Ties of a Friendship
Chapter 16
It was embarrass to mention what's going on with Trey outside of his family, now after coughing off blood in front Lena he would have to tell her. He worried because it wasn't part of the plan…it wasn't part of his plan now he has to tell her what's going on? He wondered what was going to be her reaction. Would she tell Jude?
When Lena followed Trey to the bathroom she heard him coughing and hacking viciously she almost entered the bathroom after him. She decided she wasn't going to leave this kid to himself she was almost about to call the ambulance for assistance until Trey opened the door. He was worried, but tried to hide it like nothing happened to him.
"Trey you need to tell me what's going on?" Lena asked with a slightly demanding voice, "I don't know what's going on, but it's not natural for someone to cough off blood and be fine."
He did not speak. He avoided all eye contact with Lena, hoping she would leave, but there was no luck in that.
"Come on let's go outside and talk about this," She suggested. He finally looks into her brown eyes there were pleading he dared not turn down her request. Lena tried another tactic, "How about we get some ice cream my treat?" Trey nods his head and follows her.
Lena takes him to ice cream parlor store that was couple blocks from the store. Trey stuck to the basic which was plain vanilla and Lena decided to mix chocolate and vanilla with some whip cream to finish off the top. Once settle into their seats Lena gave Trey her full attention, "Trey. Honey, please tell me what's going on? You are Jude's friend and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you so please tell me…"
Trey stares at the vanilla ice cream Lena brought him. She studies his movements trying to get a reading on him. Trey took a deep breath and exhales before looking up at Lena. His eyes almost showed the verge of tears. She gently places her right hand on his left she could feel his whole shaking form her touching his hand. He finally calmed down gathering his thoughts and he starts off with two words.
"I'm dying…" Trey breathed out. Lena's face lit up she feared the worst and what he just told her is truth. It was hard to hear those words, but Trey's face was serious his convention was his truth there was nothing much to explain.
"D-D-Dying?" Lena tries to keep the panic from her voice, but her emotions are all over right now choking on her words before she could say anything. "You're dying how?"
Trey takes a scoop from his ice cream before leaning back into his seat, "I have a rare condition…" He shrugs like it was no big deal, "I need a bone marrow transplant, but no one is a match." He takes another scoop from his ice cream within seconds he's back to the charming young man that Lena come to known.
"Oh my God that is terrible maybe one of us could be a match!" She replied Trey pulls his hand away from hers. She was confused by him snapping back so quickly.
"No!" He erupts he realized he was talking to Lena and sighs, "I do apologize Mrs. Adams-Fosters. I appreciate the offer, but I've been through a lot and I take medics and I just want to enjoy what I have and what time is left." He pulls off a charming smile to convince Lena he is alright.
"Is that what you meant by saying "Some of us deserve to be happy…?" Lena asked him. It has been pondering her thoughts for some time she wanted to know why.
"Yes it is what I meant," He answered taking another scoop, "and before you feel sorry…don't. I am truly fine some people deserve happiness. I unfortunately is not so lucky, well at least not in a sense though. In this moment, the moment right now between me and you reminds me that I am not as lucky. Something I try to avoid, Mrs. Adams-Fosters do you know what your happiness is?"
"My happiness?" Trey nodded waiting for Lena's response, "My happiness is my family. They are what truly make me happy."
"Good answer Mrs. Adams-Fosters. Family is a good answer. My happiness is to see people close to me happy. It's a good feeling it reminds me that even though my life is limited that doesn't mean I can't bring any happiness to others."
"Is that why you've taken a likely to Jude?"
"He reminds me of myself a little. Pretty interesting mine you I've seen too much pain in my life and now I want to just live the moments not think of the end, I can't do nothing about it. What I can do is live in this moment right now and help out when I can," Trey looks away from Lena staring into space his body shows the pain and sorrow he cares around him trying to hide how well he's been keeping it to himself. "I've made plans for what happens when I'm gone and now I have to make peace with all of this, but not before I finish my last job."
"Which is what?"
"Isn't that the million dollar question?" He turns back with a smile, "My last job is to bring…"
Nothing could be more awkward than the tension between Connor and Jude. Jude finally confronted him and with that confrontation caused nothing, but more confusion. Jude and Connor sat on the opposite ends of the room. Jude was sitting near his closet knees up to his face looking down away from Connor. Connor was sitting adjacent from Jude looking over at his best friend with sadden eyes.
