It had been over a week since David had found out. All of Jacks friends had abandoned him. All except Race, that went without saying. Seeing as he was considered a social leper too. They were each other's support system. David wouldn't so much as look at him. He had gone so far as to ask Denton if he could switch seats with someone so he wouldn't have to deal with Jack. Jack could understand that, really he could. He hadn't made things easy by trying to corner David the day after everything happened. Jack followed him everywhere. Mush was the one who had threatened death if he didn't back off. Which took everyone by surprise, because Mush wasn't the violent type.
Jack spent the entire class watching David from across the room. Denton had given up trying to get his attention. He would have to talk to him after class. He could feel the tension between them all week. It was time someone tried to step in. The bell rang and he asked David and Jack to stay for a few minutes. He leaned against his desk and crossed his arms in front of him.
"What is going on with you two? Last week you two were inseparable."
"Ask him." David said leaning back in his chair and folding his arms over his chest.
Denton looked over at Jack who was looking at his hands.
"Jack?"
"I tried to apologize. He won't listen."
"It couldn't have been that bad David." Denton said trying to reason with him.
"Have you ever had someone lie to you? Have you ever had someone you trusted make a fool out of you?"
"Well, no."
"Then you don't understand. Can I go now?" David asked standing.
"Go." Denton said rolling his eyes.
David walked out of the room without looking back.
"Whatever you did Mr. Kelly, I suggest you make it right." Denton said as kids started coming into the room for the next class.
XXXX
After school Race was walking through the parking lot when he saw Morris and Oscar. They were sitting on the hood of Morris's car. Which was parked next to Race's. Race walked up to them minding his own business. Until he heard Oscar mention Jack and David. He slowed his pace trying to eavesdrop. The two of them didn't notice him as he casually walked past them. The word fag was thrown around a lot. Race remembered that. Then Morris said something that made him stop.
"You had Davey eating out of your hand. That was priceless." He said with a laugh.
"He'll never know it was me."
Race had to keep his anger in check so he wouldn't slide across his hood to beat the hell out of them. Had they really not seen him? Or were they really as stupid as everyone thought? Race pulled out of the parking lot and made his way over to Jack's.
He wasn't used to being Jack's voice of reason. That was usually Skittery's job. But right now that couldn't be helped. Jack had been pacing his front yard for the past half an hour. Mush drove by a few minutes earlier and Blink got out of the car without looking at either of them.
Race noticed him though. Mush drove to the end of the cul-de-sac and turned around. He caught Race's eye before looking away. But Race saw the apologetic look he gave him. He never should have pressured Jack into the bet. He knew Jack didn't want to do it so why did he keep it going? All he wanted was for his best friend to be happy. Was that too much to ask? He had been happy for a while. Everyone had noticed the change. Now that was over because Race had to stick his nose where it didn't belong.
"So they never noticed you?" Jack asked finally saying something.
"No." Race said shaking his head.
"Idiots." Jack muttered as he flopped down on the grass next to Race.
"So what are you going to do?"
"I've tried everything I can think of. It doesn't help that he's got everybody we know looking out for him."
"Maybe you can ambush him." Race said shrugging his shoulders.
"Yeah, that would go over really well. He'd get a restraining order against me." Jack said rolling his eyes.
"Have you tried to talk to Blink?"
"No. Have you?"
"No."
"I think I've got an idea. I'll call you tonight." Jack said before getting up.
Race watched him walk away. If he was going to talk to Blink then Race should be there. This was partly his fault. He needed a chance to apologize too. Race shook his head as he made his way back into his house. Hopefully Blink would be able to help.
XXXX
"You want me to do what?"
"Get David over here. If you're here he'll have to listen."
"Why would I make a difference?" Blink asked giving Jack a weird look.
"Because he trusts you."
"He trusts Skitts and Mush too. But you're not asking them to put their necks on the line."
"Come on Blink. Work with me here." Jack said pleading with him.
"I'll see what I can do." Blink said with a sigh.
"That's all I'm asking for."
"But I'm not making any promises." Blink said trying to reason with him.
"I trust you."
"I'll talk to him tomorrow." Blink said shaking his head.
"Let me know what happens."
Jack walked away hoping Blink would be able to get through to David. Blink was an honest guy, Jack knew that. So Jack knew that Blink would try his hardest to get David to listen. It was up to David to make the next move. Because Jack was getting tired of being pushed away.
