Broken Friendship.
Chap. 3: Separate ways.
I absolutely hate rainy nights. It's not random, they always come with terrible news. Like in movies, when the main character learns about somebody's death or loses against evil, it starts raining. I think that Zeus must have a deal with Odin, because it's systematic. And tonight, I really felt like the hero in a bad movie. A truly bad movie.
.
The street.
« -You're JEALOUS Tommy! That's what you are! Lori shouted at me in the earphone.
-But listen to me Lori, I...
-Oh yeah? Going on excuses again? But I see it clearly. Now that Merton has another friend, you feel in danger! You want to keep him all for yourself! You really think that Merton will let you down just for another acquaintance? Merton's not like that!
-That's not it at all! I'm not...!
-You just... I... Can you even...?
-Hem... Try saying one thing at the time Ok?
-What you did was horrible! She almost cried. You're lucky Merton's alright, or either I don't know what I would have done to you! »
Wait... Was she supposing that...?
« -You think I would have HURT him?! I struggled, dazed by her stupid comment. How can you consider something like that? I can't even picture it!
-I know, you're very kind, but… Lori's voice's broke at the end of the line. Put yourself at my place, you've been acting mad all along yesterday. How the hell am I supposed to behave if something happens to both you? »
I heard a smothered shriek and then, nothing. The familiar "toot" ringed in my ears, and it was over. I hanged up. I felt like I had to apologize to everybody, and I didn't know who to say sorry first. Now they wouldn't want to see me out of school, which was atrocious because I knew Barry would always stand by their side apart from home. All I had to do was to wait the perfect chance, when that damned Barry would be somewhere else. But that could take months! I didn't want to wait for months! I decided that all I had to do was to stalk them, even if it cost me my dignity.
I regretted my friends. They were the best ones I had! We used to understand each other. Merton had lots of energy; he was funny and amazingly intelligent. Lori was exceptionally gentle and strong at the same time, plus she was the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Even more than Stacey! I couldn't do anything without them, but will those two listen to me now ?
Left with my reflexions, I headed home. I was so pathetic...
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The cafeteria.
On the next day, I didn't saw any of my two friends before the twelve o'clock snack. The cafeteria was crowded as always, and I was desperatly searching Merton and Lori through the mob. I was also looking for Barry. If he was here, it wouldn't do any good to go and speak to my poor buddies. I was looking kinda dumb, standing in the middle of the room, with my hot plate in my hands, looking around as a mad man.
Suddenly, I caught a glimpse at Lori's blond hairs moving threw the mass. Yes! That was her! And moreover, she was taking place next to Merton! But where was Barry? Never too cautious, I glanced at the crowd again before sprinting to them. Lori didn't seem happy to see me so soon. I think she expected me to wait a bit before daring to come near Merton. At the contrary, Merton looked much more tired than aggressive. He was like somebody who had stayed up all night. I perfectly knew this weary-looking face, he had the same when he was making researches for his studies or about a monster, and ends up making a sleepless night.
« -Hi. I tangled.
-Hi Tom. Rumbled Lori, watching me nastily.
-Merton, may I talk to you ? »
I had to do quick. I didn't want Barry to bungle my chat. Merton answered me in a sight.
« -Again? Why not...
-Ok. Before saying anything, try to believe me. It's all Barry's fault!
-Barry? God I really got on her nerves here. You're puting the fault on him?! Plus, he's not here! How can you?!
-Yes, he's the one that planned all of that! He is a twisted-minded person, you should get rid of him as soon as possible!
-What?! »
It was already too late. Those weren't my words and, by now, I could felt the same coldness grasping my voice and my words. Damn that Barry! I had to leave. Now!
« -Tommy, you're SO self-centred! Said Lori in a bitter voice. »
I tried to move, but my feet were glued to the ground. No words could describe how fucked up I was.
« -What's your point? Sighed Merton. You came yesterday evening at my house to tell me that we're not friend anymore, and now you want me to loose Barry too? I've already lost my greatest friend... »
My heart was breaking into pieces. I never saw Merton like this. He was looking depressed, cold, distant and lonely, even in Lori's company. His skin was paler than usual. He must have had stayed up all night. My wolf was waking up. I've always wanted to protect Merton, but against an enemy such as Barry, what could I do?
« -Barry's too good for you. I heared myself say. You deserve to have no friends at all! »
It was soul-destroying. At every second I could feel Merton's stiffening and Lori fuming. I suddenly understood how poor the confidence they were having in me was. They believed every word I was saying! How untrustfool of them! Merton was mute, but the second after, he was up, facing me.
« -Yeah? And what makes you say that? You're the one who deserves to have nobody! You're the worst friend anybody could have, and plus, you're a...! »
Shit! He was about to split my secret! Our altercation had attracted a lot of onlookers, and as he was nervous, Merton could have said that I was a werewolf! With all these folks gathered, many people could believe him, especially since they knew that the Pleasantville's werewolf could be anybody, but he didn't. He just kept silent, looking at me right in the eyes. He had thought note of friendship glint in his eyes. Hesitating, he repeated his phrase.
« -You're a... »
For the second time, he kept silent, then continued.
« -Who am I kidding? You're the best friend I've ever had... I can't do this to you. »
He lowered his eyes with sorrow.
« -You're pitiful. I declared. No wonder you're adopted. »
Merton's eyes widened. The crowd was holding its breath. I could feel Merton's pulse beating dramatically. Lori too was astonished. What the hell did I just say? The cafeteria was silent; no one dared to mutter a word. All of a sudden, Barry's ascendancy faded. In a pathetic attempt to catch my friend, I moved my hand, trying to grab Merton's shoulder.
« -Merton, I... »
But he flied away. Rushing out of the room, he pushed the double doors and disappeared. Lori recovered before I could move.
« -I didn't know you were like that Tommy... I hate you! »
She left too, following Merton. I tried to go, but my body wouldn't move, and suddenly, I was overwhelmed by the mass. The students were complimenting me, saying things like "Cool! At last you got rid of him!" or "I was starting to wonder if you would ever dare to tell him his four truths!". They were pushing me, happy for I don't really know what.
« -Wait! Leave me alone I... Don't push me! »
They weren't listening. Between two heads, I caught sight of Barry, grinning with all his teeth. The moment after, he was out.
« -No! Barry! Somebody stop him! Merton! Merton! »
