The schoolweek had started again. Both Goresky and Jacque were feeling a great deal better, as they'd had two days to recover and recoup. They felt normal enough to be going back to school. But then as they both entered their first class, they realized something they'd forgotten. Out of the four classes of each day, they had three with one another. That had been perfectly well before. But now... all it meant was more trouble and tension. How could they avoid each other when they were in the same room? To at least prevent being close, they both sat in different seats at different ends of their classroom. Strangely enough, however, they kept sneaking glances at each other, for whatever reason. They both caught each other, at one point, staring at one another, and quickly turned away, embarrassed. And so, they obviously weren't paying much attention. Which was unfortunate when their professor asked Goresky a question. When the warthog did not respond, the teacher came over, and whacked his pointer stick across Goresky's desk, startling him rather so. "-Master Warthogg!" Could you please answer the question??" The whole class, including Jacque, had their eyes upon him. Goresky felt his face grow hot. "-Uhhh... ummm... might you repeat the question, sir?" A few giggles and sniggering was heard. The professor; Master Young, frowned at him, sternly. "-No." But might I ask that you pay attention in class instead, Master Warthogg?" I understand that it's the first class of the day, but if you expect to get any work done and a grade in this class, I strongly suggest that you get your head out of 'la-la' land, and participate in class discussion." Is that clear??" Goresky's cheeks were flushed pink, in humiliation. "-Yes sir," he responded, quietly. Master Young rapped, "-Speak up." "-Yes sir!" the warthog said in a more audible tone. Jacque was angered at their professor's harshness to his friend. *-What a fucking jackass!* This thought was a surprising one, considering the feline wasn't much of a swearing person. Seeing the crushed look on Goresky's face, he wished he could say something to cheer his companion. But that wasn't such an easy task, considering they were across the room from one another and the whole awkward tension thing from the weekend's events. The only thing Jacque could do was stare down at his desktop surface, and sigh heavily.
Next class was somewhat better, as Goresky and Jacque had different classes, and were able to feel more at ease and focused. Yet somehow, the dread of what would come next had them on edge and nerve-wracked. It seemed years up to the time before the lunchbell FINALLY rang. And so, remembering that their lockers were close together, Jacque stopped at a water fountain near the bathroom, so Goresky would be gone by the time he was done. Goresky sighed with emotional exhaustion, shoving some of his textbooks into his locker. As he closed the door, it was as if someone 'magically' appeared right next to him. "-Hey Goresk." "-AH!" he yelped, jumping back in surprise. Chislett chuckled, "-Whoa!!" Someone's a tad jumpy..." Is the chronic making you paranoid or somethin'?" Goresky breathed. "-Very funny Chis..." I just had a stupid first class, that's all." Give me a break." He leaned over and picked up his backpack. His brother shook his head. "-Damn... sorry to hear bro." But hey... it's History class right?" That Master Young dude is an asshole, anyways." The dickweed is always lookin for an excuse to bitch at someone." Goresky had to grin at that. "-Nice choice of words, little brother." Chislett smirked, "-Why thank you." Heh... and they say I'm doin' lousy in English... yeah right!" The elder brother rolled his eyes. *-Just humour the kid...* "-So we heading to the lunchroom then?" Chislett broke his thoughts. Goresky paused. Going to the lunchroom meant sitting at their table. And Jacque sat at their table. Which meant Jacque would sit with them. Which was exactly what Goresky did NOT want. "-Uhhh... well... actually I was thinking of eating outside." Since it's pretty nice out today and all." That wasn't a lie at least, thought Goresky. "-Oh okay!" Chislett said. "I'll go tell Jacque!" Be right back!" Goresky gulped, "-No Chis, wait-!" But he was already rushed off. The warthog groaned. Turning around, and heading for the school doors, all he could hope for is either that Chislett couldn't find Jacque or that Jacque would refuse to come out.
