The next day Tyler was sent back to school. He did his best to quietly make his way through the crowds of people unnoticed. He didn't much care about the strange looks he was receiving from classmates wondering about his recent shift in personality and overall demeanor.
As he rummaged through his locker for the correct books for his next few classes he noticed that Jeremy was now standing beside him watching patiently as he grabbed each book and placed it into his open backpack.
"Hey how have you been, man?" Jeremy eased into the conversation, realizing Tyler was aware of his presence and not acknowledging him.
Tyler didn't know what to say. His life had been rocked blatantly out of control recently therefore an honest answer would probably be taken personally by the younger teen and not how Tyler actually meant it. Things with Jeremy were a whole different issue that Tyler had no clue how to approach.
Jeremy wasn't new to dealing with Tyler and was subsequently able to look past Tyler's chosen silence.
"This might be strange but…um…. can you like come over for dinner?" Jeremy said and noted the amused yet perplexed reaction plainly displayed on Tyler's face.
"You know I have no clue what to say, right? Nothing needs to be weird. It's just like to be convinced that you are fine, for my own sake." Jeremy rambled on as he usually did.
"What exactly do you mean, Gilbert?" Tyler questioned, finally looking Jeremy's way.
"I don't know. You seem messed up lately, then you disappear…. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that I care if you are ok." Jeremy replied, putting himself out there a bit knowing he had to because Tyler never would.
Tyler closed his locker and zipped up his bag. "Alright ill be over later." He said with a last glance at Jeremy who could see a half smile on Tyler's lips. Jeremy stood there watching Tyler walk away, pleased that the conversation had gone well.