The kiss this time it was freshly played in both boys' mind. Connor couldn't run and Jude couldn't run they just sat there in complete silence away from one another. What would happen if anyone found out about them kissing again for the second time? Jude was worried about Connor's father reaction and Daria's Connor was dating her and he kissed him did the kiss mean he wanted to be with or was it another apology. Everytime Jude confronts him Connor would do something nice or say something that'll make him forgive him, but this time this kiss that they shared was completely different. All he thought about was their friendship is over now what?
"Jude…" Connor finally called out to him. Jude didn't reply didn't move he was silence all Connor could hear were the small inhales and exhales between both boys, "Are you okay?" Once again no response from Jude, "Come on speak to me."
Connor pleaded with Jude, but it's like Jude wasn't there anymore. Connor gets up walking over to other side of room where Jude was. He sat down next to him looking for Jude to answer him, but Jude scooted away from him. "Jude don't do this. Not again! Talk to me!"
"For what?" Jude finally replied, "What do you want me to say? You kissed me again! There's nothing more to say about it."
Connor knew Jude was lying to him about the whole situation. Connor couldn't help but blame himself he wondered why did he kiss Jude twice? Were his feelings for Jude stronger than it was as his best friend or more? Unknowingly to Jude Connor worried about the dynamics of their relationship he cared about Jude and didn't want to end their friendships even though as of lately he hasn't treated Jude as good friend. Connor sighs he gets up and stands in front of Jude.
Connor's presence towering over his best friend got his attention. Jude looks up with his misty eyes. Connor smiles at him and hold his hand out to him, "Come on let's go!"
"Go where…"
"Doesn't matter let's go! We're going hang out. You're my best friend and I haven't been treating you like it as of lately so I'mma make it up to you," He replies holding his hand out to Jude. Jude was hesitated to go, but Connor's smile won him over and he slowly reaches out for Connor's arm. Connor pulls him and gives him a hug, "I don't know what's going on between us, but right now…today I'm your best friend and you're mines. Let's just be happy with that okay?"
"Okay."
"Cool we should go to the beach or the mall since I beat you in video games!" Connor exclaimed nudging Jude's arm.
Jude pushes away from Connor, "Yeah right you got lucky! You can't handle when I beat you! Admit it?!" Connor smiles without a response indicating that Jude was telling the truth. "Ha! I was right just like when we playing catch!"
"I was going easy on you!" Connor lied the truth is Jude was getting better over the time they were hanging out and Jude helping Connor with his baseball practices. "Can't be beating you all the time or else you'll get bored with playing with me!"
"Sure that's the story you're going with," Jude laughs grabbing his keys as they head out of the door. "One day I'll be your equal in sports just like I am in video games!"
"Is it the story I'm going with and you know it's true as well," Connor boasts sticking his chest out, "You can't deny it!" Jude walks out behind him and playfully punches Connor in the chest, "Someone seems jealous?"
"Never! But I tell you what since you seem think you can beat me at everything," Jude paused before coming up with an idea, "How about we race then first one to the beach wins!"
"A challenge?! And you think you can beat me?"
"You think I can't?" Jude teased him, "You underestimate me Connor, so let's go me and you!"
"You're on!"
With that Connor and Jude both took off racing one another. Connor had the head start on Jude, but that didn't stop Jude he eventually caught up to him. Connor pulled ahead once again, but that didn't stop Jude as he caught up and even took the lead which surprise Connor. This is the excitement the rush that both friends wanted to feel not worrying about anything just living and enjoying one another's company what more could they ask for?
Trey and Lena finished their ice cream and they decided to take a walk on the beach at the suggestion of Trey. He explains to Lena his condition in further details and how it changed his life he wants to enjoy his remaining time. Lena couldn't imagine how strong willed this individual is. The logic he comes with is absolutely breathtaking to hear.
"…I know it's a lot to take in, but I decided a long time ago that it's no point of fighting this. What I can do is live for the rest of the time I have left. My mom wants me to look into more donors, but I don't want to go through the process and hoping again."
"But Trey if it means living shouldn't try?"
"I'm sure you're right, but that cost times and effort that I don't have. There are other things to focus on like reading, or my artwork, or making new friends even if it's for a short time." He looks up at the sun shield his face from the rays. He turns back and gives Lena a smile, "Look at the sun Mrs. Adams-Fosters isn't glorious?"
