Drew's POV
I was trembling in my mom's car as she drove me to school for the first time since Adam's suicide. I was terrified for what was going to come. I can feel it now. Everyone blaming me, people thanking Mike and Cam for getting rid of the "school tranny" as most people still called him. Life just couldn't get any worse in my opinion. As mom pulled up to the school, I looked at the empty backseat that my little brother used to fill. I sighed and felt Mom hold my hand.
"Do you want to go back home?" she asked gently.
"No… no, I want to come today. I don't feel like running away. Not anymore. Adam wouldn't want that." I said to her. "It's just…"
Mom sighed. "I miss him too, Drew. Believe me, I'm struggling. The entire family is."
I let go of Mom's hand. "I should go. I'll see you when I get home." I said, getting out the car. "I… I love you." I honestly think that was the first time where I said that statement first.
"I love you too. Just do your best today. I'll see you when you get home." She said, driving away.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside the school. The second I set foot in the hallways, the school fell completely silent. Everyone stared, and I swear to God I heard a pin drop.
"Can I help any of you?" I spat. Everyone then went back to their talking partners.
I walked through the halls and I could hear people whispering about me. All about Adam.
"Didn't his brother just die?"
"He must be in so much pain."
"Poor Drew."
Others were more... Irritating, but I'd rather not mention those.
Suddenly, I noticed Katie walking towards me. Shit. Of all things that could happen, she had to show up. I sighed as she walked up to me. For the first time, she actually wasn't scowling at me.
"D-Drew?" she said to me.
"Katie, please, not today. I know I ruined your life and I'm sorry. But my brother just-"
"Drew… I just wanted to tell you that I was sorry about Adam." She said quietly.
"Oh… um, thanks Katie. I appreciate it." I told her. What Katie didn't know is that I have extraordinary hearing. As she walked away, I heard her mumble something.
"God obviously took the wrong Torres."
Unbelievable, but very understandable.
The first 3 classes went by ok. Even though I felt a billion eyes burning into my skin, I was actually able to focus in class without thinking about Adam or what Katie said or anything. I had a 4th period spare and I had no idea what to do with it. I spent it walking around campus for the first five minutes when KC walked up to me from behind. He also had a 4th period spare.
"Drew, wait up!" he called after me before jogging up to me.
"Hey KC." I said.
"Hey." He said. "I'm really sorry about your brother man. Need anyone to talk to, I'm here."
"Thanks KC. Really, thanks." I told him. It may not look like it since the both of us get way too preoccupied with our own drama to actually hang out, but KC is one of my best friends. So technically that statement wasn't necessary.
"Course. So, you wanna head to the weight room?" he asked me.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. But… they might be there and I don't wanna do anything risky." I said. Honestly, if Dallas or Cam were to say one thing to me, I was ready to grab a knife and slit their throats on the spot. KC chuckled for some reason. "What's so funny?"
"No, nothing. It's just kinda surprising that you actually think they still go here."
"Wait, what are you trying to say?" I asked, curious.
"Drew, they were expelled before we even found out about Adam. Sent back to Florida to be exact. Didn't anyone tell you?" he asked.
"Uh… no, actually no one told me." I was kinda shocked. I mean, I've known Degrassi to be tolerant when it came to bullying. Owen and Fitz were still around after the door incident, Katie and Marisol were off scot free after what they did to Imogen (I think I was the only one that cared besides Fiona), and the list could go on forever. But I'm not complaining at all. I'm happy that I don't have to commit homicide in the school's locker room. But don't think they're getting away that easily. "I think I'll take you up on that offer for the weight room."
As I went to the locker room to change, I spotted Owen putting on socks talking to Tristan.
"I'm just glad they're gone." Owen spat as Tristan nodded. "No need for anyone else getting punished by them."
Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Like who?"
KC spoke up as we walked in. "Like you. You should probably go to class, niner."
