Estimated Reading Time: 21 Minutes

.

The Clone

Nate stood frozen, his mind racing. Is she actually flirting with me? The thought felt so out of place, so wrong. Sure, she was undeniably attractive—anyone could see that—but she was Trey's girlfriend. His friend's girlfriend.

He knew he needed to put a stop to whatever this was, to tell her firmly that it wasn't right. He opened his mouth to say something, but the words caught in his throat as he met her gaze, warm and inviting.

Get it together, he thought, trying to pull himself back. He knew he couldn't let a momentary attraction make him forget the importance of loyalty and respect. Taking a deep breath, he straightened up, ready to say what he needed to.

Nate: "Savanna, no. We're not doin' this."

Savanna: "Trey doesn't have to know."

Nate: "I can't believe-

Without warning, Savanna leaned in, pressing her lips forcefully against Nate's. The shock paralyzed him for a moment as her tongue slipped past his lips, the boldness of her kiss pushing him to the edge of disbelief. His heart pounded, his mind racing through a blur of confusion, anger, and betrayal.

Finally snapping back to himself, Nate shoved her back, breaking the kiss and stepping away, his face flushed with a mix of frustration and disgust.

"What the hell, Savanna?" he spat, his voice a low, angry whisper. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him, but it was quickly overpowered by his anger. He took a shaky breath, steadying himself, his mind already reeling with how to handle the mess she'd just created.

Savanna: "I was-

Nate: "NO! You can't justify that! I can't believe you. Every time Trey talked about you, it was full of love and trust. But you're just like my ex-boss."

Savanna: "Your boss?"

Nate: "A terrible person who only cares about looks."

Nate reached for the door, desperate to escape, but Savanna's hand shot out, gripping his wrist tightly. Her expression had shifted entirely; the warmth and playfulness were gone, replaced by a look of pure anger. Her eyes bore into his, filled with a fierce intensity that sent a chill down his spine.

Savanna: "You better not tell Trey about this."

Nate: "What're ya gonna do about it, huh?"

Savanna: "I'll tell em that you forcefully kissed me in the bathroom."

Nate: "That was you!"

Savanna: "Who's gonna believe you? I've dated him for a year. He'll trust me rather than some punk he just met at work."

Nate swallowed hard, his throat parched as the weight of the situation settled over him. She's right, he realized. If he tried to tell Trey about this, he'd never believe him—especially with his own reputation.

Only a week ago, he'd told Trey about that night with Kimberly, the casual hookup he'd done. He could already imagine Trey's reaction: a dismissive laugh, maybe even an accusation that he was trying to stir up drama. After all, what would stop a "player" like him from making a move on someone else's girlfriend?

He felt trapped, his mind racing to find a way out. He needed Trey to believe him, but his own actions had painted him into a corner.

Nate: "Tch!"

Savanna: "That's what I thought~"

Nate: "You're a bad person."

Savanna: "Whatever."

Nate: "Why're you doing this? Why me specifically?"

Savanna: "You're the cutest guy I've seen in this boring ass town."

Nate: "Is that all I'm ever good for? Looks? Why does no one ever care to get to know me first…"

Savanna: "Well, I mean, you're chill too."

Nate: "You barely know me."

Savanna: "That's why I pulled you back here. To get to know you."

Nate: "By flirting with me?! What about Trey?"

Savanna: "I love Trey, but…"

Nate: "But what!"

Savanna: "I dunno. I've been datin' him for a year now. It's been fun and all, but I just want somethin' different."

Nate: "Then tell him that!"

Savanna: "He's such a sweet guy. I still love him. I don't wanna break up, but I also don't wanna feel trapped. I wanna explore."

Nate: (I kinda get what she means, but she's still a bad person for it.) "So judging by what you've said, you cheated on him before."

Savanna: "I haven't."

Nate: "Until now."

Savanna: "We didn't fuck."

Nate: "You kissed me! That's cheating."

Savanna: "Not really."

Nate: "You can't be this stupid." (I'm a clone and I know that's fucking cheating.)

Savanna: "Whatever. You're not interested in me, so we'll be done with this."

Nate: "You have to tell him the truth."

Savanna: "I ain't tellin' him shit."