"Yeah it truly is beautiful…"
"You know that feeling you feel with your family and friends that are the feeling I want to feel every day for the remainder of my life, I want to feel glorious like the sun. Shine bright it is silly, but I will be fine as long I don't dwell in what ifs."
"That's a very good way of looking at life."
"It is isn't it?"
In that moment they said nothing they just looked at the beach. The sun reflected on the surface of the ocean. It was the most beautiful scene Lena saw what made it special was standing there with Trey who looks at life with wonder and awe. It was a nice breather to just look at the ocean bringing peace oneself.
"Trey I have to get going. It was great talking to you again I hope to see you over for dinner next week?" Lena reminds him.
"Of course Mrs. Adams-Foster I wouldn't miss it." He replied giving her a quick smile, "You won't mention this to Jude, will you?"
Lena was hesitated to answer because she wanted to Jude, but it wasn't her place to tell him that. "I don't know Trey. He does deserve to know."
"He will, but it's not the right time…I will tell him soon though I promise that."
"Alright then, you take care and don't overdo yourself."
"Of course."
Lena smiles and takes her leave. Taking a couple of distance from Trey she shreds a tear for the young man. She was glad that she was able to talk to him and get to know him even more than so, but it still didn't stop the fact that she hurt for the boy.
Trey took a sit on the beach he love feeling the sand the heat coming from the sun above and ocean breeze the wind brings this is true peace this is true harmony for him. He was enjoying himself until he heard some laughter and hard breathing.
"Haha see you underestimated me!" He here's one of the boys say exhaling and inhaling between takes.
"You got lucky that's all! But next time you won't be lucky!" He heard other boy replied as well exhaling.
"Whatever! Don't get made cuz you lost Connor!"
Trey laughs catching both boys attention. He had his back turned to them laughing at the irony of them all being in the same place together. Jude and Connor walks over to Trey they both sit on the opposite ends of him.
"What are you doing here Trey?" Jude asked him.
"Enjoying life how about you two?" He asked them, "You two seem friendly did you settle your differences?" He looks at both boys who looked away from him. He just sighs and smiles, "Okay so…the tension is real. Young love I say." Both had shocked expression on their faces looking at Trey, "What like I didn't know? That's okay you both have crushes on each other, but you don't want to mess up your friendship."
"It's more complicated than that…" Connor replied twirling his finger in the sand.
"How is it complicated?" He questioned him. Connor could feel the sweat sliding down the side of his face trying to find the answer, but couldn't say, "Is it complicated because you have girlfriend like Jude had before, you like her, but you have stronger feelings for Jude, your guy best friend? Or the pressure of your father finding out that you have feelings for him? Maybe you realizing that there's more between you and Jude than neither one of you want to admit?"
"Well when you put it like that…"
"Connor listen, I had a best friend and I lost him. But it wasn't because I had feelings for him it was because of the pressure from others. I should've stood up for our friendship, but I didn't and result in us ending our friendship, but this right here between you and Jude is special if I can see I'm sure others can see it as well. Like I told Jude I can't tell you what to do or anything, but if Jude is your friend or something more you should go for it. This is a special friendship keep it."
There was a moment of silence between all three boys they didn't say anything Trey laid down on the sand with his eyes close as Jude scoot his knees to himself avoiding saying anything, Connor just looked at the ocean passing whatever was happening in the moment.
"You guys can ignore this, but it will get worst sooner than it'll get better. Since we're all gonna pretend none of this is happening did you guys read any books lately?" Trey tried to change the subject, "I read the Maze Runner series it was a pretty interesting series."
"I was reading Shelter part of the Mickey Bolitar by writer Harlan Coben," Jude answered, "what about you Connor?"
"I actually haven't read any books lately, both of you are the genius readers I can't hold a candle to the two of you," Connor admitted to them, "I've been practicing for baseball since you know soccer season is out for now.'
"You should read more actually Connor instead of practicing!" Trey joked with him rustling his hair, "Nah I'm kidding, but you should take some time and read more though."
"When I get a chance to!"
"Oh so you're making an excuse now? Real smart Connor blame sports for the reason why you don't read!"
