Chapter 41

Matthew

As we walked away, I couldn't help but feel a bit confused and embarrassed. He grabbed me by the arm and pulled me along as if we were close friends or even romantic partners. Meanwhile, Billy was still standing there watching us, his expression difficult to read. I turned around to face him, hoping to ease the tension with a smile. To my relief, he smiled back at me, his eyes warm and genuine.

"Yo! Keith, what's up man?" A friend who is in Ruth's class says handshaking Keith and walking by past us as Keith had his seat on the chair opposite his lousy friend and he offered me the empty chair beside him to sit as well.

"C'mon man, that seat is reserved," Darren said and I clenched my fist in nervousness. I bet I would be asked to go sit somewhere else, far from Keith and Billy. I couldn't possibly imagine myself sitting with those boys laughing so hard, it might just affect me, and my heart may start to act up.

It's best if I tell them I'd go sit outsi