Growing Up Won't Bring Us Down [6.5]
It was a week later when Jack saw Alex again. It was his family birthday party, which was actually his friends birthday party too but his friend number was low (as in, nothing). But Jack was okay with hanging out with his family. His family was fun.
“And they don’t leave you for dumb, popular kids.” Jack thought in his head.
Alex and Jack weren’t speaking at the moment. He hasn’t seen Alex since that day at the park. And he really didn’t want to because he was mad. Actually, he was extremely sad and hurt, but mad seemed tougher.
“Jack, would you go answer the door?” Jack’s mom asked. Jack sighed and walked his long legs over to the door. When he opened it, he really wanted to slam it shut and yell ‘party’s off’ because Alex and his parents were standing there, and he remembers telling his mom that Alex’s family was busy, so they shouldn’t be invited.
“Hey Jack-Attack, happy birthday!” Alex’s dad said while stepping inside with Alex’s mom. They both smiled down at Jack before going in the kitchen and saying hi to everyone.
The two stayed silent, Alex looking at Jack with a hopeful face, and Jack at Alex with a confused face.
“Who are you?” Jack asked, tilting his head to the side. Alex frowned and glanced down.
“Come on, Jack. You know who I am.” Alex said quietly, knowing what he did to Jack was wrong.
“No, I thought you were my best friend. Turns out you’re not.” Jack said, crossing his arms. Alex sighed before responding.
“I’m sorry okay? I-I don’t know why I did it but I did and I’m sorry, Jack. Come on.” Jack eyed Alex before letting him in. “Happy birthday.” Alex added with a nod. Jack rolled his eyes before walking into the kitchen with Alex trailing behind him.
“There you guys are!” Jack’s mom said, smiling. Jack gave a small smile back, sitting on a stool and scooting over automatically to share with Alex. Alex sat next to him and smiled at Jack. “Alex, I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I know Mrs. B, I’m sorry!” Alex apologized and before anyone could reply, there was a knock on the door, which was assumed to be the pizza. Jack’s mom walked to the door quickly, leaving Alex and Jack alone. Alex leaned over and kissed Jack’s cheek. “Sorry I was so mean.” Alex said, sounding genuinely sad. Jack sighed and nudged Alex.
“It’s fine, I guess. Just don’t do it again. It sucks not having my best friend.” Jack said, thinking back to the few months of Alex and Jack fading before Jack confronted Alex a week ago. Alex smiled and nodded while Jack’s mom carried the pizza’s in with Jack’s dad and Alex’s parents close behind.
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It was after pizza, and cake, and presents that Alex was leaving. They were sitting in Jack’s room as Alex was putting his hoodie on.
“Thanks for saying sorry.” Jack said with a smile. Alex returned the smile before talking.
“I shouldn’t have done it in the first place. I won’t let cool kids get to my head again.” Alex said. Jack nodded and watched Alex wave good bye and walk out of his room. Jack went to go turn on his T.V. when Alex came back in and kissed him quickly. “Sorry, I forgot.” Jack laughed and shook his head.
“Bye, Alex.”