The younger warthog brother bolted into the bathroom, where he'd seen Jacque go in a few minutes before. Jacque was standing at the sinks, washing up. Chislett grinned and jumped in. He yelled out, "-I AM WARTHOGG, HEAR ME WHORE, NOW WHO'S YOUR DADDY AND WHAT DOES HE DO?!?" Jacque yelped in surprise, whirling around to see his friend. Breathing rapidly, regaining calmness, the feline panted, "-Chislett... don't DO that!" I swear you just about gave me a heart attack!" Crud..." The warthog shook his muzzle, gleefully. "-Man... what is WITH you people today??" Could you be any twitchier?" "-It's 'more twitchy' Chis," Jacque corrected him. Chislett snorted, "-Oh don't you go start giving me your grammar critiques again!" Who gives a shit anyways??" Jacque rolled his eyes. "-Whatever floats your boat..." Remembering why he had sought Jacque out in the first place, the warthog spoke, "-Anyways, I just came to find to you to tell ya that Goresky suggested eating lunch outside today." Wanna come with?" Jacque paused for a moment. "-Uhhh... nyah, I don't think so," he responded. "It being cold out and all." Chislett blinked. "...It's sunny outside, Jacq." Haven't you noticed?" Y'know... the bright rays of light coming in the windows... the shortage of heavy jackets being worn?" The feline blushed. "-Err... yeah, well... hey, I better stay inside anyways... gotta study for class, mind you." His companion raised a skeptical eyebrow. "-What class would that be for?" Jacque swallowed. "-History... what else?" Chislett didn't seem convinced. "-How come Goresk didn't say anything about it then?" And why wouldn't you guys study together like you usually do?" His friend chewed his lip, thinking. "-Well... Goresky kinda had a nasty time in class today and-" "-Yeah I know, he told me," the warthog cut in. "-Right... so yeah, I think he'll probably study later instead... probably just wants to get History off his mind right now, you know." Chislett gave a sigh. "-I guess so..." Seeing he was disappointed, Jacque tried to reassure him. "-Hey... there's always next class, right?" I'll catch up with ya then, 'kay Chis-man?" The warthog, remembering this, seemed a tad cheered up. "-Alrighty then Jacq-dude." We'll see ya then!" "-Later," Jacque said in farewell, as Chislett walked out of the restroom. As the lynx/caracal hybrid picked up his backpack, a thought came to him. *"We'll see ya then!"* Chislett's words repeated in his head. He said 'we'll'. We meant more than one person. As in not just Chislett. Which meant... Goresky. Jacque's backpack fell from his hand to the floor with a bang. He closed his eyes, grimacing, as he groaned outloud, "-Oh... SHHIIIT!"
Both the warthog and feline were terrified of the next class coming up. After all, HOW could they avoid each other when Chislett was there, without having him notice and be suspicious of the isolationist tension between them? The lunch bell rang, signaling them back to class, and both practically choked in fear. Goresky forced his feet to move, one in front of the other, trailing behind his younger brother, to their Chemistry class. Jacque, however, got to the classroom door a couple seconds later, and upon reaching it, froze. It was as if he had set root to the floor. He just couldn't move, his brain was telling his feet to walk, yet nothing was happening. He knew that if he went in there, he'd be spotted and he'd be doomed. Goresky and him would have no choice but to tell Chislett the truth that they both obviously wanted to take to the grave. You couldn't blame them, that 'experience' from that weekend WAS some pretty messed up deal, for any sane person. Still, surely getting it out into the open and clearing the air might've been a better idea. But naturally, that shred of stubborn male testosterony was kicking in something fierce, to not let out their 'feelings', and so, nothing was being said or done. But looking at the clock, Jacque, being a very punctual and disciplined student, seeing there was only seconds before the second bell rang, he bolted in the door, just in time.
For a brief moment, he hoped maybe he'd be able to grab a seat away from Goresky and Chislett, and blame the switching of desk on his lateness. But no, the only free seats left were in his usual place next to the Warthogg brothers. Jacque felt the pit of his stomach sink to his knees. As the feline slowly made his way over to their desk, Goresky swallowed hard, wishing he could fall into a hole rather than facing this, chair and all. Chislett, however, looked quite enthusiastic, with a rather happy expression. He was overjoyed to have his brother and their friend and himself all in the same room/place again. Jacque sat down next to Chislett, but before either could say a word, their Chemistry professor, Master Nailor, spoke, "-Alright my fresh-minded youths, let's get to work," preventing any conversation just yet. For the first ten minutes, they took notes from the board, which kept them plenty busy. When they were done that and assigned questions from their textbooks, Chislett finally got the chance to speak. "-Your wrist broken yet?" he hissed, jestingly. Jacque smiled ruefully. "-It just might be..." he smirked. The warthog looked to his brother. "-What about you, Goresk?" Trying to stay out of the chat, Goresky simply said, "-I'm fine," and kept working. His sibling looked a tad startled by this curt reply. But their thoughts were interrupted. "-Master Celaya?" the professor spoke. Jacque looked up. "-Yes sir?" Master Nailor waved a hand for him to come to the front. The feline hybrid slowly rose from his seat and went forward. "-You called for me, Master Nailor?" Without looking up from the papers he was marking, the professor held out a slip of paper. "-Ms.Wallace would like to see you at her office." Jacque blinked, trying to figure out what for. "-Thank you," he responded, taking the note. He wandered back to his desk, and picked up his books and bags. Chislett questioned, "-Where you goin'?" "-Counsellor's office." Dunno why," his friend shrugged. The warthog chewed his lower lip. "-Hmmm... well good luck, man." "-Thanks Chis." And out he went.
