Catching Up - Jay

I hadn't seen Alex in what felt like forever. The holidays had been a whirlwind—everyone wrapped up in Christmas, New Year's, and the endless parade of family obligations. Between relatives eager to catch up and the chaos of preparing for our ski trip, there hadn't been much time for anything else. So when Alex texted me out of the blue, suggesting we have a Mario Kart session, I jumped at the chance. It wasn't just about the game; it was about reconnecting, stepping back into something simple and familiar. Just us, no complications, no expectations. For a few hours, we could forget everything else.

When I knocked on his door, I barely had time to step back before Alex flung it open, his grin as wide as ever. He looked exactly the same but somehow more grown-up—maybe it was the tired edge in his eyes or the way his shoulders seemed to carry an invisible weight. Still, his energy was unmistakable.

"Dude, it's been forever!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to let me in.

"Yeah, tell me about it," I replied, walking into the warm, familiar coziness of his living room. "You've been busy?"

Alex shrugged, shutting the door behind me. "Busy avoiding everything else," he said with a wry smile. "But now that you're here, I can procrastinate guilt-free."

He tossed me a controller, and I caught it mid-air, smirking. "Happy to be your enabler," I teased, plopping down on the couch. The controller felt right in my hands, like an extension of myself. It had been ages since we'd done this, but the rhythm came back instantly, as natural as breathing.

The first few races were exactly what I'd been craving. Alex trash-talked relentlessly, his competitive streak in full force. Every time I pulled ahead, he'd find some way to knock me back—literally and figuratively. "Oh, nice lead you got there. Would be a shame if—BOOM—blue shell!" I retaliated with my own comebacks, laughing as I edged him out at the finish line more than once.

"I swear this game cheats," Alex grumbled after losing a close race. "It's rigged against me. Nintendo hates me specifically."

"Sure, blame the game," I shot back, leaning into the couch. "It couldn't possibly be that you're just bad at this."

"Keep talking, and I'll unplug your controller," he threatened, but the grin on his face betrayed him.

For a while, it was just us and the game, the kind of easy companionship that didn't need filling with words. It was like stepping back in time, before things got complicated—before relationships, responsibilities, and everything else that weighed us down.

After a while, we paused the game. Alex grabbed a soda from the kitchen and returned, settling into the armchair with his phone in hand. I leaned back, stretching my arms over the back of the couch, and glanced over at him.

"So," I began, breaking the comfortable silence, "how's everything with Tara?"

Alex glanced up from his phone, his expression softening. "It's good. Great, actually," he said, his voice brightening. "We've been spending a lot of time together, and it just feels... natural, you know? Like we've always had this connection, but now it's more than that."

I smiled, genuinely happy for him. "That's awesome. You two seem like a good match."

"Yeah, we are," Alex agreed, his grin turning sheepish. "It's kind of scary how easy it's been. Like, we know each other so well, it's just... falling into place."

"Sounds perfect," I said, giving him a playful nudge. "You're living the dream."

Alex laughed, but then his expression grew more serious, his brows knitting together. He set his phone down and leaned forward slightly, like he was about to say something he'd been holding onto for a while.

"Can I ask you something?" he said, his tone quieter now.

"Of course," I said, sitting up straighter.

"How did you know... like, how did you know you were ready to take things further with Sam?"

The question caught me off guard. I blinked at Alex, who was watching me with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. He wasn't joking around—he genuinely wanted to know. For a moment, I wasn't sure how to answer. It wasn't something I'd ever tried to explain to anyone before.

"Well, we haven't, uh..." I started, my face heating up. "We haven't gone that far yet."

Alex looked genuinely surprised. "You haven't?"

I shook my head. "Nope. We've only kissed. It's not like I've not thought about it, but Sam's not ready yet. And that's okay."

Alex frowned slightly, as if trying to reconcile my answer with whatever he'd assumed. "But how do you know? Like, how do you know when someone's ready? Or when you're ready, for that matter?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's not really about knowing, I guess. It's more about trusting each other. Sam's still figuring some things out, and I don't want to push him into anything he's not ready for. It's important that he feels safe."

Alex nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "That's... really mature of you, man. A lot of people would just go for it and hope for the best."

