KYLE

"Kenny this is your house but do you mind if Stan and I use the bookshelves?" I ask.

"What do you have in mind?" he asked.

"I'm tired of seeing Stan live out of his suitcase," I state although I had only been there one drunk night. "I'm going to put out clothes and belongings on the shelves."

"That's fine by me," shrugged Kenny. "Most of my stuff is in the room in any way." I start to unpack my stuff. "So you and Stan getting along."

"We were not getting along," I told him.

"Then how come he didn't know you are gay?" asked Kenny. "He was hurt that you didn't tell him by the way." I want to curse Kenny out. I wanted to tell Stan when I'm ready. He took that away from me.

"I was going to tell him," I say lowly as I start to put some things on the shelf. "How did he take it?"

"I told you, he was hurt you didn't tell him," said Kenny. "I know we are not super close like that but we will always be friends Kyle. You need to talk to Stan. He doesn't understand why you stopped writing him as much. He's really confused."

"There is nothing for us to talk about," I say agitated. I feel my chest get tight because there is so much I want to say to Stan.

"I'm ordering a pizza tonight," said Kenny. "I don't feel like cooking. Any toppings you want?" I'm glad he changed the subject.

"I'm not picky, you can get whatever," I mumble. I continue on the task in front of me.

By the time the pizza arrives, I'm done putting Stan and my items on the shelf. I have us taking the bookshelf on the side of the bed we sleep on. Makes perfect sense. I used the boxes to hold our undergarments and socks. I hide the photo book of Stan and I. I don't want him seeing it. Our friendship is already weird and it doesn't need to get any weirder.

"You excited about this Wednesday?" asked Kenny.

"For what?" I question staring at the pizza on my plate not really wanting to eat although my tummy is growling.

"Cartman wanted us to meet at Stark Pond and hang out like we use to," said Kenny. "Although clearly, this time will be different since liquor will be involved." I can feel the color drain from my face. "Did you not know about this?"

"No…" I replied. Kenny gives me a sympathy face.

"I know it's hard being around Cartman after everything that has happened," said Kenny. "You could tell Stan and I'm sure he would understand."

"No," I say shaking my head no. "I can't."

"Why are you being so stubborn?" inquired Kenny. "It's just Stan for crying out loud. You make it sound like I'm asking you to tell a complete stranger."

"I don't need him knowing the horrible shit that happened to me," I reply trying not to get angry. "I literally dated my mortal enemy thinking he gave a damn about me but he didn't. Let's not forget the god damn bullying…." I stop talking because my chest starts to get tight.

"I'm sorry," apologized Kenny. "Forget I said anything," We hear keys and Stan walks into the apartment.

"Smells good in here," he noted.

"Just pizza," stated Kenny smiling. "How was your first day?" Stan laughed.

"It was good," he said. "I can make coffee but I'm still learning the other stuff. Do you know all the goods they have they bake there in the store?"

"No duh," said Kenny. "Why do you think so many people like them over Starbucks." Stan notices the shelves.

"I can see you did some rearranging," he states walking over to the pizza.

"I figured you were tired of living out of your suitcase," I state. Stan shrugs.

"Didn't matter to me," he replied. "Thanks though." Stan grabs two slices and sits on his side of the bed. Kenny is sitting with me on my side of the bed. "Think Cartman will allow us to reschedule that thing on Wednesday to Friday?"

"Probably," said Kenny. "Why?"

"I have to work Thursday but I at least have Saturday off," explained Stan.

"Fair enough," said Kenny. "I'll send him a text." I start to finally take bites of my pizza that is now cold. Kenny stands up. "I'm about to go call my lady and see how her day was." Stan smiles.

"You love you some Wendy huh?" he says laughing.

"Don't judge me, man," laughed Kenny making his way to his room. Great. Now we get to be alone together.

"Looks like you are settling in nicely," says Stan turning on the TV. "How was the rest of your day?"

"It was good," I reply. Stan chuckles.

"Did my clothes bring you good luck?" he asked.

"Oh….." I said looking down remembering I'm wearing his clothes. "Sorry I needed something to wear. I will wash them I swear."

"It's fine," said Stan. "Although I know you would wash it anyway. You got a grass stain on the back my short though."

"Shit really?" I question trying to see if I could see the grass stain.

"It's fine really," said Stan. Stan touches my back where the grass stain is. I shiver from his touch. I think he notices because he removes his hand quickly. "How did that happen?"

"I got in a mini fight with Craig," I explain. Stan looks confused.

"I thought you guys were friends," he says.

"We are," I reply. "He was flying off the handle for god knows what. He can do that from time to time. He pissed me off so I punched him in the face."

"Well alright then….." said Stan. "Have you started looking for a job?"

"I haven't had the chance," I reply hating that he sounds like a damn parent.

"I am not trying to push you," he explains. "I just don't want you to be homeless when I leave." When he leaves, yeah that is happening again. I can't stop the dull ache as I remember as quickly as he got here he is leaving….

"Thanks for the concern," I say lowly.

"Are you about to have an attack?" asked Stan. "You're kind of pale."

"No, I'm just tired," I announce standing. I'm totally lying. I would have an attack if I can't thinking about how everything is going to shit. "I'm going to go shower while it's free." Stan nods as I walk away wondering how the hell am I going to survive the next 3 months beside him.