Chapter Fifty Five : There's Something Wrong With Alex

A/N thank you to those who found my April fools chapter entertaining! (:

Mrs.Moreau and my mother sat in silence at the dining room table, piping hot cups of chamomile tea in each hand. My father had shown up not too long after Mr.Moreau left. He was immediately filled in, and was just as surprised as I when he heard of Mrs.Moreau's heroic act. I figured there would be much to talk about between the three but assumed the presence of Dakota and I hindered the conversation.

I worried to myself what was to happen for Mrs.Moreau if she had divorced. She was a stay at home mom and a struggling alcohol addict. Was it so wrong of me to think she wouldn't be able to? Mr.Moreau had taken care of them throughout their whole lives, he was the prized breadwinner. Partly, I hoped that Mr.Moreau would accept Dakota. He was the same person, no matter what.

"We should get back." Mrs.Moreau spoke, setting down the half empty tea cup adorned with roses. "I'll walk you back, make sure nothing happens." My father stood up, heading for the door.

"If anything happens, call the police and run here." My mom said as she clasped together Mrs.Moreau's hands, who nodded understandably.

"See you." I said softly as Dakota headed for the door. He smiled, solemn, and waved.

The door shut behind them and it was quiet once again. A knot settled in the bottom of my stomach and I couldn't shake off the worry I had.

🏈

That night's sleep was as worse as the last, tossing and turning, unable to sleep as my mind filled with what if's. And when Dakota didn't show up for school the next morning, I was completely on edge. The two were insane for going back home in the first place. I couldn't focus in any of my morning classes. I couldn't be more grateful when the bell rang for lunch.

I stood in line for food, lining up like an ant like the rest of the student body. It didn't take Gemma long to find me as she frantically waved from the cafeteria doors, running towards me, like a dog who'd seen it's owner, leaving Jane behind. But she didn't seem bothered as she gracefully walked our way. As I tossed and turned that night, I thought of Alex's confession and if it was a good idea to tell Gemma. Jane I could trust but Gemma could hardly keep a secret and I didn't want to out Alex when he wasn't ready, that was the worst thing I could do.

After gathering much needed grub, we sat at a table of my choosing. I opted for one closest to the window near the corner, the closest to privacy that a school could offer.

"I wanted to tell you guys something."

"Don't tell me, you're pregnant." Jane smirked as she tossed her garden salad.

"No, this is serious." I said as I held back laughter.

"Right, sorry."

"You have to promise, that you'll tell no one, Gemma. No one." I said in a hushed whisper, peering across the busy cafeteria, as if someone would be interested in eavesdropping on our conversation.

"Hang on, why doesn't Jane have to promise?" She asked with a child-like pout.

"Never mind that, do you promise or not?"

"Promise, now spill."

I leaned in closer, motioning with my pointer finger for the two to come forward, they leaned forward with anticipation. "Alex may be gay."

"What!?" Gemma exclaimed, garnering a few stares. I shook my head, rolling my eyes.

"What do you mean, may be?" Jane asked, pushing up her black rimmed glasses.

"I don't know if he's likes just men or both." I shrugged before stuffing my face with fries.

"Alex? Really?" Gemma asked, doubtful. I nodded repeatedly. It was understandable that everyone I had told found it hard to believe. I wouldn't believe it either if Alex hadn't told me himself, he was the straightest person, and the last person I would've guessed.

"I have to throw another party." Jane said with a devious smirk, I could already see it in her eyes, the planning, the party, everything.

"Speaking of parties, where's Dakota?"

"No idea." I shrugged, looking down at my food.

As much as I wanted to tell them about what happened, I decided not to. I felt like every word that came out of my mouth was about Dakota and even I was getting sick of myself. Don't get me wrong, I was worried half to death and came close to sharing my worry with them but I kept my mouth shut. I just hoped he'd show up at practice.

🏈

"Sorry I missed out on lunch. Had some.. stuff to sort. But what's it you wanted to tell me?" Michael said before shoving his helmet over his head, clipping the chinstrap afterward.

"Alex, he came out to me."

"Alex? Gay? Wow, who would've thought." Michael said as he avoided my gaze.

"You don't sound too surprised."

"Oh, I'm surprised alright." He nodded.

"Are you-"

"Hey." Dakota cut in.

"H-hey, everything alright?"

"Yeah, yeah. Everything is fine." He said with a forced smile.

"Moreau, DeAngelis, Carina." Coach said as he motioned for us with his finger.

"Time to rearrange the positions boys." He said before blowing his whistle. We nodded, knowing what coach was getting at and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Michael. But it was a given once Dakota returned, he'd no longer be co-captain.

"It's been a blast." Michael said as he patted my back before walking onto the field. I sighed and shoved my helmet on, joining the rest of the team on the field for drills.

🏈

"So, party on Friday, my house." Michael said as he sat down beside me. I looked over at Dakota, who nodded reassuringly. "I'll be fine."

"Gemma and Jane insisted on inviting Alex, so he's going to be there. What are you guys planning?"

"We're not planning anything." I chortled, it was half true. I knew Jane was planning something behind my back, I just didn't know exactly what.

"Alright, see you later boys." Michael winked before walking off to the parking lot. Mr.Carina waved at me from his car and I smiled as I waved back. Seeing him reminded me that I needed to visit Michael more often, it was Mr.Carina after all that asked that scout to watch me play. I owed it all to him.

"Now, tell me, what's wrong?" I asked Dakota as we sat on the bleachers.

"My dad, he left." Dakota scoffed, avoiding my eyes as he stared at the ground.

