Disclaimer: This story involves love, relationship, and "adult" subject matter between teenage boys... so I guess that means your not supposed to read this if your under 18, but really if you are younger than that, I can't stop you. Just Don't Get Caught :)  If homosexuality offends you, then leave, or join the 21st century, and open up to it.

This Is FICTION... any character resembling a real life person is by coincidence, and in the rare event a character is based on someone in real life their name has been changed due to legal and personal protection.  You never know who's lurking around reading this.  So now the little spiel is over so hopefully someone will enjoy this.  Do Not Reproduce this story, and if you would like to have it on your web site, email me & get my permission. Thanks.  This is my first story so try not to crucify me to bad. Copyright Jaden 2002

"KAI!!!"  Through my continuous banging on the window and my pleading cries, Kai had not flinched or made a move once.  I tried to pry the window open, but it wouldn't budge from the outside.  What am I going to do?  I was about to climb down the tree and go call for some help, when I noticed something.... the window is just a single pane of glass.  No screen, no extra sheet of glass.  I pulled my sleeve over my hand the best I could and drove my arm through the glass.  Fuck!!!  I don't know how much damage I just did to my arm, but it doesn't really matter right now.  I tried to avoid cutting myself even more, and slid through the window.  I approached Kai quickly, the headphones he had on, blasting some music.  I put my hand on his shoulder and walked around in front of him.  I wasn't expecting him to jump when I touched him.  Hell, I wasn't expecting him to move at all!  He knocked the headphones off and looked up at me, tears streaming down his face.  I looked at him, then down to his hand.  The pills were still in his hand... he didn't take them.

"I told you not to come after me."

"I couldn't just not come after you.  Kai...."

"Why?  You don't need me, Blade.  Tyler doesn't either.  No one does.  I just want everything to go away."  He sobbed out.

"If that's true, then why are you sitting there with the pills still in your hand?"

"I don't know.  I was trying to work myself up enough to do it.  Then you had to show up."

"Kai, give me the pills."

"No.  I don't want to be here anymore!! Don't you get it?  Just go, please!!"  He got up and tried to brush past me, but I grabbed a hold of him with my decent arm, and pulled him into a hug.

"Kai, please give me the pills."  I was having a hard time getting the words out, between my sobs.

"No, let me go..."

"I'm--I'm not letting go of you, Kai.  Ever."

"It hurts so much!"  He just laid his head on to my shoulder and bawled his eyes out.  I reached down to his hand, put it in mine, and he released his grip on the pills.  They dropped into my hand and I let out a sigh of relief.  I stood there holding him for what must've been a good 20 minutes, until we both started to calm down a little bit.  He backed away from me and sat on the bed.  I stood there and stared at him.  It's hard to believe this is the same guy, who is the life of the party.  The one that keeps everyone smiling.  How could I do this to him?

"Kai, I'm sorry.  I don't know what else I can say.  I never wanted to hurt you.  It wasn't supposed to happen like this."

"Why did you come here?  Why didn't you just let me take away the pain?"

"Kai, that's now how it works.  The pain will go away, eventually.  Why did I come here?  That's simple... because I care about you.  It would devastate me if something were to happen to you.  I love you man.  Tyler does too.  Everyone does."

"Then where are they?  Where is Tyler?  I don't see anyone else here, but you and me."

"Kai, they don't know what's going on right now.  I knew, when I heard you sing that song.  Then the note, confirmed my fears.  I--I thought I was too late, when no one answered the door.  Then when I saw you just sitting there, in the chair, I thought--thought that you were dea...."  I choked back the sobs.

"I'm sorry.  I'm sorry that I caused you to worry.. caused you to hurt.  It's just the pain inside of me is killing me.  It's just eating away every ounce of my being.  When I saw those pictures, it felt like someone had shot me in the heart.  Tyler was my heart.  And now he's yours.  You were my best friend, and that just made it hurt more.  I lost the two most important people in my life, in a single moment."  I started to reach out to him, but when I lifted my right arm, the pain just shot like daggers through it.

"Ahhhh!! Fuck!!"

"You're hurt.... Blade your arm is bleeding bad.  How did you..."  He paused and looked over to the window.  "Oh my god!  You idiot!  Why didn't you kick it in!?!?"

"My first priority was getting into your room, not how I did it.  You're more important than my arm.  I'll be fine, I just have to loosen...."  Not smart.  I winced in pain, as I tried to move it again.  Kai got up and went into his bathroom.  That itself made me nervous, because there's razors and things in there.  I followed after him, and just about slammed into him as he was coming out.

"Calm down... I'm ok.  Besides, I don't think I would get very far with you here.  Open up your sleeve and come here."  I did as I was told.  God, what a nasty looking gash.  It almost ran the length of my forearm.  He took a cloth and poured some disinfectant on it.  "This is going to sting like a bitch, so be prepared."  He wiped down the cut with the cloth, and man, did that sting!!  He finished cleaning it up, then took out some gauges pads.  He must know what he's doing.  He used some medical tape to keep them in place, and that was that.  "You are still going to have to get that checked out.  It's pretty deep.  You have know idea how close you came to hitting an artery.  You would be the one dying."

