Disclaimer:

All other content or otherwise are works of my own imagination. All events are fictitious in nature.

Any similarities to persons living, dead, or otherwise are purely coincidental.

This story contains strong themes of homosexual content, if this offends you in any way, please refrain from reading further. If you are not of legal age to read this, please leave now.

A/N: I'd like to thank TalonRider for editing this chapter. Thank you.



American Differences
-By EmulatedLove




Chapter 4: Tuesday


“What are you humming?” Asked Jamie.

I turned to look at him, “I'm not humming.”

It was the following Tuesday just after the weekend with our special sleepover. We were back in school and in the middle of a maths lesson. I really hated that class. Not because I found the work hard, but because I really hated the subject. Now art, art was good and we had that next period.

“Sure you were.” He replied, not looking up from his book. Unlike me, Jamie liked maths, and science for that matter. Yeah, he's quite odd like that.

“Was I putting you off?”

“No. Just wondering what the tune was.”

I shrugged, “I can't remember.”

He giggled and went back to his work. We carried on through the lesson, mostly just answering the questions from a textbook. Not the best thing to be doing first thing in the morning. Usually Max would be in and keep me entertained, but he had been off sick for the past two days with a stomach bug. But having Jamie sit next to me wasn't the worst thing ever. He kept me amused.

“You're humming again.”

I recognised the tune that time. I giggled, “I kissed a girl.”

He feigned a shocked look, “What?”

I kept giggling, “And liked it.”

He shoved me lightly, “Hey!”

I leaned over and whispered into his ear, “Never. I love you.”

He glanced around quickly before he whispered, “I love you more.” Then he flashed his signature look.

That quickly turned me into a blushing mess. He always found the opportunity to take advantage of the hold he had over me.

After a while I managed to compose myself. We chit-chatted for the rest of the lesson before we made our way over to the art class. Out of the 10 subjects that I had this year, Jamie was in half of them. I thought that was quite good considering he started late in the school year, he was also lucky that there were spaces free in the subjects that he wanted to do.

Connor was already in the art class before we arrived so we headed over and sat down next to him. Our teacher, Mr Webb, rattled on for 5 minutes or so as he explained what he wanted us to do over the next hour. He wanted us to work on shading and texture, so we got ourselves some large pieces of paper and started to draw. I wouldn't call myself a very good artist, but there was something that I found appealing about drawing. It was the way you could express yourself through images. Only that it had become harder to draw the truth since Jamie entered my life. Today I wanted to draw a big shaded heart with Jamie Keller written underneath it. But somehow I didn't see that happening. I glanced across at Jamie's page.

“What are you drawing?”

He glided a ruler across his page, “You'll see.” Jamie usually drew things that were closer to technical drawings, things like buildings, cars and many other things.

I picked up a pencil and began to draw, “You guys doing anything later, after school?”

“Not really.” Replied Connor.

Jamie shook his head.

“You can both come around, if you want.” I said.

They both seemed to be pleased with that idea and went back to their drawing. We talked for a while before the topic of rounders came up.

“It's a cheap man's baseball.” Said Connor.

“I thought it's almost the same.” Replied Jamie.

“I think it is.” Said Connor.

“But we don't get those really tight uniforms.” I added quickly, before cringing after I realised what I said.

Jamie had a surprised expression on his face, while Connor giggled, “What did you say?”

“Erm...” I began.

Jamie saved the day again, “Matt's always laughing at the uniform, says it's made to please the ladies.”

“Uh...yeah. I do.” I said meekly.

Connor laughed, “Maybe they are.”

We concentrated back on our work for a couple of minutes before I got interrupted, “Matt, could you come over here for a minute?” Called out Mr Webb.

I nodded at him, “I'll be right back guys.” I said, before I stood up and walked over.

