Ties of a Friendship
Chapter 15
It was another chaotic day in the Adams-Fosters home as the kids except for Jude decided they weren't going to school after Mariana staged a walkout after Mr. Timothy was fired. Lena was at her last leg with her kids since everyone, but Jude decided not to go school she made sure they couldn't watch TV play video games, every electronic devices they had at home was packed up and Lena placed in her car. Jude didn't really care about that stuff anyway he was lucky that he was going to school so he got to keep his cellphone much to the disappointment to his brothers and sisters.
"This is why you're my favorite one…" Lena tells her Jude kissing him on the top of his head, "What would I do without my little man?"
"I don't know Momma, but good thing you don't ever have to find out," He replied laughing.
Lena entered into a laugh as well they made light hearted conversation on their way to school. Jude told Lena how Trey and him had ice cream and went to the bookstore the other day. He told her that they were racing and Trey was cheating. Lena reassured him that Jude would win next time he just has to practice more and in no time flat he'll beat Trey in no time flat. He also told her about his group date and the movie they went to see and how it was such a cliché. Lena thought it was funny Jude explains that they tried to make it scary instead it was more funny dry to him.
Lena and Jude finally arrived at school. Jude climbed out of the car telling Lena he loves her and he'll see her later. He takes off into the school building while she head to her office. She looked around at the school courtyard it wasn't all that busy full of students. Lena finally understood that the kids were serious about staying out of school today it really upset her that one of her children was responsible for all of this it just made her look bad in front of her peers.
Jude went throughout his day as normal met up with Taylor and Connor went to class. Then Daria joined the group and her Connor was disgustingly kissing one another like almost every second it seems. Jude wasn't mad he was more annoyed and hurt by this. He felt that Connor could've gave him the respect he deserves and not make out in front him he didn't make out that much with Maddie in front of him so why he throwing Daria in his face. He couldn't be mad at Daria at all it not her fault he just mad at Connor's mixed emotions he was tossing at him.
Lunch time finally happened and they all met up to hang out and talk about last night movie. At least Jude and Taylor was while Connor and Daria were making out more so than eating. Taylor had a disgust face Jude kept his face as blank as possible, but he in agreement with Taylor too. In between kissing one another Connor and Daria would sometimes feed each other which just upsets both of their best friends Taylor couldn't even deal and she and Jude began a conversation.
"So what did you think of the movie?" Taylor asked him.
"It was okay, but it was kinda of predictable if you asked me," He replied taking a sip of water from his bottle. "I couldn't believe she didn't know he was the killer the clues were all there."
Taylor just laughs, "I know right I mean he clearly dropped so many hints to her. Really like how do you not know why the killer has that much information about you if you didn't know the person stupid right?"
Daria and Connor finally separated long enough for her to jump into the conversation, "I was totally scared because she was in the house all of alone!" Jude and Taylor wasn't buying it she probably faked it so Connor could protect her from the so called scary person.
"Yeah right…Daria you was the one who suggested the movie!" Taylor reminded her, "You already had seen it."
Daria gasps placing one hand over chest as if she was offended, "Why Taylor you know I wouldn't have made you guys seen a movie I've already seen already?" The lied no one was by Connor made no comments he just smiles he thought it was cute for her to manipulate the situation to be with him. He glances over at Jude and Jude eyes looks away from show how uncomfortable he was from being near Connor right now it actually hurt Connor that his best friend who avoid him this much after they've been through so much.
"Oh okay Daria if you say so!" Taylor gave up rolling her eyes. "Anyway what did you think of the movie Connor?"
"It was okay," He shrugged picking up a fry tossing it into his mouth chewing it before continuing, "I mean it wasn't all that scary and the way he was killing people was hilarious more so than frighten…wouldn't you say so Jude?"
"Um…yeah, yeah it was."
"Good, glad you agree," Connor replied his charming smile that gets Jude everytime. He almost blushed for a second, but didn't as he took another sip of his water.
"Well Taylor and I have some girl things to do will see you later guys," Daria announced kissing Connor before she left waving him a flirtatious wave.