"If that's a joke, you are so not funny.  I might as well just have a doctor make a daily house call, the way I'm getting injured."  It was a joke, but Kai took it seriously.

"Oh... sorry.  I wasn't thinking clearly, I didn't mean to...."  I stopped him.

"It's okay.  You were pissed.  I know what it's like to get so mad that you think about nothing, but hurting the cause of it.  I-I deserved it anyway."

"No, you didn't.  I just wanted you to hurt, like I did.   You didn't hit me back.  You just took it.  Why?"

"Because I told you I would never hit you.  I don't go back on my word.  I would never lay a hand on any of my friends.  Especially my best friend."

He looked up at me with the tears threatening to overflow again.  "Were best friends....."  He looked back down at the ground after that.

I lifted his chin, so his eyes met mine.  "Are best friends.  If you'll have me, that is."

He gave me a small smile, and stood up.  He wrapped his arms around me, and the tears started flowing from both of us again.  "Just give me some space, while I work out my feelings, OK?"

"Okay.  I am really sorry for all of this Kai.  I would never intentionally hurt you."

"I know... it's just really hard.  Tyler is so special.  He's nice, funny, talented, gorgeous.... well you know all of this already.  You should get going.  Get your arm looked at, then head home."

"I will, but Kai, you.. you're not going to try to anything...."

"No, I swear.  You can take the pills with you, if you want."

"Kai... there's other ways..."

"Blade, I promise I won't try anything.  Here....."  He went over to his dresser and came back with a needle.  He pricked his finger, then did the same to mine.  He took them and pressed them together.  "There, that's a blood brother's promise.  Can't be broken.  Don't worry, I swear.  I know I have to face my feelings, instead of runaway."

"Okay.  But if you do, do anything, I'm going to make them revive you, then I'm going to kill you!"  We gave each other one last hug, while I planted a kiss on his forehead.  We then said our good byes and I made my way out of the house.  Through the door this time.  I just hope he does keep his promise.  As soon as I got in the car, I broke down in tears again.   I sat there for a few minutes trying to get myself together, and trying to decide if I should actually leave or not.  Luckily, his mother pulled up and that put me at ease.  As long as someone's here to watch him... as long as he's safe.

I drove to the hospital to get my arm looked at.  Of course, I had to sit in the ER waiting room for like two hours before anyone could see me.  The doctor was a nice woman.  I'd say she's in her early 30's probably.  She pretty much gave me the same spiel Kai gave me.  I'm extremely lucky that it's just a deep cut, and it didn't hit an artery, or sever a tendon.  Yeah, tell that to my arm lady.  She did stitch it up and bandage it, though.  God, I'm going to be a modern day Frankenstein pretty soon!  I was given instructions to keep away from any physical activity involving my arm for one to two weeks!!  Coach will be thrilled with that.  Oh well, messing up my arm was worth being there for Kai.  I could've been here for a much worse reason than a cut up arm.  As I was heading towards the exit, I glanced at a clock.  Almost one in the morning!!!  Shit, I was supposed to call Tyler.  It's too late now.  I hope he's not worried.

I pulled up to my house at about 1:15.  I unlocked the door and went inside.  Everyone's sleeping, it seems.  I took my shirt and pants off and threw them in the wash.  Another shirt with blood all over it.  At least this one's black, so I should be able to salvage it.  I grabbed a bottle of water, then made my way up to my room.  As soon as I got in front of the bed, someone came out of nowhere and tackled me!  I landed right on my arm, which caused me to yell out in pain.  "AHHHH!"  My attacker got up and turned the light on, when they heard me yell.  I looked up at the tackler.... Tyler.

"Dude, what's wrong?  Did I hurt you?"

"No... I just landed on my arm and..."  He looked at my arm and then gave me the first degree.

"What happened to your arm?  Oh my god, look at it!! Who did you fight this time?!?!"

I laughed at his frantic questions.  "Ok, chill.  I got into a fight with a window, and as you can see it kicked my ass.  Well, my arm at least."

"What do you mean, you got into a fight with a window?  Blade, what kind of freaky stuff are you into?"  I know he's teasing, but I can tell he really wants to know what happened.

"Hahaha, I'm not a freak!  Well not yet.... but anyway it's not like I go around putting my arm through windows for fun!  How did you get in here, any ways?"

"I broke in.  Haha... Eric let me in, you goof.  Now, tell me what happened."

"Okay, but first you have to promise not to freak out on me."  He looked at me skeptically, but said ok anyway.  "Well, you know how I had to run off after the concert, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, it was to go after Kai.  You know the last song he did.. Remember Me This Way?  Well, he was looking right at me when he sang it.  Then at the end he said that I won and he lost.  I didn't know if I was being paranoid at first or not, but the first thing that popped into my head was that he was uh, going to do something stupid....."

"Kai?  Kai would never do something like that...."  I stopped him, then continued.

"Then, when I went out to my car, I found two notes on it.  One, a threatening note, which is the second one I've received.  I'll get to that some other time.  The second one was from Kai.  A good bye letter."

He looked at me with fear and confusion in his eyes.  "I don't believe you."