A minute or so later, Jacque peered in the open front door of Ms.Wallace's office. He tapped on the door. "-Ma'am?" The student counsellor turned her gaze to him and smiled. "-Ah, Mr.Celaya." Please do come in." Have a seat." The pupil stepped inside and lowered himself into one of the chairs near her desk. "-You asked me in?" Pausing, to finish typing several more words on her typewriter, Ms.Wallace cleared her throat. "Yes I did." I would like to discuss your work experience for your career preparation course." Remembering this from a few weeks ago, Jacque spoke, "Oh... I see." Have you found me anything yet?" "-As a matter of fact, I have Mr.Celaya." Volunteer work at the local library." Thirty hours worth." "-Sounds good." When do I start?" "-That is what I wish to discuss," the adult explained. "You have two options of when you can do this." "Yes?" "First one is: you can work during the hour of one of your classes, but if that proves to be a problem of confliction with schoolwork completion, you may also choose to do this during your offschool hours, like weekends for example." "-Uh huh... hmmm," Jacque said, considering the choices. Thinking long and hard, the idea came to him. If he did the work hours during, say, Chemistry, he wouldn't have to be in that classroom with Chislett and Goresky. He could continue to avoid the whole situation more successfully. It was perfect! No... foolproof! He was satisfied. "-Would it be possible to do my hours during Chemistry, Ms.Wallace?" he proposed. The teacher thought about this. "-I think so." You'll need to arrange things with Master Nailor." Jacque nodded. "-Yes Ma'am." "Alright then," said the counsellor, shuffling some papers. She then picked up a folder and handed it to him. "These are the forms." And here's a note for your professor." If you need to change anything, just drop by and let me know." "Thank you for your help, Ms.Wallace," the feline responded, and gathered his things.
Last class was English with Goresky. They both sat in different seats again, the whole avoiding thing going strong. However, Jacque sat with another student, Nathan. Goresky sat alone. He sighed with boredom, at having no one to speak to. He dared a glance to where his companion was seated with the other guy. He saw the ocelot saying something, and the lynx/caracal laughed. The warthog gave a groan and turned away. He couldn't help it, even though he was purposely trying to avoid Jacque, he missed his friend's company. He wished HE could make Jacque laugh. *Stupid old lucky Nathan..* he thought. Goresky wouldn't admit it, but he was jealous. In what way? Who knew...
Goresky and Jacque managed to get out of school without problem and went home, grateful for 'sanctuary' at last. Chislett gave Jacque another phone call that evening, to ask how the counsellor's thing had gone. When his friend told him, the warthog was predictably disappointed. He thought it totally sucked that Jacque chose THAT class to work during, as it was his only one with Chislett. The feline guiltily had to lie that the teacher had chosen and that changing it would be a huge hassle, to make Chislett feel better. When the warthog remarked that Goresky was lucky to still have two more classes with him, Jacque forced himself to cough up a response. After they'd both hung up, Jacque gave a huge sigh. Tossing the phone onto his bed, he sat and turned his attention to his dresser. There were a row of photographs, of his family, friends and such. One in particular caught his eye. It had been taken but a week or so ago. It was him and Goresky, goofing off, having fun, and crazily striking so-called 'dynamic' poses. The picture almost seemed to be making fun of him, scorning him, as if to say, "Hah hah, you fool!" You've blown it all to hell now!" A sudden wave of anger came over him, and he strode over to the desk, snatched the photo case, snapped it open, and held up the photo between four fingers, preparing to tear it in half. But he halted. As he stared at it harder, his rage began to fade. In the end. he couldn't do it. Turning it over, he read what Goresky had sneaked onto the back, in black marker: "Best 'Fwiends' 4-Eva! Ha ha ha. Don't you go forgetting that! ~Goresky." Jacque's ears lowered at what he'd almost done. Shaking his head, he withdrew his hand. He certainly did NOT want to destroy this picture. But being haunted by the reminder, he also didn't want to look at it. Instead, he knelt down and opened the forgotten dresser drawer. Taking a final glance, he slowly let the picture drop onto the old sheet inside. And without looking back, he slammed it shut.