The two best friends were left there sitting across the table from another Jude was looking down avoiding eye contact with Connor while Connor was looking at Jude. Jude felt so awkward around Connor nowadays and it shouldn't be like that, but it was the tension was real.
"So we gonna talk?" Connor asked cutting straight to the chase. Jude looks up and just shrugs, "Come on Jude talk to me I'm right here."
"What do you want me to say Connor?" He asked him almost like he was begging him, "I don't have anything to say to you."
"Is it about last night?"
Last night. Of course Connor would bring up last night. Jude thought it was going to be a normal group date again he was with Taylor and Connor was with Daria and that was fine he made sure this time he didn't sit by Connor this time. Everything was pretty good Jude had fun not a care in the world. The girls decided to do a little window shopping before the movie start and have girl talk so Jude was left with Connor and he didn't mind it was just him hanging out with best friend nothing more nothing less.
Since the girls went exploring the mall Connor and Jude walked around the mall didn't really look around just walked for the most part.
"Are you excited for the movie?" Connor asked him.
"Not really I bet it's so predictable," Jude shrugged answering him, "I mean not like these scary movies are getting better there actually getting worse. What about you?"
"I don't really care," Connor told him bending down looking at some shoes in a store window.
"Oh really…" Jude let out a disappointed sigh. It was kinda no point Connor agreeing to go to the movie if he didn't really want to see it. Jude didn't want to see the movie either, but Daria did so he didn't want to be rude about not going to see the particular movie Daria chose for them to watch. But it made him feel a little bit better that he wasn't the only one who didn't want to see the movie either.
"All I care about is hanging out with you," He continued still looking at the shoes from the store. Jude was taken back Connor's boldness into admitting that. "What about you? I know that's the real reason you came as well so we could hang out."
"Connor…" He was lost for words what could he possibly say to make any since of this, "Well of course I came to hang out with you and the girls. You know that."
Connor lifts himself back up and turns around to look at Jude. "But that's not what I asked you Jude."
"Well I…" Jude was at complete lost for words. It didn't matter all he knew he felt arms wrapping around him. It took him a minute to process what just happened, but it was Connor. Connor's arms tighten around him in a hug, a hug that he didn't want to end.
"It's okay…I wanted to hang out with you too," He whispers in his ears, "I'm glad you're here."
"I'm glad I'm here too…" Jude responded back by returning the hug.
Moments like this are what confused Jude the most. Connor would be his best friend that he cared for, but when Daria comes in the picture he changes up. Jude wondered maybe that kiss didn't mean what he thought it was maybe Connor in his own way just telling Jude that he cared about him.
"…So is it about last night?" Connor repeats the question again to Jude.
"No not at all, we better get going!" Jude said quickly picking up his tray and leaving the table. Connor was left confused by the whole ordeal, but it was no point in forcing Jude to open up because last time he just went mute.
The day went on and because the school was missing the 10th and 11th grade class they had a free period. Daria suggested them to hang out near the beach which they all agreed. Jude was the first to arrive at the meeting area. While waiting for his friends he saw a Mr. Potato Head tossed aside. Jude looked around to see if he could find anyone who he thinks it could belong to, but no one was in the intermediate area so he picks it up tosses it around back and forth from hand to hand.
"Is that a Mr. Potato Head?" Taylor asked him startling Jude. He was clearly embarrassed and lost for words. He didn't know what to tell Taylor, he tries to hide it behind his back, but it was too late Taylor knew what she saw. "It is a Mr. Potato Head where did you find it?"
"I found it right here on the beach, I don't even know why it was there," He replied looking at the Mr. Potato Head. "It's strange that someone brought a Mr. Potato Head to school just to end up losing it."
Taylor pulls off her white backpack and sits down on rock near three trees. Jude sits on the slanted tree holding on to the Mr. Potato Head. "Well that sucks because Mr. Potato Head is cool. Even him and his wife been in the Lay's Potato Chips commercial they were eating potato chips I think that is so cool!"
"I agree I saw that it's so funny because their potatoes eating potato chips!" He tosses the Mr. Potato Head in air and catching as they both laugh and the contradictions between the entire commercial.