He just wanted to talk about my progress this year so far, blah, blah, blah. And what my predicted grades were for next year. I swear this school is more about progress reports and parent-tutor meetings than actually teaching the students. I tried to hurry our chat along and finally managed to get away after 10 minutes of him going on. He was a nice enough guy, but his voice had this overpowering sense of boredom that was strong enough to comatose you. I'm not kidding.

I stood up and turned around to face our table when I saw Jamie sitting there talking to no one other than Hayley Burch. What the hell? She wasn't even in our class. And from the look of things, she was really trying it on with an uncomfortable looking Jamie. She was sitting on the table in front of him and leaning back, as though she was on display. What's wrong with that girl? I couldn't hear what she was saying because of the loudness of the room and their distance. I started to walk over there and looked across to where Connor was sitting, but he wasn't there. Where the hell was Connor? Jamie needed him! But that didn't matter, I was on my way.

I walked up to them and saw Hayley reach out with her hand, making the first move. 'Game on!' I thought to myself.

“I wouldn't let her touch you Jamie.” They both looked up at me, “You don't know where she's been.”

Hayley glared at me, “What's your problem Matthew? Coming to ruin a little girls fun?”

I couldn't help but smile at her. It was the way she was acting, as though she was in a movie or something, all of her lines sounded like they were rehearsed.

“I thought I banished you long ago.” I stated defiantly, earning frowns of confusion from both her and Jamie.

“What?” She said.

“You heard me. Go.” I said, pointing toward the door.

She looked back at Jamie and smiled, “You doing anything tonight, cutie?”

I walked up behind Jamie and faced her, “What the hell's wrong with you?”

She rolled her eyes at me and then focused back on Jamie, “Well?”

He was about to answer but I interrupted, “He's busy.”

She glared at me again, “Would you, like, leave us?”

I ignored her and looked at Connors empty seat, “Where's Connor? What have you done to him?” I asked, keeping a straight face and causing Jamie to snigger.

Hayley shook her head and turned to Jamie again, “What about tomorrow?”

“He's busy then too.” I replied before continuing, “Actually he's always busy when you're concerned.”

She stood up off the desk and walked toward me, her eyes narrowing on mine, “What are you, his boyfriend?”

“What are you, his wife?” I asked, raising my voice.

Connor came out of nowhere and stood between us, “Hey, just calm down guys.”

She tried to subject me to that 'killer' stare of hers. It was really pathetic. Even a fluffy little rabbit wouldn't back down against her.

“Is there a reason that you're in my class, Hayley?”

I turned around to see an unhappy looking Mr Webb standing there staring at Hayley.

“Well, Sir, I wanted to give Jamie back his...” She began.

“Do you have a note to leave your class?” He asked, interrupting her, obviously not wanting to hear a lame excuse from the infamous Hayley Burch.

I started to smile. Way to go Sir! Get the bitch on school rules!

Hayley noticed my grin and looked back at Mr Webb, “No Sir.”

“Then I'll see you after school for 20 minutes.” He replied. Yeah, Mr Webb was very by the book.

She knew that she lost and nodded. Hayley might have been a nasty piece of work, but she knew better than to backchat a teacher, especially Webb. I swear the guy holds the record on school suspensions.

“What lesson did you come from, and who is your teacher?”

“Music, with Mr Jacobs.”

“I want you to go back to that class now. I'll check with him later that you returned.” He paused, “Off you go.”

“Yes Sir.” She replied before she walked out quickly, but being careful not to slam the door behind her.

Webb turned to Jamie, “Did she come to give you something?”

“No Sir.”

Webb nodded and then walked back over to his desk, taking the time to write her name on the whiteboard behind him, along with a big 20.

Connor looked at us, “Well that was interesting.”

“Yeah.” I replied before I sat down next to Jamie, “That's twice I've saved you from her.”

He shook his head, “You know that I could have handled it.”

I nodded, “Perhaps.”

He grinned at that, “I think you enjoy fighting her too much.”

I thought for a moment and smiled, “Perhaps.” I repeated.