"Whatever!" Connor pushes Trey as they all laughs, Connor gets a text from his phone, "Oh man I got to get back home my dad is coming over soon!" The boys all scramble up to their feet dusting the sand off. Connor and Jude walked ahead of Trey, "Hey Jude!" Connor turns to Jude. Jude gives him attention to him, "Hey can you give me a few minutes with Trey right quick? I'll be right quick just need to talk to him right quick if that's okay?"
"Sure that's fine! I'll be over there by the bench over there!" Jude pointed to the green bench next to the big oak tree. Connor nods and Jude head over to the bench to wait for them.
Connor turns around to face Trey, "Hey you mind if I ask you something?"
"Of course you asked to talk…" He replied with a shrug.
"Why do care so much?" Connor got straight to the point. Trey tilted his head in confusion, "I mean don't take it the wrong way. It's just I was wondering why do you care so much about me and Jude's relationship?"
Trey didn't say anything all he did was smile. It confused Connor, he didn't understand it didn't answer the question all he did was smile. What kind of answer was a smile supposed to be?
"Come on for real?" Connor questioned him scratching his head, "A smile that's not an answer Trey! I'm just a little baffle about you. I'm not saying I don't appreciate what you're doing…it's just-"
"Why did become friends with Jude?" Trey cut him off. Trey paused before continuing, "Again I say why are you friends with Jude? What about him drew you towards him?" Connor looked away from him not giving him an answer, "Don't worry I know the story, but more importantly why did you paint your nails for him?"
Blue for Jude, the moment Jude and Connor's friendship was formed set in stone. Connor and Jude never talked about or mention it. Connor in truth didn't really think about it. All he knew was that Jude was a kind person who didn't deserve to be treated badly not after everything he went through prior to coming to Anchor Beach. Connor decided to stand up to the bullies by painting his nails for Jude to defend him. Trey reminded him of his kind hearted act of friendship. His reason why?
"Tell me why Connor why did standing up for Jude? You didn't have to, but you did. Why is that? You were a popular student that was above all of that! You play soccer and baseball an All-America boy and then what? - Jude came in and changed your opinion your outlook on life. You want to why I care so much Connor?!"
Again speechless Connor had an answer, but chooses not to say anything. Trey was imitating enough as it is what could he say to make sense of it all?
"I care because you two deserve to be happy," Trey chuckles, "Because some of us can't be happy, but you two can whether its friends or not. People I care about I want them to be happy that is my number one goal! Now that you know that tell me why is Jude important to you?"
"Well he's um…my best friend," Connor answered him.
"If we we're talking about me, than yes, but admit it you don't have to tell the world, but in all truths you like Jude and he likes you! Connor Jude's my friend, but you're his best friend and more don't let confusion mess up a good thing," Trey walks over to Connor places his hand on his shoulder, "Look be happy and take care and if Jude is who you really want to be with than be with him if not don't mess up your friendship because you're both being stupid."
Trey decided to take his leave. He gets Jude's attention and wave's goodbye to him. He turns back to Connor and smile before leaving the scene. Trey gave Connor much to think about he was still confuse he's balancing between the fact of friendship with Jude he didn't want him out of his life, but what was he supposed to do? He walks over to where Jude was waiting for him. Jude gives him a smile and he smiles back. Jude gets up from the bench and they head to his home where Connor's dad will be over soon to pick him up.
"So was everything okay?" Jude asked him, "I mean is everything alright between you and Trey?"
"Yeah everything's fine…we we're just talking is all," Connor replied still deep in thought, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah as I can ever be," He smiles back, "Come on we have to get you home before your dad totally freak that you're not on time we don't want to keep him waiting!"
Connor laughs puts his arm over Jude's shoulder, "Yeah we don't want that to happen! He just might blame you!"
He pushes Connor away from him, "Yeah we don't want that to happen again!" Jude laughs, but in truth Jude was worried he put on a brave face for Connor, but what did all of this mean and even though there were joking having fun what happens when they get back to school? Or even what happens with Mr. Stevens what if he finds out about Connor's feeling for him. This was a fear that crept over his head at all times, but for now he'll place it in the back of his mind and deal with it when the time comes, "Come on let's go last one to the house!"
"Oh you're on, Jude! You won't win this time!"
"You were wrong last time!"