Daria and Connor finally arrived hand and hand. Daria shouts Jude and Taylor's name across the beach Taylor just shook her head in annoyance. Jude didn't turn around he kept playing with Mr. Potato Head. They finally walked over to them greeting them Taylor shrugs and Jude gives them a quick wave.
Without missing a beat Daria pulls Connor over the tree across from Taylor and Jude and proceeds to make out again to the annoyance of Taylor and Jude. Jude looks over at them with a jealous stare; it was starting to get to him and not in a good way.
"Don't worry you'll get used to it," Taylor reassures Jude, "I just pretend I'm watching a super boring documentary about like…" She starts to giggles trying to choose something to describe Connor and Daria, "the mating ritual of meerkats and it's like there not even here."
Jude wishes he wasn't there at the point. Seeing Connor making out with Daria just made his stomach twists in knots. He thought about what Trey told him the other day maybe he should talk to Connor about their entire relationship.
Fed up with the make out session Taylor caught their attention. Connor and Daria quickly pulled apart from each other and give her a "what look". "Has any of you guys been to the fair yet? It's the last weekend I was thinking we could all go tomorrow?"
"We're going to pier tomorrow, but you guys should totally go," Daria quickly turned down the offer.
Connor looks over at Jude who looks over to Daria. "The fair sounds fun." Daria gives him a disgust look for him blowing off their plans, "We can go to the pier anytime…" Daria lightly hits him the chest.
Jude gives Connor the side eye before turning his attention to Taylor, "I can't. I have plans…with family."
"What about Sunday?" Connor added.
"Perfect then we can go to the pier."
"All weekend." Jude rebuffs smiling at Taylor. She understood, "We're going camping."
Connor was on to Jude, "Wait didn't you just go camping?"
"We're going again!" He snapped back. He was done with whole situation and done with Connor for now, "Sorry." He apologize to his friends and walks away from them.
"That was weird…" Daria said looking at Connor for an answer, "Did you say something mean to him?" She hits him the shoulder.
"Ouch no!"
Daria wasn't so sure. She never seen Jude snap at anyone let alone Connor. It made her wonder why.
At the precinct Stef was typing up some paperwork when Mike came up to her to sit down and talk.
"Hey Stef!" He said handing her cup of coffee.
"Hey Mike," She replied taking the cup of coffee, "Thanks what's going on?"
"Nothing much it's a slow day today. Came to see what you were up to."
"Typing this paperwork up."
"Oooh sucks," He said making a face taking a sip from his coffee, "How was the family dinner with Jude's new friend. He's not a troublemaker is he?"
"No he's not. He's actually a nice young man. Callie almost tore his head off, but that's about it. I mean that's it he such a mystery though like too good to be true."
"Well at least making new friends like you wanted am I right?"
"Yeah, but still you know me I have to check. I might do a background check just to be safe. Jude is our youngest it only to make sense." Mike gave her a suspicion look like it was a bad idea, "Don't give me that look I just want to know just make me feel at ease he is alittle older than Jude."
"Sure Stef you just have to control things…"
"Not true…"
Jude went walking on the beach to clear his head when he pulled out his cellphone. He decided to text Trey see if they could meet up and talk. Once he text Trey he quickly replied and told him he'll meet him their within 10 minutes.
When the 10 minutes arrived Trey finally walked over to Jude. True to his word he was there and he was there to listen to Jude.
"Hey Jude I'm here!" He greeted him with a bright smile, "What's going on in your world?"
Jude explains everything that's happen. He told him about Callie's decision to live with Robert. Which he explains that it came out of left field like Callie gave up so quickly. But all of that was secondary compared to his major problem with Connor. He tells him about how they were at the movies again and he was alone with and Connor was acting differently again. Then today the constant make out sessions with Daria had started to get to him and he didn't want it to.
Trey took all the information and waited until Jude was done. He gathered his thoughts together before commenting on what Jude was telling him. "Okay I can tell you now that Callie is hiding something that's why she's doing this, or maybe because she doesn't want your Moms to keep paying money on a lawyer for her sake. I'm thinking she's doing this to protect and lessen the pain of the family." He ponders about his hypothesis before turning to Jude.