Tristan nodded and left. "And to think, I was associated with such… Scum. I mean, I thought I was bad, but…" Owen sighed. "I'm really sorry about Adam man. He was a good kid. I hate that it came to that."
"Thanks, Owen." I told him. "Psh, Florida."
"What about it?" KC asked.
I figured I might as well tell them. I have nothing to lose. "They think going back to Florida is gonna save them from this situation… save them from me. But boy, they are so wrong."
KC and Owen both looked at each other and started laughing. It kinda pissed me off. "What the FUCK is so funny!" I yelled. The both of them stopped.
"Wait… You're serious?" KC asked, eyes widened.
"What do you think?" I said blankly.
"Drew… thats not good. You're sounding like a crazy person."
"THEN CALL ME A FUCKING PSYCHO KC!" I said with a sinister smile on my face as I returned to my locker.
Owen rested a hand on my shoulder and sighed. "Listen, Drew. What happened to Adam shouldn't have happened, and I'm just as pissed off and disgusted as you are, especially since Adam and I were actually getting along. You have every right to be as angry as you want. But, please, let karma take care of this one, ok? You remember the last time you couldn't leave well enough alone, right?"
"Owen, let me ask you something. If Tristan was the one that killed himself, and you knew exactly who caused his anger and frustration in the first place, how exactly would you react. Really, if you had a chance to do what you wanted with them, what would you do?" I asked.
Owen looked down to the ground.
"Well?" I asked.
He sighed. "I'd murder them and make it look like an accident."
I smirked. "That's what I thought. Neither of you realize how furious I feel. So I suggest you respect my feelings right now and back off. Comprenden?" I asked.
They nodded.
"Bueno!" I said. "Now, let's go to the weight room."
I walked away without them, mumbling to myself in Spanish, something I do when frustrated. "Estan llamando loco. Yo les voy a monstrar una locura."
Eli's POV
It was lunchtime at Degrassi and I was sitting by myself for the first time in a year. A year. Damn, it's crazy isn't it? I know being by myself is usually my thing, but with Adam not being around, lunchtime really….. sucked. I honestly wanted friends around, or someone around at least. For the first time, being alone actually made me feel… lonely. I got up from my spot by the theater and walked into the café. As I scanned the room, I noticed how grouped everyone was. Jesus nonexistent Christ, this school is becoming more and more of a cliché.
The "school president" group: Katie, Marisol, Mo, others.
Psh, the hell I am.
The Christians: Becky, Luke, that Asian guy whose name is also Luke, etc
If I learned anything from the school play… Hell no.
Jake, Clare, Dave, Alli, and Jenna.
Doesn't sound too horrible, but me and Jake still feel awkward toward each other.
The niners: Tristan and….
Who's that lanky black-haired dude? Trying to steal my look?
The jocks: Owen, KC, Connor (yes, Connor), and…. Drew
I'm gonna get awkward looks by everyone, but what the hell, let's do it!
As I grabbed my peanut butter and jelly, I shakily walked over to their table. I stood behind there for a while and finally worked up the courage to say something. I cleared my throat and everyone looked at me.
"Um… Hi." I said, nervously. "C-Can I sit?"
They all looked at each other and I looked down at my shoes. Of course they didn't want me around. I felt that lump in my throat that I just couldn't swallow.
"Uh… Sorry." My voice cracked. "It's just been a little uh…"
"Sure." I heard Owen of all people say. "Grab a chair."
I smiled a little and sat down in the chair next to Drew. "Uh thanks."
"Course… And uh, we're sorry about Adam, man." Owen told me.
"All of us." KC added.
"Eli knew Adam?" Connor also added, getting a "shut up" nudge from KC.
I raised my eyebrows at them. "Oh, um… Thanks guys. You guys are the first people to actually say something like that to me… Except for some other kid. Uh… jew fro, grade 11. He's a sarcastic little bastard but he's kinda cool. Damn, I cant think of his-"
"Liam!" KC smiles, sounding a bit too excited. Everyone gave him a look. "What? I have AP Biology with him. He's pretty funny. Nice guy."
