:( I didn't have my beta's help with this chapter, so I hope its at the very least decent for others interest. But I hope he's okay (my beta) and is doing well. ^_^ Well SRE! (Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy!)

Embry Call

Why did you change?

- November 16th, autumn

9: 35am

By the time first period was over I had managed to recompose myself. Embry Call — a sophomore and a really good friend of mine and Leah's — had brightened my day considerably. He cheered me up and made me laugh the entire hour once he figured I was upset and I told him what had happened. I had already told him of Collin once before so just muttering his name was enough for him to get the hint. Embry was gay too, and it was no secret that he had a thing for me. He was cute. He had dark skin, short black hair and defined cheekbones and he was tall — taller than me anyways.

He and I met through Leah. He had her dance class, and once she found out he was gay, she just had to point him out to me. Eventually I introduced myself upon much of Leah's persistence that I did, and we clicked automatically. Afterwards we became really great friends, but nothing beyond that, much to his and my sister's discontent.

He was cute, but he wasn't my type. He was somewhat shy, which was adorable in its own way, but it wasn't enough. I'm a gymnast. I can be loud and carefree when I wasn't so intense in 'finding my centre' as coach would put it. But I needed someone who could handle that, as sometimes I have a tendency to fly out of control. Embry wouldn't be able to keep up, although he has always been there for me when I needed him. He was a great confidante.

"Don't worry about it Seth, everything will be fine." He assured me as we stalked out of our Geometry class. Geometry was terrible to have as your first hour. It could get so complicated, especially when your brain was only half functional at eight in the morning, but it did always wake me up.

"I don't know. I hope so." I said hoarsely, heaving a troubled sigh. I felt Embry's hand against my back and felt him rubbing in a circle, the motions soothing my ill-attitude as we sauntered down to his locker and he turned the dial to the correct numbers. I leaned against the locker beside his, my books in front of me. "I mean, no offense to you, but you're gay. Why don't they ever make fun of you?" I asked, genuinely interested.

Embry just chuckled and shook his head before opening the small metal door. "Because, they don't know me," he simply stated, shoving his books into his locker before he took mine from me and did the same. He closed it after grabbing his own Earth Science textbook. "They don't know I'm gay Seth. You're Leah's little brother that does gymnastics."

"Gymnastics isn't gay." I glowered, my tone vulgar. I took that offensively, although I don't exactly know why seeing as though I am gay, but I sometimes don't know why I do most of the things I do. Embry shook his head again and walked away. I followed behind him, maneuvering around the crowd of students striding up and down the hall.

"I didn't say it was, but you do wear a leotard." I gave him a sideways glare, noting him staring at me out his peripheral, smirking. "And you do have to swing around that pole like some acrobatic stripper, and don't even get me started with your warm-up exercises —"

"Alright, alright I get it." I chided, my glare never wavering as I interrupted. "I get your point. It could look…gay at times, but it isn't." I smirked to myself, my glare placating. "Dance is gayer." He only shrugged at my attempts to provoke him.

"Dance is artistic." He replied, not nearly as fumed as I was about his passion being ridiculed. He wasn't upset at all, and that made me even angrier for some reason — I don't know why. "Dance is the shit." He grinned turning to me, and I couldn't stop the smile from crossing my face. That big dumb grin. "But maybe you should ask them why they do it."

I scoffed. "I know why they do it." I growled. "It's because they're all homophobes who are probably only trying to cover up their own closeted fantasies about each other."

"Or Jake." He grinned again and I groaned. He had a thing for me, but he was obsessed with Jacob. It was like I said; everybody wanted a piece of that Black ass. It frustrated me how Embry could so blatantly be attracted to the boy while my sister was dating him. "Hey well, you won't give me a chance so my fantasies have to go somewhere." I groaned again. I wasn't going through this with him, not again.

"Whatever." I said, putting a stop to the inevitable and awkward conversation that would ensue if we lingered on the topic for too much longer. "What's your next class?" I asked in a desperate attempt to change subjects. He held his Earth Science book in front of my face.

