David
When I finally got to math class I was excited because I got to see Leo. He really is adorable. But, not my type. I prefer Cole over anybody else, though I wouldn’t be caught dead admitting that to any of my friends, except maybe Leo. He wants to know why I pick on Devon so I’ll tell him, at my house. I slide into my seat next to him and ask him if he can still come over. “Yeah, I can. You will tell me why you pick on Devon right?” He asks me.
“Of course I promised that I will, so I will.” I say a little defensively.
“Okay.” Was all he said.
Finally the final bell rang and I practically jumped out of my seat. I quickly gathered my stuff and went to Leo’s locker to wait for him. “Hey, David. How was your day?” Leo asks walking up to me.
“My day was okay, thanks for asking.” I reply, “How was your day?”
“My day was pretty good. Thanks for asking.” Leo replies.
Then we got in my car and I drove us over to my house. “David!” My dad bellowed from the living room. “Get me a beer from the fridge.”
“Okay dad. I have a friend over.” I say walking into the living room with his beer in hand.
“Okay.” Was all he said before turning back to the football game he was watching.
“Sorry about that.” I apologize to Leo.
“You’re fine.” Leo says kindly.
“No! It’s not fine! My dad knew you were coming over today.” I say angrily.
“Really it’s okay. My dad was like that before my mom left him for being an alcoholic and abusive.” Leo tells me. It strikes me then how he seems to be able to melt into the background so easily. For him that was how he survived.
“Then your mom made the right choice.” I tell him wryly. “The only thing he cares about more than the TV is snowmobiling.”
“That sucks.” Leo says sympathetically.
“Yeah it does. But, I’m used to it by now. Let’s go work on the homework.”
“Okay let’s go.” Leo agrees.
We get the homework done fast enough. He’s gonna want a reason for why I pick on Devon so I’ll tell him the truth.
“You want to know why I pick on Devon.” I hedge.
“Yes I do.” Leo tells me.
“Okay,” I say apprehensively. “I’m gay, and if I act like the star quarterback, date the right girls, bully the right type of people, no one figures it out and I’m safe. My dad won’t hear any rumors about me even possibly being gay and I don’t get kicked out of my house. Just so you know I don’t like Devon. Please don’t tell my dad. I’ll stop.” I say finally letting it all out.
“I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that you’ll be abandoned for being yourself, or that you think that I’d out you against your will.” Leo tells me sounding hurt. “We have a room at our house if you do ever get kicked out of your house.”
“Thanks but it doesn’t bother you that I’m gay or your mom?” I ask him.
“No, she’s pretty used to gay kids.” Leo chuckles.
“Why?” I ask even though I think I might know why.
“Because I’m gay.” He says matter-of-factly.
After our heart-to-heart talk we chill playing video games. When it’s time for Leo to go home I grab my keys and drive him to his house. “See you tomorrow.” I call to his retreating back.
“See ya.” He calls back.
I finally told someone about me and they didn’t care. He said he won’t out me, so I’m really glad I told him. I believe him too. He couldn’t have cared less and I meant it when I I’d stop bullying Devon. I’ll also tell my friends to leave him alone too.
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