I ran downstairs and out to the car.  The letter was still on the seat.  I brought it upstairs and handed it to Tyler.  He hesitantly unfolded it and read it to himself.  I watched his face as he read.  It looked like a mixture of emotions ran through him.  Anger, sorrow, then sadness.  Tears started to fall from his eyes, as he looked up at me.

"Is--is he..."

"No, he didn't do it.  When I got to his house there was no answer, when I tried the door, so I climbed the tree outside his window.  I could see him in his room, sitting in a rocking chair, next to a tray with a picture of you and him on it.  He had headphones on and wasn't moving so I assumed the worst.  Then when I saw the empty pill bottle, I really freaked out and banged on the window, but he couldn't hear me.  So, as you can see I put my arm through the window... it was the only way I could get in.  I thought he was dead, I didn't care how I got to him, but I had to, no matter what."

I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts.  Actually hearing myself say what happened... it's almost unreal.  The tears brimmed over my eyes once again.  Kai was that close to being gone.

"He was startled when he finally realized I was there.  I realized that the reason he wasn't making any movements was because he was holding the pills in his hand, thinking it over.  Trying to psych himself up enough to go through with it.  We talked for awhile, then I just held him until we both stopped crying a little bit.  Then we talked some more.  I think things are going to be better now.  Kai just needs time and space and we need to give that to him."

"I don't know what to say.  What if he tries to do it again?  You shouldn't have left him alone."

"He promised he wouldn't.  We did a blood brothers oath.  Even as fifth gradish as that is, I believe him.  He's going to be fine, Tyler.  Kai needs to face his feelings or he will never feel better."

"I know.  Is it all right if I stay here again?  I-I just don't want to be alone right now."  How could I say no to him?

"Of course."  He chucked his clothes then snuggled up with me.

"We almost lost him, Blade.  I mean really lost him.  I don't know what I would do if Kai died."  He started sniffling again.

"Shhhh... it's ok, Tyler.  Kai isn't going to die.  I promise... he promised.  Try and get some sleep, baby."  I had to sound convincing for Tyler... even if I wasn't a hundred percent confident in my statement.

"I love you, Blade."

I smiled, then leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.  "I love you too.  Goodnight, my angel."  I turned the lamp off, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

I awoke the next morning to a wide awake Tyler.  He was just laying there, staring at me.  He looked so cute in the morning, with his hair all tousled.  I smiled at him and stretched, sleepily.  One thing that did catch my eye was his clothes.  Particularly the fact, that he was wearing them already.  "Why are you dressed already?"

"I have to go do some things.  I was hoping you would wake up before I left."

"Yeah?  Why's that?"  He jumped on top of me and straddled my abdomen.  With a glint of mischief in his eyes, he bent down and kissed me.  A very sweet, tender kiss, not like the urgent kissing we did yesterday.  He pulled away and started laughing at the dazed look on my face.

"That's why."

"Haha... you sure know how to greet a guy, don't you?  So where are you running off to so quickly?"

"Umm... I just have to run some errands and stuff for my mom."

"Oh, ok.  And the reason you can't do this in a little while is what?" I asked.

"Well, I haven't been around much lately, so I figured I'd better get an early start today."

"You sure you don't want to take a shower first?"  I leaned over and sniffed his neck.  Of course he smelled great, but I couldn't just tell him that!  "You stink."

"I do not!  Besides, if I stink so bad, why would you be in bed with me?"

"Because you're you, and I'll love you.....  even if you do stink."  That got me a pillow to the face.  "Call me when you get done?"

"You know it."

"K, I'll see you out then."  He smiled and we walked downstairs.  My mother and her boyfriend were sitting in the kitchen.  They looked up and noticed us.  Of course Mom had to be nosey.  She came out to greet us.

"Who's your friend, Blade?  Did he stay the night?"

"This is Tyler, Mom.  Tyler, this is my mom.  And yes he stayed the night."  She just smiled at him, then looked at me.  She did a double take.

"Blade, what the hell happened to you?  Look at your arm.. your face!"  I forgot I hadn't seen her since before the game, Friday night.

"Umm, nothing happened.  Just had a couple of altercations."  Tyler didn't make anything easier for me.

"Hahaha... yeah, one with a window."  I just glared at him and he shut up, but still kept a goofy smirk on his face.

"What do you mean, an altercation with a window?" asked Mom.

"Uh, it's nothing."

"It better be nothing."

"Yeah, whatever.  I'm just seeing Tyler out now."

"Goodbye, Mrs. Stevens."

"Bye, Tyler."  When we finally made it out the door, I tackled him to the ground, then pinned his shoulders down.  If he really wanted to, he could've gotten free.

"Now, why would you go and tell my mom that I'm fighting with windows?  I guess you'll just have to be punished."  I grinned at him evilly.  He gave me a look of mock horror.  "TICKLE TORTURE!!"  I started tickling him everywhere.  He was laughing hysterically, trying to squirm out of my grasp.

"I..haha.. give... hahaha.. up!!!"  I stopped tickling him, and gave him a moment to catch his breath.  I pinned his shoulders down once again, and we just gazed into each other's eyes.  I slowly started to lean in for a kiss, but was interrupted by someone clearing their throat.  We quickly scrambled to our feet, then noticed who it was.  Scott.

