Chapter One

Dear Helmet,

I know, I know, it's a little weird writing letters to your helmet about your undying love for one of your best friends who also happens to be a guy, but who ever said I was normal? Just ask Logan.

I've been writing these letters to you for almost three years now, and I've still gotten nowhere with him. I, Carlos Garcia, am a complete failure at love. I've also been somewhat of a complete failure at being a best friend too. Lately, I've been...word vomiting all over the place. Every time he brings up his girlfriend, I always say something completely stupid. Something like: "She looks just like you!" or "Are you sure she's not seeing that one really hot actor guy behind your back?" Then James usually gives me a sympathetic look, Logan gives me the usual 'Do you ever shut up?' look, and he usually looks upset.

As you noticed, I haven't used his name at all in this letter. It's because I'm trying this new thing. You know in Harry Potter they call Voldemort 'He Who Must Not Be Named'? Yeah, yeah, I know how to read. Surprising, right? Well, that's one of the many things people don't know about me. Anyway, I'm not going to mention Kendall's name. asfnkalgkag I just did! Okay, lets add 'complete failure at not mentioning Kendall 'to the already long list.

Whatever, it doesn't even matter anyway, because Kendall is in love with Jo and he'll never be in love with his stupid, helmet-wearing best friend. I mean, come on, it's Jo! If I were him, I would pick Jo over me anyway. Uh oh, Logan, James, and Kendall are back from the pool. I told them I was sick so that I wouldn't have to go through the pain of seeing Kendall shirtless and trying to refrain from blurting out 'Fuck me now!'. Better put this letter in the box with the other ones.

Your friend, Carlos

xxx

Carlos quickly placed the notebook paper and pen inside one of the various letter-filled shoe boxes that he housed under his bed. Taking in a deep breath, he shoved the box back under his bed and hopped under the covers, right before the door opened. Carlos counted to ten under his breath before letting out a pretty gross sounding cough.

"Relax, it's just me. How's your 'sore throat'?"

Carlos pulled the covers from over his head and glared at James. "Hey, I'm actually sick you jerk!"

James rolled his eyes. "Yeah, lovesick."

Ignoring the pain in his chest, Carlos rolled over to face the wall.

"So, what number letter is that?"

Carlos shrugged, then realizing James couldn't see him, rolled over again. "One million."

"Seriously?"

"No."

James was about to say something smart when a soft knock came at the door. "Aren't you going to answer that? Or are you too 'sick'?" He teased, ducking when Carlos threw a pillow at him. "Hey! Watch the face!"

"Come in!" Carlos said in the most pitiful voice he could muster.

The door opened and Kendall stepped in, shutting the door behind him. "Hey buddy! How're you feeling?" He asked, concern in his voice.

"Oh, he's just fi-" James started, but stopped when he caught glimpse of Carlos's murderous glare.

"I still feel a little...sick." Carlos replied, blushing a bit when he met Kendall's eyes.

"Whatever you do, get well soon. You really don't want my mom to take care of you!" Kendall said, laughing.

Carlos swooned at the sound of his laugh, and quickly shook himself, trying to wretch out another cough. "Yeah, Katie told me she nearly mummified her." He said, giving a small smile.

"So, Kendall, if you're so worried about Carlos, why don't you take care of him?" James asked, trying to swallow an evil laugh that was threatening to come out.

Carlos's eyes widened. What the hell was James thinking? "Oh, oh no. That won't be necess-"

"Sure." Kendall shrugged. "Jo and I have no plans together, for today."

"Then it's settled." James said, giving Carlos a little wave. "Since Mama Knight and Katie are out shopping, I'll take Logan out to lunch and leave you too lov-I mean buddies, here alone. I need to get that new 'Cuda shampoo anyway. We'll be back in a couple of hours. Or five. Get well soon, Carlos."

Carlos watched in disbelief as James left the room. He was going to get up and run after him, when Kendall spoke again. "I know I'm not your favorite friend, but I'll try my best to take care of you, okay?" He said softly.

Carlos gasped slightly. Where had Kendall gotten that idea? "I-You're not..." He started.

Kendall shook his head. "It's okay. So, want me to get you some soup?" He said, perking up. Carlos nodded, still stunned at what Kendall just said.

Couldn't the boy tell how much Carlos wanted him? He watched as Kendall left, snuggling back down into the covers. "Maybe I'm better at hiding my feelings then I thought." Carlos whispered to himself.