Leave it Unread

Chapter 19

AN: Hi y'all! I want to make a note that what is written in this chapter in no way reflects Iowa State's standing on LGBTQA+ issues. I have no idea how the university stands, but I do know that growing up in the midwest, in deeply conservative areas, what is written in this chapter is a reflection of very bigoted areas that are in deep need of discourse surrounding the rights of LGBTQA+ individuals. I stand with the LGBTQA+ community and condemn any and all bigotry and hatred towards the community.

It is never my goal to paint a place in a certain light, but I would be lying if I didn't say that what is written in this chapter has not unfolded in the midwest, in front of my very eyes. It is my wish to try to be an ally in the best way that I can. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please do let me know and I will be more than happy to do better. To be better. I just want to write the truth of what I have seen first-hand and to have this story represent a diverse group of individuals whose voices deserve to be amplified. 

All my love. -SA

***

"Your dad is working on a Saturday? Lame." Adam hoots, nudging me with his shoulder as we walk towards the building my dad's office is in.

"He likes to grade on Saturday's. It's been that way since I was a kid, he always spent Saturday's..." I remember the memories of my mom cooking on Saturday mornings, the slight unease in her face as she and I ate together at the kitchen table. "Enough about me, what's your family like?"

"I have two amazing parents. My dad's are quite phenomenal." He smiles and winks. "I'm adopted." 

"What are your dad's like?" I smile up at him and his eyes are dancing with admiration. 

"Well, Bill and Mark are the best. I was adopted when I was six, I was in foster care before then," he looks down at his hands as his jaw tenses a little bit, only for the smile to make its way back on his lips. He looks forward as he continues. "They never once scolded me or told me I couldn't do something. They always let me just... be. They're really funny, too, and they're at every game. You'll see them if you come, they'll crush you with bear hugs." 

I smile at the thought of Adam's parents standing on the bleachers, screaming for their boy. 

"They're the only family I know, the only family I want to know. Prior to them adopting me, I... I went through a lot of shit. I guess that's why I kind of sometimes speak before thinking, say inappropriate things like what I said last night-"

"Adam, really, it's okay." I squeeze his hand and let it go as I point to the building my dad is in. "I completely forgot about the turn on." I wink and he laughs, smiling a toothy grin.

"Don't get me wrong, Simmons, I still think you're hot as hell. Just in a best friend way."

"Best friend, huh?" I smile widely at this. Adam really is a gift I never thought I would receive.

You need to find your people, honey. My dad's words have never rung more true.

"Isn't it crazy, like, you meet someone and you just click? That's how I feel right now. It's weird and terribly comforting." He smiles down at me as he opens the building door, ushering me in.

"I totally get it." I whisper, playing with my fingers as I think of Ben. I replay our meeting at the coffee shop just minutes prior, how the part of him I hate, the part of him that screams fuckboy made its way to the table.

"I think I completely knocked him off his gameplan, whatever it is." We're in the elevator now and Adam presses the tenth floor button. "I just want to know why he's obviously into you but still holding that..." He stops himself before he goes on.