"Dude!  You scared the shit out of us!''

"You should be more careful then.   Something you guys want to tell me?"  He gave us a weak, forced smile as he walked over to us.

"Well, Scott.... we uh, Tyler and I are together now."

"I didn't know you were into guys, Blade."  He paused momentarily and looked at Tyler, "Cat got your tongue, Tyler?"  Tyler just looked at him meekly.

"Look Scott, if you want to yell and take your frustration out on someone, then do it to me."

"I'm not going to yell or do anything to either one of you, Blade.  You guys are my friends, I'm just a little surprised, that's all.  Well, I'd like to stay and talk, but we have to be going.  Kai...."  Tyler quickly cut him off.

"I'll tell you about Kai later."  He gave Scott a strange look, then turned to me.  "I'll call you."  He gave me a quick kiss then started to walk away with Scott.

Scott stopped and had to get one last poke in, "By the way, nice boxers Blade.  You might not want to be walking around outside with just those on though.  You know, indecent exposure."  I gave him a forced smile, and watched them walk away.  Not in the direction of Tyler's house though.  They were going to Kai's and Tyler didn't want me to know about it.  Guess I wasn't in the loop on this one.

I decided to go back inside and sleep.  Not like there's anyone to go do anything with. I laid there thinking about why Tyler would lie to me.  There was no point... I wouldn't have tried to stop him from going to Kai's.  I guess he doesn't think that highly of me, when it comes to things like that.  I pretty much slept the day away, getting up for the occasional snack or drink.  I called Kai at about 10 that night, just to check up on him.  His mother answered and told me he was sleeping.  Well, that put my mind at ease.

I awoke early the next morning.  I still had to be at practice, even if I can't actually participate.  Coach didn't take the news too well.  In fact I thought he was going to have a coronary right there in his office.  "This is going to hurt the team.  Have you always been this injury prone?"

"No... just have had some bad luck with things, as of late."

"I don't know what to do, Blade.  We really need you in the line up.  We have some important games against the league's best teams in the coming two weeks."

"I know, Coach.  But you know I would be out there if it was possible.  If I were to go out and play with my arm like this, I'd risk permanently damaging it.  Not to mention, I'd have trouble handling the puck, let alone shooting it.  I'd be of no value out there like this."

"I understand.  I just really have to scramble now.  I know we have a good team, but you are the backbone of this team.  It's not only your play that makes us better, but your leadership.  The younger guys really look up to you."  He paused and sighed, "I guess I'll have to take a trip after all.  There is a player who was recommended to us by an associate.  I think now with you out of action for awhile, we will need him.  I'll have to fly out and scout him.  What do you think?"

"I think whatever is right for the team, needs to be done.  If this kid is going to fit in well, and make the team better, then I think it's best if we go after him."

"I'm glad you feel that way.  If it's possible would you be interested in going to scout him?"

"Um, sure, but I don't know why you would need me to help."

"I think if he was to meet a player from the team, especially the captain and talk to you, it would make him more comfortable about the idea of coming here."

"Well, just let me know.  So this would involve flying to where he plays?  He's not going to come here and try out?"

"No, his family doesn't want to come out here.  I guess if this does happen, he would be put up in someone's home."

"Oh... well when you find out, just let me know."

"I will.  Just because you can't play, I still want you to run after school.  Keep you in shape.  You will also be needed on the bench for the games.  That should keep the team morale up a bit.  Do you want to tell the team about your situation?"

"I guess they should hear it from me."

"Ok, why don't you go do that now, so I can get practice underway.  You don't have to show up for practice, I'd rather have you take the extra couple of hours of sleep and make good use of it.  I'll talk to you later, Blade."

I went back into the locker room, and tried to get the attention of all the guys.  "Guys, could you give me a minute, please?"  They all stopped what they were doing, and huddled around where I was standing.  "I've got some news to tell you guys.  I will not be physically able to play, for the next couple of weeks."  They all groaned and started firing away with the questions.

"Guys, chill, please.  As you can see my arm is pretty messed up.  I would not be able to play to my full potential with my arm like this.  It could be a lot more worse than it is.  I don't want any of you to get down about this.  We are still a team.  You guys as a team will have to work your asses off.  The best teams in the league are headed our way in the next couple of weeks.  I will be on the bench with you guys, so I will still be with you.  I am giving my "C" to Scott, for the time being.  You need a captain on the ice, and seeing as he is the senior assistant captain, I feel it should be him.  Listen to him, he knows what he's doing."  Scott beamed with pride, with the idea of being captain.  "That's all I can really say.  I just thought I would let you guys know.  Work hard, and you won't have any trouble with the games coming up.  Thanks for listening."

They all patted me on the back, and said they wouldn't let me down.  I smiled and went and put on my skates.  I still could skate, so I did the skating drills while the other guys practiced the plays.  It went by relatively quickly, and we were all off to class before we knew it.