"Uh-oh." Drew spoke up. "KC, you're not cheating on Connor, are you?"
"Oh no! But we shipped you two so hard!" Owen laughed, playfully pinching KC's cheek. "Don't tell me we'll be seeing LC… no, Kiam!"
"Shut up." KC snapped, then took Connor's hand. I was utterly shocked. "You know Connor's my one and only."
My eyes widened to the point of popping out their sockets. "Wow… Um, how long have you two been together?"
KC let go of Connor's hand. "We were uh… Joking, Eli." Connor said.
"Yeah. Kinda goes around at this table. Connor and I just decided to embrace it."
Damn, I was hoping to ask for advice. A small moment of silence went by, and I started laughing, kind of out of nowhere. They all gave me puzzled looks, but then joined in. For the first time, I felt like I was apart of a group. I was getting along with people. I mean, Owen was treating me like a human being. OWEN FREAKIN MILLIGAN! It was a nice feeling. I don't exactly feel like I belong or anything, it's only been 20 minutes, but I feel… let's say welcomed. And the best part, for them my name was Eli. Not 'emo boy' or 'scene kid'. It was just Eli, and I liked it that way.
"Um, thanks guys. It's kinda nice over here." I told them. "Sorry if I'm intruding in you guys' group or anything. It's just uh…" I felt that lump in my throat again and everyone had their eyes watching me.
"It's just been lonely since… Since Adam…" my lip began to quiver and I felt a tear roll down my face. Shit, this is beyond embarrassing . "Excuse me." I got up and speed-walked to the bathroom.
Damn, that was literally one of the worst moments in my entire life. And if that's not bad enough, I'm ugly crying in the bathroom with my guyliner running down my face. Hell, by the way I was acting I was pretty sure I was in the wrong washroom. Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door.
"Eli?" I heard Drew. "I'm coming in."
The second he walked in I clutched onto him like my life depended on it. I didn't even bring my head up, but I feel like I should've because something didn't feel right. For starters, Drew usually hugs back, and secondly, I'm usually on his shoulder. I'm kinda getting some boob here. As I let go of him, I was taken by surprise.
"AH!" I jumped as I saw, not Drew, but KC. "KC… Um, I uh…"
He put a hand up to stop me. "It's cool, Eli. I probably should've announced myself before walking in. Then again I didn't expect you to just… grab on to me."
An awkward silence went by and I noticed the black smudge on his right pectoral. "Um… sorry, I got some of my uh…"
KC looked down and saw it. "Oh, no it's ok. It'll come out." He said, leaning on the sink. Suddenly, the warning bell rang.
"We should get to class." I said, trying to get out of there as quick as possible. I've already embarrassed enough in front of people I don't know.
"Uh, no. I wanted to talk to you." He said.
"But, KC you'll be-"
"I don't care. Hell, don't you think it's time we knew each other? I mean, I'm the jealous ex-boyfriend that totally fucked up his life, you're the ex that fucked up his… hearse. And besides, do you really want to go to class looking like a girl that just saw Justin Bieber?"
I sighed and sat down. "I guess skipping class would be a better option right now. So… as you know, I'm Eli… uhh, play writer, school loner… I don't exactly know where to go from-"
"Crush on Drew Torres?"
My eyes widened. Ok, seriously, I thought Imogen was the stalker in the school. How the bloody fuck does KC, KC fucking Guthrie, know about my feelings about Drew. I haven't told a damn soul! Not even Drew himself (well, of course I haven't.).
"What the hell makes you think that?" I spat. "KC I don't know where you got that type of assumption, but I'm not gay. Trust me. Clare? Imogen? Hello? I've even tried looking up Fiona's skirt a few times! How could you even think that?" Ok, that last one obviously wasn't true, but I just wanted to seal the deal.
