Page 15 of Boys Like You

JD looks at Maximus when he laughs, and I take the opportunity to study her. I can’t wait to see what she looks like without the bruises and swelling on her face.

“I love your laugh,” she says to him, and he goes bright red. “I embarrassed you again, I’m sorry.”

“Did you know Maximus has a crush on a girl in his chemistry class?” I take the focus off him being embarrassed at her comment, to being pissed at me. He gives me the finger – I know when we leave he’s going to chew my ass out – dude has no issues voicing his opinion when no one is around, he actually never shuts up. Maybe it’s to make up for not being able to talk around anyone else.

“Really? I bet she’s smart and pretty. You should go for it. If you are doing chem, you must be smart, and you’re hot; she would be stupid to not want to at least go on a date with you.” Maximus is looking at JD like he wants to mention the elephant in the room.

“Are you forgetting he doesn’t talk?” I remind her. She looks at me as if I’m crazy for pointing it out.

“Why does he need to talk? He communicates with me just fine. And I was told he just doesn’t talk to people he doesn’t trust, so maybe he would trust her after a while. And even if he doesn’t, deaf people date hearing people all the time and do fine.” I love that she voices her opinion, so many girls just keep quiet and act shy.

“Girls just never want to get to know someone like that, they always have so much to say. We always try to help.”

“So let me guess, his four big bad babysitters try talking to girls for him; a girl I’m guessing is probably shy, gets approached by Mercer, who while he looks pretty, could intimidate someone with a look; Rory just gives off a pissed-off vibe; Levi can seem a bit over protective, and you’re full of beans all the time – maybe you guys are scaring her off.” Maybe JD is on to something. Her description of us is pretty accurate, and the girl is a bit nerdy and shy.

Maximus laughs again and nods his head in agreement with her. “I never thought about that. You guys may be able to go full speed ahead with girls, maybe it comes natural to you when you have no issues talking, but Maximus is going to have to work a bit harder. Maybe when you see her next, write your number on a piece of paper and hand it to her – leave the ball in her court; she would have to know he doesn’t talk.”

Well, who would have thought a girl’s perspective could help? “Thanks, JD, I think I may like having a chick around; you can be my wing woman.” She laughs but I was being serious.

“What did I miss?” Mercer asks, walking into the room. “The little demon child made me tell him a story; his imagination is way better than mine, he pretty much told me a story. Don’t tell him, but I think I like this kid.” I shudder at the thought of being friends with and liking kids; I don’t intend on having any of my own.

“We found John’s old PlayStation. I’m about to kick all your asses, and oh, apparently it’s us who is scaring the girls away from Maximus.” Mercer scratches his head and takes a seat.

Maximus gets up and starts setting up the PlayStation while I look through the pile of games. Crash Bandicoot is there, and so is Tony Hawk. I loved that game, I always wanted to grow up and do the tricks on a real board. Turns out I can run better than skateboard.

We all take turns, both Maximus, Mercer and I watch JD when she tries to work out how to play, yelling out, “Run, little bandicoot, run”. Mumma B stops by and brings some popcorn, letting us know that she is off to bed, asking us to make sure we lock up when we leave and if we end up staying, boys must sleep on the floor and the door stays open. The good thing about her is she knows us; if she says something, we do what we’re told. So many times we’ve crashed here over the years, sometimes out of comfort and the need to be close to her. She makes me agree out loud to follow the rules, I have been known to bend them from time to time and try to find a way around it without breaking them.

“I solemnly swear to lock the door or sleep on the floor.” She shakes her head at me and tells JD if she needs anything her door is first as you walk up the stairs and to wake her.

After we finish with the PlayStation, JD yawns. “If you’re tired, we can go,” I tell her, wrapping the controller up and placing everything back where it goes.

“I know I can’t have one of you stay here every night, but do you think you could just stay tonight?” There’s fear in her eyes, and I can see why. Having your past erased from your memory must be hard to accept.

“You don’t even have to ask; sleepovers are our specialty. Maximus, you in?” Mercer asks. “If not, I can race you home.” He gets a thumbs up, so I guess we are all staying. I tell them to pick a movie and I’ll get the supplies; Mumma B keeps our sleeping bags in a closet under the stairs.

When I return, they’ve pushed the furniture back slightly to give us room, and JD has her blanket and pillows set up on one of the couches.

Mercer takes the sleeping bags and sets them up while I text my mum.

Me:Staying at Mumma B’s, will be at the track on time.

Tomorrow I have to train at the track with my dad who is also my coach.

Mum:Okay, Hunny, don’t be late, Dad will bring your stuff.

Me: Thanx Mumma, heart u

Mum:Heart you too, baby

“Operation sleepover is a go; my mum is good. What are we watchin’?”

“Grown Ups,” Mercer says. I see Maximus roll his eyes. We have watched this movie so many times; it’s our go-to when one of us has a bad day. Mercer may come across as a hard-ass tough guy, but he really is a big softy. I wouldn’t say it out loud though, he could beat my ass.

Ten minutes after the movie starts, JD is lightly snoring on the couch.

“Do you think she will be okay?” Maximus asks quietly.

“I think so, look at us; between us we have been through so much and look at us now,” Merce says, still watching the movie.

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