*

The rest of our art class went by without any further incidents, but wind of our little confrontation had made its way around the school, with me being the victor, of course. It was raining outside during break time so we stayed indoors and grabbed a table in the dining hall.

“Connor. What did you do to Connor?” Said Jamie, mimicking me in his faux British accent.

Connor laughed, “You actually said that?”

I giggled, “Yeah, I made her sound like a right villain.” I shot a look to Jamie which I'm sure he understood as, 'But I'll do her some serious damage if she tries to chat up my boyfriend again!'

“She must think you're mad.” Said Jamie.

I smiled, “Probably, and maybe that will make her think twice next time before trying to tempt you.”

He shuddered, “That's just nasty.”

We had a laugh out of that before I saw Josh wander over with Adam in tow.

“Did you get in a fight with Hayley?” He asked bluntly.

“Kinda.”

“Did you tell her that she smells?”

I laughed, “No, I didn't have enough time.”

He nodded and then scrunched up his face, “Adam and I have are in detention today, so don't wait around.”

“What did you do this time Josh?” I asked. Josh had a tendency to get the odd detention. Not from being a bad kid, but for not being quiet. He always had something to say at usually the worst times.

“Nothing. Mrs Gibbs said she wanted the homework in today. But she lied.”

“I bet you didn't listen to her properly.” I replied.

He shook his head, “It's gay.”

I always winced whenever he said that, which was becoming increasingly common nowadays. I've tried to explain to him what it means, but he just quotes Mum and Dad and says that it doesn't matter, that it doesn't offend people. Unless they're gay of course. In which case, it’s their fault, not ours.

Josh noticed me glaring at him, “What?”

I turned away, “Nothing, I'll see you later at home then.”

He looked at me oddly and then walked away with Adam. Connor stood up and announced that he wanted some fries to eat, leaving Jamie and I alone. Jamie looked at me and leaned closer.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah.” I paused, “I just hate it when he says that.”

He nodded, “I know. I try to tell Sam, but she's just the same.”

I was silent for a moment before I smiled, “If only they knew.”

He frowned, “You're not thinking about...you know...telling them?” He asked, seemingly alarmed.

I shook my head, “Of course not.” I reassured, “I'm just saying that they really have no idea...”

“No, they don't.” He replied, as the bell started to ring, signalling the end of our break.

“You have music now, right?” I asked.

He nodded, “I'll see you in English next.”

“Ok, I'll see you in a bit.”

Jamie nodded and wandered off into the crowd of kids as he headed toward the music department. I had history, which was in the opposite direction. I started to walk that way and met up with Connor who was also in my lesson.

“I was wondering where you got to.” I said, over the noise of the crowded corridor.

“It's the people in the canteen, they're so slow.” He replied, before eating one of his fries.

He offered the packet to me and shook it, “Can I tempt you?”

I cautiously eyed the greasy critters, “No, I think I'll manage thanks.”

*

I quite liked history. Not as much as art, but it was amongst the top three. I'm not sure what captivated me about the subject, as more often than not we were studying a not-so-pleasant part of our past. Perhaps it was the way in which we'd work to overcome those bad times, to work toward a better future. Or the iconic people who'd help us along the way. Then again, maybe I simply enjoyed studying the past. Today we were working on one of our coursework pieces, so it was nothing too difficult, just an essay. I was sitting next to Connor and noticed him staring at me a couple of times. He usually just said what was on his mind, but obviously had some reservations this time.

“What's wrong?” I asked, while still writing.

He faced me, “It's...” He paused, “Don't worry about it.”

I looked over at our teacher who was helping someone across the room, and then turned to Connor, “No, I'm listening.”

“Well...” He began, “I wanted to ask you something.”

I smiled, “What? You don't need permission Con, fire away!”

“You've been spending quite a bit of time with Jamie since he moved here...”

That changed the mood. My pulse started to quicken as I nodded slowly, “Yeah...”

“And you've been around his house a couple of times.” He continued, looking me in the eye.

