Warbler Infections

Chapter 31: "Friends are the Family you choose"

Saturday, October 30th. 2010
Wes' POV:

*Just like the last chapter this one includes homophobic language and mentions of abuse so if that is triggering for you, I recommend skipping. Once again, I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and only use these slurs in writing. I don't want to make any readers uncomfortable or alienated*

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME FAG?!"

My heart dropped. My pulse stopped. My breath stumbled. My feet tumbled from under me.

"It's not what it looks like, father."
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"You ready?" David's tux was spotless, leather dress shoes clean as a whistle, complimented by that stupidly hot smirk of his.

I hadn't even combed my hair, and the silky smooth material of a tie hung loosely between my shaky fingers. "If by ready, you mean for the slaughterhouse, then yes. I'm not sure about this David, I don't do dances."

He let out a pronounced exhale, playfully slapping my back. "Best bro" things I suppose. "C'mon dude, remember what we said? We're doing this for us, screw everybody else. I'm not walking into that banquet hall without you by my side."

That bastard. He always knows how to get to me.

  Biting my tongue, I carelessly flung the tie to the floor, striding to the door, messy locks be dammed. 

  "And where the hell do you think you're going Mr. I don't do dances?" He retorted.

  I turned on my heel, a response at the ready. "Don't we have some people to screw?"

  Oh shit, oh shit kill me now.

   He made a lame attempt at smothering his cackle, lame being the right word.

  "You know what I meant David!"
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Not surprisingly there was a large turnout, the dance floor packed like sardines. My chest vibrated with every thump of the bass line blasting from the five-foot-tall speakers in every corner. Was this my kind of celebration? Hell no. But as long as I stayed relatively close to David things weren't as overwhelming.

  "Alright ladies and gents, find your partner and get ready for our last slow dance of the evening!" Rang out the voice of Jackson Seeley, an eccentric sophomore in the theater department. "And fellas, let's keep those uncoordinated moves away from the refreshment table, wouldn't want a repeat of last year."

  Couples swarmed from their spots in the outskirts and buffets, taking advantage of the lack of chaperones to make out, grind, and get um, hands-on you'd say. David yanked my arm, pulling us into an empty sideline by the photo booth.

  "What exactly are we doing here? You know I practically have two left feet." David tossed my arms around his shoulders, hands wrapped just above my waist. I froze up, limbs going stiff, mouth stiff.

  "Look around Wes, what's everyone else doing?" I peeked to the right, couples embracing and gently swaying tho the rhythm of Songbird. "Exactly, they're dancing just like we are. Know why? Cause we're just as valid as they are."

  "What do you mean by- but before I could finish I knew what he meant. The distance between us was visibly lessened, the hands around my torso squeezing, barely noticeable. He was staring directly at my lips in sweet want, bending down from the height difference.

Is this happening? Am I dreaming? Do I go for it? You want this, don't you?

  Contact. His palm cupped my neck as my arms desperately cling to his shoulders.

  We stayed that way for a good eight seconds, lips joined like opposite ends of a magnet that had been separated for eternity. We both gave into the need to breathe, foreheads meeting and sickeningly sweet breaths melding.

  No way. Are we going in for another? This was NOT what I expected. What does this mean about us now-

  "WESLEY ABRAHAM MONTGOMERY! YOU COME HERE RIGHT FUCKING NOW!"

  I nearly dropped to the ground if David hadn't held me steady, the entire student body turning our way at the crude, uncalled-for remark.

  Forcing myself to let go of the firm grip I had on David's fingers, I headed to the doors. Salty burning tears stung my reddened eyes while every step I took felt closer to my execution.

"Yes, father," I stated plainly, mustering all the courage I had left.

  "DON'T "YES FATHER" ME YOUNG MAN, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING OVER THERE?!" His face shown an unbelievable maroon hue, fists balled and knuckles near white.

  I lifted my gaze, knowing how much he hated eye contact with those he loathed. "You know exactly what I was doing over there, Arthur."

  "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME FAG!" A frozen, rough hand brandished my cheek, sure to leave a bruise for later. Right as I was about to flee, a warm presence intercepted, pushing my body away from that of my father.

  "HOW HORRIBLE OF A HUMAN BEING DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO SHUN YOUR SON THAT WAY! HUH? WHAT DO YOU THINK HE'S DOING TO YOU? TARNISHING SOME REPUTATION BUILT ON LIES? BEING A NORMAL TEENAGER WHO WANTS INDEPENDENCE? ARE YOU THAT COLD HEARTED THAT YOUR CAREER COMES BEFORE WES?" David stood before the looming figure, just two inches taller.

  "So you're the famous Thompson boy my son speaks so often of." A heavy tone of disgust stuck to his words, making me shudder. "I wouldn't talk to me that way unless you want a matching mark to that of Wesley's. You're the one influencing his despicable behavior and I will not tolerate it any longer. Because of you, he's becoming a homosexual, disgraceful basket case and I'll have you know that I think of you as a-

  "Arthur T. Montgomery, you're under arrest."

  What have I done? Everyone's watching us. I need David right now. How did he even get into the building? Is he going to jail? And why don't I feel a shred of remorse for the asshole?

  The muscular police officer secured fathers hands behind his back, pulling him away from the crowd. "Not only have you been charged for child abuse and harassment as currently demonstrated, but a search warrant of your Westerville property showed clear evidence of domestic abuse to your wife and tax fraud. You have the right to remain silent."

  His stone facade cracked as he was thrown trough the doors, slammed into the cop car.

  "YOU HAVE THE WRONG MAN! I'M INNOCENT, IT'S THAT FUCKING FAGGOT CORRUPTING MY SON! I'L BE FREE IN NO TIME AND YOU'LL SEE ME AGA-

  The vehicle rolled out of the parking lot, sirens blaring, only adding to the suffocating noise swarming in my head.

  You have to turn around. They all want to know what happened to him. Maybe I can lie. I'm already enough of a lost cause, aren't I?

  But instead, David rushed us out the back entrance, sheltering me from the looks of our classmates.

  "Shhh, shhh. It's alright. Let's get you some rest, we don't have to talk about it right now, hon."

  Hey guys. So I know this chapter is a lot to handle and all but I wanted it to be the best I could make it which is why it's taken longer to an expected to update. Id like to thank those of you who complimented the story in the comments of my previous chapter and those words are what kept me writing. I've been extremely busy and I hate when school gets in the way of my schedule. I'd also like your feedback on my next plans. Would you be upset if I did a flash forward of a couple weeks? I need to pace myself better and I think a time jump would allow me to do that. Just a thought. Anyways, thank you if course for reads and votes! As always, have a great morning, afternoon, or night. You are allowed to be yourself with those who love you the most. Find those people in your life.
Your fellow gleek,
  - Lindsay 💕