Chapter 8: You're still the good-for-nothing I don't know.

NOTE: YES, I'M AWARE THAT I SWITCHED BACK TO PRESENT TENSE.





When we get back Spencer is asleep and Aleks and Ryan are cuddled on the couch. There's a movie playing, but I don't recognize it. I nudge Brendon a little towards Ryan and Aleks. They need to talk.

"Bren." I whisper. He lets out a pitiful whimper, but doesn't say anything. "Aleks, can you help me in the kitchen?" I ask.

"Can't Brendon help you." Ryan cuts in.

"Aleks is taller." I state and Aleks slides off the love seat. "Can you get me a powerade off the top shelf?" I ask once we're in the kitchen. He nods happily and reaches for it.




"Fuck you, Brendon!" I hear Ryan yell before the door slams.

"Shit." I whisper. Aleks moves quickly back to the living room. Brendon's sitting on the love seat with his head in his hands, obviously crying. I rush over to him, grab his hand, and pull him behind me towards the bedroom.

"What the fuck happened?" I whisper urgently.

"I don't know, Jase. I don't fucking know." He breathes. He's pacing and wiping at the corners of his eyes.

"What did you say? What did Ryan say?"

"He told me I was being a bitch and I told him that he hurt me. I didn't tell him how. I should have fucking told him, but I didn't and he left. He fucking walked out." He's close to hyperventilating.

"Brendon, calm down. You need to breathe. He'll be back."



Spencer is awake when we reemerge from the bedroom. He looks utterly confused. So does Aleks. And on top of Aleks' confusion, he looks heartbroken.

"Spence, can you go get Ryan. Just tell him he needs to come back here. We need to talk about this." Spencer nods and leaves, still looking confused. And I tend to Brendon's very near breakdown.