I suddenly began to feel the innate need to be sick as alarm bells started to ring inside my head. I tried to control myself, 'Deep breath Matt, he hasn't accused you of anything yet.' I thought inside my head.

“W...What are you saying?” I asked timidly.

He looked me in the eye, “It's about his sister.”

Time seemed to stop for a second. WHAT?!?! All that and you want to talk about SAM? I let out a sigh of relief.

Connor continued, “Umm, she's been like, stalking me.”

My mind was still reeling from moments before, “Oh.” I replied while thinking, 'Stand down, It was a false alarm.'

“Yeah, she's been emailing me, texting me. I can't get her to stop.” He gave me a sideways glance, “Are you ok?”

I managed to gain control of my body again, “Yeah, erm...You haven't said anything about it before.”

“I didn't want Jamie to think I was hitting on her.”

“I see.”

“What should I do?”

“Do you want me to talk to Jamie? I mean I'm seeing him next, so...”

Connor shook his head, “No, I don't want him to think I'm too scared or anything. I'll do it.”

I laughed, “He won't think that, he's a cool guy.” I replied smiling, “Anyway, what's wrong with Sam, don't you like her?” I asked, I mean he had to like her physically as she was very similar in looks to Jamie, and he's a stunner. She also seemed to be a very nice person from the few times I've spoken to her.

“She's alright but, uh, a little too...dominant.”

I laughed again, earning some stares, “Too dominant?”

He blushed, “Yeah. Kinda.”

I grinned and leaned in toward him, “And you want to be the dominant one in a relationship, right?”

His eyes widened at that before he shoved me lightly, “Hey!”

*

Jamie started to giggle, “Too dominant?”

I giggled, “Really that's what he said.”

He calmed down, “We are talking about my Sam?

“Uh huh.”

He giggled again. Quite a few people were chatting in our English class, so we didn't stand out.

“He told me not to tell you but...” I said.

He shook his head, “I'll talk to her.”

“Thanks.” I replied before I started to smile to myself.

“What?”

“I was just thinking it's ironic at how Sam is dominant and you're...not.”

He raised his eyebrows, “What? Oh please, you like it with...”

I widened my eyes at him, as if to remind him about where we were.

He leaned closer, “I was going to say, 'with me in charge'.”

“Is that so blondie?”

He nodded, “Yeah.”

I reached over, grabbed his paper, and began to read, “I'm just checking your English.”

He grabbed mine, “My English is perfect, thank you.” He replied in his British accent, causing me to smile. He was still terrible at that.

I read it for a minute before I shook my head, “What English? This is written in American.” I replied jokingly while handing it back to him, “I can't understand that!”

He handed mine back, “What do you call this then? Shakespeare?”

I pointed to my essay, “This, my dear American friend, is gold, pure gold.”

“Sure.”

*

With four out of the five lessons out of the way, it was time for lunch. The weather had cleared up some, so as soon as Connor had grabbed some food, we headed outside.

“See, I knew you wouldn't last long before you brought your own lunch in.” I said to Jamie. Actually he had been bringing in his own lunch since his second day.

“Yeah, I'm not touching that nasty stuff ever again!” He replied, pointing to the burger that Connor was eating.

“It's not that bad. You shouldn't buy into Matt's crap.” Said Connor.

“I know what a burger should taste like, and that is not even close.” Said Jamie.

“Exactly.” I replied.

Even though the sun was now shining brightly, the grass was still quite wet, so any football was out of the question. Instead of just walking around, we sat down on one of the benches outside to eat our lunch.

Connor eventually confronted Jamie about his 'problem' with Sam. Jamie, being the bestest boyfriend ever, didn't tell Connor that I had told him about it earlier. But his response was exactly the same, he said that he’d speak to her. Of course, we all got another laugh at Connors expense when he brought up the reason why he didn't like her that way. And with that aside, we went on to talk about the football match we were going to in two weeks time.

“I've done my research.” Said Jamie, “Chelsea is quite good.”