I shrugged, feeling a little awkward under the praise. "I just want to make sure we're both comfortable, you know? It's not about rushing—it's about being in the right place at the right time."

Alex leaned back, letting out a low whistle. "So, how was Christmas with Sam?" Alex asked, his eyes lighting up with curiosity as he shot me a sidelong glance. I could tell he was eager for the scoop, his fingers pausing mid-button press.

I hesitated, not sure how much I wanted to share, but then I figured it was just Alex. He'd always been the one who knew the most about me, whether I liked it or not. I leaned back, trying to act casual, though I was already feeling that familiar flutter in my chest when I thought about Sam.

"It was... good," I said, my voice a little quieter than I intended. "Better than I expected, actually."

Alex raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Better than expected, huh? Come on, man. What did you two get up to?"

"We didn't do anything too wild," I said, scratching the back of my neck. "Mostly just hung out at his place. You know, with his mom. It was kinda cozy—his mom makes this huge spread for Christmas dinner. Like, so much food you can barely move after eating, I just wanted to be there for him you know, first Christmas without seeing his dad"

"Sounds like a typical Christmas to me, always some family drama" Alex chuckled, then he glanced at me with a more serious expression. "But what about the presents? Did you two exchange gifts? You got him something good?"

I bit my lip, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I did. It wasn't anything huge. Just something small. I got him this sweater that I thought would look good on him—he'd mentioned it a few weeks ago, so I thought, why not?"

Alex's eyes lit up, a mischievous grin curling at the corners of his mouth. "You got him a sweater? Dude, you're already picking out clothes for him? That's some serious commitment."

I rolled my eyes, my face flushing. "It's not like that. He liked it! And it was warm, you know? Practical."

"Uh-huh," Alex teased, stretching out on the couch. "Sure, practical. What did he get you, then? Bet he went all out, huh?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "He got me this old-school vinyl record player. One of those vintage ones, with the speakers built in. He knows I'm into that kind of stuff. I wasn't expecting it, but it was actually perfect."

"That's actually pretty sweet," Alex said, raising his eyebrows in approval. "I didn't know Sam had that kind of taste. Seems like you two really know each other well."

"We do," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. "It's not just about the gifts, though. We didn't even spend that much money on each other. It was more about just... being there. Like, not having to say much and still having a good time."

Alex sat up straighter, clearly processing what I said. "Sounds like you're getting pretty close. You're both on the same page."

"Yeah, I guess so," I said softly, my gaze drifting towards the window. The afternoon light filtered through the blinds, casting a soft glow over the room. "I feel like we're just figuring things out, you know? It's not all perfect, but it's... right. When I'm with him, it just feels like we get each other."

Alex didn't say anything at first, but his expression softened. I could tell he was thinking, maybe even a little surprised by how much I was opening up.

"Sounds like you two are in a good place," he said after a moment, his tone more genuine than I was used to hearing. "I mean, I can't say I saw it coming, but... I'm happy for you, Jay."

I glanced over at him, unsure how to respond. Alex had always been the one who poked fun at my crushes, laughed at the idea of romance, but now he seemed different—like he actually cared. It meant more than I wanted to admit.

"Thanks, man," I said, my voice quieter. "I mean it. It's nice to have someone to just be myself around."

Alex nodded, a small smile on his face. "No problem. You deserve it, dude. Just don't forget about us when you're off being all romantic, alright?"

I laughed, the tension in my chest easing. "I wouldn't dream of it. You're stuck with me."

We fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the occasional click of buttons from the controller as Alex resumed the game. But there was a warmth in the room that hadn't been there before—an understanding, even if unsaid, that things had shifted, and maybe we both understood each other a little better than we had before.

"So," Alex said after a while, glancing at me with a playful grin, "when's Sam gonna come over for a Mario Kart session? We gotta see if he's got what it takes to dethrone me."

I smiled at the thought, my chest swelling with a little pride. "Maybe soon. But I think you might have your work cut out for you. Sam's pretty competitive when he wants to be."

Alex laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh along with him. It felt good to be back here, with him, talking about the things that mattered. No pressure. No rush. Just a couple of friends catching up.