"Ring a bell?" I just rolled my eyes and pushed it aside. "What about you?"

"Vocal." I seethed. I hated singing, simply because I couldn't sing and it felt like the vocal teacher — Mr. Hanson — was deliberately putting me on the spot to embarrass myself. I loved all the teachers, but I liked him the least. I heard Embry exaggerate a hiss.

"Ow, I'm sorry." But I knew he wasn't. The smile on his face told me he wasn't in the slightest bit sorry. He got a kick out of me embarrassing myself from all the stories I told him, and he wasn't the least bit sympathetic now.

"Liar." He laughed. When we reached the end of the hall I waved him off and we both went our separate ways. My vocal class wouldn't have been so bad if I or anybody else in there could actually sing. I mean, most of them could sing, but none compared to Jacob's voice, and I was always comparing, always!

X:~/~:X

- 11:15am

As expected, my music class sucked! Terribly! I swear I was beginning to loath Mr. Hanson, because not once, not twice, but three times had he put me on the spot. I couldn't get the notes right, and he kept saying I was flat or too sharp. I would just wonder, 'damn which one do you want? Do you want me to go higher or do you want me to go lower?'

Then he said something about a crescendo and I just quit. I don't even know why I had a music class, I'm a gymnast damn it! I don't sing! But I was grateful it was finally done and over with — until tomorrow. Damn!

I sauntered to my locker, and angrily twisted the dial to the correct numbers before snatching the door open, a scowl on my face as I waited for Embry to escort me to lunch — his choice, not mine. Man, I was really pissed off though, beyond pissed, livid even.

"Was it that bad?" I turned towards the voice and seen Embry grinning from ear to ear — at the glower on my face and at my misery more than likely. I didn't even hear him coming.

"I swear Em, I'm beginning to hate him more and more." I growled, and he shuffled around me and threw his book into my locker. I heard him chuckle.

"So much hatred inside such a little body." He laughed, but my glower just darkened. I was sick of him mocking me. I got enough of that from the jocks. Embry was about as tall as Leah, maybe 5"10, and I'm willing to put money on advocating that that's why the jocks didn't really mess with him. He wasn't as tall as they were, but he was much taller than me, which makes me easier prey. It was irksome. The way Embry always had something to say about my shortness. He's just mad because I won't go with him, and if he took a second to actually think about it, he would see that insulting me wasn't helping his chances in the least.

I balled my fist at my sides, diverting my glare to the ground as I bowed my head, toiling to assuage my eminent enragement.

"Hey, it's alright," he solaced; taking note of my indignation, and he again caressed my back in a soothing manner. "I was kidding. Everything will work out for you." He cooed condolingly, leaning his head down to whisper the words into my ear softly. I could feel him so close to me, nearly nipping my earlobe with his teeth, but it wasn't surprising that he had managed to alleviate most of my anger with those simple words. He was also able to settle me — strangely enough, not in a way that would justify me ever going on a date with him.

"Hey Embry." We both froze, turning up to the voice reluctantly. It was Jasper, and — from what I can see from the side of Embry — his boyfriend Edward was with him. They both stopped in front of Embry. Both Edward and Jasper were seniors, openly gay too, and perhaps the second and third icons of people's fantasies, for boys and girls.

Jasper Whitlock. He was exceptionally tall, about 6"1. He had curly blonde hair that fell passed his shoulders, alabaster skin, hazel green eyes, and he was an aspiring actor. He was one for the Southern roles; the dusty cowboy, the long ranger, the man who doesn't love his wife anymore but tolerates her because she's his baby's momma. He was into those kinds of roles, and was damned good at them, especially the latter one. He won an award for it. But I think what makes him suitable for those parts is his thickly sensual southern accent. That accent can make a girl's panties drop and give a boy the hardest arousal he ever experienced. I had wanted him, at one point in time.