"I don't maybe that could be the cast she tries to hide it, but I know something's up I will just have to talk to her," Jude replies pulling his knees up to his face. "Connor on the other hand…"
"Yes Connor, I think this is past friendship levels now, but never the less I want you to talk to him about everything you have to confront him sooner or later. I know you don't want to, but I promise I don't think you'll lose your friendship with him. We all have to take that chance that leap of faith and you have to do it with Connor. Plus have you've asked what's going on in his head?"
"You're right…and no I haven't, but maybe I should."
"Yeah maybe you should…" Trey looks down at his watch he jumps up from the beach dusting the sand off of him, "Crap I have to go Jude! I have to get ready for work! I'll see you later! Good luck!" With those last few words Trey was gone running towards whatever direction he needed to go to work.
Jude was able to reflect and think about the situation maybe he should, but he doesn't want to. He's scared about what Connor might think or say. He was another endless cycle of questions and what if Jude thought about.
Soon it was time to go home Jude met Lena in the facility lounge. Lena was getting some paperwork together and fixing her purse when Jude peeked in. "You ready?" He asked his mom.
She finishes packing up her purse, "I am, but it looks like we're going to have some company." Jude looks over to see Connor who looks up at him. Jude quickly sweats he couldn't believe he just got caught in a lie. He could hit himself for not even noticing Connor sitting right there. "Connor's father asked if he could spend the night tonight."
What could Jude say he didn't want to see Connor, let alone having him over sleeping over, "Um…why?"
"Because he's out of town on business," She chuckles, "And his flight got cancel." Jude wasn't sold on the idea, "Hey it'll be fun. We'll order some pizza makes some cookies okay?" She reassures him as both boys look back and forth at each other.
"Okay. Yeah."
"Okay I have to drop some paperwork off I'll meet you two at the car," She tells the boys heading off to the office.
Connor grabs his backpack strapping on his right shoulder before looking at a nervous Jude. With a sarcastic smile, "What happen to your family camping trip?" He gets up from the couch and walks ahead of speechless Jude.
The next few hours were awkward and tense between Jude and Connor they played video games, but in silence didn't really say that much. No one really noticed or picked up on their tension. Connor made a few lighthearted comments and Jude replied back, but nothing more nothing less. Dinner time came Lena had changed her mind about pizza and decided to cook since Connor was here. Mariana explains how she was able to get on the Wi-Fi at home by hacking the school's readers. Jesus told their moms how and where much to the annoyance of Mariana. Lena thought the siblings arguing was boring Connor, but Connor laughs and tells him he enjoys it and its better than sitting at the table with just him and his dad. Stef told him it was nice to have him over again and Jesus mention that they should go outside and build a tent and pretend their camping. Connor brushed off the comments Jude was nervous about that touchy subject and the Moms look at one another. As normal it was chaotic conversations about what happen in their lives mostly listening to Mariana. Once dinner was done Connor and Jude stayed to watch dishes. After they were done they headed up to Jude and Jesus' room where they changed their clothes into their night clothes.
"So Connor's dad assumes Jude is straight now, it's suddenly okay for his son to spend the night now?" Stef asked Lena while brushing her teeth.
"I didn't know what to say. He was in a bind and I was on the spot…"
"It's not that Connor isn't welcome," Stef finishes rising her mouth out before heading on her side of the bed.
"I just can't fight another battle today," Lena replied with exhaustion in her voice.
"You think Jude's okay with it?"
"They have been hanging out a lot more."
"Yeah in groups," She reminds her wife.
"I think he's just happy to have his best friend back."
"You think Jude has a crush on Connor?"
Lena assumed the idea, "Oh I don't even think Jude sure about his sexuality."
"Well he is questioning it. Just like he would do if he was…"
"Straight!" They both said together.
"I don't know I guess kids are freer to question themselves nowadays. It's just…when I was thirteen I had a crush on my best friend she dressed like Madonna, with the leather jacket and bracelet she was the bomb. But we were inseparable until she got a boyfriend and…I was utterly heartbroken."
