t-shirt and his red allstars, he always had a great sense for combining clothes, I was more of a hobo when it came to that artsy thing. I just put on my Blink 182 black t-shirt and some darker blue jeans. I was wearing my black allstarts all the time, today wasn't an exception.
It took us not more than 10 minutes to get there. It was really nice, they had a lot of ramps, those for professionals and smaller ones that are easier, for newbies. On the right there was a sitting area with a few wooden tables and benches. It looked pretty sweet. I immediately noticed Vic's crowd, they looked very similar to him. We walked towards them and I could feel Alex squeezing my hand.

''It's okay, don't be nervous. It'll be fine.'' I said to him, but he wasn't calming down.

''Josh.'' I heard him say quietly.

''What?'' I asked just to be sure.

''Josh.'' He repeated.

''Where?'' I was beginning to worry, he never acted this way.

''T-there. Sitting next to Vic.'' He answered. Jesus.
I looked at him, he looked at me. Our eyes met.

''Do you wanna leave?'' I asked. I completely understand him, I wasn't gonna pressure him into something he's not comfortable with.

''No.'' He said and shook his head.
''We're going there, because I don't care.'' He answered and gave me a little smile.

''Alright, if you ever wanna leave, just tell me, okay?'' I said.
He nodded and we kept walking, approaching Vic's crowd.

''Hey, the Jalexes! What's up?'' Vic said and got up. He came up to us and pulled us in a hug.
''Had any troubles finding this paradise?'' He joked.

''Nah, it was easy.'' I replied. He intoduced us to everyone. I wasn't rude so I shook hands with everyone, including that asshole Josh.

''This is my brother Mike, next to him is Tony and this is Jaime.'' Vic said. It was funny how Mike is much taller than Vic. They all seemed very nice. Tony has a natural babyface and the cutest voice and Jaime is a lot like me, funny and a bit of a prankster. I liked him instantly. I was proud of Alex, he shook hands with Josh, pretending to only barely know him from school.

There were also some girls around, I think their names are Hayley, Jenna and Mike's girlfriend Alysha. They were all very nice and welcoming and they immediately seized Alex, saying how his hair is super nice and pulling him in their little circle they were sitting in. They were talking forever. I hung out with the guys, trying to pretend I don't know what a scumbag Josh is. I think I did pretty good. After an hour or so, another couple arrived. They looked so dark, not in a bad way of course... just a lot of black colour.

''Well hello!'' Vic greeted them. He hugged the smaller one like they're never gonna see each other again, I found that awkward, but hey, whatever. His name is Kellin and the other one is Andy, if I remember correctly. They guys are pretty into music and we've talked about our favorite bands, Vic played a song he wrote with Kellin and they sang it. They were pretty good, I was impressed. Alex was talking to the girls, discussing some things I've never even heard about... what the hell is smut? Nevermind. I was just happy Josh wasn't acting out, being an asshole.

After a beer or two, me and Alex decided to call it a night and we promised to hang out the next day, same place, same time. We said goodbye to everyone and walked back to the dorm.

''Looks like the girls like you, huh? Chick magnet.'' I joked, holding his hand and pressing a kiss on his cheek.

''They were really nice, pretty too... if I were straight, I'd date all three of them.'' Now he was just being cocky. But I knew he was kidding.
''Well, the boys sure love you.'' He added.

''Yeah, they're pretty nice, but I already have all I need.'' I said and put my hand on his shoulders.

''Awh, you're making me blush.'' He said and kissed me.
''Hopefully it will stay like this, Josh was cool today, but I'm afraid he's gonna do something. I can't afford to lose any more friends.''

''Alex, this is college, people aren't 15 anymore. I'm sure there's nothing he can do to jeopardize your friendships with people. Don't worry about it. You're overthinking again.'' I said. He was, that's what he usually does when he's worried about something.

''Sorry, you're right, I'm being way too paranoid. It's good I have you to take my mind off things.'' He said and winked at me. That sexy grin of his always drives me insane.

''You know it.'' I said and put my hand around him, in his back pocket of his very skinny jeans.

Notes

Dear readers, I wanted to thank you for all the love, I appreciate every single bit of it, hope you enjoyed this chapter!

[ credit for the title goes to: Lana Del Rey ]