The last bell rang and Alex remained seated as his classmates cleared out of the room. Charlie tried to avoid his daggered stare as he packed up for the day.

"Have you ever read ‘Romeo and Juliet,' Mr. Parker?" Alex asked.

"I hardly think your current situation compares, Alex."

"He's like only four years older than me. That's like nothing!"

"And you're a minor! That's not."

"I'm seventeen. That's legal in the state of Illinois."

"I hardly think your parents would make the distinction."

"My parents wouldn't care. They'd just be happy that he's decent and has a job."

"Alex, I still feel that it would be best... "

"For who? For Tyler? Me? Or you, so you won't have to be all awkward and whatever."

"That has nothing to... "

"Look, just because you're like old or whatever and have trouble dating, don't take it out on us. I like Tyler and he likes me and nothing's gonna stop us from being together. Especially not you."

"That's fine, Alex. But have you asked Tyler what he wants? I get it: age is just a number to you. But those four years... a lot of growing happens then. You might not be as compatible as you think."

Alex huffed to the door. "WhatEVer!" And he slammed the door behind him. Charlie sighed and sat down. He checked his phone: there were two text messages waiting for him.

One from Josh: "Hey, have to reschedule tonight. Department outing. Maybe this weekend. Dinner, maybe see a movie?"

And one from Ben: "Hey handsome, rounds got switched. Are you free tonight? Thought it'd be fun to ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, maybe catch an acoustic set at Uncommon Ground?"

Charlie smiled. In all the years he'd lived in Chicago, he'd never ridden the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel.

###

Glad to be back for Volume 4! Just joining us? Catch up now:

Volume 1 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 2 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 3 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

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