Nate: "But that's awful."

Savanna: "I don't care."

Nate: "Don't you feel bad? I'm your boyfriend's best friend that you forcefully made out with."

Savanna: "I'm still young. Still learning~"

Nate: "I'm young and I know this shit's bad!"

Savanna: "Whatever. He'll never know anyway."

Nate: "And you're ok with that?"

Savanna: "Yep."

Nate shook his head, his mind spinning. He couldn't believe the twisted web Savanna was spinning, trying to trap him in silence. It was all too familiar—the manipulation, the lies. She was just like Kimberly and Nana, who'd strung him along and played games with his emotions, bending the truth to suit their own needs.

His jaw clenched, feeling the weight of helplessness settle on his shoulders. Savanna had carefully cornered him, making sure he couldn't speak up without risking his friendship with Trey. He'd lose everything if he tried to expose her—she'd make sure of that.

Knock!

Knock!

A sudden knock on the door made both of them flinch, breaking the tense silence. "Hey, uh—what's goin' on in there?" Ben's voice came from the other side, his tone casual and clueless. Nate and Savanna both exhaled in relief .Of all people, Nate thought, it's just dumbass Ben.

Nate: "Yeah, sorry, I'm headin' out."

Ben: "Cool."

Nate raised his finger and pointed at the bathtub, his expression firm. Silently, he mouthed, Hide. Savanna nodded and carefully climbed into the tub, crouching down to stay out of sight. Nate took a deep breath, then stepped out of the bathroom, flicking off the light as he closed the door behind him.

Outside, Ben was waiting, a puzzled look on his face. "What took you so long, man?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he looked Nate up and down.

Nate forced a casual shrug, trying to mask the tension still radiating through him. "Uh, nothing, just… had to think for a sec." He laughed nervously, hoping Ben wouldn't pry.

Ben: "Uh… Ok. Well, have you seen Savanna? She disappeared."

Nate: "She's probably in the other bathroom. I dunno."

Ben: "Probably doin' girly shit like makeup."

Nate: "Probably."

Nate and Ben made their way back to the living room, where the rest of the group was chatting and snacking on pizza. But Trey was nowhere to be seen. Nate glanced around. "Where's Trey?" he asked, a frown creasing his brow.

Ben: "Still chattin' with a coworker outside."

Nate: "Oh. Damn, it's been like ten minutes."

Ben: "I know riiight."

Nate sank onto the couch with Ben, forcing a faint smile as everyone else picked up their conversations, laughter echoing around him. But he couldn't join in; his usual easy going spirit was crushed beneath the weight of what had just happened. Normally, he'd be the first to crack a joke or keep the energy up, but tonight he felt like a spectator, a stranger even to himself.

His mind kept circling back to Savanna's actions—the unexpected kiss, her manipulation, the way she'd twisted everything to trap him in silence. A familiar wave of disgust and frustration rolled over him, heavy and suffocating. It was like reliving his worst memories with Kimberly and Nana, a reminder of the times he'd been used and discarded.

Why does this always happen to me? Nate thought bitterly, his mind stuck in a loop of frustration. People kept saying it was because of his looks, but that didn't make sense. He and his brother look exactly the same, yet Ness never seemed to go through this. Girls weren't manipulating and using Ness the way they did to him.

The unfairness of it all gnawed at him. It had to be something else, something about him specifically that made people think they could take advantage. The thought only deepened his sense of isolation, a quiet weight pressing down on him as he sat among his friends, feeling more alone than ever.

As Nate continued to spiral, he didn't notice Savanna slipping out of the bathroom and quietly taking a seat across from him. It wasn't until the front door swung open that he snapped back to reality. Trey stepped in, a broad smile lighting up his face as the group called out greetings.

"Sup" Trey said, his voice calm and collected. He walked over and settled next to Savanna on the love seat, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as she leaned into him. The sight sent a fresh wave of turmoil through Nate, intensifying his feeling of being trapped in a complicated situation.

Nate forced himself to smile and nod along with the rest of the group, but inside, his heart raced. He and Savanna locked eyes. She had a smirk spread across her face, which made him struggle to maintain his composure.