"Hey, dude it's ok, I'm not one to judge. And I never called you gay. It's just obvious." KC said with a witty smirk, almost like mine.
Ok, I'm not even sure if he's trying to piss me off or not, but he definitely succeeded. "Go rot, KC. I didn't think I could find anyone with more research skills than Imogen, but I guess I did. So stay the fuck away from me because I find it immensely creepy." I said, standing up.
KC was taken back a little. "Eli, I'm not trying to research you. It's just that… um…"
"What? Just that WHAT!" I was really getting frustrated.
"Well, since we're being truthful here… It's just that you watch him the way I watch Liam…" he muttered, looking away from me.
Well I'll be damned. He may have been joking about Connor, but the guys weren't wrong about him liking Liam. I immediately softened up and looked at him.
"Wait, KC, are you…"
"Gay? God, no. Honestly, I don't even know. I mean, for God's sake I have a kid. That's why I wanted to talk to you… or at least half the reason. I figured we were in the same situation and I wanted some advice." He told me.
"Oh… Well, I don't know about myself either to be honest. It's so freaky, you know? Never in my life have I ever thought about a guy this way. No other guy has ever turned me on but-"
KC put his hand up to stop me. "Let me guess. There's just something about him?"
He literally just took the words right out my mouth. "Exactly… That's exactly what I was going to say."
KC nodded. "Like, it doesn't feel gay, it just feels-"
It was just my turn to finish his sentence. "... Right."
"Yeah…"
"He's got those big blue-"
"Eyes. And that nice-"
"Hair. And his personality is just so… so…"
"Adorable..." KC chuckled. "Uh, are you sure we aren't-"
"Twins?" I said, and we both laughed." Ok, I'm done now."
"You know, Goldsworthy, you aren't as bad and scary as people depict you to be. There's a heart in there. A warm, gentile heart." KC told me, and that was probably the nicest thing anyone, even Clare, has said to me before.
"And you aren't the douchebag everyone says you are, Guthrie. And um… I'm sure you miss your son a lot more than people think." I told him. And he smiled, and his smile practically said 'thank you'.
"That's… another thing I wanted to talk to you about."
"Kids? Um… I don't think I can help you there." I told him.
"No… Losing people." He frowned, and I frowned along with him. "Sorry about the U-turn in emotion."
"Look KC, I don't want to get into it, alright?" I said.
"Ok, then I'll just make this quick. Eli, most people would apologize to you about death and stuff like that, and they would always say they know how you feel." Oh shit, here we go.
"KC if you think for a second that you know how I feel-"
KC interrupted. "Bro, trust me. I know how it feels to lose someone, ok? I do apologize about Adam. And I do know how you feel. I've lost pretty much everyone I've known. Dad was hauled off to jail right in front of me. My group home buddies were killed, 2 actually. My son was torn from my life in an instant. So um… I get it ok?" KC said, voice cracking. Didn't think I'd ever see this side of KC. "Just… Come to someone who understands, alright?" I nodded.
"We should um… get to our next class before our teachers throw bitch fits." I said with a smirk.
"Yeah… leave about 3 minutes after me, kay?"
I nodded and watched him leave. Before I knew it, I had made myself a new friend. And the best part is that he understood. He got me, even though he was some guy I used to hate. Even though filling the hole in my heart that Adam once filled is utterly IMPOSSIBLE, having KC around made it hurt… a lot less. As I walked out of the bathroom, I smirked, feeling myself fill up with newfound confidence about Drew. Walking down the halls, I heard the hockey jocks conversing in the locker.
"They were good players, it's a shame they had to be expelled." One said.
"Yeah, but I guess Florida is was they deserved."
Wait… They're in Florida…?
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the extra long chapter! This is the longest chapter I've ever written. Okay, onto the mystery quote.
"You guys are taking that "Whatever It Takes" quote in the weight room to a new level. I think it's a great idea!"