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The Ski Trip

The bus was loud, filled with chatter and the hum of excitement. We were on our way to the ski trip, the long bus ride winding through the countryside. I couldn't help but smile at the energy of everyone around me. Sam was sitting beside me, his shoulder brushing mine as we both tried to relax. It was a little awkward at first, knowing that this was my first proper trip with his friends and mine all on the same bus, but Sam's warmth next to me made it easier.

Ahead of us, Alex was bantering with Tara, loudly proclaiming he'd beat her at skiing. She snorted and shot back that he'd probably end up face-first in the snow before making it down a single slope. Ben and Kyle were at the back, their laughter mingling with Brad's louder, more argumentative tone as he and Leo, another football player, debated something I couldn't make out.

The conversations ebbed and flowed around me. I wasn't great at small talk with people I didn't know, but I was glad to have some people creating a buffer between us and Kyles group. I chose to let the noise wash over me and listen to my own music too, it was going to be a long bus ride.

We stopped at a service station about halfway there. Everyone piled off the bus, stretching their legs and heading for the fast food stands. I followed Sam, who was already heading straight for a coffee, I was looking forward to a caffeine hit too, the bus journey felt endless and monotonous.

As we waited in line, I pulled out my phone, and my stomach sank when I saw the notifications lighting up my screen. Ben. His name glared back at me, a reminder of something I'd been avoiding for days, but it didn't stop the messages, I wish I could turn back the clocks, I shouldn't have let it happen I should have never let Ben kiss me

Ben: "Hey, you still up for meeting? I miss you."

Ben: "We need to talk."

Ben: "I'm sorry. Please. Just a quick chat. Please don't shut me out."

I didn't even read the last one fully before I locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket. Sam noticed I'd gone quiet, his brow furrowing slightly as he took the coffee cup from the counter.

"You good?" he asked softly, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "You've been distracted for the last few minutes."

I hesitated for a moment. Should I tell him? Should I keep this to myself and avoid drama? But Sam... he was the kind of person who always made things better by just listening. I'd confided in him before, and maybe this was the time to tell him the truth about Ben.

"Sam..." I started, shifting on my feet, trying to find the right words. "I've been getting these texts from Ben."

He raised an eyebrow but didn't press me. "Ben? From... football" He trailed off, as if not sure whether to say it aloud. I nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation finally coming.

I tried my best to explain what had happened, how he made me feel, Sam hugged me "I had no idea" he said softly apologising like it was his fault

"He keeps texting me," I continued, staring at the ground as if the words would be easier to say that way. "He wants to meet up, says we need to talk. But I've been ignoring him. I didn't know how to... how to explain things to him."

Sam stayed quiet for a moment, looking at me closely, his expression serious. "You two... kissed, right?"

"Yeah," I admitted, the memory distant but still sharp. "It was confusing. I didn't even know what I wanted then. But now... now I'm with you. And I just... I don't know how to handle him."

Sam's hand rested gently on my shoulder. "You don't have to," he said firmly. "You don't owe him anything. Not an explanation, not a response. You've already made your decision, Jay. He's the one who needs to let it go."

Relief washed over me at his words, as if he'd taken some of the weight from me.

By the time we returned to the bus, most of the group had already boarded. My nerves returned, not just because of Ben's texts, but because the weekend ahead meant being in close proximity to Kyle and Brad. How long until the first snide comment?

The rest of the ride passed in a blur of jokes about skiing and falling face-first into snowbanks. As the bus climbed higher into the mountains, the chatter quieted. Snow-capped peaks came into view, their jagged beauty awe-inspiring. People pressed their faces to the windows, marvelling at the scenery, and I couldn't help but join them.

The bus slowed as we entered the resort area, and I could feel the excitement in the air, my eyes widening as we passed rows of colourful chalets nestled in the snow, the ski lifts stretching up into the misty heights, and the thick, powdery snow blanketing everything in sight.

"Look at that view," I said, nudging Sam, who had his face pressed to the window beside me. The mountains loomed in the distance, their jagged peaks dusted with snow, the ski lifts rising like long, metal snakes reaching the top. The sight was overwhelming, and it hit me then just how surreal this whole trip was. I had never been on a proper ski trip before, and now here I was, heading into a weekend full of unfamiliarity—and yet, with Sam by my side, I felt ready for it.