The party continued on, laughter and chatter filling the air as everyone shared stories about their lives, but Nate found it hard to fully engage. He forced himself to contribute, nodding along and adding comments here and there.

As the night wore on, one by one, the members of the group began to filter out. Eventually, Ben stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, guys, my parents will get mad if I stay any longer. I'mma head out," he said, waving his hand in a casual goodbye.

Trey: "I'm just surprised you behaved."

Ben: "Oh c'mon! I'm a good guy."

Trey: "Yeah? You sure you didn't try to get all cozy with my girl?"

Savanna: *Giggles*

Ben: "No!"

Trey: "I gots my eye on ya."

Ben: "Whatever, bro. I already got a girl."

Trey: "You ain't the most loyal."

Ben: "Ya got me there. But I swearsies I didn't get outta hand this time."

Savanna: "Don't worry, babe. He was on his best behavior."

Trey: "You're lucky my girl don't lie."

Nate: ["Yup. She sure doesn't lie…"]

Savanna shot him a sharp look, her expression a mix of annoyance and warning. Instinctively, he bit his lip, feeling a rush of anxiety. It was a clear signal to keep his mouth shut, and he quickly turned away.

Ben stuck his tongue out playfully, a mischievous grin on his face. "Peace out, homie!" he said, waving as he made his way toward the door.

With that, the jock left, the sound of the door closing behind him echoing through the now quiet room.

"I guess I should get goin' too," Nate said, getting up from the couch. He waved goodbye, as he opened the front door and left.

Trey, sensing something was off, stood up abruptly and walked out the door, calling out, "Nate!" His voice cut through the lingering tension, pulling Nate from his swirling thoughts.

Nate halted, turning to face his friend, a knot tightening in his stomach. "Yeah?" Nate replied, trying to keep his voice steady, though his heart raced.

Trey stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "What's going on, man? You've been quiet all night. Is everything okay?" The genuine worry in Trey's eyes made Nate's guilt flare up.

Nate: "Y-yeah, I'm ok."

Trey: "Nah man. I know that look. What happened?"

Nate: "Nothing."

Trey: "You're never that quiet."

Nate: "Just got a lot on my mind. Just nervous about my new job."

Trey: "Are you sure that's it?"

Nate: "Yeah. I'm just scared that I'll get fired again."

Trey: "As long as you don't fuck your boss I'm sure you're good."

Nate laughed, playfully punching Trey's arm. "My boss is a burly man. I'm confident that won't happen."

Trey: "Didn't you say you was bi?"

Nate: "Oh no. Maybe it will happen."

Trey: "Shut the fuck up. Hahaha!"

Nate: "I'm pretty sure Boris isn't into me. He's an old guy that probably has a wife anyway."

Trey: "You'd be surprised. Everyone kinda into twinks these days."

Nate: "I'm not a twink."

Trey: "You definitely are. A strong one, but a twink no less."

Nate: "I guess."

Trey: "Bro got that sleeper build though, hahaha!"

Nate: "Truuue! I'm stronger than you."

Trey: "And I hate that."

Nate: "Hahaha!"

Trey: "So, you all good then?"

Nate: "Yeah, sorry. I didn't mean to make things awkward."

Trey: "Nah, you good. I was just worried."

Nate: "Thanks I appreciate that."

Trey: "I should be thankin' you too."

Nate: "Why?"

Trey: "I'm just glad I made a good honest friend."

Nate: "Me?"

Trey: "Yeah, dude. Honestly, you're the one I talk to the most."

Nate: "Really?"

Trey: "I even go outta my way to play b-ball with ya. I usually don't do that. Ya know, I've canceled on my girl with movie night to play ball with you at the court."

Nate: "Stop. You're gonna make me cry."

Trey: "Shit, I'm also about to tear up."

Nate: "Trey, I… Can I tell you something?"

Trey: "Anything."

Nate: "Promise you'll believe me?"

Trey: "Of course."

Nate: "No matter how bizarre it sounds?"

Trey: "Yeah."

Nate: "We'll always be friends?"

Trey: "Bro, what's goin' on?"

Nate: "Something happened."

Trey: "Like what?"

Nate: "So when I was in-

Savanna: "Hey boys. What's up?"

