So yeah, I posted two chapters back to back! Since we're all snowed in over here on the East Coast, I figured now might be the time to see if I can get some writing done. (: For those of you who've read "A Day in Darkness" and have been waiting for a new chapter, I should have something ready soonish. I'm on an inspiration kick right now, so don't be surprised if another chapter of this shows up before I have to go back to school! Happy reading! Please review!

"It was the first day of highschool, and I went to buy some coffee from the shop near the school with some friends…" I said nervously, the entire day's events flooding into my mind like they happened yesterday.

Neil seemed to understand immediately when I said something about going to get coffee by the school. It was no secret that Adam had worked there for quite some time.

"Go on," he prompted, smiling slightly. I smiled back and tried to remember the exact exchange between us that morning, since Neil was anxious for so much detail.

"Okay, well anyway, we all went and we were acting so stupid… It was almost like we were drunk or something- like the idea of going to highschool made us high…"

_*_*_*_*_

Tommy, Daniel, and I stumbled through the door, laughing as though we'd heard the funniest thing in the world. The other customers inside threw us dirty looks and scanned us up and down, rolling their eyes before returning to their drink and breakfast. We ignored them… I mean, what the hell was their problem anyway?

We clambered over to the register and the strawberry blonde haired boy raised an eyebrow, eyeing us as critically as the other customers. He looked like he could still be in his teens, but towered far over me and the other two.

"What can I get you guys this morning?" he asked, an edge of impatience in his voice.

We had no idea of course and both Tommy and Daniel weren't going to waste their time examining their menu, so they decided to be smartasses instead. Daniel read the menu quickly, glancing back at us with a smirk.

"I'll have a Double Cheeseburger Mighty Kids Meal with a small fry and a Coke," said Daniel, snorting through his words and watching the boys expression, not at all amused- We however, were laughing our asses off. The boy straightened up and rolled his eyes, letting a fake smile spread across his face.

"And would you like a toy with your meal, Sir?" he asked, tapping his fingers against the counter as he leaned forward slightly. Daniel and Tommy didn't laugh. I, of course thought that it was hilarious, but I'd never let those two know that.

"We'll just have three plain coffees," I said, hoping not to cause too much trouble.

Tommy and Daniel both glared back at me, both of them clearly not through with messing with this guy. I shrugged, just as the boy said, "Fine. $5.62 is your total. I'll bring it out to you in a few minutes."

We all sat down and they quickly jumped into badmouthing the guy at the register. I thought he was funny, but I joined in the conversation anyway. I hated feeling out of the loop when I was with these guys.

"He has so many damn freckles and zits! He's never gonna get a girlfriend while he looks like that!" I whispered loudly, stealing glances at him as he made a few lattes for a group that had just ordered.

Daniel snickered. "Don't worry. That guy doesn't want one," he said, laughing at his own words.

That confused me… What guy didn't want a girlfriend? When I threw him a questioning look, he sighed and grinned mischievously, leaning in before saying, "My brother knows him and told me that he's gay."

I was actually really surprised. He didn't act like a girl at all. All of the gay guys that I'd ever seen talked like a preppy girl, not to mention they were normally smaller than me. This guy was tall and had just enough muscle to make him manly.

I felt my face grow hot as I realized that I hadn't taken my eyes off of him. I grew even redder when I realized that the guys had noticed.

"Kris, don't tell us you're turning gay now too!" Tommy hissed, trying to hold back his laughter. I was still red, and feeling more and more flustered by the second.

"Of course I'm not turning gay!" I spat right back, hoping that they didn't notice my eyes dart over to the boy right afterward.

I wasn't gay, and I knew that. There was just something about that boy that drew my eyes. I couldn't explain it. Maybe it was because he kept glancing over at me…

"He keeps looking over at me! I'm not that hot, am I?" I asked, a little frantic as he looked at me again over the cash register.

Tommy and Daniel rolled their eyes at the same time.

"All gays like the guys they see. He's probably hot for me and Tommy too," said Daniel, eyeing him up and down.

My heart skipped a few beats as I saw him put three coffees on a plastic tray and begin to walk them over toward our table. He wasn't smiling, but his eyes did linger on me for a little longer than the other two, and it sent shivers up my spine. When he went to set the tray down on the table and I noticed that the guys were staring at me, I decided to do something that I'd regret for a while.

I stuck out my foot and he turned, unaware that when he took even one step, he fall flat on his face. And he did.

I instantly felt so ashamed as he collapsed. I had no idea what made me even do it- It was completely spur of the moment. Looking back on it, I think it was because I was scared; not of him, but what I thought when I looked at him. He was good-looking, and deep down, that realization scared the hell out of me. I wasn't gay, and nothing, not even this boy, would make me change.

The boy cut right through me with his eyes. His expression was livid and he, again, was fixated on me for the longest. I couldn't blame him this time though, considering that I WAS the one who tripped him…

"Hey Adam!" yelled Daniel as he got to his feet. "I thought that you liked the top! I guess you're just stooping for us because we're so damn special, huh!"

Whoa, first of all, too much information. Secondly, how did Daniel even know that? I looked over at him and Tommy as they made moaning sounds.

Adam didn't acknowledge anything. He didn't even say anything- He just resumed serving customers at the front desk as the guys laughed at the top of their lungs. Nearby customers had seen everything, but they didn't approach us. They probably thought that we were a lost cause. I don't blame them, either. If I'd been having my morning coffee and a doughnut or something, I wouldn't interrupt myself to tell a couple of juveniles to shut up.

Adam, huh? I liked that name…

_*_*_*_*_

I looked over at Neil as he analyzed my story. He didn't seem angry or anything… just a little off in the clouds. He finally glanced up at me, face stony when he asked, "How did you two ever start dating? It sounds like a terrible start."

I was a little relieved that he didn't start insulting me or calling me an idiot. I felt like enough of one already for everything that happened back then.

"It was… interesting, and a long story," I said, smiling a little. Neil returned it a little less enthusiastically, rubbing his chin when he said, "Tell me more. I'm really curious now."

Just as I was about to jump headfirst back into the story, I stopped myself, remembering that the boy I saw in the coffee shop all that time ago- the one that I adored from the first second without even knowing it, was on his deathbed, unaware that he was even being thought of.

"Why don't we check on Adam first? I'd like to see him a bit more before we go to sleep, or will the nurse not allow it?" I asked, my eyes finding her nearby his room, talking with another patient.

"I think we'll be alright if you want to see him," said Neil, nodding toward the door. I stood up and grinned, knowing that even if he was cold and alone in his long sleep, I'd at least be there to keep him warm.