"I mean he wasn't the best dad, obviously, but could he really just up and leave, just because we're dating?" I shook his head in disbelief. I wanted so much to believe Mr.Moreau could accept Dakota and it hurt hearing that he left. I wrapped an arm around him, rubbing his shoulder reassuringly as we sat in a silent comfort with only the stifled sobs of Dakota to hear.

I couldn't imagine what he was going through, but no matter what, I was going to do everything I could to be here for him.

🏈

As the week went on Jane and Gemma filled me in on the golden plan for the night. "And why are we doing this again?" Michael asked, even I was starting to question if it was right.

"You said he was drunk, right? We just need to see if he'll confess while sober." Gemma said with a wicked grin.

"And this is fake alcohol?" Dakota asked as he tossed a can in the air before it fell back into his hand. "For the thousandth time, yes."

"Is this right? I'm starting to question my morals here, I mean Jane even for you this is insane." I said, second guessing everything we'd planned.

"It's for science." Jane said as she shrugged.

"Okay." I said hesitant.

The ultimate goal was to get Alex to confess while sober, hence the fake alcohol. It tasted like alcohol, smelled like it too but there wasn't a drop of it in it. Michael didn't want the party to turn into a rager so he had only invited a handful of people. He seemed hellbent on having the party until he realized the real reason behind it.

"The guests will show up any minute now." Michael said as we all sat at the island counter in his kitchen, watching the clock tick.

"Quick announcement, remember that team we played against.. the Panthers."

"Michael, you didn't." Gemma stared at him in awe. "I invited them."

Before we could react, the doorbell rang, a sign of our demise and the guests walked in.

"Nice to see you again boys." Seth said as he walked in with a case of real beer in his hand and his team of bears behind him.

🏈

The rest of the guests arrived shortly after, excluding Alex which wasn't a good sign. I was beginning to think the plan was a bust and wanted to call the whole thing off.

"How was I supposed to know they'd bring alcohol." Michael spoke in a hushed whisper as we stood in the living room, huddled close together.

"Let's just stick the plan, okay?" Jane said as we nodded in unison.

The evening went by with no sign of Alex, which made this party a waste of time, Seth and the rest of his team weren't as bad as I'd thought and thankfully no other uninvited guest had shown up.

"Well, night as well call this off." I said to Dakota as we sat outback. Dakota nodded. As we stood up, I heard rustling in the alley and the sound of someone whistle.

"Did you hear that?" I asked Dakota, turning to him with fear in my eyes.

"Yeah."

I heard the whistle again, and the rustling was getting louder. I scooped out Michael's backyard but all I could make out was a dark figure behind the fence.

"Alex?"

"Yeah, let me in."

I sighed, relieved it wasn't a burglar or some raging serial killer looking for his next victim. I walked to the back gate and unhooked the latch. The gate opened with a loud creek as Alex walked in.

"Why didn't you go through the front door?" I asked as we walked back to the house.

"Seth was there. And don't think I forgot what I'd said the night of that party."

"So, you are gay?"

"Yes, I mean no, I don't know, okay." Alex said as he shook his head.

"Moreau."

"Alex."

"Wait, Seth? What happened with you and Seth?"

"On the last day of the summer training football camp.." he paused, wavering his eyes. "He kissed me and I couldn't get it out of my head. I tried everything to ignore it, no amount of partying helped."

"I tried to ask you at the pep rally." He said as he averted his eyes from mine. It was weird seeing him with his guard down like that but I listened anyway and wanted to help.

"What did Seth say?"

"He said it didn't mean anything and he was just messing around but I don't know. We still hang out and he always gives me this look, ya know?"

"You should ask him what's up. I mean just go up to him and say, hey I like you." Dakota said with a satisfactory grin, having given the best speech of all time.

"Yeah right." Alex scoffed.

"He's inside right now, wouldn't kill ya to ask."

Alex sighed deeply before nodding firmly and walked inside. Dakota and I exchanged a look and a smile before heading back in.

I sat afar as I watched Alex walk up to Seth, and I'd never seen him so nervous before. I was too far to hear but by the look of their body language, I could tell it went smooth.

Alex spent the remainder of the evening the Seth. As the night progressed people were starting to notice that the alcohol wasn't having any effect before dispersing.

"Party at my house!" Seth yelled as he walked out the front door with everyone else behind him.

"Well I say that was a success." Gemma said with a giddy smile as she stood up from the couch and made her way to the kitchen.

"Who would've thought that Alex would come to you for advice." Dakota said.

"I can't believe it either." I said with a shrug. Alex and I never seen eye to eye, only on the field, as teammates. But that's all we ever were, teammates. But this, it changed everything.

🏈

"Luka! Door!"

"Coming!"

I walked down the hall and to the front door, only to find Alex on the other side.

"Hey." I said as I shut it behind me.

"Hey."

It was silent for a moment. I could tell by the look on his face it was hard for Alex to speak his mind. Something I knew all too well.

"I just wanted to say.. thanks. B-but I don't want you thinking I'm some sissy now, I can still kick your ass if I wanted to."

I rolled my eyes with a smirk. "What did Seth say."

"I took Dakota's advice and just went for it. And he looked at me, nodded and said, me too." Alex chuckled, coyly as his cheeks reddened. I had to stifle a laugh, I'd never seen him blush before.

"That's great Alex." I patted his back.

"Anyway, no hard feelings?" He said as he stuck out his hand. "No hard feelings." I grasped it and shook.

A/N vote, comment and tell me what you think! would you guys be interested in side stories of certain characters, for example, Michael and Seth's story? Seth and Alex's story and what went down between them? Let me know!