It's different between us now, Tyler and I. He arrived on time to pick me up for school. I opened the passenger door and climbed in. I glanced at him quickly, his posture was hunched over and his face was looking straight ahead. He started the car and we pulled off, I rolled up the window. He was unusually quiet and he wouldn't even look at me.
"Hey," I said breaking the silence.
"Hmm," he grumbled.
Was he still pissed about yesterday? We had a public argument at school but I thought it would blow over. He was driving the speed limit which was out of character for him. Tyler loved speeding so the fact that he was taking his time bothered me. It meant he was overthinking things and needed to concentrate. I side-eyed him trying to read my friend of ten years mind. His dark eyes were hard and kinda cold.
"How's Shane?" Tyler spoke up suddenly. His tone was calm, neutral but brimming with something.
Inside I was panicking. Why did he care about Shane? Did he know?
"What?" I stupidly squeaked.
"You left with him yesterday," he reminded me. "Where did ya go?"
A million thoughts flooded my brain, he can't possibility know. Why was he asking me these questions? My mouth was dry all of a sudden and my heart was beating through my ribcage.
"Just studied," I said hoping he would drop it. But I knew Tyler too well and he was hinting toward something, not beating around the bush per say but trying to catch me in a lie.
He nodded his head but said nothing, his tight knuckle grip on the steering wheel unnerved me.
"I didn't know fucking counted as studying," Tyler deadpanned.
Oh shit. He did know. I could feel the sweat leaking from my pores as he watched me. Suddenly we stopped, I didnt realize that we were already at school. The parking lot was full and we sat in silence as students walked past the car.
"So your a faggot now two huh?" He sneered. "Shane turned you."
"Don't," I told him. "It wasn't like that."
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't tell everyone and make your life a living hell?" He demanded.
He was giving me an out I realized, I could lie or hell even blame Shane for seducing me and he would believe me because he wanted too. His eyes were searching mine trying to find the faggot in me as he put it. I cleared my throat but nothing came out. I love Shane and I wouldn't lie about that, not even to save myself.
"How did you find out?" I asked him instead.
"After our fight I felt bad and went to your house. The door was unlocked so I went to your room and..." A repulsed look came across his face. "He was on top of you, riding you like some bitch in heat."
"I love him," I admitted.