Even Though: A StarKid/Joey Richter Fanfic

Chapter 12-We All Wear Our Masks

"Dylan, I'm really sorry I just-"

"No, Cassie," he said holding up his hand to cut off my apology. It was the Thursday after our fight. I had been thinking of a whole speech for him every second since we basically had a screaming match at Burt's. Well, when I wasn't thinking about Joey's cryptic 'first date' stunt, that is.

"I'm the one who should be apologizing," he continued, "I was a total dick to you and I'm really, really sorry. Can we promise to never fight like that again?" I smiled. I had my Dylan back. The warm, non-jealous dork I called my best friend. I had planned on him giving me the cold should for a few more days, but I was honestly glad I didn't have to fight with him again. I might have been a drama queen, but if being a drama queen meant losing him, then it wasn't worth it.

"Yeah, I think that can be arranged," I replied. Dylan's seafoam green eyes brightened.

"Great!" he said, turning to leave for first period.

"Um, Dyl?" I shifted my weight nervously. He whipped around just as the bell rang, "Does Jaime hate me?" He shot me a you've-got-to-be-kidding-me face.

"Of course not," he stated, "I told her what happened as soon as she came back. She wasn't happy we had fought, but I took her home. Don't worry, okay?" I nodded, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Things were finally getting back to the way they were supposed to be.

-oOo-

"Okay, everyone," Mr. Williams said after yet another West Side rehearsal, "I know you all are excited for homecoming this weekend, so I've decided to cancel tomorrow's Friday night rehearsal." A chorus of cheers filled the auditorium. "Settle down," he continued, "I know most of you will be attending the annual homecoming bonfire tomorrow anyways, so have fun, be safe, all that jazz. Dismissed!"

I gathered my books silently. Jaime had gone home early for a dentist appointment, so I'd be driving home alone again. I wasn't the least bit worried about the status of our relationship though. She had assured me at lunch that she was in no way angry at me.

"Hello Cassandra," I heard a voice from behind me coo. I rolled my eyes.

"Don't call me that, Joey," I said snippily, slinging my backpack over my shoulder.

"Hey, come on, I thought we were friends now?" he replied, his brown eyes softening. I felt my heart thumping in my chest.

"Well, I don't exactly know what we are," I stated coldly, "Complicated, I guess. What do you want?"

"I just wanted to know if you were going to the bonfire tomorrow," he said innocently as we walked out of the auditorium and into the parking lot. Thankfully my brother was nowhere in sight.

"I have to set up for the dance," I replied, "SGA responsibilities."

"Yeah, but you guys always finish early," he persisted, taking out his keys, "The bonfire isn't until 7. You should really try to make it."

"Okay, why do you even care?" I snapped, becoming more and more irritated, "Why do you of all people give a damn whether I'm at some stupid bonfire or not?!" He furrowed his brow.

"I don't," he stated defiantly, "Sorry I even brought it up." His tone could not have been more bitter. I watched as he got into his truck and sped away, feeling oddly guilty for snapping at him.

You can't be serious! my inner voice shouted, He's been an asshole to you for years! Now all of a sudden he deserves your sympathy? No fucking way!

Still, as I drove home, I couldn't help but think about how strange Joey had been acting ever since school started. Ever since I had moved to this town, he had either been indifferent towards me or tormenting me with my moronic stepbrother. Did he enjoy toying with my emotions and making me insane? Was he even aware that he was acting completely mercurial and inconsistent towards me? As if my feelings for him personally weren't confused enough, playing the love of his life in a musical that opened little more than three months didn't make matters any better.