Classes were awkward to say the least.  It was weird not talking all through the lessons with Kai.  He was still pretty out of it.  I just let him be, but still let him know that if he needed anything to tell me.  He would give me weak smiles once in awhile, but I could see the pain he was trying to hide.  The rest of the school day went by in a blur.  Nothing special happened at all.  Lunch was a bit awkward.  Tyler, Scott and Kai sat away from the normal table.  I can't say it didn't bother me.  Ben came over from the hockey player's table, and sat with me, Drew, Andy and Tanya.  Jordan walked in and bought a sandwich, but then took off.  Didn't even give our table a second glance.  Another thing that needs to be fixed.

I pretty much chatted with Ben the entire time, while taking the occasional glance at Tyler.  He never called me last night, so I wasn't to happy with that.  He did look over and smile at me, but he knew that I wasn't the happiest person in the world right now.  It just doesn't make any sense to me, why Kai is okay with being around Tyler already.  I mean, it took both of us to get together, not just me.  I didn't dwell on that too long though, as the bell rang and I went off to finish the day.  School went pretty much the same way for the rest of the day.  I was actually looking forward to running, so I could get rid of some of my frustration.  As I was running, Scott came up alongside me.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Nothing.  Just letting off some steam."

"Oh.  I just wanted to tell you that I really am okay with you and Tyler being together.  It just really shocked me, that him and Kai broke up.  I mean I always thought they were made for each other."  He looked at me and noticed my uneasiness, with the conversation.  "He does talk about you a lot, though.  I should've picked up on it."

"Tyler?"

"Yeah.  I think he's got it bad for you."

"I suppose.  Scott, why didn't he just tell me he was going to Kai's with you, yesterday?"

"He didn't want you to get worried and try to stop him from going.  He'll always care about him, Blade.  Tyler just wants to make sure Kai is going to be all right."

"And I'm not included in that."

"It's not that.... I mean Kai just has that soft spot for Ty.  It's harder for him to stay mad at Tyler, than it is to stay mad at you.  He is better though.  He told us about what happened the other night.  If you hadn't showed up he might not be here right now."

"I guess.  Well, I'm gonna hit the showers.  I start working today."

"Where?"

"FYE, at the mall.  I'll let you know my hours, when I find out.  You can stop by and see me sometime."

"Cool, sounds like a plan.  Well, I'll see you tomorrow... and Blade?"

"Yeah?"

"Everything will work out, just be patient.  I'm here if you need me, ok?"

"Yeah, thanks Scott."

I ran to the shower quickly.  There's not much time to spare before I have to be at the store.  I finished showering, threw my clothes on, then ran out to the car.  I tried my best to stay at a decent speed, but I didn't want to be late.  I arrived at the mall, at a bout five minutes to five.  Phew!  When I entered FYE, I was greeted by Michelle.

"Hey!  It's great to see you!  Come along and follow me to the back."  She lead me off to the employee's only area.  She pulled out a polo shirt with the FYE logo on it.  "Here, put this on, then we can go out to the floor, and get you started."  I took my shirt off and pulled the other one on.  I noticed the glances that Michelle was giving me as I changed, but just brushed it off as nothing.  We went back out to the front of the store, where she gave me instructions on what to do.  "For tonight, I'm just going to have you help people find what they're looking for.  Next time, myself or another employee will train you on the cash register.  Speaking of next time, what days and hours are good for you?"

"Weekends are best for me.  I have so much going on during the week, with school, hockey and music class."

"Okay, we'll see what we can work out.  Weekends are usually the busiest, but all of the employees try to get extra hours in then.  It probably won't be a lot of hours, so if you decide that this isn't what you're looking for, I will understand."

"It shouldn't be a problem.  When I don't have anything going on for school, I'd be able to pick up some hours.  I'm only really looking for a part time thing right now, so this should be just right."

"Great!  I'm going to go work the register, so if you have any questions just come see me.  Everything is categorized by genre and alphabetical order.  If you have trouble finding something, come up here, and we'll look it up on the computer.  I'll talk to you in a bit."

Let me tell you, Monday's have to be the slowest night for a mall.  Barely anybody came into the store.  I was pretty much ready to start dancing around the store to entertain myself, when three familiar faces walked in.  I walked up to the entrance and greeted Drew, Andy and Jordan.  "Hey guys.  Something I can help you with?"  Andy looked at Drew, then at me, then busted out laughing.  "What?"  They just kept on laughing, while Jordan, on the other hand, went off to browse by himself.  I can't blame him though.  Andy finally calmed down and told me what was so funny.

"It's nothing man.  Just hearing you talk like that... it's just weird!  So you work here now, huh?  That means you can hook us up with some tunes, right?"

"You're just hilarious, Andy.  Yeah, it's my first night.  I'm not really sure if I get discounts or not.  I don't think it would be the smartest idea, to start doing that on my first night, anyway."

"Awww, man.  Next time you owe us!"  I playfully punched him on the shoulder.  He went to do it back to me, but I quickly stopped him.

"Whoa, buddy.  Injured here, remember?"

"Oh yeah, my bad.  Well we're just gonna look around.  We'll talk to you later."

"See ya.  Oh, and if you need any help, just let me know."  They bust out laughing again at that.  Strange guys.