"I know, right?" Sam said, his voice filled with wonder. "It's like something out of a movie." He grinned, looking at me. "We're gonna have the best time."

The bus finally pulled into the parking lot of the hotel, and I could see the large wooden lodge towering over the area, a cozy warmth radiating from its windows as it looked out over the snowy landscape. The snow was falling softly now, and the entire scene felt like it belonged in a holiday postcard. We all piled off the bus, shivering slightly from the cold but buzzing with excitement.

The group gathered their bags and headed toward the hotel's entrance, a mix of chatter and laughter filling the air. I stuck close to Sam as we entered the lobby, which was warm and smelled like fresh pine and hot cocoa. The rustic vibe of the hotel felt welcoming, with wooden beams overhead and a large stone fireplace crackling in the corner. A few of the other students were already crowding around the front desk, getting their room assignments, but Sam and I made our way to a quieter spot by the windows.

"Let's check out the view," Sam said, taking my paw, leading me to a nearby window. The mountains loomed just outside, the snow blanketing everything in sight, the ski lifts moving up and down with tiny figures sitting in the seats, ready to take their final runs of the day.

"I can't believe we're really here," I said, breathless as I gazed at the scenery. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen—so vast, so open, so beautiful.

Sam's voice brought me back. "We're gonna have a blast," he said, his tone warm and reassuring. "After all, we're here for more than just skiing, right?"

I laughed and squeezed his paw, grateful for how easy everything felt when I was with him. "Right," I agreed. "Let's make the most of it."

My heart raced a little at the thought of spending the night with Sam, knowing how much closer we were getting. The idea of being alone with him, away from school and the usual distractions, Of course there was Alex and Eli, but at least we could be ourselves behind the closed door, Sam was still not out beyond our friend group so we still did a lot of sneaking around stealing kissing when we could or hiding in the corner of hotel lobbies like we were right now.

We headed upstairs to our room, the hallway smelling of fresh linen, the soft thrum of excitement from the other students echoing through the halls. When we stepped inside the room, I was struck by how cozy it was. Two sets of twin beds either side of the room, and a small window overlooked the snowy landscape. A wooden desk sat in the corner, and there was a large closet for our belongings.

"I call dibs on the bed by the window," Sam joked as he tossed his bag onto one of the beds.

I rolled my eyes but laughed. "Of course you do. You just want to wake up and stare at the mountains in the morning."

"I mean, who wouldn't?" Sam grinned, kicking off his shoes and flopping onto the bed.

Alex made his way to the other side of the room to one of the other twin beds along with Eli leaving the bed next to Sam free, I pondered the thought about pushing them both together, not that we could do anything with others in our room but still I wanted to be close to Sam

I set my bag down next to the other bed, feeling a little bit of nervous excitement settle in my stomach.

"You know," Sam said, turning to me as he adjusted the pillows, "I can't wait to hit the slopes. But I'm glad we're here, just us, too. I want to make sure we get some time together, away from everyone else. No distractions."

"errr none of that while I'm in the room" Alex jokes throwing a pillow at us, Eli joins in "yeah make sure there's a sock on the door or something, I don't wanna walk in on any of your goings on" it was bold of Eli as he was normally quiet and reserved, he was really coming out his shell now.

We spent the next few minutes unpacking, putting away our coats and bags, before we decided to head out to explore the hotel. The common area was bustling with kids from our school, but we made our way to the cozy lounge, where a large fireplace was crackling in the centre. People were sitting in clusters, talking about their plans for the next day. We grabbed hot chocolate from the bar and found a spot by the fire, the warmth from the flames making the cold air outside seem like a distant memory.

As we settled into the plush armchairs, I looked at Sam, feeling a sense of peace. Here, in this quiet corner of the world, everything felt right

"I'm glad we're here together," I said softly, reaching over to take his hand.

Sam's fingers intertwined with mine, his smile warm. "Me too, Jay. Me too."

The night stretched out before us, filled with possibilities. The mountains were still shrouded in snow, the lights of the resort twinkling through the windows. It felt like the start of something new—something wonderful.