Edward Masen. He was about 5"11. His hair was disarrayed, but in a sexy way that it fell around his face perfectly, and it was the color of copper pennies. He had the same alabaster complexion as Jasper, and the same hazel green eyes. He was a phenomenal pianist. I once heard him play a segment of Beethoven's Sinatra, and organize a piece done by David Foster, both done phenomenally. He was the suave` type. He didn't have a thick, erotic accent like Jasper, but his voice was smooth and sweet, like honey. I had wanted him too, at one point in time.

I had wanted both of them, but the only problem I had with them was, "Hey…" Jasper drawled uncertain. The only problem with me and them is that they never remembered my name. Guessing from the way Jasper was looking at me, with that suspicious look, he probably wanted to call me something that wasn't even remotely close to my name, like Cooper or Anthony — two names they've referred to me as in the past.

"Seth," I supplied for him, somewhat vexed by the constant reminder. I could hear Embry snickering beside me, and I groaned. The bastard knew that neither of them could ever remember my name, and it just tickled him pink whenever he was reminded.

I never even understood how they could recall Embry's name, but not mine. Mine was much easier to remember. I mean really, what the hell is an Embry?

I had asked Embry about it once before, and his bullshit answer was a shrug and then he had said, "I don't know, but I think Jasper's got a crush on me or something," then he grinned, "I'd totally hit that," which I then groaned disgustedly afterwards at.

He had a damn feeling — more of an implausible hunch in my opinion — that Jasper had a crush on him. I don't think so. It was hard to believe since — from what I heard — Edward and Jasper have been together ever since their freshmen year, which means they've been together longer than Jacob and Leah, and the latter couple looked as though they couldn't be anymore in love with each other. Jasper and Edward's feelings had to be eloquent in comparison.

"Right." Jasper smiled softly. "I was going to say that." I tried to give a smile in returned, but it hadn't mattered since in the next instant he turned back to Embry.

"Hey Jazz…Ed." Embry greeted perpetual with a nod, showing his teeth. The bastard. "What's goin' on?" Jasper shook his head, his smile broadening into a subtle grin.

"Nothing really, just…" he trailed, his smile dissolving almost abruptly. I traced his eyes down Embry's shoulder and down the arm that was still placed on the middle of my back. "Oh," Jasper recollected. "Are you two…an item?" He asked, now staring at me with his blended gems. I could've sworn I heard what sounded like disappointment smoldered in his tone. I didn't think twice of it though.

"No," I answered before Embry could, and moved away from under the comfort of his hand. I turned back to Jasper, who seemed to have brightened up simultaneously, but again I took little to no notice at his illumined face. I noted Embry roll his eyes in my peripheral, but I ignored him.

"Oh," he chirped, and turned back to Embry. "Well listen, Edward and I were going out maybe tonight or tomorrow…care to join us? It could be like a double date." He hesitated a moment before turning to me and adding, "You two would come as friends of course."

"But we're not —" rudely, and quite enthusiastically, Embry interrupted me, evidently ecstatic about the idea.

"Hell yeah!" He agreed excitedly. "We'll be there."

But before I could express my disinterest, Jasper replied: "Great. I would love to see you both there," although his hazel gems were intensely tamed upon Embry. His tone was too suggestive, but I took no heed in the matter, only endeavoring to escape the date with Embry. But again, before I could divulge in my disregards to attend, Edward spoke for the first time.

"We should go," he told his boyfriend. "We'll be late for our next class." Jasper nodded to him before turning back to us, grinning.

"Say, seven?" Embry nodded, enlarging Jaspers grin further. "See you guys there," and again his eyes were stubbornly trained on Embry, and again, I didn't care to notice as Jasper gave him a quick wink. Embry turned to me once they were gone, an even bigger grin than Jaspers protruding from his face. It was just out there.

"Looks like we're going on a date." I groaned and rolled my eyes before irritably slamming my locker close, hearing the metallic clank of the contraption locking on its own accord before I stormed off down the hall.

"As friends," I reminded once he caught up to me. I didn't want him to get the wrong idea. This was not a date date, this was only a friendly affair, and that was all. Nothing more, nothing less. The circumstance was that we only went as friends, but knowing him, he wouldn't care. It was a date in his eyes, and not just an amiable one, but a romantic one. Turning to look at him I could tell that he was thinking just that.