I looked around the store and spotted Jordan.  I just watched him casually browse through some CD's in the Pop Rock section.  He seemed to be distracted, or  maybe uneasy.  I kept staring until he turned his head and caught me looking.  I quickly looked away.  My curiosity got the best of me though, and I looked at him again.  This time he was looking right back.  Our eyes locked for a few moments.  We weren't too far away from each other so I could see him pretty clearly.  His eyes seemed to light up, but then they quickly faded, whatever momentary feeling he had just disappeared before my eyes.  He turned and walked off towards Drew and Andy.  Sigh... I really screwed things up with him too.  After about 15 minutes they left the store, Drew and Andy saying goodbye and Jordan just walking out.  The clock caught my eyes, and I noticed my shift was almost over.  I waited it out patiently, but as soon as the clock hit 9, I ran off to the back and changed shirts.  Michelle was waiting for me at the check out counter.

"So, what did you think?"

"Well, it's ok.  Not many people came in tonight."

"Yeah, some nights are very slow.  You did well with those three guys that came in, though."

"Hahaha... yeah they are friends from school.  I don't think I was much help, but they did have a pretty good laugh at my expense."

"Well, they're very cute.  Especially the short one with the blonde, spiky hair."

"Haha... that's Jordan.  Why, you interested in him?"  I was just teasing, but I kind of wondered if she really was into him.

"Hehe, well I think he's a little young for me.  I'm getting up there my dear boy."

"You? Noooo.  What are you, like 19?  20?"

"Awww.... that kind of talk will get you everywhere!  Actually, I'm heading for 25.  Ugh!  I need a man!"  I burst out laughing.

"So go out and get one.  You're an attractive girl.  I'm sure there's guys knocking down your door, trying to get to you."  Hey, so sue me.  I'm a flirt!

"Well, I don't know about that.  Just haven't found Mr. Right yet.  How about you?"

"Have I found Mr. Right?"  I was just saying it as a joke.  She couldn't know about me.

"Hehehe, no silly!  You know what I meant!  Do you have a special someone?"

"Yeah, I do."  I smiled just thinking about Tyler.

"Awww, that's great.  She's very lucky.  If I was a little younger, I'd be stalking you!"

"Should I be scared by that?"

"Hush, child!"  She took a playful swat at me, but I ducked out of the way.  "By the way, I think I have a schedule worked out for you.  How's Saturday, from 11 to 7, and Sunday, from 9 to 5 sound?"

"That's fine.  So I'll be getting around 20 hours a week, if I work on Monday's too.  That will help me out a lot.  Well, I really should be going.  I need to do some homework, and get some rest.  Thanks for everything, and I'll see you on Saturday."

"Bye."

When I got home, I went straight up to my room and got to work on some homework.  I do actually have to do it, to pass.  That plan didn't last long, because Eric came barging into my room.

"Ever hear of knocking, Eric?"

"No, what's that?"  He gave me a shit eating grin and continued, "Your boyfriend called.  I had a nice chat with him.  Tell me, does he get embarrassed easily, because I could almost hear him blush over the phone."

"Eric!"  I jumped up and pulled him into a headlock.  "What did you say to him?"

"Nothing!  I just asked him what it's like being with a guy, and why he likes you.  Stuff like that."  I let him out of my grasp, and he slowly backed towards the doorway.  "Oh, and if you were any good in bed!"

"You little...."  I started towards him, but he was already out the door, laughing his way to his room.  Well, we'll just see what he thinks when I see Matt next time, and embarrass the hell out of him.  Ask him about their friendly jack off sessions.  See how he likes it.  I picked up the phone and called Tyler's house.  No one answered.  Huh, he must be sleeping.  Maybe I should call Kai, see how he's doing.  The phone rang 4 times before someone picked up.

It was Kai, and he sounded like he was laughing.  "Hello?"

"Kai?"

"Oh, hi Blade.  Uh, what's up?"  Can we say demeanor change?  All the laughing had stopped.

"Nothing... I just wanted to know if you were doing okay."

"Oh, well I'm all right.  I told you I wouldn't do anything, and I won't."  I heard someone in the background say something to him, but I couldn't tell what they said.

"You have company?"

"Uh--yeah."

"Oh... anyone I know?"  That's when I heard the other person speak again.  This time I could clearly make out him saying come on, KK.  It was Tyler.

"Nah, just  my cousin."

"Oh--cousin, right.  All right, I just wanted to see how you were... I-I have to go.  Bye."

I hung up the phone before he could reply.  Not only was Tyler there, but Kai just bold faced lied to me.  A million thoughts raced through my mind.  What the hell is going on?  Why is this some big secret?  I tossed and turned for who knows how long, thinking about what was going on.  I eventually fell asleep, putting my mind at ease for awhile.

The rest of the week was hell for me.  It was driving me crazy to not be able to be out on the ice, playing hockey with the rest of the team.  We had a game on Wednesday night, that we won 3-1.  The team's spirit was up after that win, because it proved they could win without me.  The first game against the leagues best isn't until Monday, so they will need to keep up their spirit and unity.