Nate immediately bit his tongue, the words he was about to say dying on his lips as he saw Savanna walk up to them in the parking lot. She glided over with an effortless grace, her smile bright as she wrapped her arms around Trey, leaning in to peck his cheek affectionately.

The sight hit Nate like a punch to the gut. Seeing her was a terrible reminder of the line he was too afraid to cross. He watched as Trey's expression softened, completely oblivious to the tension that had just built between him and Nate.

"Hey, babe," Trey said, grinning as he turned to face her, his demeanor brightening instantly. Nate felt like an outsider in that moment, the warmth of their interaction making him feel small and trapped.

What should I do? he thought frantically. Should he just spill the truth? The words sat heavy on the tip of his tongue, but Savanna was right there, her presence like a barrier. She had intervened just in time to deflect any chance of an honest conversation.

There's no way I'll win this war, he concluded, frustration bubbling up inside him. He glanced at Trey, whose trust in Savanna was strong. I don't stand a chance…

Nate: "You two seem busy. I'll talk to ya later, Trey."

Trey: "Wait, what was you gonna say?"

Nate: "I honestly forgot."

Savanna: "I hate it when that happens."

Nate: "I know right. Isn't it the worst?"

Savanna: "Yeah. Hopefully the thought will come back to ya."

Nate: "Me. Too."

Trey: "Damn, well if you can remember, text it to me ok."

Nate: "I will. Anyway, I'll see you around."

Trey: "See ya."

The two friends exchanged a quick dap, and Nate felt a pang of sadness as he turned to head home. The cool night air did little to ease the turmoil inside him.

Once he walked through the door, the familiar scent of dinner lingered in the air. His mom sat at the dinner table, a glass of wine in hand, the soft clink of the glass against the table breaking the quiet. She looked up and offered a small smile.

On the couch, Tracy was absorbed in her phone, the television still playing in the background, casting flickering shadows across the room.

"How was the party?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting.

Nate: "It was fun."

Tracy: "Met any girls~?"

Nate: "Nope."

Tracy: "Laaaame."

Nate shrugged his shoulders and walked upstairs to his room. Once inside, he changed to comfortable clothes and plopped on his bed.

The quiet of his room enveloped him, and he let the tears flow freely, hoping that somehow, the release would ease the weight he felt in his chest. He curled up under his blankets, seeking comfort in the familiar surroundings as he tried to process everything that had happened.

Knock!

Knock!

Nate: "Yes?" *Sniffs*

Tracy: "Can I come in?"

Nate: "I'm not gonna lie, Trace. I'm not feelin' social tonight."

Tracy: "Aww, but I wanted to talk."

Nate felt a pang of guilt wash over him as he realized how much he had been ignoring Tracy lately. He wiped his face with his blanket, trying to compose himself as best as he could. "Okay, fine. Come in," he called out.

The door opened, and Tracy stepped inside, a bright smile on her face. She plopped down next to him on the bed, completely unaware of the tears that had just stained his cheeks.

Tracy: "I'm so sad."

Nate: "Why?"

Tracy: "I didn't talk to my boyfriend that much today."

Nate: "What?"

Tracy: "Yeah, he said he went to a party."

Nate: "A party?"

Tracy: "He didn't even invite me."

Nate: "Weird. I guess today is a party day."

Tracy: "I know right. I'm like super worried that he talked to other girls."

Nate: "You don't trust him?"

Tracy: "I do. I don't trust other girls."

Nate: "I'm sure you got nothin' to worry about."

Tracy: "I can't help it! I'm the jealous type. There's so many girls in school that try to rizz him up."

Nate: "If he's a good guy, I'm sure he won't cave."

Tracy: "You're probably right. It is a lil strange that he didn't invite me to the party though."

Nate: "That is a lil weird."

Tracy: "I'll call him about it later."

Nate: "Sounds like a good plan."

Tracy: "Oh! Speaking about my boyfriend, I took a selfie with him."

Nate: "Show me!"

Tracy pulled out her phone, a playful glint in her eyes. "Look at this!" she said, turning the screen toward Nate.

He squinted at the image, and his heart sank slightly as he saw the picture: Tracy and Ben making kissy faces at the camera, their expressions exaggerated and silly.

Nate: "B-Ben?!"