Recap:
Pete's a fucking idiot, D. He is cool to chill wit occasionally and is a great swimmer, but the dude is a walking trailer park at times brah," Chase said looking at Devante.
"Yea, but I hear what he is saying, ya know Chase," Devante replied.
"D, I'm sorry for all the shit he said." Chase turned to walk away.
"Yo, why the fuck you apologizing to me fo what he said," Devante quickly snapped back at Chase.
"Cuz D, you don't need to admit it right now, but cuz youre gay," Chase plainly answered.
"Wh...what...what you mean cuz I'm gay," Devante asked as the realization of what was happening began to settle in.
"My older brother is gay D. I know the reactions of people who aren't out to particular situations. It's cool brah and no one will ever know from me, but we on da same team, so you need a shoulder or an ear, let me know."
With that Chase walked out of the locker room as Devante looked on. All he had done, all he had said, and all he had not said did not keep one keen observer from seeing what Devante tried so desperately to hide. Chase, with absolute certainty, knew about Devante and Devante let his feelings of resolute helplessness take hold of him as he turned into a pile of marble rubble on the dirty, scarped, blackened tan tile underneath him.
Chapter 17:
Several weeks had passed and the swim team had gotten over there little tizzy. They were defending their 4 and 0 undefeated title and were quite proud of it. In fact, proud was a bit of an understatement. Peter had gotten so cocky that he had made a Twitter account for the team where he would trash talked other competitors in their league and post pictures from practices and matches.
Things back at home, however, were a little less exciting. Devante and Spencer's relationship was still a bit estranged since the picture incident. Since then, Spencer had been spending more time outside of the room then in - mainly only coming home to change or sleep. Because of all of the practicing that Devante had done with the swim team it seemed like he was also avoiding the room.
On Friday, after an exhausting match, where the team was able to get a last minute minor foul which gained them the game winning point.
In the locker room, Michael asks, "Hey guys, let's go grab beers after this and celebrate"
"Fuck YEAH!" responded Peter.
Immediately Chase responded, "I think I'm going to sit this one out."
"So am I" responded Devante remembering a paper that he had to finish before Monday and how exhausted he was.
"What? Are you bitches going home to nurse your vaginas or something?" responded Peter.
Devante was caught off-guard and was honestly too tired to argue. When he thought about it, it was almost easier for him to just go out with them and have a beer or two and just try to duck out undetected. Right when he was about to say that he would go, Chase spoke up.
"Listen here PETER" Chase said firmly. "I'm tired of your shit and even more sick of your stupid ass name calling. If you want to know why I'm not going tonight it's primarily because of you. You're walking around here all high and mighty and honestly you aren't SHIT!"
"Well at least I ain't a BITCH like you!" Peter spat back.
"There you go again. Is that all you know how to do - call people bitches? Honestly I could care less what you think of me. I used to respect you cuz you're a pretty decent swimmer, but at this point I'm about ready to walk away from this stupid shit!" With that Chase pulled on his jacket and stormed out of the room.
"Wow, he was really pissed off" Jeffrey said to the group.
"Man fuck him!" Peter responded. "He gets like that sometimes. It's just his time of the month" peter laughed.
Michael stepped up and said, "Well Pete, he may have a point. Lately you have been a douche."
Afraid that he might get asked for his opinion, Devante quickly finished dressing and left out. As he walked towards the door, he bumped into Theo also on his way out.
"Wassup Devante! Long time no see" said Theo.
"I know, I've been busy"
"Doing what? Hiding from me?"
"Naw, just with school and water polo and everything" he responded as he tried to rush passed Theo and get out of the building to get home before it started raining.
"Why you in such a rush? Did I do something?"
"No! Not at all, I'm just trying to get home before it starts raining, it looks like it could get started any second."
"You scared of a little water? Dude you just got out of the pool!" Theo said as he burst into laughter. See Devante's unamused face he stopped. "Dude, you know I got you. You ain't got to walk nowhere when you with me. I'll give you a ride"
Averse to the idea of walking in the rain, Devante agreed.
In the car Theo asked, "So what are you rushing home to? A hot date?"
"You're funny! Naw, I'm just exhausted and I have so much work to do"
"So what you got planned for the rest of the weekend?"
"Nothing really. Just homework and relaxing."
"Why don't you come spend the weekend over my place? My roommate is gone and I don't want to get lonely. Why don't you come and keep me company."
"You are so corny, you know that?"
"So is that a yes?"
"NO! It is definitely not a yes. I am not coming over your place for you to try to get in my pants or something."
"Dude, you should be honored. Out of all the people that I could have invited over my place for the weekend I chose you, and trust me there are plenty of beautiful women, and men too to be honest with you, that would kill to spend the weekend with me and you just dismiss it like it's no big deal!"
"I'm not finna turn into your little bitch boy, so I'll pass"
Pulling up in front of Devante's dorm, "Please don't make me beg you!" Theo pleaded.
Opening the door to get out, "I'll think about it and let you know" Devante said before slamming his door and walking off.
Unlocking his door upstairs he was almost shocked to see Spencer sitting on his bed on the computer. Tired of all of the tension he looks over and greets Spencer, "Hey man, waasup?"
Spencer looked over and mumbled something inaubile.
Devante laid his stuff down on the bed and went over to the closet to change into some basketball shorts and a tee shirt. "What are you up to" he inquired.
"Wassup with the endless questions Devante? Can't you see I'm busy!"
"Dude, CHILL! Why are you so edgy I'm just trying to start a conversation?"
"Then don't" Spencer interrupted.
"What's your problem? It seems like lately you haven't been yourself or maybe you've just changed. We haven't hung out and played video games in weeks."
"Dude didn't I just say I don't fucking want to talk to you right now?"
Devante whipped out his phone and texted Theo --Are you still in the area? I might take you up on your offer afterall. --
Seconds later he got a text back -- Yeah, give me like two minutes and I'll be out front --
Devante grabbed his duffle bag and started to pack a couple shirts and other small items for his weekend getaway.
Looking up from his computer and noticing what was happening, Spencer asked, "What are you doing?"
"Packing my stuff. You said you wanted space so I'm giving it to you."
"Where are you going exactly?"
"I'm going to spend the weekend at a friend's place"
"What friend?"
"Theo! I thought you didn't want to talk."
"Why are you going over there?"
"Why do you care? Why are you talking to me all of a sudden?"
"FINE... If you want to throw a tantrum and run to THEO" he said in a mocking voice, "then be my guest. You're always running to Theo every chance you get!"
"What are you talking about? You are delusional. I'm out of here." Devante rushed out the room and down the stairs to Theo's waiting car.
"What prompted your change of heart?" Theo asked coyly.
"My roommate's being a dick. I just couldn't stay there with him this weekend so I figured I would take my chances with you."
"Smart man. You won't regret it" Theo said as he pulled off.
That completes chapter 17 of College Roommates Meet. I want you to know that I have not forgotten about you, I have just been extremely busy lately. I hope that you will forgive me. As always, you can get a hold of me directly at TomTheWriter@ymail.com