The next few days were a somewhat hell for all three of the boys. Goresky and Jacque were being driven stir-crazy with this whole avoidance thing, and Chislett was feeling like a child caught between parents, with his brother and friend both 'battling' for his company. He hated having to choose between them, for they were his older BROTHER and his best FRIEND! It was killing Chislett, but he knew it wasn't much use to try talking to them about it. All he could do was hope that this 'funk' they were in would soon pass.
Next class was somewhat better, as Goresky and Jacque had different classes, and were able to feel more at ease and focused. Yet somehow, the dread of what would come next had them on edge and nerve-wracked. It seemed years up to the time before the lunchbell FINALLY rang. And so, remembering that their lockers were close together, Jacque stopped at a water fountain near the bathroom, so Goresky would be gone by the time he was done. Goresky sighed with emotional exhaustion, shoving some of his textbooks into his locker. As he closed the door, it was as if someone 'magically' appeared right next to him. "-Hey Goresk." "-AH!" he yelped, jumping back in surprise. Chislett chuckled, "-Whoa!!" Someone's a tad jumpy..." Is the chronic making you paranoid or somethin'?" Goresky breathed. "-Very funny Chis..." I just had a stupid first class, that's all." Give me a break." He leaned over and picked up his backpack. His brother shook his head. "-Damn... sorry to hear bro." But hey... it's History class right?" That Master Young dude is an asshole, anyways." The dickweed is always lookin for an excuse to bitch at someone." Goresky had to grin at that. "-Nice choice of words, little brother." Chislett smirked, "-Why thank you." Heh... and they say I'm doin' lousy in English... yeah right!" The elder brother rolled his eyes. *-Just humour the kid...* "-So we heading to the lunchroom then?" Chislett broke his thoughts. Goresky paused. Going to the lunchroom meant sitting at their table. And Jacque sat at their table. Which meant Jacque would sit with them. Which was exactly what Goresky did NOT want. "-Uhhh... well... actually I was thinking of eating outside." Since it's pretty nice out today and all." That wasn't a lie at least, thought Goresky. "-Oh okay!" Chislett said. "I'll go tell Jacque!" Be right back!" Goresky gulped, "-No Chis, wait-!" But he was already rushed off. The warthog groaned. Turning around, and heading for the school doors, all he could hope for is either that Chislett couldn't find Jacque or that Jacque would refuse to come out.
The younger warthog brother bolted into the bathroom, where he'd seen Jacque go in a few minutes before. Jacque was standing at the sinks, washing up. Chislett grinned and jumped in. He yelled out, "-I AM WARTHOGG, HEAR ME WHORE, NOW WHO'S YOUR DADDY AND WHAT DOES HE DO?!?" Jacque yelped in surprise, whirling around to see his friend. Breathing rapidly, regaining calmness, the feline panted, "-Chislett... don't DO that!" I swear you just about gave me a heart attack!" Crud..." The warthog shook his muzzle, gleefully. "-Man... what is WITH you people today??" Could you be any twitchier?" "-It's 'more twitchy' Chis," Jacque corrected him. Chislett snorted, "-Oh don't you go start giving me your grammar critiques again!" Who gives a shit anyways??" Jacque rolled his eyes. "-Whatever floats your boat..." Remembering why he had sought Jacque out in the first place, the warthog spoke, "-Anyways, I just came to find to you to tell ya that Goresky suggested eating lunch outside today." Wanna come with?" Jacque paused for a moment. "-Uhhh... nyah, I don't think so," he responded. "It being cold out and all." Chislett blinked. "...It's sunny outside, Jacq." Haven't you noticed?" Y'know... the bright rays of light coming in the windows... the shortage of heavy jackets being worn?" The feline blushed. "-Err... yeah, well... hey, I better stay inside anyways... gotta study for class, mind you." His companion raised a skeptical eyebrow. "-What class would that be for?" Jacque swallowed. "-History... what else?" Chislett didn't seem convinced. "-How come Goresk didn't say anything about it then?" And why wouldn't you guys study together like you usually do?" His friend chewed his lip, thinking. "-Well... Goresky kinda had a nasty time in class today and-" "-Yeah I know, he told me," the warthog cut in. "-Right... so yeah, I think he'll probably study later instead... probably just wants to get History off his mind right now, you know." Chislett gave a sigh. "-I guess so..." Seeing he was disappointed, Jacque tried to reassure him. "-Hey... there's always next class, right?" I'll catch up with ya then, 'kay Chis-man?" The warthog, remembering this, seemed a tad cheered up. "-Alrighty then Jacq-dude." We'll see ya then!" "-Later," Jacque said in farewell, as Chislett walked out of the restroom. As the lynx/caracal hybrid picked up his backpack, a thought came to him. *"We'll see ya then!"* Chislett's words repeated in his head. He said 'we'll'. We meant more than one person. As in not just Chislett. Which meant... Goresky. Jacque's backpack fell from his hand to the floor with a bang. He closed his eyes, grimacing, as he groaned outloud, "-Oh... SHHIIIT!"
