Ok, here's the next part for you guys; because I just can't stop writing! By the way, this is going to be a very sad chapter. You will be mad at me, most likely. You have been warned!
It was Thursday, and Joe was absolutely sick of Quincy and Stella already. Wherever one was, the other was as well. The more he saw the two act like lovebirds, the more jealous Joe got. His mom was right; he liked Stella a lot. The problem for him was that he couldn't even tell anyone how he felt; they would just say 'I told you so', especially his brothers. Speaking of his brothers, he was lucky enough to avoid them about the song. Tuesday, Nick was out all night, studying at Penny's house, and Wednesday, Joe decided to go rollerblading (mostly just to keep an eye on Stella. He was lucky not to have gotten caught).
But he knew he couldn't run forever. Joe just couldn't finish the song; for now, it was finished. He couldn't find the heart to finish it. He pretty much already figured out why he felt the way he did, but he still tried to ignore it all. But Quincy was making it very difficult for him.
Joe sighed as he grabbed his lunch from his locker and walked over to their usual table, where *cue gagging here* Stella and Quincy were. Time to fake it, Joe thought as he plastered a smile on his face and walked to the table. He had, fortunately, gotten better at faking happy. He promised he would stay out of her personal life and being jealous certainly counted for not staying out. Joe really believed that everyone believed his act. He was definitely a better actor than he thought.
"Hey guys," Joe said cheerily. Stella turned to Joe, smiling.
"Hey Joe," she said as Quincy waved. Joe faked a wave before opening his lunch, sighing as he brought out his milk carton. He certainly loved milk. It was very healthy and delicious. Joe grinned as he opened it up, and then took a bite out of his sandwich. He watched, trying to keep calm as Quincy took Stella's hands. He tried not to throw up when Quincy whispered something in Stella's ear that made her giggle. But as soon as he saw Quincy leaning toward Stella's lips, well, he had to intervene in some way. So, he tipped his milk 'by accident' and watched as it made its way down the table, onto Quincy.
Bulls eye, Joe thought as Quincy jumped up, as did Stella.
"Eww, gross!" Quincy yelled. Joe faked sympathy as he got up.
"I am so sorry Quincy. I am a klutz. Let me help you," Joe said as he grabbed a napkin, accidentally dropping it into the milk puddle and then wiping then napkins on Quincy. Quincy moved away from Joe, shrieking a little bit.
"I can do it myself, thank you," Quincy snapped. Stella glared at Joe.
"I think you've done enough Joseph. Come on Quince, let's go to the bathroom and get you cleaned off," Stella said as she took his hand.
"But girls aren't allowed in boy's bathroom sweetie," Quincy said flirtatiously.
"Who said anything about me going in the BOY'S bathroom," Stella asked as the two smiled at each other. Joe watched the two walk down the hall, jealousy coursing his veins. He felt a sharp pang in his chest; so sharp, he had to sit down in his chair. Joe didn't even know why he felt this jealous. It was more than jealousy now; it was something else.
Nick walked by with his lunch to find Joe with his head on the table.
"What happened here?" Nick asked as he sat beside Joe, away from the sticky mess.
"I accidentally spilled my milk," Joe answered, avoiding the part that it went onto Quincy. Nick nodded.
"Ok, so you have been avoiding that new song. You know how much I want to hear it. Please sing it now," Nick begged. Joe thought, shrugging.
"I really don't know," Joe said.
"You promised Joe; a promise is a promise. You can't turn your back on a promise," Nick reminded Joe. Joe groaned as he pushed aside his lunch.
"Fine, I'll sing it. Are you happy?" Joe asked. Nick nodded, sitting back in his chair.
"Very. Now, wait here, I'm going to find Kevin, and then you'll sing," Nick said before standing up and leaving Joe alone. Unfortunately for him, Kevin wasn't far. Nick, a minute later, came back with Kevin and Macy.
"I found them talking around the corner. Ok, sing," Nick instructed. Joe gulped as he stood up. He was very unsure about this now. Seeing Stella walking back down the hall with Quincy didn't help much either.
"I, uh, think I would prefer music and not sing acapella," Joe said uneasily. Nick shook his head. Kevin and Macy started chanting, "Sing, sing, sing" and soon a crowd formed and started chanting it as well. Stella was chanting it with Quincy as well, so Joe gave in.
"Fine. It's not finished yet, and it's short," he said. Joe took a deep breath as everyone cheered and then quieted.
"Tried to turn on my TV to get you out of my head," Joe started off softly, but yet, everyone could hear him. Nick motioned for him to sing louder.
Feeling something deep inside that I just won't admit
It's not like I don't wanna commit (wanna commit)
I just don't now why I can't stop feeling like this
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it hurt so bad
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it make me mad
Tell me Why?
Tell me Why?
Joe's voice rose a little bit with every note. As he sang, he felt the pain and sadness rushing back, and he sang the song like he did in his day dream. Everyone listened, no words spoken. Joe felt himself get lost in the words as, in his mind, he saw Stella with Van Dyke and Quincy.
Now I can see the storm's not gonna clear (not gonna clear)
Dressed in my pain and all of my tears
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it hurt so bad (why does it hurt so so bad)
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it make me mad
Joe finished the song as he looked down, realizing his hands were shaking. He caught, out of the corner of his eyes, Quincy wrapping his arms around Stella, and she didn't push him away. Everyone started clapping, and Nick grinned.
"That was great Joe," Nick said, not realizing Joe's feelings at the moment. He hated seeing Stella with Quincy. Watching them act all coupley made Joe realize he may never get the chance with Stella; she didn't deserve him anyways.
"Awesome job Joe! Awesome song!" Kevin said as Macy nodded as well.
"You are an awesome singer Joe!" she gushed as she shared a look with Kevin. Joe nodded numbly as he watched Quincy whisper something into Stella's ear. She smiled up at him. Joe didn't know why he felt so strongly about Stella; his heart was breaking now just watching her all happy with Quincy.
Nick and Kevin kept talking to Joe, but he wasn't listening as he watched Quincy place a kiss on Stella's lips. It was official now; Stella was never going to be his. Joe felt his heart shatter as Stella kissed him back. She really loved Quincy; not Joe.
Joe looked down as he pushed away the oncoming tears. Now was not the time. He started to feel sorry for everything he did to her that made her mad, or sad. He wanted her happy though; and she was happy with Quincy.
'If you love her, you'll let her go' the famous quote popped into his mind. He let her go, and he didn't think it would hurt so much.
"Are you ok Joe?" Nick's voice traveled to his ears. Joe focused as he looked up at the concerned faces of Macy, Kevin and Nick. Without a word, Joe pushed through the crowd, past the shocked Stella and Quincy. Once he was far enough, Joe began to run, letting his emotions run free as he ran out of the school. He couldn't be there anymore; he had to go somewhere else.
I told you, you were warned. I don't know why that I made Joe very sad and stuff. Don't worry; the next chapter will be Stella and Quincy fighting, and Stella going to find Joe to talk to him. Then there's one more chapter after that!