"Madonna?"
"Eh huh."
"I was more of a Whitney girl. So how do you know that Connor doesn't have a crush on Jude?"
"Really Connor doesn't seem gay to me."
"No one doesn't seem think I'm gay."
"Oh unlike me I guess?"
"Well a cop uniform doesn't seem to help," Lena replied leaning on their bed.
"Well I guess I'm have to arrest you then."
"For what?"
"For profiling and for perpetuating sexual stereotypes," Stef crawled to Lena's side of the bed as they begin to make out, but stop.
"What is it Stef?"
"Nothing I have to ask what do you know about Trey?"
"Nothing much I talked to him the other day he seems charming and nice role model figure to help Jude why?"
"Well I've been doing a background check on him…"
"You what?!" Lean explained pulling away from Stef, "Honey you got to be kidding me? Why would you do that?"
"I just wanted to make sure Jude was safe especially since he's the youngest of our kids!"
"I can't even believe you right now! What could Trey possible have done for you to do a background check on him?!"
"That's the problem nothing!" Lena was puzzled by Stef's revelation, "He's clean nothing I can't find anything on him it's almost as if he doesn't exist or something. I mean don't get me wrong he's in the system, but their hardly any personal information on this kid as if he came out of thin air!"
"Wow…but Stef I don't know if it was right to do that Jude doesn't have many friends and we don't want to scare them away by you doing background checks on everyone our kids bring home."
Jude finished changing and it was Connor's turn meanwhile Jude was playing a Star Wars game on his tablet. Jesus decided to chill downstairs before coming to bed since it was a weekend he could stay up and watch some TV. Connor finally walks in with pajamas that Jesus gave him and the clothes he had on early today in toe.
"Okay thanks for the pajamas," Connor walks over to his backpack putting his clothes in his backpack.
"Thank Jesus," Jude replied back.
"I don't think he's very happy I'm here."
"He's cool." Jude brushed it off he knew Jesus didn't mean it like that, "Are you still going to the pier tomorrow?"
"Nah my Dad's not going to be back until late. I'm supposed to hang here until he picks me up. If that's okay?"
"Sure."
"What are you playing?"
"Star Wars Commander, but I can't beat the kree dragon."
"Oh you have to use your Storm Troopers to lure him out and then just hit him with your other troops." Connor explains to him, "Here can I show you?" Jude was hesitated at first, but gave Connor a nod handing him his tablet. Connor climbed on Jude's bed next to him. Jude moved over to give Connor some space. Connor went right into the game playing out the plan he told Jude to do. Jude takes a few seconds to look at Connor, but Connor didn't seem to notice. "See here this is the fastest way to level up. So there's no more troop so we bring some more kogs over here." Jude scoots closer to Connor to get a better look at the tablet.
"Yeah you also have to send troops over there too," Jude tells him as the troops on tablet killed the dragon letting both boys know they won. "Nice!"
"Yes we got it!"
Connor and Jude high fived each other over their victory over defeating the dragon, the boys continued for most of the night playing the game until they fell asleep.
The next day the Adams-Foster clan had their own things to for the weekend so for the most part Jude and Connor was left alone which didn't seem to bother them after last night the tension between them was gone and they got right back into their old habits. Over time they went downstairs to play some video games after a while Connor finally got the high score surpassing Jude gloating it in his face. Jude jokingly pushes Connor and heads to the kitchen to make them some snacks before they headed outside for a game of catch.
"Nice catch!" Jude shouted from across the yard after Connor caught the ball tossing back to Jude who caught it again, "Go back. Double play! Go again!" Tossing back to Connor as he caught once more. "Three in a row!"
This time Connor purposely threw the ball hard at Jude as Jude moved out the way from being hit by the ball Connor just laughs. "Very funny!" Jude sarcastically replies tossing his baseball glove at Connor hitting him on his shoulder, "Oh I'm sorry that was an accident!"
