When I Turned the Television On

When I Turned The Television On.

| Seth Paver |

After finishing my breakfast, I pick up my suitcase and head outside.
Alice follows and takes hold of her school bag.

"So are you going to study and act at the same time?"
"Yup. I can't stand the thought of leaving you again just for acting. I want to be with you during school days, you know."

She blushes as I kiss her forehead.

"Ride with me," I murmur in her ear.

She punches my arm while I chuckle, amused at her tomato red face.
We step out of the house, bidding our goodbyes to Michelle.
Just at that moment, Aiden walks out of his home together with Renn.
We both stare at them in shock as they walk towards us, holding hands.
I face Alice to see her bewildered expression plastered on her face.
We mouth words to one other, questions flooding both our minds.

"They together?"
"I don't know. Renn didn't tell me anything."
"Really? That's weird."

We look back at them, forcing our lips to curve into a smile.

"Yo guys!"

Aiden greets us happily, still holding on to Renn's hand.

"Good good morning, you lovebirds!"

Renn winks.

"Look who's talking."

Alice stares at their intertwined fingers then back to Renn, curious.

"HAHA. Apparently, I forgot to tell you last night, Alice. I'm actually going out with Aiden."

She blushes slightly and laughs to clear out the awkwardness.

"That's great to hear! I'm happy for you guys!"

Renn's eyes sparkle with delight as she faces Aiden eagerly.

I smile and glance at Aiden.

"Yo Aiden."

He quickly looks my way and grins.

"Yo Seth."
"You better take care of Renn, or I'll chase you to the ends of the eart."
"HAHAHA. Right, I will take note of that."

We laugh and playfully punch each other's arms.

"Excuse me?"

Nathaniel interrupts again, making Alice and I laugh.

"Nathaniel, Nathaniel. What is it?"
"Um, Seth, you're gonna be late for school. Actually, all of you are."
"Oh gosh well then let's get going."

I look at Renn and Aiden with an approving grin.

"You can ride with us."

They glance at each other and grin widely.

"Are you serious? Gee, thanks a lot, Seth!"
"You're too awesome, man!"

I was about to enter the car when Nathaniel taps me on the back, gesturing for me to go with him.
I raise my eyebrow and tell the others to wait for a while.
I catch up with Nathaniel and look at him suspiciously.

"What's up?"
"Seth... I have to tell you something."
"What is it?"

I've never seen Nathaniel this freaked out in my entire life.

"What's wrong, Nathan? You're turning pale... oh God do not scare the shit out of me Nathan what is happening to y--"
"I like you, Seth."

He manages to blurt out while I stare at him, stunned.
Nathaniel grips his necktie tightly and struggles to breathe evenly.
He looks down and closes his eyes, wishing he should've just kept his mouth shut.
I regain my composure and rest my hand on his shoulder.

"Seriously."

He turns red and slowly looks up at me.
He nods his head and bites his lip until it bled.

"Whoa whoa whoa, hold it! Don't kill your lips!"

He stops, following what he was told.

"It's alright, Nathan. Don't be embarrassed. In fact..."

I smile reassuringly at him.

"I like you too."

I feel him stiffen and shoots a bewildered look at me.

"You're kidding... right?"

I chuckle.

"No. I'm not. I mean, I've always had this feeling that I like you. Like, you're always by my side and whenever I need help, you're there. Always there. And without you, I wouldn't be with Alice right now. You are a part of my life, Nathan. You are my life."

Within milliseconds, he has me in a tight hug.
I could feel his warm breath tickling my neck.

"Seth... thank you. You are my life too. Without you, I wouldn't have lived a life like this. I wouldn't have survived--"

I pat his back comfortingly.

"Everything's alright now, Nathan. Don't bring up the past. There's no need to."

I look at him and smile.

"Smile, Nathan. You're part of the family now, remember?"