Both the warthog and feline were terrified of the next class coming up. After all, HOW could they avoid each other when Chislett was there, without having him notice and be suspicious of the isolationist tension between them? The lunch bell rang, signaling them back to class, and both practically choked in fear. Goresky forced his feet to move, one in front of the other, trailing behind his younger brother, to their Chemistry class. Jacque, however, got to the classroom door a couple seconds later, and upon reaching it, froze. It was as if he had set root to the floor. He just couldn't move, his brain was telling his feet to walk, yet nothing was happening. He knew that if he went in there, he'd be spotted and he'd be doomed. Goresky and him would have no choice but to tell Chislett the truth that they both obviously wanted to take to the grave. You couldn't blame them, that 'experience' from that weekend WAS some pretty messed up deal, for any sane person. Still, surely getting it out into the open and clearing the air might've been a better idea. But naturally, that shred of stubborn male testosterony was kicking in something fierce, to not let out their 'feelings', and so, nothing was being said or done. But looking at the clock, Jacque, being a very punctual and disciplined student, seeing there was only seconds before the second bell rang, he bolted in the door, just in time.
For a brief moment, he hoped maybe he'd be able to grab a seat away from Goresky and Chislett, and blame the switching of desk on his lateness. But no, the only free seats left were in his usual place next to the Warthogg brothers. Jacque felt the pit of his stomach sink to his knees. As the feline slowly made his way over to their desk, Goresky swallowed hard, wishing he could fall into a hole rather than facing this, chair and all. Chislett, however, looked quite enthusiastic, with a rather happy expression. He was overjoyed to have his brother and their friend and himself all in the same room/place again. Jacque sat down next to Chislett, but before either could say a word, their Chemistry professor, Master Nailor, spoke, "-Alright my fresh-minded youths, let's get to work," preventing any conversation just yet. For the first ten minutes, they took notes from the board, which kept them plenty busy. When they were done that and assigned questions from their textbooks, Chislett finally got the chance to speak. "-Your wrist broken yet?" he hissed, jestingly. Jacque smiled ruefully. "-It just might be..." he smirked. The warthog looked to his brother. "-What about you, Goresk?" Trying to stay out of the chat, Goresky simply said, "-I'm fine," and kept working. His sibling looked a tad startled by this curt reply. But their thoughts were interrupted. "-Master Celaya?" the professor spoke. Jacque looked up. "-Yes sir?" Master Nailor waved a hand for him to come to the front. The feline hybrid slowly rose from his seat and went forward. "-You called for me, Master Nailor?" Without looking up from the papers he was marking, the professor held out a slip of paper. "-Ms.Wallace would like to see you at her office." Jacque blinked, trying to figure out what for. "-Thank you," he responded, taking the note. He wandered back to his desk, and picked up his books and bags. Chislett questioned, "-Where you goin'?" "-Counsellor's office." Dunno why," his friend shrugged. The warthog chewed his lower lip. "-Hmmm... well good luck, man." "-Thanks Chis." And out he went.
