A cold rain pounded on the slanted gray roof, making a sharp, metallic sound that always soothed his nerves. Marc Yanz sat with his back to the door of the break room, facing the window and the dark gray world beyond. The refrigerator hummed in the background, barely audible over the rain. He sipped his coffee before continuing.

“He doesn’t listen,” Marc said to Billy Kessinger and Jonathan Sparkman. Even though they were both Andrew’s friends, Marc felt comfortable talking to Billy and Jonathan about him. “Either that or he’s confused. Or maybe he’s lying.”

Billy interrupted him. “I don’t think so, Marc. Andrew has never lied to us. And he doesn’t seem confused either. He explained to us very clearly what happened, and your story doesn’t match up.”

“Yes, it does,” Marc protested. “I said I didn’t necessarily want to go out, not that I wouldn’t. When he saw me at the party he freaked out. I tried to explain to him that I simply changed my mind, but he wouldn’t listen.”

Jonathan waited patiently for his opportunity to speak. He was more reserved than Billy and enjoyed watching people interact. He figured that was why he had such an extensive movie collection.

Finally, Jonathan spoke up: “What about the state test? You told your boss you passed it, but you really didn’t.”

“That’s true, but later I told him the truth. I was just so embarrassed I couldn’t tell him that day.”

“You also told us you hated Andrew,” Jonathan pressed, “and he said you denied it.”

Marc paused for a moment. “I never said that I hated Andrew. I just hate how he has been acting lately. Again, he misconstrued what was said. Andrew and I have been friends for six years, but sometimes he jumps to conclusions when he hears things from people. If he would simply talk to me, we could work these problems out together.”

Billy and Jonathan looked at each other. There was one more incident to clear up.

“Marc, where were you going that night?” Billy asked.

“Oh, that. I was merely blowing off steam. Why was Andrew following me, anyway?”

“He said he was following you to pick something up from your house,” Jonathan said.

“But he never said that,” replied Marc. “I said goodbye to him at the party and left. I never saw him get in his car or start following me. He probably confused that night with one of his dreams again. You know how he can do that sometimes.”

“Yeah, I guess he does,” Billy conceded. “But you’ve never talked to him about that night?”

Marc shook his head. “He won’t even talk to me anymore. He just wanders around muttering to himself. Now I know he hates me, but frankly, I’m a little worried about Andrew. I don’t know if it’s the stress, but he’s definitely cracking.”

Matthew Kingston walked into the break room and stopped. He looked as if he wasn’t sure whether he was coming in to work that day or not. His shorts and T-shirt clashed with his black dress shoes and expensive watch. “Yanz, I’ve been looking for you. Is my dry cleaning done yet?”

Marc stood up quickly and wiped his hands on his shirt, crumbs falling to the floor. Marc’s new clothes were already starting to look tighter, Matthew thought. The kid needs more work and less snack breaks.

“Yes sir,” Marc said. “As soon as I finish my coffee, I’ll go get it.”

“Hurry it up. I have to give that presentation tonight and I need that suit.” Matthew turned and walked out. Billy thought he heard him say something about students on his way.

“I gotta go guys. Did I clear everything up for you?” Marc asked.

“Yeah,” Billy said. “We’ll keep a closer eye on Andrew.”

“You do that. Keep a real good eye on Andrew Calderon.” Marc nearly ran out of the room.

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