The team's win was about the only thing that made me semi happy.  School was just messed up.  I rarely even get to talk to Tyler, because he's constantly with Kai and Scott.  They still sit at a different table than the rest of us.  I'm not even acknowledged.  I don't know what to do.  Tyler is supposed to be my boyfriend now, but it seems like nothing has even changed, except for the fact that I don't even seem to be on is agenda anymore.  He's hanging with Kai like nothing happened.  It's complete bullshit that I'm taking the entire blame for everything.  Our table would be a total loss, if it weren't for Ben joining us.  He kept me occupied, because for some reason Drew and Andy don't seem to be talkative at lunch time, Tanya is just busy doing her own thing and well Jordan just doesn't show up.  Anna has permanently moved to another table with Carla.  We'll see how long that lasts.

I haven't received anymore threats, so that's a good thing.  Hopefully that junk will stop.  Wishful thinking, probably.  I doubt Sean will stop until he gets a piece of me.  I don't know how well I would do fighting at this point, with my head all over the place.  Too many things to think about.

Saturday rolled around, and I was having a very busy day at work.  I guess the mall really does get jammed on the weekends.  Everything was going smoothly, except for the occasional old lady that would come in, saying they were looking for one CD, then when I would find it, change their mind and tell me to look for another one.  At least I got to take in the scenery though.  Quite a few nice looking guys had been in.  My thoughts were all on Tyler, though.  I just want him to talk to me... tell me what's going on.  I hate to think our relationship was pretty much over after two days.  I mean, we really haven't been together since the first couple of days.  Just thinking about it made me want to cry, until I grabbed the necklace around my neck.  This means he's mine, he's in my heart.  Now if I only knew for sure, that I was in his.

Michelle called me over, so I could start working with the cash register.  She went over scanning the merchandise, deactivating the security devices, and of course how to work the actual register.  She told the other employee to help me out if I needed it, as she was going to take over on the floor.  I had checked out about 15 people, when closing time came around.  There was about 5 minutes left, when my last customer came up to pay for the CD they picked out.  I almost did a double take when I saw the blonde, spiky haired kid in front of me.  I hadn't even seen Jordan come in.  He gave me a weak smile.

"Hey, Jordan.  You find everything all right?"

"Yeah, thanks."  To say there was an awkward silence would be a gross understatement.

"Okay, that'll be $13.99."

"$13.99?  But it says it costs $17.99 on the tag."

"Well, I'm using my employee discount."

"You--you don't have to do that, Blade."

"I want to.  Don't worry about it."

He just pulled out his money and handed it to me.  As soon as I finished the sale, I closed up the register.  Jordan just stood there like he wanted to say something.

"Blade, do you think we could talk.. about what happened with us last week?"

"Yeah, I think we need to talk about it.  You drove here right?"  He nodded his head.  "Okay, so do you want to wait for me here, or meet me outside?"

"I'll meet you outside, that way I can throw my CD in the car.  I'm parked near your car, in front of that alley on the side of the mall."

"Okay, I'll see you in a few."

I watched him turn around and walk out.  I hope I can fix things with him.  He really is a great guy, it's just that Tyler totally consumes my heart right now.  If he had come along sooner, things might be different.  I headed to the back, to punch out and let Michelle know that everything went fine.  I couldn't seem to find her, until she popped out from behind some boxes.

"Geez!  Don't do that!"

"Hahaha....I couldn't resist!  So I take it your night went well, considering the smile on your face."

"Yup, didn't have any trouble at all.  I just wanted to let you know I'm heading out now."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow.  Have a good night and don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

"Well, that doesn't narrow it down to too much!"  She gave me her death glare, then started laughing.  I just waved and walked out of the store.

It was a decent walk to my car.  I park far away from the other cars, so know one ends up slamming their door into mine.  I guess Jordan had spotted it when he came in, and decided to park near it.  I stopped at a soda machine to get a bottle of water, but of course it was all sold out.  I guess I'll just have to settle for Dr. Pepper.  I grabbed the soda and continued on my way to the car.  When it came into view, I could see someone standing by it.  No, wait, putting something on the windshield and it was not Jordan.  I scanned around the area looking for Jordan, but he was nowhere to be seen.  I sprinted towards my car, and I caught the person off guard, who was putting something on the windshield.  The long black hair was a dead give away.  She whipped around, and revealed that it was Carla.  She was shocked that I saw her, or at least so I thought.

"B-B-Blade...I uh, was just..."

"Cut the shit, Carla.  You were leaving one of your fucking notes again.  You want me to have it so bad, then give me it!"  She cautiously stepped forward and handed me the note.  It read: "This is it Blade, it's time to reveal myself to you, you better show up, or someone else will get hurt, and believe me that's damn true." I looked up at Carla, but she had already started to run away, into the alley.  I gave chase, eventually catching her around the first bend of the alley.

"You fucking bitch.  You think you scare me!?!?  You aren't shit!"  I held the note out in front of her and pointed at it, "This-- these threats, can get you into a lot of trouble, Carla.  I should go to the police and let them know what's been going on!  How would you like that?  Huh?!?  I know Sean is the one behind all of this!  I'm sick of these games!"