Connor frowned, “What do you mean, 'quite good'? They're the best.”

“I thought they were second.” He replied. I smiled, he was right, they were second in the league.

Connor waved a hand, “Just you wait and see.”

“Hey, Matt!”

I turned around to see Dean Miller and a couple of the guys from his form walking over. I'd known Dean all the way back since primary school. He's always been quite a nice, laid back guy and was also Captain of the football team. I wasn't part of the team, but both Connor and Max were. Looks wise, he was ok. About average. But his real talent was for football. I'd seen him play at some of the games, it was though he had the ball on a string, he had complete control over it.

“Hey Dean, How's things?”

“All good, you?”

“I'm fine.” I looked at the two guys standing next to him, one of them was the cute Ayo Spicer. Ayo had a really sexy caramel skin tone and hazel eyes. And while he was mixed race, with his mum being Nigerian and his dad being English, he had this odd oriental look about him. Yeah, Ayo definitely had the word cute nailed down. In fact I'd go as far to say he was the only other boy in my year who'd give Jamie a run for his money in the looks department. Call me biased, but Jamie would always come out on top. With his looks aside, Ayo was also quite a cool guy and like Dean, he was also from my primary school.

The other guy was Jon Hacker. Jon was also quite new to the school as he joined about a year ago. It was immediately clear that sports were his thing as he was good at anything that you could do physically. But other than that, he was kind of quiet, not shy, but not as loud as most people. That sent my gaydar spinning in circles at first, but then he became quite popular with the ladies, and my doubts were silenced. Jon was slightly shorter than I was and of a smaller build. He had sand coloured hair and green/blue eyes. So overall he was quite good looking, but just nowhere near Jamie's standard.

“Ayo, John.” I nodded.

They nodded in return as Dean started to smile, “I heard about you and crazy bitch.” Like me, Dean also shared the dislike toward Hayley.

Connor grinned, “Then you guys better take a seat. It's time for a story.”

*

I had just finished the story to Dean and the guys. They were quite pleased with what I had done.

Dean reached out with his hand and gave me a high five, “Nice one!”

“Yeah, I hate how she thinks that she controls every guy.” Said Jon

“I wasn't going to let Jamie fall victim to her.” I replied while winking at Jamie.

Dean turned to us, “Anyway, the reason I came over here was to see if you guys wanted to come around mine tomorrow after school. It's my older brother's birthday so he's having a party, but I'm allowed to bring some of my friends along.” Deans brother was in our sixth form. I've never really spoken to him, but he seems like a decent guy.

I glanced at Jamie who seemed quite interested, “Sure, I'll come.”

“Me too.” Replied Jamie.

“And me.” Added Connor.

Dean smiled, “Great! These two are coming.”

Ayo swatted his arm, “These two have names!”

Dean pulled a face at him before he turned to me, “Erm, what about Max? Do you think he'll be well enough?”

“You know him, he'll never turn down a party. Even if he's dying.” I replied.

“Just tell him that he's invited. It'll start around 5-ish, cos it's a school night.” Said Dean.

I nodded in agreement and looked across at Jamie. Yeah, I think a night out will be fun.

*

You suck at this!” I said as I pointed toward the Playstation. We were back at my home after school. Connor could only stay a little while as he had to get back home, but Jamie managed to hang back a little longer.

He shook his head, “You're just a cheat!” He replied before he leaned over and kissed my cheek.

I faced him, “Hehehe, what was that for?”

“Do I need a reason?”

I leaned over and kissed him, “No.”

He giggled at my clumsiness as I kissed him lightly over his cheek.

I stopped for a moment and stared into his eyes. I may have been an atheist, but at that moment I was thanking every higher power for bringing Jamie into my life. He just made everything perfect.

I shifted myself closer and placed my hand in his soft hair, pulling his head toward mine, “I love you Jamie.”

“I love you too Matt.”




Thank you for reading Chapter 4 of American Differences.

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Copyright © 2009 By EmulatedLove