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say." I groaned again, and accepted that it was hopeless. In his eyes, if it was a date, then I had better believe it's going to be a date! Damn you Jasper.

X:~/~:X

- 12:00pm

Once lunch was over, I had become victim to an anxious feeling stirring in my gut. But it wasn't from what you think. It wasn't the food, although that would be understandable. The food wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't homemade. But no, the feeling surfaced from the thought of going to my third hour class…Paul was in there.

Embry had dismissed himself and headed over to his History class that was about five doors down from my English class once I convinced him that I'd be fine. I now stood in front of the doorway, mesmerized by trepidation and uncertainty, thinking that I could perhaps skip the class, but that was out of the question.

Kim — a gymnast, and another good friend of mine — had the same class, and I was positive she would inquire to Leah if had come today whenever she got around to asking her, which I knew she would, eventually. Leah would give me hell for skipping, which cancelled the thought out almost immediately, a part of me still dangerous enough to consider it.

But my deliberation on the thought was short lived when my English teacher, Mrs. Locke, caught me at the door. "Good afternoon, Seth." She greeted politely, but I hardly took notice. Other students were trampling around me to get through the door, and my arm would occasionally be shoved out the way to make room.

"Seth, you can come on in." She said, smiling. I heard nothing. I couldn't even perceive the incessant clamor of the students filing through the hallway from the first lunch period. I didn't hear the active stomping of kids running, being properly energized from the "meal", and nor did I hear the tempestuous bellowing of excitement from the students lingering about, chattering with their confidantes, boyfriends and girlfriends. The noises around me were silenced in my state of fear.

I didn't understand why I always felt this way everyday before arriving at my English class, especially when I didn't even know what Paul looked like, but I was ascertain that he knew exactly how I looked, and I knew for a fact that he didn't like what I was one bit. But the fear was undeniable either way it went. The fear of, what if today is the day he felt the need to introduce himself to me, to show me he didn't accept who I was at all! The thoughts of what he would do — especially since I suspected the fact that he was indeed a fighter — was paralyzing.

"Seth? Sweetheart, are you okay?" Mrs. Locke asked me, genuinely concerned as she pulled me to the side of the door, staring into my eyes. "Is something wrong? Are you feeling well?" She put her hand to my forehead. Her hand was cold, and I blinked out of my reverie. "It doesn't feel like you have a fever," she determined. "Is everything okay?"

I loved Mrs. Locke. She was possibly the nicest woman I ever met. I gave her a smile, despite the apprehension in my gut, and shook my head. "I'm fine." I said as reassuringly as possible. She didn't look convinced. "I'm fine Mrs. Locke, really." Of course it was a lie, but why should I bother her with my problems?

Her gaze was intense against mine as she bent down to eye level with me, grabbing my shoulders. "Are you sure?" She asked, anxious, but I just nodded. She stood her full length after a short while, and tore the immensity of her gaze from me. She gave my arms a few solacing strokes before sighing softly. "Okay," she submitted. "But you make sure you tell me if anything is wrong, you hear me? If you feel sick and feel as though you're about to throw up, you have my permission to leave the room. I'll understand."

"Okay." I answered my smile still in place. She nodded towards the door, gesturing me to go inside, and, hesitantly, I did. I bowed my head as I stumbled to my desk before I slipped into the cold chair. I was at least glad that Paul never came to class before me, he would surely see me if he ever had.

He and Mrs. Locke always got into it about him being late, that's when I knew he would come, and that's when I would make sure I bowed my head to my chest to elude his gaze. That's how I've always avoided him, and that's how I would avoid him today. Now, the only thing left to do was to wait…

I had this chapter done for a very long time, but never posted because I wanted to wait on my beta, but considering that many people seemed to like the story so far I figured I'd posted it and say Merry Christmas! Lol! ^_^

So tell me your intake, and happy holidays everyone! :)