I stopped my rant, when I heard clapping.  From around the corner came Sean, clapping his hands.  "Bravo, Blade.  You solved the puzzle.  Although it wasn't that tough to figure out, I wasn't sure if your small mind would be able to comprehend it."

I started straight for him, when he held out his hand, as if to say stop.  "Hold it right there, tough guy.  You wouldn't want to regret what you end up doing, afterwards."

Through clenched teeth I spit out at him, "Believe me, I won't."

"Really?  Even if it involves those close to you getting hurt?  Mark, guys, come on out."

A group of guys came around the corner behind Sean.  Then Mark, showed himself, but he wasn't alone.  He was pulling someone along with him... Jordan, all bound and gagged.  I started towards them again, but Sean once again cut in.  "You know, your temper is going to be your downfall.  Don't worry, you'll get your fight, but on my terms."

"Let Jordan go, Sean.  He has nothing to do with this."

"No, I don't think so.  I mean I've heard all about what a good fuck he is, and Mark has been waiting to get another piece of Jordan for awhile."  I looked over at Mark and he ran his hand down Jordan's body.  Jordan was helpless, with Mark towering over him, his hands tied and his mouth taped.

"So what's the deal?  You wanted me Sean, now you got me."

"You're right, but there is no deal.  You are going to pay for messing with me.  I already know that one of the worst ways to hurt you is through your friends.  I mean, just ask Kai, right?"

"You mother fucker.  You had no right to do what you did."

"Sure I did.  I mean, I had all the resources I needed.  I had my girl Carla befriend shy, little Anna and get the info I needed.  You know for a quiet girl, she sure does run her mouth about stuff.  I mean it only took her a week to tell Carla, that Kai and Tyler were together."  He paused for a minute.  "Not only that, but I already had what proof I needed to get to you.  You see the thing that got you, was the day of the fight.  I wasn't waiting in the Coach's office for you the entire time.  After you left the shower, I walked by the shower room, where your bitch, Tyler was having a good old time.  You should have seen him, Blade.  Getting all into his handwork, if you catch my drift.  Moaning not only Kai's name, but yours as well."

"So what, that doesn't prove anything."

"Oh, but your outburst in the lunchroom did.  When I knocked down Tyler and you came running to the rescue.  You had that fire in your eyes, and I knew something was up.  I put two and two together, and I came up with the conclusion that you were hot for Tyler as well.  I saw the way you looked at him.  You made it way to easy for me.  I had Carla spy on you, and she got lucky when you and Tyler had your little make out session in your car.  You deserve everything you get... you make me sick."

"So what are you waiting for?  Come and get me."

"Hmmm... well I could do that, but then the other guys won't get to have any fun.  Well, except with Jordan after you're down and out."  He grinned at me evilly.

"Here's the deal.  I'll take on Mark right now.  If I beat him, Jordan goes free.  If not then I will die before I let you touch him."

"Always the hero, Blade.  Fine, have it your way.  Mark, show him how it's done."

Mark pushed Jordan over, so he was laying against the wall.  He came towards me, his hulk like figure towering over me.  He didn't waste any time, and took a swing.  I spun out of the way and caught him with a back hand to the mouth.  He's big, but not too quick.  He looked stunned, like he didn't expect me to hit him.  He lunged at me again, but I jumped out of the way.  Mark, tried to fake me out with a faked left hook, while he actually swung his right hand, but I countered and blocked it with my left arm, which gave me the opening to catch him in the face with a hard right.  He staggered a bit, and leaned up against a dumpster.  I was running on pure adrenaline at this point, which is probably why I didn't feel the pain shooting through my arm at the moment.

"You gonna do something, or just stand there and bleed?"  I taunted.

We circled a bit, and I ended up in front of the dumpster.  He charged hard, and I side stepped, while giving him an extra shove, sending him head first into the side of the dumpster.  He went down, holding his head in pain.  I turned to Sean.

"Now, let Jordan go."  He just glared at me.

"All right boys, enough playing around, lets tear this bitch apart."

There was five of them altogether, including Sean.  The thing that troubled me was that one of them stayed back with Jordan.  Sean and his three goons came at me from all sides, while I did my best to hold them off.  I know I caught one in the face with a decent punch, and I caught another in the stomach with a swift back kick.  I was about to go after the other boy in front of me, when I froze.  The guy that was with Jordan was trying to rape him.  He had Jordan's pants down around his ankles, and was working on getting his own off.  I started to run to him, but the guy in front of me grabbed me by my bad arm.  I didn't have time to scream out in pain, as I felt glass shatter across the back of my head.  Sean.. bottle... I started to fade in and out of consciousness.  I felt someone kicking me in the ribs, until I heard rustling, and what sounded like fighting.  The last thing I saw was someone cracking Jordan's would be rapist, over the head with a board, before I completely blacked out.

That's the end of Chapter 7.  I just had to leave you wondering!  I really hope everyone is still enjoying the story.  I know I love to write it.  Sean and his thugs will pretty much be an afterthough from this point.  I'm not saying that someone may not pop up again, but for now, I think this grudge has run it's course.  Well, I'm going to keep this short for once, let me know what you guys thought of this chapter, or anything else.  I hope to hear from all of you soon.  Email me at XvXJadenXvX@aol.com