Differences Make Us Beautiful

From All to Nothing

High School has been an experience for Rami. With it being senior year, he now has the chance to make decisions that will impact the rest of his life. What will he do? Where will he go? Almost 18 years old with the world in his paws.

He thinks back to the time he has spent in this school so far. He had good grades, he never really got in trouble with any of his teachers, he had some good friends. There wasn't a lot else he could really ask for. Sure there were ups and downs. Moments of pure happiness, and other times of sadness and despair.

Everyone experiences high school differently. For some, it's some of the best times in their lives, while others ... not so much. Some people don't even make it to graduation. Some just walk out and never come back. To each their own, I suppose, but for Rami, he knew this was for the best. If he wanted to live a life that satisfied him, he knew he had to get the best education he could, it didn't really matter how many times he broke.

Though, there was one thing that kept nagging at the back of his mind. He saw everyone around him experiment with love. Friends getting into new relationships, those same friends losing those relationships. Him? Well, he was just there. He remembered one conversation he had with a friend at lunch one day.

~ ~ ~

Rami was sitting with Tyler, a little raccoon with whom he became fast friends. It was a tight nit group of friends they had. Rami, was the tallest in the group. Not by much, but the tallest nonetheless. Tyler was the one to keep spirits up by oozing positive energy.  They were eating lunch as normal, and then Tyler spoke up about something.

"I wonder if Stephanie likes me?" he asked, playing with his mound of mashed potatoes.

Rami looked over. "Why wouldn't she? You're the kindest raccoon I know."

"Rami ... I'm the ONLY raccoon you know." he chuckled.

The goat shrugged. "I mean, that doesn't change things. I still think you're very kind and selfless. I think she would be a fool to not like you." he gave Tyler a reassuring pat on the back.

"What about you?" the raccoon asked.

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Do you like anyone? It's almost senior year, surely there's SOMEONE that catches your eye." he gave the goat a little nudge with his elbow.

Rami shrugged. "Not really. I've never been the type of person to get into relationships. Plus, when you look like I do, there's really no hope there."

Tyler sighed. "Dude, don't be like that. You look great! There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you look. I've heard the girls talk about those eyes of yours. You're a catch!"

Rami smiled a bit "Well ... thanks, I guess." he chuckled. "But that doesn't change the fact that I don't have my eye on anyone, really. Honestly if I did, I wouldn't recognize what I'm actually feeling. I've just kinda ... suppressed that side of me growing up."

"Let me put it to you this way." the raccoon began. "You're sitting here. Let's say someone walks through those doors there." he points to the cafeteria entrance. "The moment you see them, your tail will wag. You feel your heart start pounding in your chest. You're so happy to see them. You feel like you want to protect them at all costs. The way they w..."

The sound of Tyler's voice fades away as images flood his mind. Brown fur, soft and silky smooth. A cute nose the shade of a blooming daisy. A voice you can never get tired of hearing. Antlers that are always shiny enough you can see your reflection. The eyes, the brightest and most beautiful shade of orange you've ever seen.

Oliver..

Wait, he was a guy, though. Isn't he supposed to like girls? Hold on, what does this mean? This isn't how things are supposed to go. This isn't what he's been told his whole life. Boys and girls belong together. Why is he so infatuated with his best GUY friend? In fact, has he EVER felt this way about a girl before? So many questions. So little answers.

"Rami?"

That's my name. I like hearing you say my name.

"Rami..."

If only you were here with me, I would be so happy.

"RAMI!"

The goat shook his head as he snapped back to reality. He looked over at Tyler who was staring at him, with a look of confusion.

"You alright? I lost you for a moment, there." he said.

Rami nodded. "Yeah, I'm ok." he said. "I ... I think I do like someone." he looked concerned.

"Great! Who is this lucky girl?"

"Um ... if I tell you, you promise not to judge me? No matter what?"

Tyler nodded. "Of course. We're friends! You can trust me with anything."

"It's not a girl ... it's Oli."

Tyler's face looked as if he was trying not to squeal like a girl. "Oh my god, that is adorable! You have no idea how many people around here have you two shipped together."

Rami tilted his head. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It just means that everyone thinks you two would be a good couple. You should talk to him!"

"I don't know, he probably doesn't even like guys." Rami's head drooped a bit.

"Oh, nonsense! I can tell by how he acts around you that he has a thing for his goat friend."

As if by fate, Oli walked in through the cafeteria doors. Rami looked up and his tail instantly began moving as fast as could be. His heat was pounding, and his paws became clammy. He watched as Oli walked over toward the table where him and Tyler sat.

What was he going to say? Does he actually like him in return? What will happen if he does? Oh, the possibilities are endless. All he has to do is say exactly what's on his mind. Oli sat at the table and looked at the Goat and Raccoon. The deer speaks first.

"I'm moving away."

~ ~ ~

Coming back to present day, Rami wipes the tear from his eye. He sat in the auditorium of the school, listening to the principal talk about graduation, and what it means for everyone here. They go over graduation day, and how the event itself will operate. What to wear, where to go, when to meet.

It's weird how one can be in a room with 200 other animals, sitting here surrounded be those you have come to call friends. High School was the best thing to happen to him until this point. Meeting kind people, those who treated him with respect and dignity.

It wasn't until this moment, that he discovered how one can feel so alone in the middle of a crowded room.