Once again Connor and Jude races towards the Adams-Fosters home. Connor wanted a rematch anyway, but this time he might just beat Jude, but Jude wasn't going to give up either. After half way through both Connor and Jude stopped racing and just walked they were both tired Connor told him they'll call it a draw which Jude agreed, he could barely hold his breath. Connor made fun him in joking matter Jude ignored him and they continued to down the street just making it in an enough time to before Connor's dad arrive 5 minutes later.
"Connor your dad's here!" Lena called upstairs for Connor.
Connor had just finished packing his bag with seconds to spare. Jude laughed at Connor from panicking making sure he has everything before leaving. "Okay I have everything!" He straps his backpack over his shoulder, "Alright Jude I'll see you Monday at school okay?"
"Yeah I'll see you Monday!" Jude replied as Connor leaves the room and out the door of the Adams-Fosters' home.
Trey arrived home after going back to the store he made sure his medics were refilled, it didn't take as much as he thought it would. Inside of his home his Mom was sitting in the living room watching TV. When she heard her son enter she turns her attention to him with a smile.
"Hey sweetheart," She greeted him, "Had a good day? Everything's alright?"
"Yes Mom no need to worry, I'm fine," He reassures her. His mom was worried like crazy because she knows anything could happen to him. It took a couple of years, but she finally calm down enough to let him live, but that still doesn't mean she wasn't fearful for his life.
"Honey I will always worry about you. You are after all dying; I have to make sure you're doing okay. And would it kill you respond to every text message I sent like as soon as I send them?"
"Mom please you've been doing that before I was sick this isn't no different than before, but I will try more to respond."
"Did you see your little friend today?"
"Yeah and one of his' Mom…she kinda of knows."
"And how would she know?" His Mom questioned him giving him a questionable look.
"Well I kinda of coughed up blood in front of her…by mistake."
"Oh my God!" His mom got up rushing towards him holding him. She inspecting him all over he tries to calm her down, but she was in mom mode he wasn't going to be able to calm her down at this time, "Are you alright?! Were you hurt? How much blood did you cough off? I should've never let you live the house!"
"Mom you have to calm down! Please!" He tells him mom she finally get her composure, "Mom it was just a little blood. There's nothing we can do and besides it was just a moment. We've had plenty before I'm fine!"
"No you're not fine! You are dying!"
"Yes I am dying and I've made my peace with it and I have made plans everything is alright Mom. Please remember that okay?" He gives her a hug as she sobs quietly.
Once everything was settled Trey went to his room. He lays face first on his bed and let out a deep sigh. He feels guilty for putting his mom through all of this as normal as he tries to be it still can't change the fact, but he promised he won't let this sickness interrupt this life he has.
He picks up his cell phone and stroll through his contacts he texts Jude. Jude quickly responds he tells him that they should get some ice cream tomorrow when they meet up at the bookstore. Jude thought that was a brilliant idea and told him couldn't wait.
This was how Trey wanted to live normal like a normal person could live. He enjoyed Jude and Connor talking to him it was kinda of hard meeting new people after moving out here, but he was glad reading him reading books gave him an opportunity to meet people. Trey didn't care if he was going to die all he cared about was living now he had a job some friends and going to school doing what he loves being normal.
He heard a knock on the door, "Honey are you alright? Can I come in?"
"Sure mom," She comes in at sit down at the bottom edge of his bed, "Honey I'm sorry about overreacting. I know how you just want to live a normal as possible, but as your mom I am worried. You sure you don't want to try again?"
"No mom I'm fine. I'm just tired is all, but it's okay I swear. You what we can do we should go to the movies tomorrow after I'm done hanging out with Jude how does that sound?"
"Excellent! Maybe I can meet your friend hope this time he's better than your last friends…"
"Oh mom, please don't start that and it is what it sometimes we are pressured to choose because of society. I don't hold it against him. Besides going through that let's me learn things about people and help my new friend Jude."
"Oh he's going through stuff you sure you want to deal with something like this?"
"Yup I do beside it make me feel good helping others and being a normal teenager!"
"Okay fine, but I want you to get some sleep then," She kisses him on his forehead, "I love you honey remember that."
"I love you too Mom."
She gets up and walks towards the exit of his room before turning back to look at her son, "You know what I'm glad you're helping others just remember you deserve to happy as well."
"Thanks Mom you too…"
His mom smiles and walks out of the room. Trey just smiles and closes his eyes ending an usual semi normal day for him. He thought about one word that came to his mind.
Happiness…