"Oh yeah?" Connor smiles back tossing his baseball glove down to the ground as he chases Jude around the backyard. Jude runs away from Connor telling him to go away, but Connor picks up the speed grabbing Jude. As they laughing they both fall to the ground Connor gets on top of Jude he tries to fight back, but Connor is physically stronger than Jude and pins to the ground.
"Okay okay I give up!" Both boys laugh at one another until their share a brief moment looking at one another, but the moment was cut short when Connor's phone went off. Connor climbs off Jude and answers his phone much to the dismay of Jude.
"What are you doing?" He asked him.
"Sorry, Daria just texted me. She wants to know if we want to come over."
"Do you?"
"I mean what else is there to do?"
Clearly hurt and annoyed Jude's attitude towards Connor changed, "Well you should go! If you want to?"
"No it's fine we don't have to…"
Jude shook his head he was over Connor once again, "Whatever. Just go." He took off leaving Connor alone in backyard. Connor was confused he didn't understand what gotten into Jude lately. He sits and thinks he decided he was going to stay over at the Adams-Foster's home. He quickly told Daria he was staying here and head upstairs to face Jude.
Lena was at the store picking up some stuff on her way home. She thought about what all she needed today with Connor over she wanted to make sure all the kids were going eat. She strolls down the medicine isle picking up some Aleve and Tylenol she notice Trey was in the isle out of all the luck.
"Trey we meet again," Lena greeted him.
"Hello Mrs. Adams-Fosters. Always a pleasure to see you."
"Charmed I'm sure. What are you doing up here shopping for you and your Mom?" She asked him.
"No not really…actually," He smiles at her, "I was just looking for some um…cough," He raises his hand to mouth. The cough got worse, "Please excuse me Mrs. Adams-Fosters." Trey quickly makes his way to a bathroom leaving a confused Lena to wonder, but she didn't have to wonder for long.
Lena looks down on the floor where Trey just stood moments ago to her surprise she saw blood. She realizes that Trey was coughing up his own blood. She went after him. When she made it to the bathroom door she could hear Trey coughing. Inside the bathroom Trey was finally able to stop himself from coughing long enough to rinse his mouth he couldn't believe his body was acting up on him and in front of Lena no less. He stares at his hand covered in his own blood he couldn't believe this he felt ashamed that its happening, but he will manage. He cleans himself up making sure there was no blood on his hands or his face. He opens the bathroom door to see a worried Lena standing in front of the entrance.
"I think we need to talk…" She tells him with worry in her eyes.
Back at home Connor finally came to see Jude in his room. Jude was back playing his Star Wars Commander game.
"Hey um I texted Daria back and told her I'm just gonna stay here," Connor explained to Jude. Jude didn't faze or react like Connor thought he was.
"It's not nice to lead people on," He tells him giving a quick spiteful look before focusing back on his game.
"Okay! Well I'm not," Connor answers back by slapping Jude's foot. Jude didn't react he continued to ignore Connor, "Come on." He slaps Jude's foot again.
"Stop it!" Jude warns him, but Connor goes in for another slap and Jude kicks him as hard as he could in the stomach. The kick pushes Connor back on the floor. Jude panicked he didn't mean to kick Connor that hard he tosses his game aside and get on the floor and frantically panics and apologizes to Connor, "Are you are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't mean to kick you that hard."
"Why did you even kick me at all?!" Connor questioned Jude.
That was it the moment came where Jude had to confront Connor whether it breaks their friendship or not he had to let Connor know how confused their relationship is. "You kissed me! Remember? In the tent?! And then at the movie theater you held my hand! And now all day you've been…I don't get this I don't get you!" Finally it was out there Jude finally told Connor how he felt, but he wondered why he was saying it did he just lose a friend?
Connor looks at him sadden by what he put Jude. Connor couldn't find any words to explain himself. Connor leans in and kisses Jude and Jude returns the kiss. Once they pulled apart from each other they just stared at one another. Connor was confused Jude was confused did their friendship evolved into something more or did it just end.
"I'm sorry Jude…" Was all Connor could say. Neither boy knew what to do at this moment they just sat there in the middle of the room with confused daze looks.
So I added the famous kiss for them, but I will dwell into Trey a little bit more to find out why he is the person he is.