A minute or so later, Jacque peered in the open front door of Ms.Wallace's office. He tapped on the door. "-Ma'am?" The student counsellor turned her gaze to him and smiled. "-Ah, Mr.Celaya." Please do come in." Have a seat." The pupil stepped inside and lowered himself into one of the chairs near her desk. "-You asked me in?" Pausing, to finish typing several more words on her typewriter, Ms.Wallace cleared her throat. "Yes I did." I would like to discuss your work experience for your career preparation course." Remembering this from a few weeks ago, Jacque spoke, "Oh... I see." Have you found me anything yet?" "-As a matter of fact, I have Mr.Celaya." Volunteer work at the local library." Thirty hours worth." "-Sounds good." When do I start?" "-That is what I wish to discuss," the adult explained. "You have two options of when you can do this." "Yes?" "First one is: you can work during the hour of one of your classes, but if that proves to be a problem of confliction with schoolwork completion, you may also choose to do this during your offschool hours, like weekends for example." "-Uh huh... hmmm," Jacque said, considering the choices. Thinking long and hard, the idea came to him. If he did the work hours during, say, Chemistry, he wouldn't have to be in that classroom with Chislett and Goresky. He could continue to avoid the whole situation more successfully. It was perfect! No... foolproof! He was satisfied. "-Would it be possible to do my hours during Chemistry, Ms.Wallace?" he proposed. The teacher thought about this. "-I think so." You'll need to arrange things with Master Nailor." Jacque nodded. "-Yes Ma'am." "Alright then," said the counsellor, shuffling some papers. She then picked up a folder and handed it to him. "These are the forms." And here's a note for your professor." If you need to change anything, just drop by and let me know." "Thank you for your help, Ms.Wallace," the feline responded, and gathered his things.
Last class was English with Goresky. They both sat in different seats again, the whole avoiding thing going strong. However, Jacque sat with another student, Nathan. Goresky sat alone. He sighed with boredom, at having no one to speak to. He dared a glance to where his companion was seated with the other guy. He saw the ocelot saying something, and the lynx/caracal laughed. The warthog gave a groan and turned away. He couldn't help it, even though he was purposely trying to avoid Jacque, he missed his friend's company. He wished HE could make Jacque laugh. *Stupid old lucky Nathan..* he thought. Goresky wouldn't admit it, but he was jealous. In what way? Who knew...
Goresky and Jacque managed to get out of school without problem and went home, grateful for 'sanctuary' at last. Chislett gave Jacque another phone call that evening, to ask how the counsellor's thing had gone. When his friend told him, the warthog was predictably disappointed. He thought it totally sucked that Jacque chose THAT class to work during, as it was his only one with Chislett. The feline guiltily had to lie that the teacher had chosen and that changing it would be a huge hassle, to make Chislett feel better. When the warthog remarked that Goresky was lucky to still have two more classes with him, Jacque forced himself to cough up a response. After they'd both hung up, Jacque gave a huge sigh. Tossing the phone onto his bed, he sat and turned his attention to his dresser. There were a row of photographs, of his family, friends and such. One in particular caught his eye. It had been taken but a week or so ago. It was him and Goresky, goofing off, having fun, and crazily striking so-called 'dynamic' poses. The picture almost seemed to be making fun of him, scorning him, as if to say, "Hah hah, you fool!" You've blown it all to hell now!" A sudden wave of anger came over him, and he strode over to the desk, snatched the photo case, snapped it open, and held up the photo between four fingers, preparing to tear it in half. But he halted. As he stared at it harder, his rage began to fade. In the end. he couldn't do it. Turning it over, he read what Goresky had sneaked onto the back, in black marker: "Best 'Fwiends' 4-Eva! Ha ha ha. Don't you go forgetting that! ~Goresky." Jacque's ears lowered at what he'd almost done. Shaking his head, he withdrew his hand. He certainly did NOT want to destroy this picture. But being haunted by the reminder, he also didn't want to look at it. Instead, he knelt down and opened the forgotten dresser drawer. Taking a final glance, he slowly let the picture drop onto the old sheet inside. And without looking back, he slammed it shut.
The next few days were a somewhat hell for all three of the boys. Goresky and Jacque were being driven stir-crazy with this whole avoidance thing, and Chislett was feeling like a child caught between parents, with his brother and friend both 'battling' for his company. He hated having to choose between them, for they were his older BROTHER and his best FRIEND! It was killing Chislett, but he knew it wasn't much use to try talking to them about it. All he could do was hope that this 'funk' they were in would soon pass.